In just a few weeks, the school year will come to a close, and families across Metro Detroit will be setting out to their favorite summer vacation destinations. One perennial favorite continues to be Florida, a must-visit for many. Travel expert Kinga Philipps – who teamed up with our sponsor VISIT FLORIDA – joined us on “Live In The D” to explore what the Sunshine State has to offer this summer.
“I am a huge fan of the Northwest Florida Beaches,” Philipps shared with enthusiasm. “I’ve been visiting since I was a kid, and I already have my tickets booked for June.” This area offers something for everyone, boasting over 100 pristine beaches and more than 30 parks and nature preserves. The region is interconnected by Highway 98 along the Gulf, making it perfect for a scenic road trip – destinations include: Pensacola, Navarre Beach, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Walton County, Panama City Beach, Gulf County, Franklin County, and Wakulla County h.
For those seeking adventure, Philipps highlighted the warm and calm waters characteristic of the summer - ideal for swimmers, paddlers, and divers. “Personally, I am a diver,” she said, “and I love the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail.” This trail features over 20 vessels, including World War II-era wrecks along Panama City Beach, Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. There’s also the artificial reef at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary for snorkeling and the Underwater Museum of Art in Walton County for more diving experiences.
Beyond the Gulf, there are over 30 paddling trails and unique coastal dune tannic lakes to explore. You can kayak through rivers, creeks, and coastal shallows in Franklin County – or take a leisurely river cruise at Wakulla Springs State Park, where you might spot manatees and alligators. For an unforgettable experience, Philipps suggests Gulf County’s Cape San Blas -one of the few places where you can horseback ride on the beach.
There are also some exciting seasonal highlights coming up in Northwest Florida Beaches. Seafood lovers can go out fishing with a local guide and enjoy their fresh catch prepared at many of the local restaurants. Adventurers can find fresh scallops by kayak in Gulf County, collect crabs in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon in Pensacola, and learn about oysters while tasting the regional delicacy in Franklin County’s Apalachicola Bay.
“If you are a diver, you’ll be thrilled to hear that by the end of this year, Destin-Fort Walton Beach will become home to the largest artificial reef in the world with the sinking of the SS United States,” said Philipps.
If driving is your thing, Philipps recommended the scenic 30A in Walton County. “It’s a 24-mile coastal highway perfect for picnics, swimming, and exploring.” The Navarre Beach fishing pier offers opportunities to spot dolphins, turtles, and rays. History buffs can visit St. Mark’s Lighthouse in Wakulla County, which has been guiding ships for nearly 200 years. For families with young children, Shell Island in St. Andrews State Park is a must-visit, featuring calm waters ideal for little ones.
To watch the interview, click on the video player above. To start planning your Florida getaway, you can visit NorthwestFloridaBeaches.com or VISITFLORIDA.com.
