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Discover Nature & Music: Pairing a Paddle at Merritt’s Mill Pond with the Gulf Coast Jam

Two people in blue shirts jumping and holding hands at the beach.
If you’re heading to Panama City Beach for the Gulf Coast Jam, why not add a splash of nature to your itinerary? Just a short drive inland lies Get Up and Go Kayaking – Merritt’s Mill in Marianna, Florida, where spring-fed, crystal-clear waters and lush scenery await. Here’s the scoop on distances, what you’ll find there, and how Merritt’s Mill makes the perfect side trip when you’re in town for the festival.

Clear kayak on reflective water surrounded by cypress trees under a bright blue sky with clouds.

☀️ What is Merritt’s Mill?

Merritt’s Mill Pond is a 202-acre spring-fed oasis in Marianna, Florida. The pond is fed by Jackson Blue Spring (a first magnitude spring) and several other springs, giving the water its clarity. The clear kayak tours are guided, and you will find yourself paddling through cypress trees, and exploring underwater caves like Shangri-La, Twin Caves, and Hole-in-the-Wall. It’s very beginner friendly, family friendly, with small group sizes and lots of nature.

If your staying in PCB the drive to Marianna will be about 1 hour to 1.25 hours. If you’re staying somewhere on 30A (South Walton County), depending on where exactly, the drive to Marianna will be closer to the upper end (1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours with traffic) since 30A is west of PCB.

Cypress tree with Spanish moss by a calm lake under a blue sky with clouds.

🎶 Gulf Coast Jam & Merritt’s Mill: Why It Works

Here’s how Get Up And Go Kayaking-Merritt’s Mill makes a great addition to your Gulf Coast Jam trip:

  1. Recharge with Nature
    After a day or more of festival energy, concerts, crowds, and loud music, paddling through calm, clear spring waters is restorative. The tranquil setting of Merritt’s Mill Pond with cypress trees, underwater caves, and wildlife offers contrast and balance.
  2. Flexible Timing
    Since Merritt’s Mill Pond is only about an hour-plus from Panama City Beach, it’s doable either before the festival starts (arrive in Marianna, paddle, then head to PCB) or mid festival as a rest day. Tours last about two hours.
  3. Perfect Fit for Accompaniments
    Travellers who love outdoor adventures will appreciate being able to combine music, water and wilderness. Photos, memories, and less crowded vibes.
  4. Off the Beaten Path
    Many coming to Gulf Coast Jam are focused on beach, nightlife, and concerts. Adding Merritt’s Mill gives you something unique, a spring-fed lake clear kayak adventure that most festival plans don’t include.
  5. Location makes sense
    Marianna is close enough to PCB that you’re not doing huge detours. If you’re coming from Tallahassee, the drive is pretty manageable and the location is on the way to PCB. If you’re based around 30A, it’s still feasible especially if you’re doing a short distance roadtrip style festival getaway.

Two kayakers on a calm lake, framed by overhanging branches and Spanish moss.

✨Practical Tips

  • Book ahead, especially if going during festival dates. Tours are limited in size (up to 10 people)
  • What to bring: swim gear, towel, hat, sun protection (oil-free), water, maybe a change of clothes. You’ll likely get wet.
  • Accommodation Strategy: You could stay in Panama City Beach for concerts and move to Marianna for a quieter night, or vice versa depending on your travel tolerance.
  • Timing: Early morning paddles are ideal, especially in warm months. You’ll avoid peak heat and traffic.
  • Combine other attractions: Marianna also has Florida Caverns State Park, and a historic downtown, which can fill out a day.

Two people in a transparent kayak on clear water surrounded by trees under a blue sky.

🩵 Don’t Miss Out!

For music lovers heading to Gulf Coast Jam, Get Up And Go Kayaking-Merritt’s Mill is a hidden gem that helps you reconnect with nature without straying too far off course. It’s the kind of thing that turns a good trip into a great one, paddling clear spring water, exploring caves and wildlife, then driving back to the festival under the stars.

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