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If you’re tired of fighting your way to swim-up bars in Cancun and Los Cabos, there’s another resort-laden paradise with numerous direct flights from the U.S. waiting to be discovered.

While many Canadians take advantage of flocking here to escape the blistering cold, Americans are still behind the curve, seeming to give too much credence to travel advisories in favor of the usual safe havens, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.

Make no mistake, these are Americans’ favorite go-to’s for a reason, but even Cancun, as popular as it may be, has seen random violent crime sprees in touristy areas.

I just got back home from Ixtapa, a sunkissed resort town in the state of Guerrero boasting year-round 90-degree days surrounded by staggering green mountains and swaying palm trees over crystal clear waters and spotless beaches.

Believe it or not, I’m laying my travel reputation on the line as a former Cabo Sun journalist to tell you it’s prettier than Los Cabos and so much less of a burden on your wallet.

Despite Level 4: Do Not Travel designation from the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is Guerrero’s lone bright spot that couldn’t feel any safer, more luxurious or authentic, especially when it comes to the region’s sinfully delicious coastal cuisine.

Zihuatanejo May Be Trendy, But Don’t Sleep On Ixtapa

“Zihua”, as locals say, has become a trendy destination on many travel lists over the past year or so, largely in part due to the lavish Thompson Hotel opening doors.

But, sometimes vacationers make the mistake of getting too comfortable sticking to the resort grounds without stepping foot in the city, and the temptation is understanding with such posh amenities being thrown at you left and right.

Even if you stay in Zihua, the up-and-coming smaller sister city of Ixtapa is worth venturing over for the beaches alone, and well-equipped for a surge in travelers with such high-end resorts such as:

• Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa
• Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
• Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• Sunscape Dorado Pacifico
• Barcelo Ixtapa

Ixtapa is only a 20-minute cab ride from the airport (ZIH), and no, there’s no Uber here, but don’t worry about scammy taxi drivers, as rates are clearly published beforehand.

Once you arrive, you’ll discover postcard-worthy beaches, including a certified Blue Flag beach that is literally flawless. There wasn’t a speck of trash in sight walking up and down Playa El Palmar.

While rare, the only concern to keep a watchful eye on are crocodiles and occasional strong currents represented by the color of the flag posted each day.

The small town center is very walkable through the resort area, including a Senor Frogs Cantina. Every resort town has to have one, right?

My Stay At Barcelo Ixtapa

I stayed at 5-star Barcelo Ixtapa, “splurging” on the all-inclusive package for just $170 per night total for 2 people.

Try that in Cabo….

Of the resorts lined along the aforementioned Playa El Palmar, Barcelo seemed to be the most luxurious and undoubtedly offered the best pools, especially the middle pool of the resort’s trio overlooking the Pacific and security guards blocking off pestering vendors.

Shamelessly in “Vacation Mode” for 4 days, I lost count of the Pina Coladas and Cuba Libres I indulged in at both swim-up bars, but my recommendation is to pick your poison rather than house-brand, watered-down slushies.

If you can swing it, booking a corner ‘Oceanview’ room is the way to go, in my opinion, but the mountain views on the opposite side are equally stunning to wake up to.

Treating yourself to ‘Premium’ upgrades isn’t worth it as the buffets are well stocked with a variety of cuisine ranging from an omelet station at breakfast to a seafood lover’s dream on Saturdays with a sprawling feast of grilled lobster tails, spicy octopus, and shrimp paella.

If you book the standard all-inclusive package, just know you’re limited to a single specialty restaurant every 3 days, but multiple buffets and the Caracol Snack Bar more than make up for it.

$5 Well Spent: Take A Day Trip To Isla Ixtapa

The beauty of all-inclusives is you only have to worry about tipping, but if you’ve got an extra Abe Lincoln to spare, then you have to check out Isla Ixtapa via water taxi for only $5 round-trip.

You can book a tour here, but it’s easy to reach on your own and more fun to explore without the language barrier.

To get here, take a cab to Playa Linda and walk by the Crocodile Lagoon, through the souvenir shops to the Embarcadero.

Here is where you’ll buy tickets and board the water taxi. The ride itself is a sight to behold, but I recommend getting off at Playa Verdero instead of Playa Coral as it’s more of a hideaway from fisherman bringing in your soon-to-be sold “catch of the day”.

