Day trips to the beach everyone at FSU should take
Your only option for beaching shouldn’t be PCB
As a student attending college in Florida, one of the first things people ask is, “How far are you from the beach?”. When you go to Florida State, one of the first beaches that comes to mind is the two-and-a-half-hour drive Panama City, otherwise known as Spring Break Central.
However, there are beaches closer and more unique that are a must-visit, and with summer break quickly approaching you should take advantage of the short time in Tallahassee left, as well as the cooler spring weather that still exists and get to one of these beaches as soon as possible.
St George’s Island![]()
A quick one-and-a-half-hour drive south of Tallahassee will land you at St George’s Island. This island is part of the Gulf of Mexico and offers much more than just sand and salt water. Rent a bike for 5 dollars per hour to bike alongside the beach, and observe all the adorable beach houses that line the shore. Stop and get some freshly caught fish at the Blue Parrot which is located right on the beach, and you can’t forget to snag a T-shirt from one of the souvenir shops.
Seaside
Located on 30A, this charming town is part of many beaches that line 30A. It is only two and a half hours from Tallahassee, and is a straight show across I-10. Seaside is known for its appearance in the movie, “The Truman Show,” as well as its feature in 2013 as one of USA Today’s “Top 10 Best Beach Towns in Florida.” Seaside’s cute shops, places to dine, unique food trucks and fresh Famer’s Market make it a go-to for foodies and beach bums alike.
Destin
While Destin is slightly further east of Panama City beach, it is definitely worth a visit. The beach itself is quite often less populated than Panama City Beach, for example, and contains an older, more mature crowd for the most part. The gorgeous white sand of the Gulf of Mexico, and crystal clear blue ocean make Destin is a great beach to visit for the avid Instagrammer or photographer.
St Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Yes, you read that right. A wildlife refuge that has a beach. Just 40 minutes from Florida State University, St Marks National Wildlife Refuge covers over 70,000 acres of land and is home to multiple different kinds of wildlife, including the severely endangered whooping crane.
This refuge not only has multiple trails to hike, but it also includes a historic lighthouse as well as a rocky beach that stretches along the Gulf Coast. St Marks is a great place to visit for the adventurer; there are tons of outdoor activities offered, and the entrance fee into the park is only $5. Be sure to look out for alligators!
The day trips to these beaches have been some of my most favorite memories of this year. Each beach offers something different and has its own identity. It’s also a great way to escape Tallahassee and experience some fresh, salty sea air, and get some quality Vitamin D.
Check out other great Florida beaches here.