Mexico Beach, Florida – Accessible Vacation

Mexico Beach, Florida is one of the most beautiful and peaceful coastal towns in the state. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida panhandle, the continuous stretch of beach is made up of the fine, white, sugary sand which is infamous along Florida’s Emerald coast. The quiet, casual atmosphere of this town makes each visitor feel like they have found an out-of-the way paradise, which is described in tourist brochures as “At the edge of the Gulf, but miles from everything else”.

A few quaint shops are located along the 2-lane highway, specializing in beachwear and unique gifts. Restaurants tantalize your taste buds with a variety of selections from seafood to pizza to burgers to ice cream confectionaries. A marina for launching and docking boats, as well as purchasing bait easily satisfies the needs of the laid-back tourists who come here for boating and fishing purposes. There are a few motels and vacation rentals, but not so many as to obstruct views of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Gulf, as, unlike other beachfront areas in Florida, there are no high-rises. Two campgrounds comfortably meet the needs of the RVers who choose to stay for the season as well as those who are passing through on their journeys with their pets.

Because everything in Mexico Beach is within walking district to the water, the beach is easily accessed from many areas. However, there is one beach area that is accessible by vehicle and well worth the short drive.

Crooked Island Beach is just a few miles north of the town’s corporation sign and just south of Tyndall Air Force Base. It is an ideal location for adventure, as well as relaxation. It is truly the beach-lover’s dream, as there are no commercial buildings or accommodations; just natural beach. Sea oats and small sand dunes form their own protective barrier between water and land. The dirt/gravel 1-mile drive back to the beach from the highway affords views of Florida wetlands and slough, as well as sightings of the birds and wildlife that live within. The road ends in a parking area which can easily accommodate 40, or so, vehicles. Luckily, Port-a-Johns are set up at one end of the parking lot for the beachgoers convenience, as there are no other facilities.

The beach area is accessed via a wide, ramped boardwalk. For mobility purposes, one who is disabled definitely would need a sand wheelchair. This fine, white sandy beach area is broad enough to afford ample room for large groups of people and is about 5 miles long. Venturing further toward the Gulf waters, the sand is packed firmer, making mobility a little easier, albeit wetter, as well, because of the ever-churning surf.

A favorite activity is to surf fish. Live shrimp is the favored bait choice. Simply rig your fishing pole with 20-pound test line, a 2-ounce weighted hook harness, and bait. Cast just beyond the break line, where the water is deeper. Place your pole in a plastic tube holder pounded into the sand. Wait…watch the tip of your pole bounce or jiggle…set the hook and reel in your catch. A variety of different species of saltwater fish are easily caught here.

Another activity is shelling. Conch, scallops, clams, and other common shells are abundant and easily collected as they wash ashore. Among the most spectacular, though, are sand dollars. For some reason, these treasured shells wash onto this stretch of beach by the hundreds. Because of their flat, round shape and white color, they are easily discernible from the other shells. By maneuvering a short distance along the tide line, as many as 30 in various sizes can be found in a couple of hour’s time.

One of the most surprising (to me) and exciting activities available in the Mexico Beach area, though, is a diving program for the disabled. Under the SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Soldiers) Program, the disabled are assisted in diving in an artificial reef area, protected from strong currents and undertows. Anemone, sea grass, shells, and numerous saltwater fish are readily observed in this area. What an amazing opportunity to be able to experience and explore underwater reef life!

The laid-back atmosphere found in this part of Florida provides an opportunity to reflect, meditate, and enjoy your peaceful surroundings while gazing out to sea. Dolphins are often seen frolicking at the break line. Gulls and terns skitter in the sand, enjoying bits of sea morsels. A bald eagle can be witnessed soaring overhead. The constant sound of the surf, breaking along the shore is not only rhythmic, but mesmerizing and reassuring in its cadence. Disabled or not, Mexico Beach, Florida is an enjoyable place to be and can, for many reasons, be categorized as PARADISE.

by Laura Weaver

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