Choosing a place to eat lunch will be your only headache here, but I suggest El Indio. Ask for Carlos, who was kind enough to provide free sunscreen after my boneheaded mistake of leaving it in my room.

You’ll have a ton of options, but the servers suggest the Mahi Mahi and Ceviche. I had the latter, and it exceeded the hype, along with ice-cold cervezas and a Pina Colada served inside a pineapple.

Snorkeling equipment is only $10 to rent and well worth swimming in the calm waters.

It truly felt like we were inside an aquarium with how many vibrant species of fish we saw.

Ixtapa’s Top Hidden Gem: Ruins Yet To Be Undiscovered

As destinations such as Tulum have sky-rocketed in popularity, a key factor in their newfound fame has been how cool it is to deep-dive into former worlds, unlike anything we experience in today’s screen-addicted society.

While Ixtapa doesn’t offer staggering ruins to the levels of like Teotihicuan or Chichen Itza, just 40 minutes away is Xihuacan (a.k.a. “La chole”), a smaller site accessible by guided tours for a surcharge or free to enter on your own.

Dating back 3000 years, the well-preserved ruins of Xihuacan are still being unearthed to this day.

You’ll find a museum of artifacts used by various cultures over time amongst clay pyramids and a Mesoamerican ball court.

TripAdvisor ranks the Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour as the top guide for exploring this hidden world of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo’s past.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 13 mins ago

Bye, bye Italy, France, hello Türkiye––or as the former name spelled out, Turkey:

A transcontinental country bestriding the natural border between Europe and Asia, it is seeing a remarkable increase in tourism, particularly coming from the United States, with 1.9 million Americans traveling across the Atlantic to marvel at its ancient sites and natural wonders.

That’s already a significant 45% increase year-on-year compared to 2023, and this year, those numbers are expected to skyrocket further, with a guaranteed 2 million Americans expected to land in Istanbul Airport throughout 2025.

If Türkiye’s all but an exotic name on a map to you, you may be wondering what it is about the Mediterranean country that appeals so strongly to U.S. tourists––without further ado, here are 5 reasons why:

From Ancient Wonders To Pristine Beaches

Türkiye’s rich culture is undoubtedly the main reason why tourists come from afar to vacation here: it has ancient ruins as well-preserved as Greece’s, incredibly historical cities that rival Italy’s in beauty, and its Anatolian nature is nothing short of a force to be reckoned with.

Think Cappadocia, with its cone-shaped formations, entire villages built into caves, and hot-air-balloon-dotted cotton candy skies, or the verdant mountains in Rize, in the north, full of alpine-style settlements; of course, there’s not Türkiye without its Mediterranean:

Extending for a whopping 3,220 miles, it is littered with vibrant port cities, archeological zones that predate civilization as we know it, and picture-perfect beaches with golden sands and turquoise seas (you haven’t been to heaven until you’ve been to an offbeat Kaş).

A Plethora Of Incredible Destinations

Türkiye also lays claim to several of Europe’s most popular resort destinations, one of them being Izmir, which combines beach getaway and cultural expeditions:

The landmark-packed center is famous for its plethora of monuments, most notably the Clock Tower and the Greek-built Smyrna Agora, while Pirlanta Beach has soft sands, calm, clear waters, and a selection of seafood eateries.

The country’s top seaside resort, however, is Antalya, on the South Mediterranean Coast, distinguished by its Roman ruins, charming Kaleiçi (Old Town), where narrow footpaths follow along rows of colorful Ottoman-era houses, and a palm-tree-lined Konyaaltı Beach.

As Türkiye Today notes, the number one destination is Istanbul, a bustling metropolis playing host to the iconic Galata Tower, the Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-museum-turned-mosque-again Hagia Sophia, and the lively Grand Bazaar.

A Cheaper Sunny Getaway

It is no longer dirt cheap to visit Türkiye as it was prior to the pandemic––you can thank a volatile currency and the current Government’s unorthodox economic approach for that––but it is still a bargain in some places.

You can still eat for as cheap as $7-8 in Istanbul’s Karaköy, a cafe-dominated harbor-side district, and inexpensive accommodation at the Vardar Palace Hotel in centrally-located Beyoğlu will set you back by $ 63 a night.

