Topsail Hill Preserve State Park -- Florida

[padlin]

Oops, 2016. Deb's got 9 more moths of the 4 letter word to go.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by padlin

Oops, 2016. Deb's got 9 more moths of the 4 letter word to go.

Hi: padlin... I can't even say that word, rhymes with "jerk", either!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Ray N]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: padlin... We're booked into St. Andrews State Pk. @ Panama City Mar. 4th. to 18th.
I gave Ray N. explicit instructions to have it warmed up for our time there. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

You never know, Alf. Yesterday we hit 70 degrees, but the weather guessers are saying we'll be lucky to hit 40 on Thursday. Actually, February and especially March, (with average high temps ranging from the low 60s to about 70), usually have very good camping weather. As far as summer goes, this last one was very mild, we only had one week here in Pensacola where it even reached 95 degrees.

[Ruthe]

What I want is somewhere to swim where the water is warm. I have a reputation for swimming in cold water (try Hull Massachusetts on Patriot's Day in April) but those days are over. So I figure if I want warm water, I have to put up with hot air. Terry hates to fly, so I need a place to take the trailer that has beautiful beaches. Sounds like this is going to be my place

[batcat]

Hey Padlin, if you can get a spot at Henderson State Park, grab it! It is right on the beach in a beautiful setting. Close by everything, but far enough away to enjoy the beach and the spectacular view. Beaches are "soap powder" white and clean as a whistle. It is truly one of the top beaches in the world. The" white" beach runs from about Mobile, Al. to Panama City.
The water is emerald green and also very clean, thus known as the Emerald Coast. It is great place to go year round.

[batcat]

Ruthe: even at its coldest the gulf waters will still be warmer than the
Atlantic at its warmest. Go for it. You will return many times. It's our favorite place to stay. Met Julie ther in 1967, 4th of July weekend and have been vacationing there ever since.

[Ruthe]

Have any of you ever found good snorkeling at any of these beaches? In a couple of places I've seen mention of snorkeling but I've been thinking that there isn't a lot. Hoping to be wrong.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Ruthe

Have any of you ever found good snorkeling at any of these beaches? In a couple of places I've seen mention of snorkeling but I've been thinking that there isn't a lot. Hoping to be wrong.

The best snorkeling on the gulf coast is probably off the Panama City or Destin jetties. I have snorkeled off Panama City and if I recall the water clarity wasn't bad. There isn't a lot of reef to speak of, but its still interesting because there are lots of fish, etc. Be aware though that if you go in the spring the water will be pretty chilly, and you might need a wetsuit.

[batcat]

Not known as a snorkeling Mecca. Mostly white sandy bottom. No reefs that I know if. Lots of fish, though.