The Gulf Coast. Chilling at a beach side bar. Walking the beach. Hanging out along the water. All great times, all talked about in previous posts. What’s just as fun? Hanging out along the coast out on the open road.
Starting on Predido Key Dr. in Pensacola (Florida State Road 292) you head south towards the coast and go on a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway between the Perdido River and the Big Lagoon. You’ll see a harbor, a marina and lots of boats. What caught the eye and what’ll have to check out next time is Oyster Bar Restaurant & Marina.
Looking straight ahead while on the bridge you’ll immediately see all the high-rise condos and hotels along the coast. Once across you’ll start to head west on the narrow strip of land along the Gulf.
You’ll officially enter into Perdido Key.
Condos and hotels galore up-close. Lot’s of rental opportunities for vacationers, travelers.
Palm trees, palm trees, palm trees! I wonder how much this vacant land opposite the beaches and Gulf is going for?!
By this time you’ll be passing through Perdido Key State Park and truly be out on the open road.
After a few miles it’s state-line crossing time. Hello Alabama!
Hello Florida! Make sure to check out Flora-Bama the beach bar that sits on the border. Also make sure to capture those welcome-to sign photos.
Been craving Waffle House recently so it caught the eye, this one sitting just inside Florida.
Continuing west your now in Orange Beach and Alabama on Alabama State Route 182. You’ll see the same thing, palm trees, high-rise condos and hotels and good times on the open road. Beautiful.
Souvenir shops are aplenty along the route. Got some postcards. Those and all the photos taken, make for the best souvenirs.
You’ll also see fruit and vegetable stands alongside the road. Peaches and tomatoes are the recommendations at any stop yum.
Great times out on the open road Gulf Coast style. Check out Predido Beach to Orange Beach Part I for the beach scene. Take a peak at Zigzagging a State-Line Flora-Bama Style for the beach bar side and tropical drink fun. Hope to get back to the area again soon.
What beaches/coastlines are your favorites to be along when out on the open road?
I wonder if the lack of trees/palm trees is because of hurricanes or mroe typical of the area?
That’s a good question, will have to explore that. I know that Hurricane Ivan in 2004 had a direct hit on the area causing tons of damage. 😦
Great stuff man….and yes, the panhandle takes the brunt of our hurricanes especially as of late. Most likely explanation for lack of trees…
Thank you! That’s what I was thinking. Hopefully there aren’t any major direct hits again there or anywhere along the US coast any time soon. 🙂 A great area!