Big Bend Coast Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Big Bend Coast with this comprehensive travel guide. Find out the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Big Bend Coast: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Welcome to Big Bend Coast, one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Home to diverse landscapes, rich history, and exciting outdoor activities, this hidden gem on Florida’s West Coast is a must-visit for any traveler. Read on to discover the top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Big Bend Coast

Located in the northern part of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Big Bend Coast covers a large area of six counties, from Pasco County in the south to Wakulla County in the north. This region, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachee Bay, is known for its unspoiled beauty, with mangroves, salt marshes, and white-sand beaches dotting the coastline.

List of Places to Visit in Big Bend Coast

Big Bend Coast is packed with attractions. Whether you like exploring history or nature, there’s something for everyone. Here is our list of the top places to visit in Big Bend Coast:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Florida State Capitol
  2. Tallahassee Museum
  3. John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History and Culture
  4. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
  5. St. Michaels Cemetery

Natural Attractions of Big Bend Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Gulf Islands National Seashore
  2. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
  3. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
  4. Wakulla Springs State Park
  5. Apalachicola National Forest

Hiking/Biking Routes of Big Bend Coast

Big Bend Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of hiking, biking, and walking trails. Here are our top picks:

  1. The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
  2. Nature Coast State Trail
  3. Wakulla Springs Trail
  4. Coastal Trail
  5. Saint Marks Trail

Best Things to Do in Big Bend Coast: Activities and Tours

Big Bend Coast is rich in activities and tours that cater to everyone’s interests. Here are our top recommendations:

  1. Visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
  2. Swim with manatees in Crystal River
  3. Go fishing in Gulf Islands National Seashore
  4. Explore the Gulf of Mexico on a dolphin-watching tour
  5. Kayak in Wakulla Springs State Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Big Bend Coast

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long stay in Big Bend Coast:

Day 1: Arrive in Tallahassee, explore the city’s historic sites, museum, and get your bearings. Day 2: Take a walking tour of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Day 3: Go kayaking in Wakulla Springs State Park, and hike the nearby trails. Day 4: Head to Crystal River, swim with manatees, and explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Day 5: Take a dolphin-watching tour in Gulf Islands National Seashore and go fishing. Day 6: Take a guided tour of St. Michaels Cemetery in Pensacola, and explore the heritage sites. Day 7: Relax and unwind on the beaches of Big Bend Coast.

Food and Drink Scene of Big Bend Coast

Big Bend Coast is known for its seafood and southern cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Fried Grouper Sandwich
  2. Stone Crab Claws
  3. Apalachicola Oysters
  4. Clam Chowder
  5. Shrimp and Grits

Local Beverages

  1. Orange Juice
  2. Iced Tea
  3. Key Lime Pie Martini
  4. Florida Craft Beer
  5. Muscadine Wine

Where to Stay in Big Bend Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Big Bend Coast has accommodations to suit any budget. Here are our top picks:

  1. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
  2. The Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach
  3. Florida House Inn in Amelia Island
  4. Old Carrabelle Hotel in Carrabelle
  5. Sweet Magnolia Inn in St. Marks

What to Buy in Big Bend Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for a unique souvenir to bring home from your visit to Big Bend Coast, look no further. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Sponge Docks Soap
  2. Sea Salt from Gulf of Mexico
  3. Apalachicola Oyster Shells
  4. Key Lime Pie
  5. Souvenir T-Shirts

Local Culture and Customs of Big Bend Coast

Big Bend Coast has a rich culture that is worth exploring. Here are some customs to keep in mind:

  1. Southerners are known for their hospitality
  2. Don’t litter in the national parks
  3. Try saying “y’all” instead of “you all”

Best Time to Visit Big Bend Coast

The best time to visit Big Bend Coast is between March and May when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. It’s also a great time to enjoy the national parks and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Big Bend Coast

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Big Bend Coast:

Do:

  1. Respect the natural environment and wildlife
  2. Try the southern cuisine and seafood
  3. Engage with the local culture
  4. Take advantage of the outdoor activities

Don’t:

  1. Litter in the national parks
  2. Disturb the wildlife
  3. Ignore hurricane warnings
  4. Disrespect the locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Big Bend Coast

Big Bend Coast is a safe area for travelers. However, it’s important to take precautions while hiking or participating in water activities.

Health in Big Bend Coast

Mosquitoes and ticks can be present in the region, so it’s important to apply insect repellent and wear protective clothing.

Getting to Big Bend Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Big Bend Coast is easily accessible by car, plane, or bus. Here is a breakdown of the transportation options:

Airports Near Big Bend Coast

  1. Tallahassee International Airport
  2. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
  3. Tampa International Airport
  4. Pensacola International Airport
  5. Jacksonville International Airport

Bus Stations Near Big Bend Coast

  1. Tallahassee Bus Station
  2. Greyhound Bus Station in Pensacola
  3. Javax Bus Station in Jacksonville
  4. Gainesville Bus Station
  5. Ocala Bus Station

Other Options

  1. Car rentals
  2. Taxi cabs
  3. Private shuttles
  4. Uber/Lyft

How to Get Around in Big Bend Coast

The best way to get around in Big Bend Coast is by car. However, there are also taxi cabs and ride-share apps available.

Where to Go Next from Big Bend Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Big Bend Coast is an excellent starting point for exploring the greater Florida region. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg
  2. Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach
  3. Jacksonville and its beaches
  4. Lake City and its historic sites
  5. Orlando and its theme parks

Conclusion

Big Bend Coast is a destination that offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs. With its beautiful natural landscape, rich heritage, and exciting activities, there’s no shortage of ways to explore this hidden gem on Florida’s West Coast. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and discover the best that Big Bend Coast has to offer.



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