Mexico Beach: A slice of paradise

Imagine a place where the warm sun lifts your spirits and the setting sun drops into a watery horizon accompanied by rainbow colors. Where beaches are often all your own. Where the sand is soft and sugarwhite and the waters are emerald-green. Where there are no stoplights, traffic or crowds. Where buildings are never higher than four stories. And where hospitality and residents’ accents are pure Southern. This is Mexico Beach.

SEE AND DO

Not only do one-of-a-kind white beaches have soft sand, they’re filled with beautiful seashells. And since they’re uncrowded, you may very well be the only one searching for them.

Local folks often say they live in paradise. And you’ll agree. People come here to birdwatch. In fact, pelicans will often walk right up to you on local docks. In the skies above, there are soaring bald eagles and ospreys. If you look out at the water, you might see dolphins performing their acrobatics, or perhaps giant sea turtles or manatees. And you may even come across some deer tracks on the beach. Nature surrounds you.

DINE AND PLAY

When it comes to dining, fresh fish is the name of the game in Mexico Beach. So fresh, in fact, it probably was swimming in the sea just before you arrived at the restau- rant. Local chefs have imaginative ways of cooking it, too. Toucan’s Restaurant—right on the water—offers not only great seafood, but also majestic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

If you prefer a little dose of culture thrown in for good measure, the state capital of Tallahassee is only a couple of hours away. Here, the Museum of Florida History takes you on a colorful ride through the state’s fascinating history, from ancient Seminole tribal traditions and present-day space launches to the Knott House Museum (c. 1843), which served as a residence to Tallahassee royalty until it was appropriated by the Union Army during the Civil War.