Among the dozens of quaint beach towns dotting the Gulf Coast, Seagrove Beach stands out. Nature and modern amenities seamlessly mesh within this coastal community on the Florida Panhandle. Lounge on the beach, indulge in a delicious meal or take a relaxing nature hike..

Start your visit with a trip to the beach to enjoy Florida’s golden sunlight. Seagrove Beach is renowned for its pristine sand, calm and uncongested environment, warm water and beautiful nature trails. Rent snorkelling gear or paddle around in a kayak. Go farther offshore on a deep-sea fishing or scuba diving excursion.

Explore the inland area near Seagrove Beach as well. Deer Lake State Park, a natural oasis covering nearly 800 hectares (2,000 acres), lies a few miles east. Look for Gulf Coast lupine, pitcher plants and spoonflowers as you traverse its well-maintained hiking trails or enjoy a picnic on the shore of its coastal dune lake. Take the 11-kilometre (7-mile) connecting trail west to Point Washington State Forest. This sprawling 6,000-hectare (15,000-acre) protected park has a diverse array of wildlife, from the gopher tortoise to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Take the 10-minute drive to Western Lake, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the Florida Panhandle. Kayak among lily pads, walk along the shoreline trails and watch for alligators sunning themselves. Stay overnight at a campsite in the surrounding Grayton Beach State Park.

Enjoy nature without giving up modern amenities in NatureWalk, a planned community bordering Point Washington State Forest. Book rental accommodations to enjoy the amenities, such as the pool and Gathering Place clubhouse.

Choose Scenic Highway 30A for your route in and out of Seagrove Beach. Drive the length of this stunning route, which runs for 45 kilometres (28 miles) through the community and along the Gulf of Mexico. Pass white sandy beaches, lush hardwoods, freshwater lakes and more. Make it a leisurely drive and stop to explore the charming coastal communities along the route.