Day Trips

One of the many great things about our little town is its location. Mexico Beach is lucky to have some really great neighbors, and we encourage you to get out and meet them! Each one of these neighboring destinations makes a wonderful day trip. So get out, explore, and make your Mexico Beach, Florida visit even more unforgettable.

map of mexico beach florida and surrounding area

Cape San Blas

Distance: 24 miles

The cape 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.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
And Indian Pass

Distance: 25 miles

These incredible locations might be off the beaten path, but they make great day trips for visitors seeking the wild side of Florida. St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, which can only be reached by water, is home to countless species of birds, wild boar, the endangered red wolf, and many more animals. The preferred point of departure is Indian Pass—a historic trading post and the fabled site of Spanish buried treasure.

Panama City Beach

Distance: 34 miles

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, Gulf World Marine 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.

Apalachicola

Distance: 35 miles

This quaint fishing village just thirty-two miles east of Mexico Beach on Highway 98 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.

St. George Island

Distance: 50 miles

One of four barrier islands sheltering Apalachicola Bay and home to the internationally lauded 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.”

Marianna Caverns

Distance: 73 miles
Directions: 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna FL 3246

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.