Vacation rentals in Edgewater Gulf Beach

From the white-sand beaches of Edgewater Gulf Beach in Florida, turquoise waters stretch as far as the eye can see, while its restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, golf courses, and swimming pools are waiting to be explored. Edgewater Gulf Beach is part of the 27 miles of sandy beaches that run along the Gulf of Mexico coast just outside Panama City in Florida. Fishing enthusiasts and scuba divers flock to the dozens of artificial reefs offshore that have become a recreational playground. Just off the coast, snorkelers may have the opportunity to see dolphins, starfish, and sea turtles. You could also ride on a jetski or banana boat here, or parasail high above the water.

Once you’ve had your fill of water sports, you can head inland and play a round of golf on one of the area’s courses, or take a dip in one of the palm tree-lined pools. You’ll find no shortage of places to grab a bite, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood. Finish your day with a stroll along the beach, admiring the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

With an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, you can expect a long run of warm days here — especially if you arrive between late spring and fall. The spring is a particularly popular time for students on break, and there’s a popular alternative rock festival on the beach in April. Over Labor Day weekend, the live music celebrations continue when the town hosts a country-rock festival.

The low season in Edgewater Gulf Beach runs from November through February, when the gulf waters are too cold for most water activities. You may need a light jacket if you visit during this time, but there’s still plenty to do in town. For example, in October, people don eye patches and parrots to celebrate the Pirates of the High Seas Fest with storytelling, crafts, and fireworks.

St. Andrew’s State Park

This park offers miles of hiking trails and white-sand beaches sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew’s Bay. The pine trees and dunes are a migratory stopover and home to various bird species, including brown pelicans and gulls in the warm months. In the colder months, gannets dive near the shore. If you want to spend time in and under the blue waters, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling equipment nearby.

Shell Island

Head to Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island stretching into the Gulf of Mexico, to experience the area at its most untouched. The journey from Edgewater Gulf Beach takes about 40 minutes, including a short ferry ride. The island is seven miles long and features a coastal scrub forest and an inland lake where you might spot deer, ghost crabs, and sea turtles. The island has nowhere to buy food or drink, and no picnic tables or trash receptacles, so keep its beauty intact by not leaving anything behind.

Animal Spotting

The warm waters of the Florida Panhandle draw dolphins and whales, and you’ll find boat excursions available at the marina that allow you to try and spot them from a closer vantage point. Alternatively, you could explore the inland waterways and St. Andrew’s Bay from an airboat, keeping an eye out for alligators as you skim across the water.