“Day-Tripping” listings
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BAYTOWNE WHARF
At this beachfront fun zone, you can zipline at Baytowne Adventure Zone, go on a shopping spree at Aloha Surf Company and watch your oysters get shucked at Acme Oyster House. (07/2010)
57 miles east of Pensacola • At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort • 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin
866-931-3678
sandestin.com -
SEASIDE FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday this month, visitors to this pastel seaside enclave can pick up produce and baked goods while helping to support regional growers. Special cooking demos and arts activities are also on the schedule. (05/2010)
At Seaside Amphitheater, Seaside, FL
850-687-3494
seasidefl.com -
BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK
History meets heroism at this interactive military park, in which visitors can explore the decks of a mighty battleship and the interior of a World War II submarine. (12/2009)
57 miles west of Pensacola Mobile, AL
251-433-2703
www.ussalabama.com -
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA
You may feel like you're in a Disney movie at this perfect getaway for a rainy fall day. The little town is filled with block upon block of cheery boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants. (12/2009)
56 miles east of Pensacola
www.downtownfairhope.com -
MOBILE, AL
This metropolitan city on the Gulf Coast features fantastic museums, art galleries and eateries, as well as the fascinating USS Alabama, a battleship that's ready for exploring. (04/2009)
55 miles west of Pensacola
251-208-2000
www.mobile.org -
FAIRHOPE, AL
This picturesque little town looks like it was lifted right from The Andy Griffith Show. Meander through quaint streets lined with flowers while you window-shop at adorable boutiques, then linger over dinner at a romantic bistro. (02/2009)
47 miles west of Pensacola
www.cofairhope.com -
SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT
Sandestin may technically be a resort, but it's as big as a town. Rent a kayak for the day, then enjoy a fantastic meal at Bistro Bijoux and dancing at John Wehner's Village Door nightclub. (12/2008)
54 miles east of Pensacola • 9300 Emerald Coast Pwky W, Destin, FL
800-622-1038
www.sandestin.com -
VORTEX SPRING
Learn to scuba dive in this fresh spring, take a dip in the 68-degree water, go cavediving, or just enjoy a leisurely canoe trip at the largest diving resort in the state. (11/2008)
95 miles east of Pensacola 1517 Vortex Spring Ln, Ponce de Leon, FL
800-342-0640
www.vortexspring.com -
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE
Just 20 minutes from downtown Pensacola, this park offers pristine wildlife trails, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and relaxing in the shade of beautiful live oaks. (10/2008)
15 miles south of Pensacola • 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL
850-934-2600
www.nps.gov/guis -
MILTON, FL
With a picturesque historic district, this little town boasts excellent shopping and dining at the mom-and-pop establishments that line the main street. Afterward, swing by Blackwater River for some outdoor fun. (09/2008)
24 miles northeast of Pensacola
www.ci.milton.fl.us -
DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL
Home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, this beautiful island is a bird-lover's paradise. Birders can see hundreds of species while enjoying white sand beaches, golfing and other attractions. (08/2008)
60 miles west of Pensacola
www.dauphinislandcoc.com -
PERDIDO KEY, FL
This quaint town isn't far from Pensacola, but it has a personality all its own. Diving, fishing and dolphin cruises are available, and if you've had enough of the beach, Big Lagoon State Park offers some shady picnic spots. (07/2008)
17 miles west of Pensacola
850-492-4660
www.perdidochamber.com
