Best Florida Panhandle Vacations
Florida Panhandle City Guides
Things to Do on the Florida Panhandle
Discover ideas for the best Florida Panhandle vacations, from tips on what to do in Destin when it rains to kids activities in Panama City Beach. This stretch of coastline is one of the best in the Sunshine State. For a general overview of the area, keep reading. Here are the top things to see and do on the Florida Panhandle...
Where is the Florida Panhandle? It's located on Florida's northwest coastline, and has been called everything from the "Other Florida" to the "Redneck Riviera." In addition to its many soft white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise water, the Panhandle is full of deep historic roots and Southern scenery including magnolia trees, pines, and grits. Best of all, Panhandle vacations nowhere near as crowded as other Florida tourist destinations. Bear in mind that unlike the rest of Florida, the Panhandle's on-season is summer, not winter.
Top Florida Panhandle Destinations
Pensacola
Pensacola manages to pack tons of things to do in one sunny location. You can't visit this historic town without heading out to the area's top attraction, the Naval Air Station. The Pensacola Naval Air Station is the home of the world-famous Blue Angels. The Blue Angels practice their routine every week from March to November on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Be sure to get there early to grab a seat for a free show from some of America's best pilots. Though not as frequently toured as the Naval Air Station, Fort Barrancas is a Spanish-built fort that dates back to 1797. Families, military buffs and history enthusiasts alike will all enjoy touring this historic fort accessible only by drawbridge.
Destin is the quintessential beach town. It's all about carefree fun in the water and relaxation here. Detin's best beach offerings include Beasley Park and Henderson Beach Park. When you're not having fun on the water, make sure to check out the bustling HarborWalk Village.
Panama City Beach
While Spring Break brings in the party-hungry college kids, for most the year PCB is a distinctly family-friendly destination. In fact, some of the best Florida Panhandle kids activities are found here - attractions like Shipwreck Island Water Park, Gulf World Marine Park, and the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park mean there's always something to do. Adults, on the other hand, will appreciate the Pier Park Shopping Center, Panama City Beach Winery, and of course the fantastic beaches - many of which are public and fall along Front Beach Road.
South Walton
The Beaches of South Walton are a hit year in and year out, and that's especially true for South Walton, which includes the likes of Santa Rosa Beach, Seacrest Beach, Seagrove Beach, and Rosemary Beach. The beaches are the main attraction, but there are plenty of options for great shopping and eating, from Blue Mountain's Redfish Village to Grayton Beache's Shops of Grayton.
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Top Florida Panhandle Beaches
What list of "Florida Panhandle Things to Do" would be complete without highlighting the area's many beach towns? Grayton Beach, Destin, St George Island, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, South Walton -- the many towns on the panhandle's coastline are packed with activities.Take a boat out to Shell Island off of Panama City Beach for one of the best shelling locations in the country. Go hiking, swimming, or snorkeling at the Grayton Beach State Park, a huge park full of dunes, wetlands, wildlife, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Here's a list of the top beach activities in the Panhandle area:
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Diving
- Surfing
- Surf fishing
- Kayaking
- Kayak fishing
Top Florida Panhandle Golf Courses
Golf in Florida is legendary, and the Florida Panhandle's selection of courses is no exception. The calm Gulf waters and magnolia trees make a great backdrop to a quiet round. This stretch of coastline features a whopping 50 courses, and the vast majority are open to the public. What makes Panhandle golf unique in the Sunshine state? Cooler temperatures, cheaper rates, and some especially beautiful natural scenery. Here are the top golf courses for Panhandle vacations.
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort - Destin
Hombre Beach Club - Panama City Beach
Baypoint Resort - Panama City Beach
Kelly Plantation - Destin
Camp Creek Golf Club - Panama City Beach
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club - Fort Walton Beach
AC read Golf Course - Pensacola
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Top Florida Panhandle Spas
Whether you're pairing your relaxation at the beach with some relaxation at the spa, or you need somewhere to go on a relaxing day, the Florida Panhandle has you covered. Its spas are some of the best the Sunshine State has to offer, and that's saying a lot. Here are some of the top Florida Panhandle spas.
Surfside Spa - Miramar Beach
Wabi Sabi Day Spa - Navarre Beach
The Emerald Sanctuary - Miramar Beach
Indulge Pensacola Beach
Getting Dangerous Day Spa - Panama City
Radiante Jacqueline Day Spa - Pensacola
Aquarius Spa - Seaside
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Wait! There's More!
There are so many things to do on the Florida panhandle that it would be impossible to list them all here. If you're an oyster lover, don't miss out on Apalachicola, the Oyster Capital of the World. Take a trip out to Havana to see a port town seemingly frozen in time. Order some grits, sweet tea, and fresh Florida seafood at one of the panhandle's many restaurants. How you choose to see the panhandle is up to you -- just don't miss out on this best-kept Florida secret.
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