Discover the Must-See Towns in the Florida Panhandle
Are you hoping to travel to some of the lovely and hospitable towns in the Florida Panhandle? Florida has some of the most gorgeous seaside towns in the nation.
Florida has so many beach groups that deciding which one to visit is difficult. Luckily, you’ve already limited it to the cities in the Florida Panhandle.
All you have to do now is select the ideal option for you.
There are peaceful coastal villages in the Florida panhandle between Pensacola and St. George Island.
It’s almost time for a vacation at one of the top beach populations in the Florida Panhandle, so grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Where is the Florida Panhandle?
The Florida Panhandle, situated in the northwest of the state, is a gorgeous destination with beautiful coasts along the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches in this region are well-known for their beautiful, clear waters and fine, white sand, making them one of Florida’s most picturesque landscapes.
The Panhandle is lovely not just because of its amazing scenery but also because of the variety of activities it offers tourists.
The Panhandle is home to Tallahassee, the state capital, which gives the area some historical and cultural value. Despite not being a beachside city, Tallahassee offers a unique take on Florida because of its rich ancient design, museums, and verdant parks.
It is the ideal place to begin your study of the Panhandle because it acts as a gateway to the region’s coastal treasures.
Best Towns in the Florida Panhandle
When planning your vacation, make sure to include some of the Florida Panhandle’s most picturesque beach locations on your must-visit list.
These beautiful spots offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a range of places to stay to meet the demands of each kind of traveller, making them ideal for almost any kind of trip.
The Panhandle is home to a diverse array of beach towns, each with its unique character and appeal.
For those seeking luxury and relaxation, the upscale resorts in destinations like Destin and Seaside provide a perfect setting.
These resorts offer world-class amenities, stunning ocean views, and a level of service that ensures an extraordinary stay.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, these high-end accommodations will make your trip truly special.
1. St. George Island
Calm barrier island St. George Island is located on the western side of Apalachicola Bay. From Dog Island to St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge Island, the island of St. George is 28 miles long.
These towns may be reached by bridge from East Point in the Florida panhandle, which lies about 1.5 hours east of Panama City.
Apalachicola Bay, where there are lots of spots for fishing and water sports, is not far away.
Enjoy your time at one of the many public beaches or the Florida State Park.
There are numerous hiking paths, dining options, and stunning dunes in this lovely park.
This is the ideal getaway from the Florida Panhandle.
2. Santa Rosa Bay
A vacationer will adore and appreciate Santa Rosa Bay’s laid-back beach attitude, making it one of the best spots to visit in the Florida Panhandle.
It’s the ideal location for a Florida BabyMoon or a romantic getaway for any couple.
The panhandle’s central bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, is bordered by Santa Rosa Bay.
As long as your holiday permits, you can park and make this place your home; there are some little seaside villages to choose from.
There are numerous charming tiny towns to select from in Santa Rosa Bay. Among the well-known Santa Rosa municipalities are Grayton Beach, WaterColor, and Seaside.
However, there is enough to do at Santa Rosa Beach.
These are the best small towns in the Florida panhandle for those who enjoy shopping, dining, hiking, and the outdoors.
3. Destin
The world’s luckiest fishing village is Destin.
Therefore, you might want to pick this location if you and someone else wish to go fishing while on vacation.
Red snapper, grouper, and flounder are common in Destin, to mention a few.
In addition to being a well-known fishing community, Destin Harbor offers a boardwalk with plenty of eateries, bars, and shops for sale.
While in town, you can also always check out live music, which is a pleasant way to wind down after a day spent fishing or at the beach.
You won’t want to miss Destin’s stunning beaches, such as Henderson Beach State Park. It’s the ideal Florida romantic retreat.
If you take your fishing seriously, you should also think about renting a boat and trying your hand at deep-sea fishing. You could even go to the next crab island.
4. Tallahassee
Florida A&M University and Florida State University are located in Tallahassee, the state capital.
Is it regarded as one of the greatest non-waterfront towns in the Florida Panhandle?
Furthermore, Tallahassee is the place to go if you’re sick of the beach and want to get away to one of the nicest cities in the Florida Panhandle.
Since this is arguably the last place you think of when you think of Florida, people often get stumped to learn that it is the state capital of Florida.
