Driftwood Inn Mexico Beach: The Forgotten Coast's Best Hotel

Driftwood Inn in Mexico Beach, Florida is located right on the Gulf providing easy beach access, comfortable rooms, and the best bird watching.

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Driftwood Inn

We loved our stay at the Driftwood Inn! The moment we walked into the room and saw the barn doors out to the deck we knew we were in for a great trip.

Opening the barn doors to the sweeping views of the Gulf was amazing. I honestly had a hard time leaving to grab dinner I just wanted to sit and soak in the view.

The Driftwood Inn is the kind of place you want to tell your friends about, and then hesitate, because Mexico Beach feels like a secret worth protecting.

Sitting right on the sugar-white sand of the Gulf Coast, the Driftwood Inn is a waterfront property that manages to feel both relaxed and polished. No pretense, no massive resort crowds, no waiting 20 minutes for a beach chair. Just the Gulf of Mexico out your back door and some genuinely good sunsets every single night.

The Driftwood Inn has history. It operated on this same stretch of the Forgotten Coast for over 50 years before Hurricane Michael came ashore in October 2018 and leveled much of Mexico Beach. The owners rebuilt it, kept all the style and character that made it a repeat destination for so many families, and used the rebuild as an opportunity to upgrade pretty much everything.

What you get today is a Gulf-front inn that feels thoughtfully done. Not overdone, not corporate, just right.

Room Types

What immediately sets this property apart is that every room has a private balcony facing the Gulf. Not some rooms, not a specific room category. Every room. That's not common at this price point, and it changes the whole feel of a stay.

They have rooms with bunk beds in addition to the main sleeping area, which makes them practical for families. There are also adjoining room options if you're traveling with a group and need the extra space.

• One Bedroom Queen Suite
• Queen Studio
• Standard King
• Standard 2 Queen
• King Suite
• Queen/Queen Suite
• Honeymoon Suite
• Accessible 2 Queen
• King Room - ADA Access

Room Amenities

We stayed in a two queen room on the 2nd floor (#207) and it had a large dresser, bathroom with walk in shower, kitchen area with a microwave, full size fridge, and Keurig coffee maker, desk area, flatscreen tv, table with chairs, and a small couch near the balcony door.

 What You'll Find in Your Room

• Private Gulf-view balcony
• Refrigerator, Keurig, and Glasses. Select rooms have a full kitchen with cookware, dishes, and dishwasher.
• Sleeper sofa in every room; bunk beds in select rooms
• Adjoining room options available
• Color TV, cable, and free WiFi
• Electronic keyless entry
• Hair dryer, iron, and ironing board

One nice touch: the lobby and gift shop serve complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day for all guests. Small thing, but you notice it. We were able to grab a couple of coffee pods so we could have hot coffee on the balcony watching sunrise.

Ready to book? Check availability and rates for the Driftwood Inn HERE.

Driftwood Inn Amenities

The property is set up to make you want to stay outside. Between the back deck, the gazebo, the beach access, and the grilling areas, there's no shortage of places to relax.

Easy Beach Access

The hotel offers easy beach access with a boardwalk to the sand dunes and then a sand path down to the beach.

Outdoor Spaces

• Gazebo with swings facing the Gulf
• Back deck with Adirondack chairs, barbecue grills, and picnic areas
• Outdoor restroom off the back deck
• Beach chair rentals available

Property Amenities

• Gift shop featuring local artist goods and Driftwood Inn merchandise
• Free WiFi throughout the property
• Washers and dryers available for guest use
• Elevator access to every floor
• Free self-parking
• 120-person event space with prep area for catered events (great for weddings and family reunions)

Ready to book? Check availability and rates for the Driftwood Inn HERE.

Things to know when planning your stay Driftwood Inn

Make sure to bring your photo identification and credit card for checking into the hotel.

Reservations - Book your hotel stay here.

Hotel Address - 2105 US 98, Mexico Beach, Florida 32456

Check-in Time - After 3 pm Central Time

It is worth noting that Mexico Beach is on Central Time, Port St. Joe and farther down the coast is on Eastern Time.

Check-Out Time - 10 am

Minimum check-in age - 25

Pets - Dogs and cats are welcome in designated pet-friendly rooms. The fee is $50 per pet, per day, with a $200 maximum per stay per room. Pets must be supervised at all times. Note that beach laws in Mexico Beach do not allow pets on the beach.

Turtle Nesting Area - Mexico Beach is an active sea turtle nesting area. A city ordinance requires that nothing be placed on the beach before 7:00 AM CST and everything must be removed before 7:00 PM CST. The beach is actively patrolled and items left out will be removed.

Cancellation Policy - A one-night deposit is charged at booking. Cancel at least 7 days before arrival for a refund, minus a $25 processing fee. Cancellations inside 7 days forfeit the deposit. No refunds for no-shows.

Smoking - Smoking is not allwed in the rooms or on the balconies.

Parking - Free self-parking next to the hotel.

Distance from nearby airports:

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Panama City Beach - approximately 30 miles Tallahassee International Airport - approximately 100 miles Pensacola International Airport - approximately 130 miles

Nearby Mexico Beach Restaurants and Attractions

Mexico Beach is a small town, but there's more to do in the area than most people expect.

Forgotten Coast Brewing Company Fantastic local brewery just down the street from the Driftwood Inn.

Caribbean Coffee Walking distance from the inn, perfect for breakfast, coffee, and casual meals. Highly recommended by Driftwood Inn staff.

Mango Marley's Easy stroll from the inn, great for lunch and dinner with a fun island vibe.

Port St. Joe Dining Just a short drive away, Port St. Joe offers additional restaurant options and small-town charm.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park About 30 minutes away, this pristine state park offers hiking, camping, and some of Florida's most beautiful beaches.

Apalachicola Historic fishing village about 45 minutes east, known for oysters, historic downtown, and charming waterfront.

Cape San Blas Stunning peninsula with pristine beaches and the Cape San Blas Lighthouse.

Panama City Beach About 45 minutes west for those wanting more developed beach attractions, restaurants, and entertainment.

Mexico Beach Lodging

Looking for more lodging options in the area? Check hotels and vacation rentals in Mexico Beach here.

Best Things to do in Port St. Joe - great activities and attractions highlight the best of the Florida Gulf Coast, including amazing beach activities, shopping, restaurants, and more.

Port St. Joe, Florida Tours

T-Man's Charters offers 8 hour fishing tours, St Joseph Bay Touring, Apalachicola River Touring, Scalloping tours, Snorkeling, and Fishing Charters.

Shallow Seas Charters offers Day on the Bay trips, Full day inshore fishing tours, Half day inshore fishing tours.

Salty Fish Excursions offers Trips to the tip of Cape San Blas, Short cruises around the bay, 3 hour eco tours, Family fishing tours in the bay, and scalloping tours.