Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach, FL
Mexico Beach kept its old school, low rise character even after Hurricane Michael leveled much of the town in 2018, rebuilding rather than following Panama City Beach's high rise path. A few miles of quiet sand front the Gulf here, with a small fishing pier and a laid back Main Street a short walk from most of the beach access points.
The deliberately low key, rebuilt-rather-than-redeveloped character is a real draw for anyone who wants a quieter alternative to Panama City Beach, though there's genuinely less to do here beyond the beach itself.
How we score beachesBring your dog to the mile long stretch on the west side of town along Canal Parkway, one of the only sections where leashed pets are actually allowed. The rest of the beach in city limits is pet free, so plan accordingly if traveling with one.
Street parking near beach accesses is generally free, without the paid lot system found in bigger Panhandle beach towns. Spaces can still be limited on busy summer weekends given the town's small size.
Most beach accesses are short, flat walks from street parking directly onto the sand, no boardwalks needed given the low dune profile here. The town's small scale means most of the beach is within easy walking distance of anywhere to park.
Leashed dogs are welcome on about a mile of beach on the west side of town along Canal Parkway, but pets aren't allowed on the rest of Mexico Beach's shoreline within city limits.
Summer brings the warmest water and the town's busiest stretch, along with hurricane season starting in June, a real consideration given the town's history with Michael. Spring and fall offer quieter, still swimmable water with far fewer people.
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