The Florida Panhandle stretches for nearly 150 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. In its ocean side towns, guests will find shimmering white sand, glasslike waters that range somewhere close to emerald and turquoise and an amazing opportunity that the sun will radiate on their mid year get-aways.
However, that is about where the likenesses end.
This section of the coast offers quaint fishing villages, party hotspots, and upscale coastal communities from Pensacola to Port St. Joe and beyond. Furthermore, location, location, location is everything when it comes to selecting the ideal Florida vacation.
Panama City Beach: FAMILY ATTRACTIONS GALORE This massive destination, which stretches along 27 miles of coastline, is ideal for travelers who want to do something big before they go home. It has a lot of family-friendly attractions, a nostalgic boardwalk vibe, and a lot of summer visitors. Note: Panama City is an alternate town.)
Seaside: Visitors can enjoy the 900,000-square-foot Pier Park shopping and entertainment center across the beach road from the bustling Russell-Fields Pier, which is surrounded by sand. For a calmer day, choose St. Andrews State Park or bounce the Shell Island Transport to the eponymous island.
Activities: Carnivals, a zoo, the aquarium, scaled down golf and more anticipate the youngsters. Shell Island is near dolphin tours and snorkeling.
Accommodation: A lot, including major hotels, condo rentals, and camping in state parks.
Pensacola: Have It All Pensacola Beach and Pensacola, which are connected by a bridge, are a simple have-it-all getaway for people who want high-end cocktails in the evening and sand between their toes during the day.
Seaside: Pensacola Beach’s lively crowds are sandwiched between quieter sections of the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s waterfront, allowing visitors to choose between action and relaxation.
Activities: Have a go at something absolutely new, such as hydrofoiling over the waves with Inlet Coast Foil or cruising along St Nick Rosa Island on an electric bicycle rental. Relax at a casual beach bar or visit Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola for a lively entertainment and food scene.
Accommodation: Stays on the beach and other perks are offered by large hotel chains. The lazy river at the Holiday Inn Resort is its own. On the cityside, look for chic new boutique hotels like Oyster Bay and Lily Hall.
Miramar Beach: Affordable beach access. Positioned between the popular tourist destination of Destin and the upscale resort community of Sandestin, this beach-side community gives residents access to both without the same crowds or pricey prices. Additionally, there are dozens of activities available both on and off the water.
Seaside: A few free focuses connected by the cleared Grand Expressway 98 Path store guests onto white sand and turquoise waters.
Activities: Swim one of four man-made reefs reachable by kayak or paddleboard. Parasailing or riding a Jet Ski through the waves will have you soar above them. Sod huggers can play a round at Emerald Sound Golf Club or a match at Stowed away Rises Tennis and Pickleball Center. In the event that you pull a muscle, Sandestin’s renowned Spa Lilliana can assist.
Accommodation: From condos to hotels to whole-house rentals, there are plenty of options here.
Santa Rosa Beach: Wine, art and charm. Santa Rosa, the largest of the small towns along Scenic Highway 30A, has wine, art, history, and charm for visitors. It is also surrounded by three distinct natural areas managed by the state.
Seaside: This town has both the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, which is home to a lot of wildlife, on one side.
Activities: Begin in the notable Railroad Square to peruse displays and shops. Grayton Beach is close by and is one of the best beaches in the state. It also has the first underwater sculpture garden for divers in the country. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s white quartz dunes are a great place to hike, and Port Washington State Forest’s sylvan shade is a great place to cool off.
Accommodations: The WaterColor Inn on the beachfront has a 2,800-square-foot pool and outdoor dining as a result of recent renovations. Alternately, inquire about camp, glamping, and cabin options at nearby state parks.
Port St. Joe: The motto of Port St. Joe, a sleepy bayside fishing village, is “small town with a big heart.” It offers a headquarters to investigate close by Cape San Blas and the far reaching and flawless St. Joe Promontory right across the straight.
Seaside: West-bound (and canine amicable) Windmark and St. Joe sea shores 10 minutes north make wonderful nightfall roosts and put-in focuses for fishers. The 17 mile-long landmass offers a portion of the state’s tallest white sand hills and great shelling potential open doors.
Activities: Paddle the Gulf or the clear, shallow waters of Saint Joseph Bay, climb the 130 steps to the top of the San Blas Lighthouse, or stroll the historic downtown and marina.
St. George beach: Escape to nature. This barrier island, which is a part of Florida’s so-called “Forgotten Coast,” is full of natural wonders and provides a genuine escape with few people, little development, and a beach that is known for its quality around the world.
Seaside: Dr. Beach, a coastal ecologist, ranked St. George’s state park beach No. 1 in the previous year. 4 out of 650 in terms of water clarity and softness of the sand.
Activities: You can expect to share the beach with oyster catchers, bald eagles, nesting sea turtles, and other species that also spend the summer here. Hiking, renting kayaks, and spectacularly dark skies for stargazing are all available at a 2,023-acre state park. What’s more, a cleared 6 or more mile bicycle way connects objections along the ocean side.
Accommodation: Camping and beach house rentals are options for groups, while a few romantic inns offer romantic getaways.
