The best beaches in Florida PanhandleNavarre Beach. Uncrowded, unspoiled and unhurried is a great way to describe this beautiful beach. Panama City Beach (PCB) is arguably the most famous beach in the Panhandle area. You know it's a quieter beach when most people outside the Panhandle have never heard of it, as is the case of Navarra so sleepy that some still consider it a secret place; find it roughly halfway between Pensacola Beach and Destin (30 and 40 minutes by car, respectively).
Note that unlike several neighboring cities, Pensacola Beach has a stretch of coastline designated only for dogs. We also like that this beach has its own pier, offering an advantageous point of view for watching dolphins or launching a line. Pensacola Beach is the epicenter of Florida's Gulf Coast, famous for both its emerald green waters and sugar-white sands. Consistently ranked as one of the best white sand beaches in Florida, this area has endless opportunities for beach lovers.
Stroll along the entertaining Pensacola Beach Pier, snorkel and explore the diverse underwater aquatic life, and stay for sunset and monthly stargazing meetings. Not far from Apalachicola, this small island in the Florida Panhandle is located in Franklin County and offers truly stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The island is 28 miles long and inhabited, but it still retains a pristine and “intact” appearance. Two different lighthouses can be found in St.
George Island, which makes it a good place to just walk on the beach, admire the views and take some pictures. Swimming and kayaking are also popular here, and it's a good place to fish. Near Dog Island is also a nice beach with a small number of visitors, perfect for people who love their privacy and want to avoid crowds. In one of the northwesternmost points of the state of Florida is Perdido Key.
The word “Lost” translates to “Lost” in English, which seems to perfectly describe this relatively little-known but impressive island. Perdido Key runs about 16 miles and is conveniently located not far from the city of Pensacola. A lot of wildlife can be seen here, including sea turtles and many different seabirds, as well as the unique beach mouse Perdido Key, which is an endangered species of rodent that lives on the beach and is perfectly camouflaged to match the color of the sand. Perdido Key's beaches boast stunning sand dunes and miraculous views in every direction, and even more natural adventures can be enjoyed in the nearby Big Lagoon State Recreation Area.
Panama City Beach is one of the best oceanfront resorts in the Florida Panhandle. This city offers more than two dozen miles of stunning coastline and has a history of being a very popular spring break spot, but it has calmed down over the years to become a much more family-friendly destination at any time of year. The city itself has all kinds of amenities and fun places to visit, such as the shopping area of Pier Park and St. Andrews State Park, while Panama City Beach's beaches are beyond beautiful.
Many different activities are also organized here, such as scuba diving and wildlife boat trips. You're reading The 6 Best Beaches in Florida's Panhandle Back to Top. Leaving the eastern side of the Panhandle like a delicate fishing hook, Cape San Blas, bounded on three sides by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay is home to one of the most sublime beaches in the country.
Joseph Peninsula State Park, located at the tip of the coastal barrier peninsula, await you 10 miles of costa blanca like uninterrupted sugar. The sand spit is located in front of the crystal clear waters of the Gulf, and the water temperature in summer can reach a cozy 84 degrees. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 240 species. And there is a fully equipped campground right behind the beach if you want to spend the night.
The perfect postcard doesn't even begin to do this place justice; if you like your time on the beach as close to nature as possible, you'll be in heaven. Located in the northwestern part of the state, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Panhandle boasts some of the best beaches in the state. Characterized by jewel-toned waters, white sand shoreline and relaxed atmosphere, the Gulf Beaches on the state's Emerald Coast include popular spring break spots such as Panama City Beach and Destin, as well as quieter barrier islands and beach towns perfect for photography. Direct flights from major cities such as Chicago and New York City to two local airports Destin Fort Walton Beach (VPS) and Northwest Beaches International (ECP), as well as within easy driving distance of major southeastern cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville, the Panhandle beaches are ideal for a fast trip weekend excursion or longer holidays.
From luxurious Alys Beach and artistic Grayton Beach in South Walton County along 30A to Perdido Key Street near the Alabama border, learn more about the Gulf Coast's best getaways. Located on the Santa Rosa barrier island south of Pensacola, this beach offers the exclusive white sand beaches and deep green waters of the Gulf. Head to the eponymous beach boardwalk to see local boutiques, restaurants and bars, such as lively Bamboo Willie's, which serves tropical cocktails, classic seafood, and regular live music. Premier Adventure Park, which offers go-kart, parasailing and jet ski rentals, is located right next to the waterfront.
Or explore the island's unique ecology at 29 stops along the 8.5-mile Footprints on the Sand Ecological Trail, where you can spot local wildlife such as sea turtles, coastal seabirds, crabs and even dolphins. Another jewel of South Walton, Rosemary Beach's award-winning architecture, high-end art galleries and boutiques, and intimate restaurants make it a great choice for a romantic getaway on the coast. Ride the boardwalks in the morning, rent a bike from Bamboo Bicycle Company to cycle the 18.6-mile trail that runs through the dunes and other local communities like Alys Beach, or hike through the 15,131-acre Point Washington State Forest. Stop by the Curate30a Art Gallery to see the work of local and nationally renowned artists, and then enjoy local seafood such as Gulf Coast snapper at Paradis Restaurant, which has an elegant courtyard adorned with gas lanterns and greenery.
