From Hitting the Sand Dune Slopes to Enjoying a Soak: How to Enjoy a Perfect Weekend in This Winter Florida Town

While everyone else is heading to the mountains this winter for a skiing adventure, Floridians love to welcome the cooler temps in our own unique way. That is nothing to be upset about, though, because for some of us, we would rather skip the cold mountains and sink our toes in the sugary sand. 

If you agree and want your own Sunshine State version of a winter escape, head to Gulf Breeze to hit the dune slopes, then finish off the night with a luxurious Airbnb with a hot tub. Sounds like a pretty perfect weekend getaway in Florida, right? So, pack your bags to discover Florida’s winter magic, filled with crisp mornings, warm sunsets, and laid-back beach vibes.  

The first thing you will want to do is get out onto the Dune Trail as early as you can. This trek is along a small section of the 1,500-mile-long Florida National Scenic Trail, also known as the Florida Trail. Although the Florida Trail is known for swampy regions, the trails in Gulf Breeze are truly breathtaking. So, if you ask me, this trek will be a unique adventure among beautiful white sand dunes.

In the winter, the weather will most likely be warm, especially as the sun reflects off the pretty white sand. So, the earlier you hit the trail, the better for a nice, cool, and pleasant stroll among the dunes. The trail is a bit hard to follow due to the constantly shifting sands, so to make sure where you are going, a helpful tool would be to have the AllTrails app loaded on your phone. Pull up the Dune Trail and pay attention to the map as you navigate.

Keep an eye out for interesting critters and fascinating plant life. The perfectly white sand creates small rolling hills and is simply beautiful to travel through. The splashes of color from a flower or the scurrying of a lizard can make for an exciting walk. The trail is pretty accessible and flat, so all hikers should be able to easily enjoy the stroll. 

After the trail, make good use of the many area beaches before it is time to check into your Airbnb rental. I always find beach town architecture to be fun and different, and if you're like me, The Blue Vu should wow you at first glance. This three-story beach house is painted in a bright tropical blue with many blue accents inside as well. Even the sea creature art decorations are backlit with an illuminating blue color. It's almost impossible not to give special attention to the striking accents.

The property features a game room with a small pool table and a life-size arcade game. So, after the sun sets, you can play the night away or share a big family meal in the spacious kitchen. But no matter how you relax for the evening, you simply have to slide into the warm hot tub. Soaking in the bubbling, steamy water is a great way to let the cares melt away. Once you get a good restful night’s sleep, you can wake up and explore the amazing town of Gulf Breeze. 

From sand dunes to hot tubs, what is there not to love about this winter weekend getaway in Florida? The Sand Dune trail is simply beautiful and filled with many wonders just hidden among the dunes, and this beach house couldn’t be in a more perfect location.

If you are looking to do something a little different -- and much warmer -- this winter, book a stay at The Blue Vu. Then make sure you spend some more time enjoying all there is to see and do in Gulf Breeze, Florida. And when you're feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to create more adventures in Florida this year. Your next vacay is only a few simple clicks away!