A Serendipitous Find: Exploring Clement Taylor Park in Destin, Florida

 Imagine a rainy day, a road trip, and an unexpected detour prompted by a road accident. This unforeseen change of plans led us to a remarkable discovery: Clement Taylor Park in Destin, Florida. What began as an impromptu change of course turned into an adventure that completely transformed our idea of a perfect getaway.

 As we navigated unfamiliar roads due to the detour, we found ourselves away from the usual path. It was during this unplanned journey that we stumbled upon Clement Taylor Park – a peaceful haven hidden away from the bustling streets. From the moment we laid eyes on it, we were enchanted by its unpretentious charm and the promise of a tranquil escape.

A Hidden Treasure: The Beauty of Peanut Island

 Clement Taylor Park surprised us with its beauty. Despite its small size, the park treated us to a breathtaking view of Peanut Island, a natural sandbar that felt like a hidden gem in the midst of the shimmering Gulf of Mexico waters. Our unexpected discovery allowed us to witness the fascinating interplay between sand and sea, reminding us of the wonders of nature.

 

Nature's Warm Embrace: The Cozy Sandy Beach

 The park's pathways led us to a small sandy beach that felt like a secret hideaway. This intimate beach provided an opportunity to truly connect with the beauty of the coastline. The unexpected pleasure of stumbling upon such a peaceful spot made us cherish the moment even more – a place to let go of worries and simply savor the present.

 

Comfort Beyond Expectations: Small Park, Big Convenience

 Clement Taylor Park defied expectations for a small park. Despite its size, the park provided well-maintained restrooms that catered to visitors' needs. This attention to detail showed their dedication to ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone who visited. Our accidental discovery was made even sweeter by these considerate amenities.

Exploring  Pathways

 As we wandered through the park's short walking paths, we felt a sense of calm enveloping us. The simple pleasure of walking amidst greenery allowed us to slow down and appreciate the moment. Our unplanned detour gifted us with a chance to step away from the rush and relish the serenity around us.

 

Fun for Everyone: Play and Swim

 Despite its modest size, Clement Taylor Park had something for families and children. In addition to the swimming beach, a playground beckoned young adventurers. Our unexpected encounter with the park provided moments of joy and amusement that we hadn't anticipated.

Looking back, the detour that led us to Clement Taylor Park felt like a fortunate accident. This unexpected discovery of a small park with views of Peanut Island, a cozy sandy beach, modern amenities, and family-friendly entertainment transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary memory. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most cherished experiences stem from the surprises that life brings our way. What's more, the fact that entry is free and parking is complimentary added an extra touch of unexpected delight to our journey.

Address:

131 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541

Hours:

6am - 8pm daily

Sherri

Discovering the Natural Beauty and Charm of Boca Grande, Florida

 boca-grande-gas

If tropical secluded beaches where you can swim, snorkel, fish, and find tons of beautiful shells sounds good to you, then Boca Grande is the perfect place.

Boca Grande was recommended to us by an older couple that spend the winter in Florida every year. They told us that is was absolutely beautiful. Well, they were right! The area is amazingly beautiful and the beaches are loaded with shells. I have found tons of shells every time that I have been there.

 Boca Grande is a small residential area located on the southern end of Gasparilla Island. To get onto Gasparilla Island, you will cross the Boca Grande Causeway where you will stop at a toll both.  There is a toll fee of $6 to get onto the island.

The island is small and has no traffic lights. Bicycles and golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation on the island.

The drive to the beach is simply beautiful!  Most of the homes are surrounded by tropical foliage and flowers.

Just north of Sanibel and Cayo Costa, both know for the great shelling, Gasparilla Island beaches are usually loaded with shells. And the best part is that there are no crowds, so you can look all day and find good ones.

There is a public beach access with parking on the right 2 miles before you get the the lighthouse beach.

This is a great place for swimming. This beach usually does not have many shells.

The Boca Grande Rear Range Lighthouse is located on the beach at this access point.

Around the jetty is a good place for finding shells and fishing.  It is located behind the South Beach restaurant, but you will have to park at the public access just a short distance on the right before you reach the restaurant. 

The main road ends at Gasparilla Island State Park.

 This is the best beach to finding shells. It is also home to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and museum.

In addition to tons of large shells, we saw hundreds of starfish and sand dollars this particular day.

My mother is almost as crazy about shells as I am! 😊

Address:

880 Belcher Rd
Boca Grande, FL 33921

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Lighthouse Museum Hours:

November through May
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

June through October
Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Museum Closed all of August



Admission Fee:

$3.00 per vehicle using  the honor box method



Happy Travels! 

Exploring Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys

Bahia Honda State Park, one of Florida's southernmost state parks, is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Florida Keys! It also has the best beaches anywhere in the Keys.

The most iconic photo of the park is the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge. The bridge was originally built by Henry Flagler as part of the Overseas Railroad in 1912.

The park has three beautiful white sandy beaches . Calusa ,located on the bay side of the island, is a small beach with a great view of the old bridge. It's great for swimming, but there is a strong current as you get close to the channel.

Loggerhead beach, located on the south side of the island, is the shallowest beach. It is popular for the large shallow sand bar just off the shore. It is calm and great for children.

Sandspur ,located on the southeast end of the island, is the largest beach. This is usually the least crowded. This is one of the few beaches in the Keys that you can find sea shells and sponges. I was really excited to find several basket sponges on our last visit!

Snorkeling tours to Looe Key are available through the park concession.

 Daily departures are 9:30am, 1:30pm and 4:45pm.

Cost:

Adult $29.95
Children (under 18)   $24.95

http://bahiahondapark.com/looe-key-snorkeling-tours.html

Camping and lodging are available at the park.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/cabins-lodging/Bahia-Honda

Address:

36850 Overseas Highway

Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission Fees:

$8* per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$2* Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4* Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.

Happy Travels! 

Unveiling the Charm of Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

 One of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Florida is located within Loves Key Sates Park. 

 The 2.5 miles of sugar white sand and beautiful turquoise water are simply a paradise. The park is located about 18 miles south of Sanibel Island and just 7 miles from Fort Myers Beach.

The south end is about a quarter of a mile walk to the sand or you can take the tram if you wish. I would recommend taking the tram if you have a lot of beach gear.

The north beach is accessible through the gate at Big Carlos Pass. I would advise getting a map as you go into the park. We were still kind of lost with the map. Lol

 

It’s a great place for finding sand dollars, shelling, and bird watching.

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission:

$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle and Motorcycles.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Hope you enjoy this beach as much as we did!

Happy Travels! 

Pier 60 Sunset Celebration - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Every time I go to Florida, I find myself in Clearwater Beach to watch the sunset. There is just something about the feel of the place that makes me happy!

On my last visit, I decided to pay attention and try to figure out why this place keeps drawing me back. What I noticed was:

An extremely wide beach with sugary white sand! It feels amazing to walk on! So soft!

The water is a beautiful turquoise blue.

The people are all so friendly. I love to meet new people and this place always has the best!

There are places to eat, shop, and stay all up and down the beach walk. So everything is within walking distance. Even though there are lots of buildings and people, it never seems crowded for some reason.

The gulf side and the bay side of the island are only about two blocks apart and both are beautiful!  And guess what I discovered on the bay side….. A beautiful sunrise! 😊

Pier 60 holds a nightly sunset celebration.

It is similar to the one in Key West with artisans, crafters,

and street performers.

Good times!

And of course the sunsets are amazing!!!!

So go enjoy Clearwater  Beach and let me know what you think.

I know you will love it! 😊



Happy Travels!