Four Places to Beat the Heat

It’s the humidity — AND it’s the heat. As a pasty Brit ex-pat who can easily burst into flames on a typical summer day, I’ll share some ideas on how to beat the heat, without camping inside with the AC set on “cryo-freeze.”

So grab your sunscreen and get geared up for some summer fun. You might have to get your feet wet, though.

Dive Into Snorkeling

Want to explore what’s under the shimmering blue-green water? We built some artificial reefs for that. Sea turtles, rays and the local fish residents swarm the reefs, which are encrusted with shellfish and vegetation.

On Pensacola Beach, the Pensacola Bay Snorkel Reef is located on the bayside lot just before the Fort Pickens gate. You can enjoy snorkeling fun in protected waters just a short swim from shore.

On the Gulfside, the Park East snorkel reef is better geared for paddleboard or kayak. It’s 1.4 miles east of Portofino Island Resort on the Gulf side — located a healthy 500 feet offshore.

The Perdido Key Reef on Johnson Beach is located at Public Beach Access #1 on Sandy Key Drive, off Johnson’s Beach Road.

Check out some snorkel /dive options >

Paddleboarding

Don’t think of a paddleboard as a workout. It’s more like a big floatie that you can take into the cooler water while others bake in the sun.

You can explore the coast just a few yards offshore, raft up with friends — and take a refreshing dip whenever you want. Yes, you can even pack a cooler and lounge.

In the end, hey, you exercised!

If you’re a beginner, get some lessons from the locals. Stick to protected waters — and always watch the wind.

Check out some paddleboarding options >

ESCAPE TO GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE

For those who prefer a more serene and natural setting, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is the perfect way to beat the heat. Stretching miles along the Gulf of Mexico, there are miles of federally protected seashore waiting for you to explore.

Spend your day exploring the Fort Pickens Area, where you can take guided tours of the historic fort, hike the scenic trails, and enjoy a swim in the Gulf. The area also offers great spots for picnicking, fishing, and bird-watching.

Don't forget to check out Johnson Beach in Perdido Key. This section of the national seashore is perfect for a day of sunbathing, swimming, or launching a kayak.

(Pro tip - go early in the morning or later in the day to beat the heat!)

Check out more about Gulf Islands National Seashore >

Schedule Around the Sun

There are so many things to do to beat the heat, but one of the best ways I found is to schedule around the heat. It’s also fantastic for beating the crowds.

Select a beach on our beach finder and plan your beach trip in the morning. I find the beach so much more relaxing before the crowds arrive, and you can feel the sun warming your skin as it builds up the energy.

You can comb the beach, paddle, swim — heck, rent a jet ski. Pack up your gear as others are filing toward the beach. Then grab an early lunch before the hungry masses arrive — people-watching is still a thing!

You can then go shopping or visit some of the air-conditioned cool spots such as the National Naval Aviation Museum or shop around Downtown Pensacola.

Now, you have earned your AC. And that’s what I call beating the heat!

Author

Sean Smith

Sean Smith is a native of Liverpool, England, but has been Gulf Coastified since he moved to Pensacola in 1992 after serving as a weather specialist in the Air Force. A journalist and writer for more than 20 years, he loves to share his affection for the natural beauty of Pensacola and the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.

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