Coming down July 4th\Question about Alligator Lake

[JoBu]

Our family is trying another visit to your area for July 4[SUP]th[/SUP] week. We were down last year for the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] and had the unique opportunity to experience the most rain I’ve ever seen at the beach. But we’re trying again this year hoping for sunny skies.

We’ve stayed in Seaside for the past 12 years but this time we’ve rented a house in Gulf Trace, west of Alligator Lake. Of course my first question is about the lake. Does the lake actually contain alligators? I had thought of trying to rent a canoe and take my kids on the lake but if the lake is named that for a reason, we’ll just admire from a distance. If the lake is safe, is it worth exploring and where can I rent a canoe?

Another question about the lake. Is the outflow from the lake to the ocean constant or random depending on the weather\rainfall? Are there any reasons why kids shouldn’t be allowed to swim\play in the outflow before it gets to the ocean’s edge? Looks like it would be fun for little ones, but I want to be sure. Looks like the brown lake water will mix nicely with the June grass in the ocean that I’m sure will be there also.

Last year and this year we picked the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] so we could experience the parade and fireworks. Are the fireworks in Seaside worth the drive over or is there a better place to watch fireworks? We have some friends staying in Seaside that week so we’ll have a place to hang out. But I can only imagine the chaos and traffic within Seaside for this type activity.

Any good ‘local insider’ info\suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

[James Bentwood]

Our family is trying another visit to your area for July 4[SUP]th[/SUP] week. We were down last year for the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] and had the unique opportunity to experience the most rain I’ve ever seen at the beach. But we’re trying again this year hoping for sunny skies.

It was WET!! Never seen anything like that! Until a few weeks ago!

We’ve stayed in Seaside for the past 12 years but this time we’ve rented a house in Gulf Trace, west of Alligator Lake. Of course my first question is about the lake. Does the lake actually contain alligators? I had thought of trying to rent a canoe and take my kids on the lake but if the lake is named that for a reason, we’ll just admire from a distance. If the lake is safe, is it worth exploring and where can I rent a canoe?

There used to be alligators in every lake but most have been driven off or killed. There are still a few around. There are a lot of kayak rentals and they'll deliver. But it might be easier to go to the boathouse in WaterColor or Grayton Beach State Park to rent.

Another question about the lake. Is the outflow from the lake to the ocean constant or random depending on the weather\rainfall? Are there any reasons why kids shouldn’t be allowed to swim\play in the outflow before it gets to the ocean’s edge? Looks like it would be fun for little ones, but I want to be sure. Looks like the brown lake water will mix nicely with the June grass in the ocean that I’m sure will be there also.

Yes it is random depending on rainfall. Keep kids out soon after a lake opens becuase of strong currents but most of the time it is awesome for kids. Unless there is a high fecal count because of all the septic tanks dumping into the lakes. Check this site there is a thread with water reports. (Walton County get rid of the septic tanks!)

Last year and this year we picked the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] so we could experience the parade and fireworks. Are the fireworks in Seaside worth the drive over or is there a better place to watch fireworks? We have some friends staying in Seaside that week so we’ll have a place to hang out. But I can only imagine the chaos and traffic within Seaside for this type activity.

Any good ‘local insider’ info\suggestions is greatly appreciated.

We like to go out on the beach anywhere and see fireworks up and down the beaches. If you want a front row seat then you can go to Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, or Sandestin. As long as you get to Seaside early and have a place to park then it is fun and exciting.

 

[m1a1mg]

I took this picture from the bike path adjacent to Alligator Lake a week ago. This guy was maybe 3 feet long. Tops. Sorry about the camera phone.

 

[Beach Runner]

It rained a heck of a lot in the Southeast last summer, so it's not a SoWal problem. Stuff happens.

 

[steel1man]

Like canoeing ? Next summer ( or this fall) check out Sanctuary at Redfish on redfish lake with a water taxi to your beach free canoes and kayaks
www.vrbo.com/508781

 

[Kurt]

I took this picture from the bike path adjacent to Alligator Lake a week ago. This guy was maybe 3 feet long. Tops. Sorry about the camera phone.

View attachment 36628

Awesome!

 

[Matt J]

From Gulf Trace you can walk to Grayton Corners and catch the Turtle Express to Seaside. No parking headaches involved. Runs until Midnight on July 4.

 

[JoBu]

Thanks for the input. With all the rain lately in North Alabama I'm hoping all these repeating storm systems get out of the South by the 4th.

I'm sure the wife will want us to brave the crowds in Seaside for the parade. Not looking forward to the logistics of that little trip. Doesn't 30A close a couple of hours before the prarade? I wonder if the shuttle still runs up until the parade starts? Can you park a car at Grayton Corners and catch the shuttle or do businesses there get upset about that?

 

[Beach Runner]

If you want the weather history of a town on particular locations, go to http://www.wunderground.com/history.If you are staying closer to Destin, enter the Santa Rosa Beach zip code 32459. If you are staying closer to Panama City Beach, enter the Rosemary Beach zip code 32461, and that will give the history for the Panama City Beach end of 30A. Last summer's constant rain was an anomaly in the 30A area, just as it was near Atlanta where we live.

 

[Matt J]

Unfortunately the shuttle doesn't start until 11AM. Good luck for the parade. The road does close, but only right before the parade.