Furthermore, Tallahassee has many eateries, retail stores, farmers markets, and museums, one of which is the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Due to its status as a bustling college town, Tallahassee has a robust job market, rising incomes, and a cheap cost of living.
So Tallahassee might be the place for you if you’ve ever wanted to move to Florida and live like you’re on vacation all the time.
5. Port St. Joe
The state’s constitution was drafted in these towns, which also served as a key port for the Florida panhandle.
The little port town on Florida’s Panhandle’s upper Gulf Coast is well-known for its lovely beaches and kind locals.
It is also among the most cheap cities on our list. Thus, if you want to travel while saving money, this is the place for you.
However, with its gorgeous harbour, this charming city on the bay invites you to stroll in the evening and experience the slower pace of life that people in the Panhandle appreciate.
However, Near are Southern cafes, stores from the early 20th century, a historic motel, and the Constitution Convention Museum State Park, where visitors may learn about Florida history.
Lastly, The Panhandle’s top attraction, Pensacola Beach, can be reached easily from Port St. Joe and shouldn’t be missed.
6. Panama City Beach
Among the nicest groups in the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach is a classic beach town. It offers a plethora of activities and nightlife.
You can also stroll along the coast and spot dolphins close in, or you can parasail over the emerald-green waters below.
If you’re searching for something a little more energetic, this is the ideal town to visit in the Florida Panhandle.
When you grow weary of Panama Beach, they even have the renowned Shipwreck Island water park.
If you still need more arguments, Coconut Creek Family Park is a fantastic place to play mini golf, and these are the best beach towns in Florida panhandle.
7. Apalachicola
One of the most breathtaking locations to visit or call home in the Florida Panhandle is Apalachicola, which is situated on the Gulf of Mexico.
This village is renowned for its mouthwatering seafood and oysters.
Because of its tiny size, this is the ideal location if you’re searching for places to walk in Florida.
It’s easy not to need a car because there are plenty of eateries within walking distance of the town’s holiday adaptations.
Moreover, You may visit a historic neighbourhood off the main street that features wooden stained-glass churches and Victorian residences with towers.
Though the old town is beautiful, the wide beaches here are the real draw.
8. Grayton Beach
A tiny beach hamlet that is genuinely a hidden gem may be found nestled in the eastern Panhandle, just outside of Destin’s busy bustle.
This lovely seaside retreat is the ideal getaway for those seeking a more sedate and pensive beach experience because it provides a wonderful fusion of charm, culture, and natural beauty.
Even with so many excellent restaurants, interesting art galleries, and beautiful scenery.
These towns are strangely quiet, a tranquil haven away from the usual tourist attractions in the Florida panhandle.
The town’s beautiful white sand beaches are one of its most enticing sightseers. These endless beaches provide a serene haven where you can stroll down the coast and never see another person.
Indeed, The serene murmur of the waves and the cleanliness of the shoreline create the perfect atmosphere for reflection, meditation, or just relaxing in the embrace of nature.
These isolated beaches provide the ideal getaway from the stresses of daily life.
Whether you’re looking for peace to collect your thoughts or a quiet place to read and unwind.
9. Point Gator
With nature right outside the door, the sleepy little beach hamlet between the Gulf of Mexico and Alligator Harbor symbolizes classic coastal Florida.
Don’t be put off by the name.
Indeed, it’s the ideal romantic retreat for couples who want some alone time together. The 8-mile stretch of the beach is a peaceful place to stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The town’s environs are so spotless that a bay that separates it from Florida’s busy coast is home to the best seawater crabs in the world, which results in some delicious fish to eat.
Lastly, Bald Point State Park is a short drive away and offers hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and sailing chances to see wildlife viewing.
10. Seaside
West of Panama City Seaside is the seaside tourist town of Seaside.
The town features wonderful sidewalk stores, stunning beaches, and plenty of hotel choices, all within ten minutes of the downtown area.
Many charming stores, galleries, and cafes line the streets.
Beach towns near Panama City, Florida, attract both locals and visitors throughout the year thanks to their weekly market, outdoor live music shows, and other events.
Even though the town is small and charming, it is quite lively.
The 30A Songwriters Festival takes place along the scenic 30A Freeway and features live music.
11. Carrabelle
In the Florida Panhandle, Carrabelle is a hidden gem that offers a great beach holiday. It blends scenic natural beauty with a vibrant atmosphere.
