Affectionately known as the “Forgotten Coast,” Florida’s alluring Panhandle is littered with pristine undeveloped beaches, quiet barrier islands, small fishing towns, and quaint beach-side cities. The white powdery sand and emerald waters make the perfect backdrop for a day of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or diving and their close proximity to each other make it possible to easily explore them all. For a truly off-the-radar beach vacation away from the masses, head to one of these gorgeous beaches on the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida.
Panama City Beach
Why Come Here: Family-friendly stretch of beach and day trips to see some of Florida’s most pristine landscapes.
With 27 miles of stunning white quartz sandy beaches, Panama City Beach is more than its past reputation of college-age students on Spring Break. Surfers, divers, and nature lovers will be able to appreciate the vast amount of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Hire diving gear to explore the “Wreck Diving Capital of the South,” take a boat out to gawk at the frolicking dolphin pods, or hop on a sunset boat tour for a relaxing view of the area. For a more secluded getaway, take a water shuttle to Shell Island, relax on nearby Mexico Beach, or witness wildlife in their natural habitat in St. Andrews State Park.
Santa Rosa Beach
Why Come Here: Sugar-white sand beaches and outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
One of Florida’s most overlooked beach towns, Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers from around the world. Its pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters are a perfect oasis for nature lovers. Visit nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for sunbathing, biking, hiking, and spotting wildlife, or relax on the 3.2 miles of secluded white sandy beaches.
Fort Walton Beach
Why Come Here: A kid-friendly beach with tons of top family attractions nearby.
A hotspot for fun beach activities, Fort Walton Beach is a lively beach town full of attractions, parks, museums, and aquariums. Here you are spoiled for choice, so fill up your itinerary with activities or lay back and enjoy the calm emerald waters and cool powdery sands at the beach, it’s up to you.
Destin
Why Come Here: More than 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline to bask in the sunshine.
Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” popular for an array of fishing opportunities and a consistently hungry underwater population. With emerald-hued waters, sugar-white sands, and fresh seafood, there is a reason why Destin has become an increasingly popular vacation destination. Nature lovers will appreciate nearby Henderson State Park for its 6,000 feet of natural shoreline and warm crystal clear waters and the untouched Miramar Beach for peace and quiet. Comparatively, for a livelier beach experience, take a boat out to Crab Island, a popular underwater sandbar where locals like to mingle and party.
Pensacola Beach
Why Come Here: Postcard-worthy views with sugar-white sands and emerald waters.
Pensacola Beach is the epicenter of the Florida Gulf Coast, famous for both its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. Consistently ranking as one of the top white sand beaches in Florida, this area boasts endless opportunities for beachgoers. Stroll along the entertaining Pensacola Beach Pier, snorkel and explore diverse underwater aquatic life, and stay to watch the sunset and monthly stargazing gatherings.
Seaside
Why Come Here: A hidden gem beach with a quaint backdrop made famous in a hit movie.
A location made famous by the movie “The Truman Show”, the pastel-colored houses and white picket fences allow Seaside to maintain its quaint and charming vibe. Picture perfect, you won’t find cars on the brick-paved pedestrian streets, making Seaside a fantastic family getaway from hustle and bustle of nearby Panama City Beach. For even more solitude venture out to nearby Seagrove Beach, a small mile and a half beach that screams tranquility. Here you’ll find a unique and untouched canopy view of magnolias, hickories, sand pines, and oaks.
Grayton Beach
Why Come Here: A nature lover’s paradise with a white sandy coastline and rare coastal dune lakes for kayaking.
Artsy and full of character, Grayton Beach is a funky area with Hemingway-style wooden homes situated on side streets paved with crushed oyster shells. Consistently ranking among the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., you simply can’t beat its famous one-mile shoreline of clear emerald green waters. Hit the nature trail, kayak through the nearby Western Lake, or bike through the 4 miles of pine flatwoods.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Why Come Here: Serene coastal landscapes and untouched natural beauty.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is 9.5 miles of beach covered in snow-white sand, consistently referred to as one of the most tranquil beaches in Florida. Its untouched natural beauty makes it a perfect spot to fish or swim next to the grass flats in St. Joseph Bay. Visit nearby Cape San Blas beach, once named the best beach in America for its uninterrupted postcard-perfect views.
St. George Island State Park
Why Come Here: Miles of unspoiled natural beauty without the tourist crowds.
A beloved gem, St. George Island State Park has some of the finest powdery white beaches you’ll find in Florida. This quiet barrier island retreat has miles of undeveloped beaches and an endless amount of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Sit back and appreciate the beautiful sand dunes, take a stroll through one of the scenic walks, or venture over to the even more remote Dog Island.
Navarre Beach
Why Come Here: An underrated gem on the Gulf Islands National Seashore with affordable hotels.
With a nickname like “Florida’s Playground,” Navarre Beach has a lot to live up to. Explore the Canoe Capital of Florida and soak in the beauty of the Gulf Islands National Seashore for a peek into its rich history. This compact beach community has 12 miles of luxurious shoreline that is ideal for those looking for complete solitude. Relaxation is king here, and you will be hard-pressed to find anything more enjoyable than swimming in the jewel-toned waters, biking the scenic path, or kicking back on the magnificent white sandy beach.
Perdido Key
Why Come Here: A quiet beach and an ideal place to escape the crowds.
Situated on a tiny strip of land on Florida’s far northwest, Perdido Key State Park is a piece of paradise. With rolling, white-sand dunes and warm Gulf waters, it is hard to not appreciate the breathtaking oceanfront views as you soak in the gentle salty breeze. For more action, cross the bridge to Big Lagoon State Park where you will find fantastic camping and hiking opportunities.
Blue Mountain Beach
Why Come Here: To escape the crowds and enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
The perfect blend of natural beauty and turquoise coastal waters, Blue Mountain Beach takes its name from the blue lupine flowers found here. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all in the Panhandle, as this South Walton beauty features soft white sands where you can throw out a towel and bask in the sunshine in peace and quiet. Outdoor activities include swimming, kayaking, paddling boarding, and biking along the trails, while indulging in fresh Gulf seafood at a local restaurant is a must.