For a quiet, remote getaway, opt for the 28-mile St. Located south of Apalachicola, Barrera Island has miles of pristine beach for leisurely strolling, hunting shells or sunbathing, and its calm Gulf waters are perfect for swimming, fishing and other water activities. Ride the 17 miles of paved bike trails, take a guided dolphin charter tour or climb the 92 stairs to the top of the island's iconic lighthouse. George Island State Park has campgrounds, paved bike trails, hiking trails, canoe rentals, kayaks, and beach access for natural wildlife viewing, including 300 different bird species.
Photo courtesy of Navarre Beach Camping Resort Located in the northwest corner of the state, Perdido Key is a 16-mile stretch of Gulf Beach located between Pensacola and Orange Beach, Alabama. Part of the Gulf Islands' national coastline, the area is home to sand dunes, crystal clear waters and outdoor adventures. Head to Big Lagoon State Park for five miles of hiking trails, paved bike trails, boardwalks, a hand kayak launch, an observation tower, and pet-friendly campgrounds. The park is also the starting point for Florida's Great Bird and Wildlife Watching Trail.
After daytime excursions, enjoy dinner at the Crab Trap family seafood restaurant or have a drink and watch the sun set at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, located on the border of the two states. Yes, Panama City Beach is popular with the spring break crowd, but its 27 miles of coastline also offer plenty of activities for families and older travelers. The area has no shortage of water fun, from snorkeling and diving to surfing, swimming and boating. Do you want to stay on the mainland? Shop, eat or ride SkyWheel in Pier Park, or visit local amusement parks like Shipwreck Island Waterpark and Coconut Creek Family Fun Park.
For a quieter outing, try St. Andrews State Park, a 1,200-acre nature reserve along the Gulf, featuring campgrounds, beach access, hiking trails, surfing, kayak rentals, and wildlife viewing. How to visit Navarre Beach in Florida The 6 best fun things to do in St. George Island with Kids Top 13 State Parks in South Carolina Best Beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California Top 15 State Parks in Michigan Take off your shoes for fun in the sun on Florida's Suncoast beaches.
This is easily one of the most popular beach destinations on the Gulf Coast for families. Panama City Beach is a 27-mile long beach covered in beautiful sugar-white sand. The beaches are well maintained and full of families. The beaches are stunning and we could easily spend all our time on the beach.
But when the kids start getting some sun, we head to Pier Park, PCB's entertainment, shopping and dining complex. It has more than 100 shops, several dining options and a movie theater. Panama City Beach also has one of the highest concentrations of wild bottlenose dolphins in the world, so we always try to schedule a dolphin tour. When we visit Pensacola Beach, our must-see attraction is the fishing pier and the Pensacola Beach lookout.
This pier is 1,471 feet long, which takes you right over the Gulf of Mexico to capture some incredible views. This is always the highlight when we visit. Unfortunately, the pier is temporarily closed due to hurricane damage. Check here for the latest updates.
Are you looking for a quiet beach area for families? Perdido Key State Park is your place. It is located about 14 miles east of Gulf Shores and is open for day use from 8 to, m. Travel+Leisure magazine named Santa Rosa Beach one of its five favorite cities in the United States and maintains a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. Just a few miles from Panama City Beach, St Andrews State Park says you can “experience five different ecological landscapes in one stunning location when you visit this park.
Located between Panama City Beach and Destin, this 2,000-acre state park is home to a large beach area. You can even rent cabins at the state park so you can wake up to the sunrises and end the day with the sunsets on this beach. Our family loves the beach, but sometimes we need a break to stretch our legs for a while and Grayton Beach State Park has 4 miles of trails so you can let the kids run with energy before returning to relaxing on the beach. The Gulf Islands national coastline is located just off Oyster Bay, which serves as a popular beach along Bon Bay.
In this park, you can swim in the crystal clear waters, rest on the beach or go out on a boat to enjoy numerous fishing adventures. You can also travel south to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to see migratory birds, sea turtles and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Pensacola Beach has white sand beaches and sparkling emerald green waters that will impress at first sight. While settling in for a day of fun, you can enjoy some of the best views of the Gulf and plenty of opportunities to relax.
If you want to explore a little, head to Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail to learn all about the hidden secrets of this beach. The tranquil community of Navarre Beach is always the perfect place to spend the day. With over 12 miles of pristine sandy beaches, you can enjoy all kinds of incredible adventures, from beach walks to fishing trips. The scenic bike trail offers even more ways to experience the beautiful waterways from a whole new perspective.
When deep sea fishing calls you by name, cut to the chase with a trip to the Gulf Pier of Pensacola Beach. On this pier, you'll find tons of hopeful fishermen trying their luck and hoping to catch tuna, redfish and much more. If you don't have your gear or know what to use, don't worry, just stop by the bait and tackle shop to get everything you need. After Pensacola Beach, the first beach town she reaches is Navarre Beach, full of condos and an exclusive pier that juts into the Gulf of Mexico.
Beauty is a subjective subject and everyone has their views on what makes something beautiful, but it can be universally accepted that Santa Rosa beach is simply one of the most beautiful coastal places in the world. This beach is located in South Walton, FL and is considered one of the best beaches to visit when you stay in or near Destin, FL. One of Florida's most forgotten beach towns, Santa Rosa Beach attracts bathers from all over the world. Some skyscrapers are located along the coast, but for the most part, this eight-mile stretch of lifeguard beach on Santa Rosa Island still has a soft, undeveloped environment.
. .