Moreover, Carrabelle, an area known for its friendly locals and lively nightlife, is the kind of location where the vibrancy of the locals amplifies the allure of its breathtaking coastline.
These towns are ideal places for people who want to see the best of the Gulf Coast in the Florida panhandle because of their variety of exciting festivals, local eateries, and scenic attractions.
One of the highlights of Carrabelle is the vibrant beaches between Panama City and Destin Waterfront Festival, which attracts tourists from near and far to celebrate the town’s rich nautical heritage.
With food, music, and entertainment galore, a festival is a colourful event set against the backdrop of the Gulf’s lovely seas.
Furthermore, With great pubs and little crab shacks serving up excellent local seafood, refreshing cocktails, and a glimpse of the easygoing way of life that characterizes this seaside town, the vibe is electric.
12. Inlet Beach
The Inlet Beach is a peaceful location located halfway between Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida.
The Inlet Beach is one of the nicest beaches in the Florida Panhandle because of its lengthy, serene sandy beaches.
It is also conveniently located if you wish to spend the day at Panama City Beach because it is sandwiched between two of the panhandle’s main groups.
The water at Inlet Beach is emerald, similar to Rosemary Beach and Panama City Beach, but with fewer people.
Because it is not as well-known among tourists and is yet off the beaten path, many people find comfort in it.
Aside from these towns, Inlet Beach is one of the greatest areas to call home in the Florida Panhandle.
While on vacation, this is a terrific place to park and call home because everyone is friendly and welcoming.
13. DeFuniak Springs
The DeFuniak Springs is home to a variety of outdoor activities and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Hiking, fishing, and boat rides are all great activities in Lake Stanley Park.
Visitors can get ready for a day of strolling through the town and admiring its Victorian splendour at the Circle Dive Heritage Centre.
Indeed, you can spend the afternoon visiting one of the state’s oldest libraries by walking around the spring-fed lake—just one activity among many available here.
The mile-long road is great for jogging, easy hiking, and dog walks.
An excellent location if you want to increase your level of activity and search for freshwater springs.
14. Rosemary Beach
Beautiful Rosemary Beach is a picture-perfect resort that offers a great blend of maturity, natural beauty, and outdoor activity.
These Rosemary Beach are hamlet hidden towns in the Florida Panhandle.
The alleys of this charming seaside town are lined with lush green gardens, which create a striking contrast with the town’s distinctive white structures.
Rosemary Beach’s architecture is inspired by a fusion of Southern and West Indies traditions, which gives the community a distinct personality that makes it stand out from other beach communities.
Rosemary Beach offers everything for everyone in search of a holiday that strikes a mix between leisure and action.
The town’s beautiful shores, with their powder-soft sand and crystal-clear seas, are ideal for relaxing or playing a range of water sports.
The calm beach offers the perfect backdrop for a leisurely day, whether you want to kayak, paddleboard, or soak up the sun.
The explorers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the town.
Several hiking routes let visitors lose themselves in the natural surroundings, while beach horseback riding provides an unusual way to soak up the beauty of the shore.
There’s never a dull instant because sports lovers can enjoy tennis, riding, and aptness sittings.
15. Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach is a serene and lovely getaway on the Gulf Coast. It is ideally located between the busy centres of beach towns near Panama City and the sleepy village of Port St. Joe.
For anyone wanting to avoid the crowds and take in the quiet glory of Florida’s coastline, this hidden gem is a flawless place to go.
Mexico Beach provides the ideal beach break with its laid-back vibe, incredible natural scenery, and an array of nearby holds.
However, Mexico Beach boasts five miles of perfect white sand beaches, which are among its most attractive holds.
The calm air created by these clean coasts and the soft Gulf of Mexico waves is ideal for unwinding.
The beach offers a calm atmosphere for a variety of activities, including basking, walking along the shore, and having a good picnic.
The region is mainly well known for its superb fishing, which makes it a haven for fishermen of all skill levels.
Lastly, Cast your line and enjoy some of the best fishing the Gulf has to offer, whether you’re fishing from the pier, the shore, or even a hired boat.
16. Alys Beach
A trip to Alys Beach is the kind of skill that lingers long after your trip is over.
This old-world near-the-beach public is tucked away along Florida’s scenic Route 30A and offers a passive haven from the bustle of daily life.
Alys Beach is the ideal location for people looking for both action and rest because of its superb blend of first-rate features and calm natural beauty.
