Gulf Breeze
Why Gulf Breeze?
Gulf Breeze, Florida, is located at the end of the Fairpoint Peninsula in Santa Rosa County. It is a suburb of Pensacola, with the Three-Mile Bridge separating the two cities. It is known as a quiet military town, is family-oriented, and is close to Pensacola Beach. Gulf Breeze is also known for its safe neighborhoods and low crime, making it a prime spot to grab a piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast.
With a population of 7,000, Gulf Breeze offers spectacular views of the Gulf and a laid-back beach lifestyle without the crowdedness of a tourist town. Most of the restaurants and businesses are family-owned. It lies within a short distance of other nearby coastal towns, such as Navarre, Fort Walton, Destin heading east, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key heading west.
If you’re looking for real estate in Gulf Breeze, aDoor Real Estate can assist you in picking out the right property suited just for you. Here are a few activities to explore.
Area Attractions
Gulf Breeze Zoo
This zoo sits on 50 acres and is home to over 800 animals. If you want to get up close and personal, the zoo offers animal encounters. You’ll feed giraffes, sloths, hippos, and Galapagos, as well as learn how they’re cared for in their enclosures. They also have animal feedings where you can hand-feed camels, cows, alligators, and parakeets. A day at the Gulf Breeze Zoo is both fun and educational. Their mission is not only taking care of the animals but also supporting conservation efforts around the world.
The zoo also has seasonal attractions. Boo at the Zoo is a kid-friendly adventure complete with a trick-or-treat trail, face painting, and bounce houses. It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the zoo during Christmas. Known as Christmas Zoobilee, this event is winter-themed complete with bounce houses, live music, a Candy Cane Market, and a special appearance by the jolly one himself—Santa. You may even find the Grinch, too.
Opal Beach
This beach resides on the northern point of Santa Rosa Island and stretches 8 miles. Located along highway 399, the facility offers 24 pavilions, five restrooms, concessions, and unlimited parking. It’s a great area to go swimming, take in the gulf views, or even have a wedding or party.
The Pointe
This semi-private course is located in the heart of Gulf Breeze. Open to the public, this course provides views of the Santa Rosa Sound and is known as one of the most beautiful golf courses on the Gulf. They also hold golf lessons and clinics, and members enjoy special rates and privileges. They also hold top-notch tournaments and events. If you’re a golfer buying real estate in Gulf Breeze, you’ll enjoy your home course to the fullest tee!
Innerlight Surf Shop
Yancy Spencer, known internationally as the best surfer to come out of the Gulf Coast, opened this shop over 50 years ago. If you ever wanted to learn to surf, living along the Panhandle is the place to do it, and Innerlight Surf Shop can assist you in picking out the right surfboard. Located close to the Three Mile Bridge, this surf shop has apparel, swimsuits, paddleboards, skateboards, and, of course, surfboards. If you’re not ready to buy just yet, they offer paddleboard and surfboard rentals so that you can get a feel for the sport. They give lessons, too.
Restaurants and Nightlife
If you’re looking for real estate in Gulf Breeze, aDoor Real Estate can assist you in picking out the right property suited just for you. Here are a few restaurants and nightlife to explore.
Bridge Bar
If you’re looking for a spot to hear some live music while soaking in a spectacular sunset, The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge is the place. Located at the foot of the Three-Mile Bridge, this quaint little dive has a full bar, popcorn, and live music seven days a week throughout the summer months. Hence the name, it’s the place in Gulf Breeze for a cocktail and watching the sun set over the Pensacola Bay.
Lillo’s Tuscan Grille
Lillo’s is another place in Gulf Breeze that offers excellent food with an outstanding view of Pensacola Bay. They offer steaks, seafood, Italian, and gluten-free options.
Dave’s Oyster Bar and Grill
If you love oysters, then Dave’ is a must. They have both raw and grilled oysters and yummy appetizers, such as smoked tuna dip, fried blue crab claws, and more.
Tacos Rock
Tacos Rock has the Mexican side of food covered. They have an abundance of choices, from burritos, tacos, tortas, and much more.
The Country Gym
This place is not what you think. While not a gym, it’s a bar and grill with live music, darts, pool, beer, wine, and a whole slew of favorites, such as burgers, wings, and appetizers. It’s a local favorite among Gulf Breeze residents.
Schools and Education
No matter what grade your child or children are in, Gulf Breeze offers top-quality education. Gulf Breeze Elementary covers Pre-K through grade 5 and ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida. Woodlawn Beach Middle School is a public school that covers grades 6 through 8 with around 1,124 students. Lastly, Gulf Breeze High School covers grades 9 through 12 with approximately 1700 students.
All of these Gulf Breeze schools are close to one another, so picking up and dropping off is easy if you have children scattered in different grades and schools.
History
Gulf Breeze can be traced way back to 1559 when Spaniard Tristan de Luna arrived. However, the first settlement was abandoned. In the late 1700s’ the British claimed the area and named it Town Point. It was officially renamed Gulf Breeze in 1936 when the Gulf Breeze Cottages and Store opened a post office branch where Live Oaks Plaza now stands.
The Naval Live Oaks Reservation was the home of America’s first experimental tree farm, founded by President John Quincy Adams in 1828. It was founded to provide raw material to support shipbuilding for the Navy. Today, Naval Live Oaks is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
