Yes, I realize these are two big places – but we had to rocket through this section! So yes, we saw Destin…. but we were only there for two days! It is a special-enough place that I felt I needed to include it in a blog post.
We stayed at a nice Florida state park campground called Topsail. We were just a bike ride away from the beach, so that is how we spent the one day we had in Destin. We rode our bikes, played in the white sands, and then at dinner at Lulu’s!
Random side-note about Lulu’s…. this is the first place we have been that did not require masks! We were literally the only ones. It actually felt funny to NOT wear a mask…. my how quickly things changed!
After our short stint in Destin, we parked it at the Gulf Shores State Park for a few days. This was a memorable spot! Our site was not necessarily anything to shake a stick at. It was pretty basic, with pretty views of the swampy lake behind us. But we spent the next few days exploring so much!
There are miles of trails to hike or bike here. There is also a boardwalk, that has a bridge, which goes over the highway! This leads right to the Gulf Shores Beach. It was beautiful white sands with lots of shells to explore and find.
We had lots of beach time here. Unfortunately, it was a COLD beach. The water froze our feet and the cold wind was a little unpleasant. But the sand was perfect and the sunsets were amazing!
The campground also contained a wildlife learning center. Here we saw wild birds (owls and hawks) being treated to be re-released. We also sat through a presentation on alligators in the park. Here we got to see a baby alligator!
We also were lucky enough to spot some resident alligators in the park. This was pretty cool too. See if you can spot his eyes and nose sticking out of the water, near the edge, in the photo below!
I would highly recommend Gulf Shores, and stay long enough to explore! Both were a really fun time!
Campground review:
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Cost: RV Sites are approximately $50/night for full hook ups
Site: Unfortunately I do not remember. Spaces were somewhat tight, but private due to lots of trees. Plenty of squirrels and birds to watch. Easy access to the beach with bikes, but a bit long for a walk. Quiet campground.
Website: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park | Florida State Parks
Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Cost: Approximately $50/night with full hook ups
Site: We stayed on Gator Road, approximately site 235. It was basic, and views were ok. Somewhat muddy. Great access to trails. Far from nature center, but ok to bike to it.
Website: RV and Primitive Campground | Alapark