Day Trips from Mexico Beach, Florida

Distance from Mexico Beach: 24 miles east, roughly 40-45 minute drive

Cape San Blas is a great picnic spot, offering visitors a backdrop of towering white sand dunes at either St. Joseph Peninsula State Park or Gulf County’s Salinas Park. Cape San Blas is also one of the very few beaches in the entire state of Florida where horseback riding is permitted. Take your bikes and ride the length of the Loggerhead Trail, or experience a day on St. Joseph Bay by kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding on the calm water.

Distance from Mexico Beach: 25 miles east, roughly a 45 minute drive via U.S. Highway 98

Looking to go back in time? Indian Pass is Old Florida just off the beaten path. Find the Indian Pass Raw Bar as you reminisce about old times. Crabbing, fishing, and shelling are great pastimes to enjoy along the shores. 

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, which can only be reach by water, is home to countless species of birds, Sanbar Deer, wild boar, the endangered red wolf, and many more animals.

Things to Keep on Mind for St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge:

• Note that the wildlife refuge can only be accessed by water, and the different ways of getting here. The Friends of St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge operates a seasonal shuttle boat out of the Indian Pass boat ramp at the end of Indian Pass Road for tours. Visitors can also cross the channel by private boat or kayak. Remember to always check the conditions and weather before heading out. 
• The refuge is open during the daylight hours at no cost. 
• There are no facilities, trash cans, or drinking water on the island. Visitors must bring their own water, food, sunscreen, and insect repellent. 

Distance from Mexico Beach: 34 miles west, roughly a 1 hour drive via U.S. Highway 98 

Need a break from the peace and quiet of Mexico Beach? Panama City Beach, a popular spring break destination, needs little in the way of introduction. Spend the day enjoying family-friendly attractions such as Pier Park, ZooWorld, and Shipwreck Island Waterpark. There is no shortage of great shopping and nightlife either—the city is home to hundreds of great restaurants, attractions and gathering spots.

Distance from Mexico Beach: 35 miles east, roughly a 40-45 minute drive via U.S. Highway 98 

This quaint fishing village east of Mexico Beach will take you back in time to the mid-1800s. Be sure to spend some time viewing the beautifully restored antebellum homes in the Historic District, relaxing at scenic Lafayette Park, and browsing the numerous antique and specialty shops. Visit the waterfront to welcome commercial fishing boats as they bring in the day’s catch, and dine on Apalachicola’s nationally acclaimed oysters in any of the superb downtown restaurants.

Distance from Mexico Beach: 50 miles east, roughly a 1 hour and 15 min drive via Highway 98

One of four barrier islands sheltering Apalachicola Bay and home to the internationally lauded Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, St. George Island is a “must see.” You’ll find outstanding opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, shelling, and enjoying a pace referred to by locals as “Island Time.” If you’re planning to visit the state park, you can go ahead and purchase day pass before heading out! 

Distance from Mexico Beach: 73 miles north, roughly a 1 hour and 15 minute to 1 hour and 30 minute drive via FL 71 

Although the site of a minor Civil War battle in 1864 and home to a number of restored antebellum homes, Marianna is best known for nearby Florida Caverns State Park. There, visitors will find the only air-filled, publicly accessible caves in the state. Ranger-led tours are available, and the park offers a host of additional amenities. You can also enjoy several spring heads throughout the area where you can swim, paddle or cave dive in the crystal-clear waters of Jackson Blue Springs and Merritt’s Mill Pond.