This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gulf County Florida. All opinions are 100% mine.
Summer is winding down, the kids have started school again, our family vacation is complete … and I’m already thinking ahead to our next trip.
As I was writing this post and trying to remember the last time we went to the beach, I texted my husband … “When was the last time we visited Florida?” “December 2015.” he responded. “No, to the BEACH.” (I mean really, there’s more to Florida than “The Mouse” shall we say.)
While we have had a few vacations since then, I was surprised to discover that the last time we had a Florida beach vacation was in April of 2013!
I’ve been to many Florida destinations, both as a child and as an adult, but one area I haven’t hit yet is Gulf County.
Gulf County, Florida
In checking out the Gulf County, Florida Adventure Guide, I learned that not only are there gorgeous beaches in Gulf County, but many other exciting adventures for the whole family.
- Go on an Eco-Adventure with a Bio-Expert.
- Head off the beaten path by checking areas like Indian Pass Lagoon.
- Find eagles, sea turtles and more wildlife as you explore St. Joseph Bay.
- Take your pooch along in one of these pet-friendly beaches.
Gulf County is made up of 244 miles of coastline along and around the Florida panhandle. It was designed by nature, and its community is committed to keeping it that way. The destination formed organically at a “balanced” pace to preserve its cultural identity. Nature is undisturbed in Gulf County; it is allowed to flourish and grow. I love that!
While our summer may be over, prime season is kicking into gear in Gulf County, between September and May. This means quick access to all kinds of adventures such as paddleboarding, sailing, kayak fishing in the bay, eco-tour in the Indian Lagoon, just to name a few.
And just when the snowflakes start to fall in Indiana, I’ll be having warm thoughts of our next Florida beach vacation.
Plan Your Gulf County Vacation
To learn more about Gulf County, Florida, visit their photo-filled, detailed and useful online Adventure Guide that will help you in all your planning.
You can also use the Gulf County Concierge Program to connect you with the resources you need for your adventure – even horseback riding!
And because a Gulf County adventure is nature-based, you’re guaranteed a new experience every time you visit. My family would love the eco-tour, going on a turtle treasure hunt, and checking out the bay-to-table dining!
GIVEAWAY
UPDATE: This contest is now over. Congrats to Donna!
To help with a little spending moolah on your next family vacation, I’ve been given a $50 AmEx gift card to give away to one lucky Chaos Is Bliss reader!
To enter to win a $50 AmEx gift card, simply leave a comment answering this question:
Which of the adventures in the Gulf County, Florida Adventure Guide would you/your family enjoy taking part in, and why?
The contest is open NOW, and ends at 11:59pm ET on September 1, 2016. Good luck!
Want to visit Gulf County for free? Enter their sweepstakes for a week-long Gulf County vacation.
You may also want to check out more of my travel posts, including: 
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. One winner, chosen at random from all eligible entries received, will receive a $50 AmEx gift card, and will be announced on or about 10 days after end of entry period. Entrants may enter within 21 days of this post going live. Must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous United States (excl. PR, HI, AK) the age of majority in his or her jurisdiction at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Sweepstakes is sponsored by Gulf County. Learn more:
I love sharing ways to spend less, so families can do more! My passions are cooking, late night TV and being amused by my witty husband and three kids.
Adventure Off the Beaten Path – because we love animals and exploring, this option would be the best to view wildlife
I would love to hang out with Captian Charlene and have her show my family the ocean in more depth
I would love to do the eco-tour with Captain Dan Van Trese. St. Joseph Bay. The Heartbeat of Gulf County
I would love to hang out with Captian Charlene and have her show my family the ocean in more depth
St. Joseph’s Bay because it’s all about fishing with my boys.
We would love Adventure Off the Beaten Path! We’ve been to Florida, but only the well worn path. I had no idea what we missed. Ohh, I would love to trapse the Gulf Coast, I only saw some of the east coast. So many pretty scenes, and fun things to do! I’m glad to find out, next Florida trip is the Gulf Coast!
Adventure Off the Beaten Path because it looks interesting
Find eagles, sea turtles at St. Joseph Bay would be great to enjoy with my family. We love sea turtles.
We would love to go to Cape San Blas and look for loggerhead turtles. My son would enjoy doing this because he loves wildlife. This would be a great bonding experience for us.
I’d have to say horseback riding on the beach. My family, especially my kids, are big horse lovers. And what better place to ride horses than on the beach?
Horseback riding on the beach would be amazing because we’ve never done something like that.
We would love to go to the Port St. Joe Marina and would love to take a sunset cruise or go snorkeling through one of the guided tours. It would be a great adventure and lots of fun.
The Captain Dan Van Trese. St. Joseph Bay seems pretty amazing.
My family and I would love to do the “create your own” adventure. We don’t plan things ahead of time too well, so just making new memories on the beach would be awesome for us. The bay to table sounds like a great idea too.
We’d <3 to go on the eco advanture!
Like to explore St. Joseph’s Bay. Enjoy nature.
I would love to hang out with Captian Charlene and have her show my family the ocean in more depth! Sounds so interesting.
We would love the eco tour!
St. Joseph Bay. The Heartbeat of Gulf County love some fishing
Adventure Off the Beaten Path would be perfect our family. I would love to escape with them and create new memories!
We would love to look for sea turtles <3
The Ecotour sounds like a great way to teach my kids about a difference area of our country!
We’d love to do the Eco Adventure with a Bio Expert, because it sounds fun and educational!
The Off the Beaten Path Adventure sounds like something we’d enjoy on vacation.
I would love to check St Joseph’s Bay with my husband because it looks very scenic!
Horseback riding would be so amazing!
Looking for wildlife in St Joseph Bay with my kids 🙂
I would love to go horseback riding! I’ve never done it before and it is on my bucket list!
i love fishing so i would definitely take advantage of that
My family would love to find eagles, sea turtles, Dolphins and more wildlife While exploring St. Joseph Bay because we love the excitement of observing wildlife & it sounds like there is plenty of it to enjoy in St. Joseph Bay!
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I do not think my comment went through so I am trying again.
I want to go horseback riding at Cape San Blas with my husband. It sounds like something we would both really enjoy doing together.
I’ve never gone snorkeling before so that’s something that I definitely want to do along with the kayaking!
i’d love to go kayaking