Travel: Beach Guide 2025
See our list of sunny escapes just a short drive or flight away from Nashville.
Original blog written by Nashville Lifestyles
After a winter of being cooped up inside, it’s time to hit the beach!
Luckily Nashville has a wealth of sunny escapes just a short drive or flight away. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites so you can start making your spring break plans. Grab your friends and family (and don’t forget the sunscreen) and start booking your coastal getaway.
PENSACOLA
Whether it’s swimming in warm Gulf waters or savoring a mouthwatering meal in a historic hole-in-the-wall, Pensacola welcomes everyone in the fam to enjoy a coastal escape. Just a six-hour road trip south to the western tip of Florida, Pensacola’s access to miles of crystalline white sand beaches and clear blue waters makes it the perfect destination to get outdoors, soak up the sun, and enjoy a vacation. But the beach isn’t the only thing on the agenda here—in fact, Pensacola offers plenty of adventures and history the whole family can enjoy. The city’s historic section encompasses eight and a half acres and 28 properties located within the footprints of the original Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola. Take a self-guided tour of historic homes and watch period-dressed living history interpreters before dipping into one of Pensacola’s unique museums. Have a hankering for freshly caught seafood? Funky food trucks, historic holes-in-the-wall, and white tablecloth eateries cater to all tastes and experiences. The views offer plenty to write home about, too—sparkling ocean crests and charming old-town architecture make a standout meal a simply unforgettable experience.
BAYTOWNE
Located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is home to a plethora of activities the whole family can enjoy. Known as the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a must-visit spot for all things dining, shopping, and entertainment. Visitors and locals alike flock here for everything from a fun-filled day trip to a full-fledged vacation that will have you anxiously awaiting your next trip. Relax while the kids burn off all their energy playing at the nautical-themed Adventure Land Playground, or head to the Baytowne Adventure Zone and zipline across the lagoon for soaring views the whole family can enjoy. With more than a dozen restaurants, charming boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and an array of outdoor festivals and events, there is no shortage of entertainment in Baytowne. The village is also close to the Baytowne Marina, Jolee Island Nature Park, and is just a tram ride from the beach. (baytownewharf.com)
THE BEACHES OF 30A
30A, the 28-mile stretch of Florida coastline that meanders down a short length of the Florida Panhandle is a favorite for Nashvillians, and it’s easy to see why: A quick seven hours by car, or a short, direct flight into Destin-Fort Walton Beach or Northwest Florida Beaches International airports, make access to the area as easy as living there. Known around the world for its white, sugar-sand beaches, state preserves, recreational areas, shopping, and entertainment, 30A is the ultimate destination for families and couples looking to get away for some rest and relaxation. (30a.com) And what better way to enjoy this coastal paradise than in a rental from Newman-Dailey? With a diverse collection of quality properties, including Destin beach houses and 30A vacation homes along the area’s pristine beaches, Newman-Dailey has become a trusted source for family vacation planning, managing 64 associations, from large properties of approximately 300 units to smaller communities of eight units.
(destinvacation.com)
Learn more about the best sunny escapes from Nashville Lifestyles here!