In Bodrum, an up-and-coming beach hotspot that’s been compared to St Tropez, an overnight stay at a pool-equipped resort costs from $96 (check out the amazing Rammos), whereas beachfront hotels in Antalya are much-cheaper even, starting from $51 at La Cactus Butik Otel.

Türkiye is not exactly the cheapest flight ticket for Americans, but the low prices locally definitely offset any initial exorbitant costs.

Türkiye Is More Liberal Than You Might Think

We should point out that, contrary to popular belief, Türkiye is a lot more liberal than people might think.

Despite being an Islamic-majority country, there is no requirement for women to dress modestly, as in, with their heads, shoulders, and legs covered, unless they’re entering a public mosque or they’re visiting somewhere ultra-conservative like Konya.

You’ll come across people of all sorts traveling around Türkiye, from devout religious to the secular kind, and overall, social attitudes are very relaxed, especially in larger urban centers like Istanbul and Izmir, where there is a higher influx of tourists.

That being said, we wouldn’t encourage you to display affection in public if you have a same-sex partner, or if you’re a woman, avoid wearing revealing outfits in non-beach settings:

In other words, be respectful of local customs and Turks will be respectful towards you.

No Visa Requirements For American Travelers!

Last but certainly not least, the low-level bureaucracy that awaits Americans at the border is a big incentive for tourists to come here instead of Western Europe.

This year, the European Union will introduce an Entry Authorization System, and U.S. passport holders will no longer be able to board EU-bound flights without applying first for a digital entry permit––this is no longer the case in Türkiye.

Since December 2023, Americans no longer need an eVisa to travel to the Mediterranean gem, meaning carrying a valid passport with at least one blank page for stamping and at least 6 months left of validity upon arrival are the only requirements.

U.S. citizens can stay in Türkiye visa-free for 3 months, and the time they spend in the country has no impact whatsoever on the amount of time they’re allowed to stay in Europe’s Schengen Area, which is great news for digital nomads.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Add Thailand to the list for overtourism. Europe may hog the spotlight with their global gripes demanding to have their beloved hometowns back, but Thailand is no stranger to busy streets and jam-packed beaches either.

Bangkok is and always will be a bustling city, but what may be surprising is the fact Phuket was recently crowned the most overcrowded tourist destination in the world.

The good news is Thailand is home to well over 1,000 islands, but there’s one in particular ready to embrace more tourists – and you’ve probably never heard of it.

While Koh Samui has also been thrown into the mix of no-go destinations, Koh Kood is the perfect alternative for crowd-free beaches and lavish resorts.

Plus, CNN and Thrillist just featured this turquoise paradise as one of Thailand’s most breathtaking beaches to avoid the crowds.

Reaching Koh Kood

You might be thinking to yourself, “where in the world is Koh Kood?”. Don’t worry; it’s not a treacherous journey.

While it’s certainly not as easily connected as Phuket or Koh Samui, if it was, it could easily have the same overtourism problems as Thailand’s most popular islands.

But, with no airport and few ferry lines, Koh Kood has proudly held on to its ‘hidden gem’ status, a feat not easily done in this day and age of TikTokers and Instagrammers seemingly turning over every stone.

Like most adventures in Thailand, they start in Bangkok. From here, you’ll need to make your way to Trat, ideally by bus or by a quick flight (only served by Bangkok Airways).

Of course, you could also make a pit stop in Pattaya, Thailand’s revamped beach city, also embracing more tourists.

Any way you slice it, the stopping point is Trat, where you’ll hop aboard a couple of ferry or speedboat options or Boonsiri’s high-speed catamaran.

All are a straight shot to Koh Kood’s virtually untouched shores, so pristine it won’t seem real.

But first, Thai is a tough language. Koh Kood is also known as Koh Kut, so be mindful when choosing your transportation.

Koh Kood’s Stunning Nature: Visit One Of Thailand’s Prettiest Beaches

Thrillist just unveiled the ‘Best beaches in Thailand’, including one drop-dead gorgeous beach illuminating Koh Kood’s gleaming coasts.

Standing in good company between Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi, among other lesser-known islands, sits Koh Kood’s Tha Pho Beach.

