An Overview of Our Family Road Trip to the Emerald Coast / Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama.
Not too long ago we ventured on a road trip from Oklahoma, through Arkansas and Mississippi to the Emerald Coast of Alabama and Florida.
It was an amazing experience to say the least. This article will show you a brief overview of where we went but our next articles will show you the attractions, destinations and more in deeper detail.
We like to break up our road trips in chunks to ensure we have time to check things out on the way. Many people just fly to their final destination but we prefer to drive, it saves us money and it gives us a chance to see more of this great world.
The round trip was over 1802 miles long. But as we said we broke it up into smaller sections.
DAY 1
Tulsa, Oklahoma to Fort Smith, Arkansas
We started out driving from Tulsa, Oklahoma to our first stop in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It takes around an hour and a half to reach Ft. Smith. It worked out great leaving after I got off work and getting a start on our trip before dark.
We love stopping in Fort Smith to visit family but for those that don’t have family around there you can still do and see some cool stuff.
Check out Our Favorite Things to do with Family in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith is a historic town that has been updated with beautiful street art all over the downtown area. There are many museums and attractions as well. Check out our Ft. Smith Articles.
Day 2
Fort Smith, Arkansas to Tupelo, Mississippi
After Ft. Smith we headed for Tupelo, Mississippi which took less than 6 hours of driving time.
In Tupelo we visited the house Elvis was born in and a National Battlefield. Check out our experiences and review of Elvis Presley’s Birthplace Article and our Tupelo National Battlefield Article. Tupelo was a great stopping point on our trip. Check out our Top 5 things to do in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Tupelo, Mississippi to Payne Lake, Talladega National Forest, Alabama
After our stop in Tupelo we continued towards Alabama. We arrived and set up tent just before dark at Payne lake Recreation Area in the Talledega National Forest in Alabama (Find out all about it here).
Day 3, 4 & 5
Talledega National Forest, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida
After our night of camping at Payne Lake we went to meet up with Kayla’s parents at Hampton inn and suites hotel and resort in Panama City Beach, Florida.
While in Panama City Beach, Florida we enjoyed our Hotel, Pier Park, St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, Pineapple Willy’s and more!
After Panama City Beach we went west toour next Campground, Fort Pickens.
Day 6 & 7
Panama City Beach, Florida to Fort Pickens, Pensacola Beach, Florida
We made many stops between Panama City Beach to Fort Pickens seeing amazing views and attractions on the way.
Fort Pickens was our next area of exploration where we hiked, climbed on forts, swam and played on the beach.
Day 9
Fort Pickens, Pensacola Beach, Florida to Gulf Shores, Alabama
After camping for a few days and exploring all of the forts and buildings at Ft Pickens we continued west towards Gulf Shores, Alabama.
We stayed at a Campground at the Gulf State Park. It was great camp site, and state park.
Day 10
Gulf Shores Alabama to Pensacola Florida
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. We planned on hanging at the beach and swimming in the Gulf Shores but they were experiencing a phenomena known as the red tide. Dead fish filled the shoreline. To avoid swimming with the dead dishes we left the Gulf Shores coast we went back to Pensacola, Florida to visit the Naval Aviation Museum.
Pensacola Florida to Mobile Alabama
Then on our way back we split a hotel with Kaylas parents in Mobile, Alabama, it was much cheaper than staying by the beach another night.
Mobile, Alabama to home in Oklahoma
The trip was nearly over so we headed home with a camera full of photos, a mind full of great memories, and a new tan for each of us.
Also we made a pit stop in Fort Smith Arkansas to give Grandma Myers, Aunt Debbie and cousin Addy some hugs and eat some of grandmas amazing pudding pops.
The total trip was filled with adventure, laughter, hard times and amazing fun times. Our upcoming articles will share with you all of these moments so be sure to subscribe to not miss out.
Full articles for these destinations coming next!
I will also be sharing photos from our experiences on Instagram so be sure to follow us on their as well.
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If you have any questions or thoughts about a Florida – Alabama Road Trip, Beach Camping, or anything at all don’t hesitate to ask.
What a great drive! I didn’t know Elvis was born in Mississippi! I think Tupelo would be a fun place to visit.
We have been coming to the Emerald Coast since 2018. Most of the buildings, shopping and roads are relatively new. An absolutely beautiful beach with “sugar white” beaches and water that looks truly like emeralds. There are activities for all ages and we will continue to go here forever
Such cute kids you have. Looked like a fun trip for them, especially seeing Grandma and then frolicking in the beaches!
What a great trip! Love being able to explore new places while still spending time with family.
Fantastic tour, thanks for showing the highlights to visiting each attraction in this region of various southern states – I definitely would love to go back and explore this area some day in the near future.
My hubby and I spent 18 months on the road in our RV and were lucky enough to visit many of these spots. It is so beautiful there and I love the color of the water!
This looks like the perfect family trip – especially for young ones. That Panama City Beach looks divine!
Good improvising with the dead fish day! Looks like a great family adventure!
Dead cute seeing them at their grandma’s. It sounds like a great trip. I only spent about a week in Florida, but it did seem like a giant kids playground so I can imagine the little ones had a great time.
We have just returned from visiting some of these places. We loved seeing Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo. I wanted to see more of the Gulf Coast, but ran out of time, so missed Panama City Beach sadly.
Wow! That sunset at Payne Lake is STUNNING! What a perfect place to camp and it really looks like you had an amazing trip. Not gonna lie, every time I think Florida, I think Miami and its crazy parties. Never thought to do a road trip through the state and would for sure love to now!
Love how the first stop is at Grandmas. Always a great spot to start before you have an epic adventure. Such lucky kids!
Wow it does sound like an incredibly amazing experience. I’m looking forward to the more detailed articles to come in the future.
What bad luck at the Golf Shores. Would love to know more about what causes the red tied, it sounds horrific!
Great way to start a road trip with grannies! Florida I have seen many times but did not have much idea about Alabama. This is what good blog posts do… they tell you about a new place.