Florida is home to a diverse ecosystem, plentiful beaches, and many of large parks. Crestview, Florida is located in the northwestern part of the state, only 27 miles from the coast. Crestview has a population of almost 20,000 people and is centrally located to many sightseeing locations. Weekend sightseeing trips offer an opportunity to see Florida and surrounding states without leaving home far behind.
Black Water State Forest sits roughly 18 miles from Crestview. With 190,000 acres, it is the largest state park in Florida. The park offer waterways for fishing and swimming, including the Blackwater River. The Blackwater River is famous for its white sandbars that contrast with the dark water. Animal watchers will enjoy spotting birds, white tail deer, and bobcats. Two nature trails walk you through the terrain, which abounds with plant varieties. Camping is allowed if you wish to spend more than a day here.
Blackwater River State Park
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt, FL 32564
850-983-5363
floridastateparks.org
If you are looking for a beach getaway, drive 35 miles south to Destin, Florida. On Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is surrounded by turquoise water. Lounge on the beach, or set up a diving tour for underwater sightseeing. Experience a dolphin-watching tour, or enjoy a trip on a glass-bottomed boat. Destin is also home to over a dozen golf courses. For something different, tour the Eden State Gardens and Mansion on Route 395, just outside of Destin.
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
4484 Legendary Dr. Ste. A
Destin, FL. 32541
850-837-6241
destinchamber.com
Venturing out of Florida, Mobile, Alabama is a 100-mile drive from Crestview. Mobile has a population of 193,000 and sits on Mobile Bay, off the Gulf of Mexico. History buffs may enjoy Blakeley State Park, where the last big battle of the Civil War occurred. The vibrant downtown offers shopping, the Exploreum and the Fort Conde Museum. For the adventurous, take in a walking alligator tour or hot air balloon ride. Accommodations range from camping to upscale hotels.
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
451 Government Street
Mobile, Al 36602
251-433-6951
mobilechamber.com
Further west of Mobile sits New Orleans, about a 4-hour drive from Crestview. The historic French Quarter offers sightseeing tours of exotic architecture, courtyards and street performers, but try the unusual Haunted Pub Crawl for a history lesson along with seeing some of the oldest bars in the country. The Audubon Institute offers an aquarium, insectarium and a world-class zoo. Museums include the National World War II Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Musee Conti Was Museum, with wax figures of historic New Orleans events and people.
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
1515 Poydras St. STE 1010
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-799-4260
neworleanschamber.org