Here, you’ll find a real-life dream for pure serenity and some of the most photo-worthy shores in all of Thailand.

Thrillist highlights the beach’s soft ‘white sand’, ‘tranquil turquoise waters’, and a ‘thriving underwater ecosystem’ boasting an array of wildlife from barracudas to sea turtles, so prepare to go snorkeling!

While you’ll surely want to stick around Tra Pho a while soaking up every second you can, Koh Kood offers a multitude of jaw-dropping beaches to enjoy – many lined with swings and hammocks.

Don’t sleep on the island’s lush jungles either, home to numerous flowing waterfalls crashing down into serene swimming holes.

If you time it right, you can have a private oasis in the middle of the jungle since tourists aren’t exactly flocking to Koh Kood like, say, Phuket.

Another hidden gem is what’s known as the Makka Tree. This 500-year-old tree is one of the most popular landmarks on the island for photo ops.

Who Needs Phuket When You Have Koh Kood’s Lavish Resorts?

Phuket may top many-a bucket lists around the globe, but there are plenty of postcard-perfect beaches to splurge on ritzy resorts across Thailand.

Koh Kood may be off the radar for most, but the plus side is there are already many resorts to choose from to cap off an epic vacation.

You may need to scrounge your sofa for leftover change to scrape up enough dough to book a room at Koh Kood’s nicest resort, 5-star Soneva Kiri, running upwards of $1,500 per night.

However, there are many other grand stays along some of Thailand’s most scenic shores, like the easy-to-remember Koh Kood Resort or Tinkerbell Resort.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 resorts in Koh Kood right now: (based on travelers’ ratings)

1. High Season Pool Villa & Spa
2. Shantaa Koh Kood
3. Soneva Kiri
4. Koh Kood Beach Resort
5. Tolani Resort Koh Kood

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Asia has long been a popular destination for digital nomads watching their budgets. It’s a great place to stretch your buck as far as possible.  

And now there’s a new budget-friendly hot spot to look out for.  

The Global Intelligence Unit has created a comprehensive report of the world’s best digital nomad destinations.  

The top-ranked Asian country where digital nomads live and work is officially Taiwan.  

Taiwan also came in 12th place overall in the global arena, meaning that it’s a destination well worth considering for digital nomads, especially for those who don’t want to flash the cash.  

Here’s why:  

Why Digital Nomads Should Consider Taiwan 

Taiwan is an incredibly beautiful country that ticks so many boxes.  

A subtropical climate, outstanding natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and modern vibrant cities too. Check, check, check, check!  

On top of all of this, living here won’t break the bank.  

On average, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei is between NT$8,000.00 and NT$25,000.00 ($263–$823).

However, if you choose an off-the-beaten-path destination outside of the city, your rent will be considerably lower.  

Eating out here is cheap too, and the street food is delicious.

Less than $5 will fill your tummy with a street food meal and some good company at the same time.  

Locals are friendly and welcoming to foreigners and digital nomads: there are no anti-tourism protests here!  

Taiwan was also one of the first countries in the region to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2019 and has robust anti-discrimination legislation in place, making it a safe country for LGBTQ+ nomads to explore.  

Taiwan Is Small But Perfectly Formed  

From a practical point of view, it’s worth mentioning Taiwan’s small size.

The country is around half the size of Scotland for Brits like me. Or ever so slightly bigger than Maryland for U.S. readers.  

Rather than being a drawback, this could actually work to the advantage of a savvy digital nomad!  

You can explore absolutely everything the island has to offer with relative ease.

The capital of Taipei tends to be the most popular spot for digital nomads, boasts incredibly high internet speeds, and has the largest number of coworking spaces.  

But you aren’t welded to city life. Taipei is just 30 minutes away from the lush green nature of the Yangmingshan National Park.

There is no entry fee to explore this park, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great place to visit.  

And getting around Taiwan is a breeze, too, as the country has a reliable high-speed rail network.

In real terms, this makes what is already a small country feel even smaller and easier to explore.  

Public transport is affordable. The Metro (known as the Mass Rapid Transit or MRT) costs NT $20 (61 cents) – NT $65 ($1.96) a ticket in Taipei.  

If you want to take the high-speed rail and explore the length and breadth of the country then you’ll pay between NT $35 and NT $2,500 ($1 – $76) depending on the journey you want to take and the class you choose with non-reserved tickets being the cheapest option.  

