SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — The breeze flowing from the Gulf of Mexico feels glorious during a bike ride through shady, longleaf pine forests and alongside undulating sand dunes of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. • Nearly five miles of paved path weave through the 1,600-acre park, leading to secluded lakes, meandering foot trails, historic sites and, of course, the beach. • Topsail Hill is one of a handful of Florida State Parks sprinkled like particularly pretty gems along coastal Northwest Florida. A colorful necklace of shimmering beach communities, succulent seafood restaurants and lively shopping districts comprise the Emerald Coast. • Beaches are gently sloping white sand — locals like to call it sugary — and the water is so crystal clear that it shines like a jewel.