The Drive to Drive

Even though gas prices have risen sharply in the last few years, one of America’s favorite pastimes is still driving. At McKenzie Motors, we love it too! There is a lot to be said for hopping in the car (or truck) and going for a drive. Whether you call it a tension reliever, thinking time, or just exploration, a little time behind the wheel can be great for the mind and soul. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast provides us all great opportunities when it comes to finding scenic drives. One such route, Pensacola to Panama City, takes you to and through a lot of interesting and beautiful destinations along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Taking about 3.5 hours, depending on how often you stop, this drive will cover approximately 103 miles. Starting in Pensacola, head east on Main Street (U.S. 98). The three-mile bridge spans the blue-green water of Pensacola Bay as it arches over the entrance to Pensacola Harbor. Immediately after crossing the bridge, you’ll find yourself in beautiful Gulf Breeze, a jewel of Santa Rosa County. Just through Gulf Breeze you have an option: either continue on U.S. 98 through Naval Live Oaks along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, or take Rte. 399 to Santa Rosa Island. This barrier island has miles of unspoiled shoreline dotted with live oaks, sea grasses, and sand dunes.

U.S. 98 and Rte. 399 converge in Navarre. From this point eastward, Florida’s thriving tourist industry provides vistas including hotels, condos, restaurants, boardwalks, and pristine, white beaches. Navarre leads to Ft. Walton Beach, just east of which, highway 98 crosses back onto Santa Rosa Island. It is near here that you may want to stop and have a swim at the Choctawhatchee Bay Recreational Area.

Once you’ve crossed the bay, you’re only a few miles from the unofficial charter boat capital of the Panhandle, Destin. Of course, there are miles of beautiful beaches here as well. East of Destin is Sandestin, and just beyond, a detour on Rte. 30A takes you on a 20 mile drive past scenic lakes, through towering pine forests, and into historic Florida towns. Along this leg of the route, feel free to stop for coffee or a snack at the Grayton Beach Recreational Area or in Seaside, a planned resort village made famous in the movie the Truman Show, featuring Jim Carrey.

From Seaside, Rte. 30A rejoins U.S. 98 for the remaining leg of the trip. Once in Panama City, stop and enjoy the 27 miles of fine white sand and glimmering gulf water. Relax and take in the sunshine as you bide your time waiting for the return trip.

Perhaps you’d like to take this drive. Maybe you’d even like to make a detour or create a route all your own. If you have a favorite drive in the Panhandle, let us know. We’d love for you to share your driving stories with us. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or find us on Facebook and tell us about your adventures!

Now, get to driving.