A New Digital Nomad Visa For Taiwan? 

Although full details of the scheme have yet to be released, Taiwan announced last month that it intends to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa.

This is great news as, up until now, there hasn’t been an official digital nomad visa in the country.  

The new visa will make Taiwan an even more appealing option for digital nomads.  

Taiwan will be the 4^th country in the region this year, after Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, to launch a digital nomad scheme.  

So far, we know that the visa will have a 6-month validity period and that the Minister for the National Development Council in Taiwan, Paul Liu, hopes it will attract new talent to the country.  

Though this new digital nomad visa scheme has been proposed, it will not come into effect until it is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

In the meantime, prospective nomads can apply for an Employment Gold Card.

This is a work permit, residency permit and re-entry permit in one handy document that is relatively easy to apply for and allows professionals to live and work in Taiwan for up to 3 years.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 9 mins ago

There’s no shortage of paradises to choose from for digital nomads to pack their bags and jet off to, but there’s one more to add to the list, with a new airport expected to put this coastal gem on the map.

The Mediterranean is teeming with blue-water shores and laid-back communities embracing the nomad lifestyle, but not all of them can be crowned the best of Europe.

Fortune just released their list of ‘Best European Cities for Digital Nomads 2024′ and the top dog was a real surprise.

Albania has seen an influx of digital nomads since issuing an unofficial digital nomad visa in 2022, but many have opted to plant roots in the capital city, Tirana, among other quaint beach towns.

One is an absolute stunner, Vlorë. But we’ll go with the English version, Vlora, so I don’t have to keep inputting those weird dots.

Where In The World Is Vlora?

Vlora is Albania’s third largest city, located along pristine shores overlooking the Bay of Vlorë (those pesky dots again!), a passage almost a straight line from Italy’s trendiest escape, Lecce.

But this side of the passage will soon be Albania’s trendiest escape as the country continues to gain steam, largely in part to more hidden gems such as Vlora being uncovered.

This resort town is oozing potential as there are already ample upscale accommodations to enjoy for a serene vacation, but more notably, apartments can easily be scored for $400 per month.

Surrounded by more turquoise than a Santa Fe necklace, this delightful town is truly postcard-perfect when lounging at one of many idyllic beaches once you’re free from unnecessary Zoom calls.

According to TripAdvisor, these are Vlora’s top 3 beaches to scope out:

1. Gjipe Beach
2. Dhermi Beach
3. Pulabardha Beach

Being a rather large city, Vlore is decked out with charming Old Town cafes as well as co-working spaces, such as top-rated CoWorkingVlora, just a few blocks from the scenic Lungomare promenade.

While there’s already been an uptick in remote workers flocking here, expect even more cushy amenities to pop up once Vlora’s highly anticipated new airport opens.

Vlora’s New Airport Opens In March 2025

It’s important to note not all of Albania is well-developed. In other words, the backroads should be left to the pros.

Reaching Vlora will be so much easier come March 2025 when the new airport is slated to take flight for the first time.

Albania’s flagship carrier, Air Albania is leading the charge and you can surely expect other suitors as well.

Heck, if Ryanair is launching flights to Dakhla, Western Sahara of all places, don’t you think Vlora is on their radar?

For now, the easiest way to reach Vlora is by bus from Tirana, which is a well-connected city as Albania’s hype has soared.

For a more adventure option, you could also fly into Corfu or various Italian ports (Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, as previously stated) and take a ferry.

Although, the more reasonable avenue may be simply to wait on more news regarding Vlora’s new flights.

Albania’s Digital Nomad Appeal

Albania as a whole is a great blend of cultural experiences, cheap living, and unbounded natural beauty. Oh, and the food is pretty top notch too comparable to Greek’s most notable dishes.

There are a multitude of reasons for general travelers to visit, but digital nomads can soak up the most benefits here.

Albania’s nomad-catered ‘Unique Permit’ was a nice selling point for remote workers, but what you may not know is you don’t need a visa at all up to one year.

That’s right; American tourists can stay within Albania’s border up to 12 months without the hassle of bureaucratic paperwork – just a stamp and you’re good to go.

