The Highlights!
Sun, sand, a few unexpected hiccups, and plenty of laughs. Our Memorial Day week trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast was the perfect blend of chaos and charm.
🚗 Day 1 – The Long Drive & a Toilet Surprise
We road-tripped from Atlanta to Seagrove Beach, FL breaking it up with lunch near Auburn at the most classic of stops, Chick-fil-A. Eight hours later, we arrived only to discover our apartment’s toilet didn’t work. On Memorial Day, no less. The management team scrambled and relocated us to Panama City Beach for the night. At first it felt like a hassle, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
🏖️ Day 2 – Beach Bliss & Poolside Fun
Our temporary Panama City spot was a 10-minute walk to the beach, and despite the holiday crowds, we found room for our umbrella and blankets. The calm, turquoise, warm water was perfect for my daughter, who felt confident splashing around. By afternoon our original apartment was ready, with a working toilet this time. The complex also had a pool that instantly became her favorite spot. That evening we walked to Café Thirty-A https://cafethirtya.com/ for a memorable dinner: heirloom tomato salad, lobster with mashed potatoes, and divine bread, paired with crisp white wine.
Tip: Food is pricey in this area, so stocking up on breakfast and lunch supplies from the supermarket saved us money and sanity.
🌤️ Day 3 – Sun, Sand & Shopping
We started with breakfast in the apartment, a walk on the beach, and pool time. In the afternoon we braved the crowds again, still managing to carve out a sandy corner near the water. When rain rolled in, we headed to The Big Chill https://thebigchill.com/ for shopping and dining. Between Build-a-Bear a toy store, and an ice cream shop, my daughter was in heaven. We capped it off with lemonade as thunderstorm clouds passed overhead.
🍷 Day 4 – Rosemary Beach Vibes
We mixed things up with a visit to Rosemary Beach. The vibe was posh and manicured, like a movie set version of Europe. The shops were pricey and the diversity was limited. My daughter accidentally dropped a candy case in one boutique, and though they kindly asked me to pay for it, it was a reminder this wasn’t exactly our scene. Dinner at La Crema Tapas came after a long wait with a 4-year-old (hello, Memorial Day crowds), but the tapas were delicious once we sat down. Still, Seagrove felt more like us: laid-back, low-key, and family-friendly.
☕ Day 5 – Goodbye Gulf
On our last morning we tried to find a cozy local breakfast spot, but everywhere was packed. Dunkin’ Donuts in Panama City Beach came to the rescue. Sometimes you just need fast and easy. The drive home was rainy but smooth, with the expected Atlanta traffic greeting us. We left with sandy hair, salty skin, and a list of tweaks for our next Gulf Coast getaway. Dunkin’ Donuts in Panama City Beach
🌟 Mom-to-Mom Takeaways
- Holiday weeks mean crowds. Book restaurants and activities ahead if you’re visiting during peak season.
- Save on meals by stocking your apartment with groceries for breakfast and lunch.
- Pools are lifesavers, especially with little ones who tire quickly of the sand.Stay flexible.
- Our toilet mishap turned into an unexpected adventure.