One of its most distinctive aspects is Alys Beach’s vivid style, which draws inspiration from the Mediterranean.
With their crisp lines and striking accents, the town’s beaten houses offer an elegant setting that makes it seem like a world away.
This unusual architectural style lends Alys Beach a refined yet warm charm. Especially when paired with the town’s lush greenery and oyster shell paths.
Alys Beach dining is a unique skill.
There are a few top-notch cafes in towns like the hamlet that serve a wide range of foods, from gourmet meals to fresh seafood in Florida panhandle.
The food scene here is likely to wow, whether you’re having an easy breakfast at a little café or treating yourself to a great dining experience.
17. Navarre
Navarre is home to some of the state’s most beautiful beaches.
A charming seaside town set between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola Beach.
Furthermore, The beach in Navarre, whose name means “peace,” is a tranquil area with many places to relax.
One of the most beautiful fishing piers in Florida is located at Navarre Beach.
Families will like the Science Station in these towns, the Refuge, the Sea Turtle Defense Center, and Navarre Beach Marine Park in the Florida panhandle.
While you’re here, you should check out Pensacola Beach.
Not to be missed is the unique Navarre Beach Marine Reserve.
18. WaterColor
The WaterColor is more than simply a beach vacation spot; it’s a little piece of heaven that embodies the classic beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Situated on the calm Panhandle coast, WaterColor offers a supreme mixture of leisure and joy, drawing tourists and inviting them to consider relocating to this beautiful region forever.
The clean beach at WaterColor is one of its most important features.
The Gulf’s original waters beckon you to swim at any time of day. The powder-soft, sugar-white sand seems like a rich carpet under your feet.
It’s simple to spend whole days enjoying the sun, reeling in the warm waves. Just taking in the restful noises of the waves at this beach because of its serene and warm feel.
WaterColor’s Beach is a great spot for rest and renewal. Whether you’re an early riser who enjoys strolls along the shore in the morning or a sunset swimmer.
19. Fort Walton Beach
Without adding Fort Walton Beach, what list of the top beach towns in the Florida Panhandle would be complete?
It’s in the ideal position, close to Pensacola Beach and Okaloosa Island.
Moreover, if you grow weary of the white, powdery sand on South Walton beaches, you can check out the Indian Temple Mound Museum.
This is one of the more affordable cities on the list, and there are lots of Airbnb’s here as well.
The beach at Fort Walton should not be missed.
A1. Yes, families ought to visit Panama City Beach. The town has a range of attractions, such as miniature golf courses, aquariums, and amusement parks. The calm waves of the family-friendly beaches make it a safe place for kids to play and swim. There are also lots of family-friendly acting changes and restaurants.
A2. Seaside is known for its unique community planning and style. Indeed, it was one of the first villages to be planned using the New Urbanism concept. Which order of walkability and social contact is this one? Visitors seeking a distinct and laid-back attitude are drawn to the town’s scenic site, which is made up of colourful cottages, quaint stores, and gourmet food trucks.
A3. Yes, a visit to Apalachicola and Pensacola, two historic villages in the Florida Panhandle, is strongly advised. Apalachicola is highly known for both its legacy as a weighty port town and its finely well-kept-up 19th-century style. Often referred to as “The City of Five Flags,” Pensacola boasts a rich past, many museums, and superb colonial-style houses.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat to relax by the ocean or a bustling weekend vacation full of activity towns, the Florida Panhandle has a wealth of things to offer everyone.
The region’s various towns cater to every type of tourist. Making your trip to this sun-drenched part of the Sunshine State unique.
Destin and Panama City Beach are especially attractive to people who prefer busy settings due to their lively atmospheres.
These towns have plenty to do, including dining establishments, acting centres, and shop streets, as well as scenic shores and water events.
However, these lively cities provide all you could want, from exciting boat rides to dining on fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to just lazing on the sandy beaches and enjoying the sun.
With its busy cities and calm getaways, the Florida Panhandle has something to offer everyone.
Finally, the Panhandle extends an invitation for you to pack your bags and skill the beach life. That only the Sunshine State can provide, whether your favorite is for the quiet of an area rich in natural beauty. The energy of a busy beach town.
My name is Zahra Tariq, and I have been traveling in Florida for the past 8 years. I have explored Florida’s beauty during this time and have seen many beautiful places in the state.