The Unique Permit is a straightforward application process and offers nomads the options to stay up to 5 years.

Narrowing down to Vlora; there’s no better place to call home.

With $400 apartments, comfortable co-working spaces, and delightful cafes in one of Europe’s most underrated Old Town districts, your day-to-day backdrop couldn’t be more enchanting when perusing timeless streets or enjoying a beach day.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 2 months ago

Somehow, in a world where we crave the latest gizmos and gadgets, the old world of the Mayans has been trending in recent years despite being here way before our time.

Their fascinating culture and architectural marvels caught my eye, too, as I had just visited some incredibly preserved Mayan ruins in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, myself.

While there haven’t been any official Mayan ruins discovered in the U.S., there are some fascinating historical ruins attributed to our own timelines that often go overlooked.

And what better backdrop while perusing remnants of our past than pristine white sand along vibrant emerald green waters?

Rather than follow the crowds to Miami, Orlando, and Siesta Key for your next Florida getaway, escape to the hidden paradise of Fort Pickens this fall.

Dare We Say A ‘Poor Man’s Tulum’?

Home to beautiful beaches and American antiquities, Fort Pickens is a rare sight to behold.

Often overshadowed by dozens of more popular Florida destinations, this sliver of paradise at the very western tip of Pensacola’s Santa Rosa Island goes relatively unnoticed unless you’re seeking it out.

In other words – it’s a bit off the beaten path, but not a treacherous journey and you’ll definitely be rewarded regardless.

Boasting Caribbean-esque white sands and shimmering green waters, Fort Pickens is well worth a visit in the same sense as Tulum, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and captivating historical sites.

No, there’s no trendy arts scene, a brand new airport, or divine Mexican food, but where else can you visit a nice U.S. beach with such well-preserved ruins?

Answer: not many!

Perhaps South Carolina’s Fort Sumter or another Florida counterpart, St. Augustine, but it’s safe to say Fort Pickens is next level!

It’s Okay To ‘Ruin’ Your Beach Vacation

Fort Pickens’ significance dates back well over a century.

Serving as a popular landmark nowadays, its former glory continues to captivate visitors with its scenic coastal views and intrigue.

What was once a stronghold in the American Civil War, the grounds are still kempt and most structures remain intact, making for awesome photo-ops.

Fort Pickens’ job was to protect Santa Rosa Island all while stopping the enemy from infiltrating the bay and nearby Navy yard.

The base covers roughly 200 acres, easily explorable before or after time at the beach. Today, it’s overseen by the National Park Service, who should ask for a raise covering double duty as both park rangers and tour guides.

Expect a walk-through of the remaining brick forts, a stroll along the barrier island, and even kayaking through the marsh.

It may not be Chichen Itza, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.

Unlike Gettysburg, don’t expect cheesy battlefield reenactments, even though The Battle of Santa Rosa Island took place here in 1861.

Fort Pickens receives high praise on Google, holding an impressive 4.8/5 rating, where one recent visitor claimed, “…the fort is incredible. Great beaches too, much better than the packed public beach just down the road”.

Also, many who visit love to rough it by camping under the stars. Fort Pickens Campground holds 200 campsites only charging $25 for admission in addition to the Gulf Islands National Seashore entry fees:

• $15 per person
• $20 per motorcycle
• $25 per vehicle 
• $45 annual pass

A Blissful Beach Escape Away From Florida’s Typical Crowds

No resorts, no wild nightlife, no Disney characters – just pure bliss along an authentic paradisal beach.

Okay, the resorts would maybe be a nice touch, but otherwise, we all love as much space as possible on our beach vacations.

Fall tends to see crowds shrink anyway, but Fort Pickens is never elbow-to-elbow like many coastal hotspots around the globe.

Here, you’ll find soft white sand and many areas without a footprint. And best of all the waters are clear and the weather is warm even in fall (think mid 70’s to 80’s)

Some Gulf beaches can become brown and murky, uninviting for a nice swim. That’s not the case here.

In all likelihood, you’ll be driving here from Pensacola.

Although, the Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers fun weekend rides.

If driving, you’ll want to input Langdon Beach as your destination since this is the most swimmable area, equipped with ample parking, restrooms, and beach showers.

Safety Tip: lifeguards are only on duty from May – September!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.