Florida’s Emerald Coast, stretching 100 miles alongside the Panhandle, includes just a few of the Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets and techniques. Distinctly separate from Orlando’s theme parks or Miami’s thumping nightlife, that is the place quiet stretches of sandy seashores line calm, turquoise waters; hidden state parks shelter shorebirds which might be counted by the flock; and the place native fishers collect over just a few chilly beers to speak of the one (or a number of) that received away.
Dubbed the ‘Emerald Coast’ by a neighborhood junior highschool pupil in 1983 (he gained $50 for his efforts), the skinny stretch of shoreline alongside the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama Metropolis has lengthy been featured on the itineraries of motoring households and spring breakers.
Dwelling to a lot of Florida’s finest seashores, selecting the most effective time to go to the Emerald Coast relies on your preferences for climate, crowds and actions. Spring breakers flock to the coasts of Destin and Panama Metropolis Seashore in March and April, whereas summer season tourism reaches its peak from June by way of August. The crowds start to skinny on the top of hurricane season (from the top of August till November) because the climate turns into extra temperamental. With a great mix of excellent climate, fewer crowds and loads of out of doors actions and festivals to take pleasure in, savvy vacationers discover Could to be a great time to go to.
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Most guests have largely caught to the principle sights off Florida State Highway 30A, the area’s foremost drag. Right here, we shed some gentle on the highest 9 issues to do on the Emerald Coast.
1. Escape to secret seashores
Florida’s breezy Gulf Coast seashores are among the quickest methods to fend off sweltering climate and take just a few deep gulps of contemporary, salty air. Common seashores are plentiful close to foremost resort areas like Panama Metropolis Seashore and Destin, however the space nonetheless has just a few hidden treasures price in search of out.
Not removed from Panama Metropolis Seashore, Shell Island is a favourite amongst locals and some in-the-know guests for out of doors actions like swimming and snorkeling. An uninhabited island separating St Andrews Bay from the gulf, this pristine stretch of sand options not one of the typical facilities – no concessions, restrooms, picnic tables or trash cans (bear in mind to pack out what you usher in). Wander alongside sugar-sand seashores and thru mangroves the place the one different customer may be a nesting shorebird. Convey a pair of binoculars to identify bottlenose dolphins, that are continuously seen off the coast of this slice of paradise.
A bit additional afield, Grayton Seashore State Park exemplifies the area’s treasured moniker, offering secluded seashores with azure waters, in addition to biking and mountaineering trails and two uncommon coastal dune lakes which might be made for exploring through kayak. Plus, thirty onsite cabins make for the proper quiet getaway.
2. Discover under-visited state parks
Distant from Florida’s theme parks, the Emerald Coast gives a extra feral various to the manicured leisure discovered within the middle of the state. Archaeological proof suggests the world round Topsail Hill Protect State Park was as soon as utilized by Native Individuals for searching and fishing, and little has modified since. The park nonetheless encompasses a beautiful array of ecosystems, together with cypress domes, marshes, pine flatwoods, scrub and moist prairies.
Simply north of the pastel-colored deliberate neighborhood of Seaside, Eden Gardens State Park supplies a glimpse of Florida because it was within the nineteenth century. Set on 163 acres of historic land, the park’s central focus is the restored Wesley Home, a two-story mansion encircled by columned verandas. Elsewhere within the Spanish moss–shaded park there are decorative gardens, just a few mountaineering trails and boat entry to the close by Tucker Bayou.
3. Wind down at native haunts and hangouts
As soon as the solar units or a thunderstorm roars overhead, head indoors to a heat and pleasant spot for a chew to eat. With a squad of affable bartenders and budget-friendly meals and drinks, Destin’s Crimson Door Saloon is the stay-until-last-call hangout the place locals could be discovered after hours. Pizzas and bratwursts can be found to absorb the booze.
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Straying from Entrance Seashore Rd, Panama Metropolis Seashore’s foremost commercialized artery, you’ll discover native favorites like FINNS Island Type Grub on Thomas Dr. The road meals shack is the proper spot to select up a espresso on the best way to the seashore or a light-weight lunch. For an upscale chew a bit additional inland, Hunt & Collect Uncooked Bar & Pub gives a classy, but approachable tackle coastal Floridian delicacies with a comfortable ambiance splendid for a date or winding down after a day on the strand.
4. Dive into undersea adventures
With twenty diving websites alongside the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Path, this space of the Gulf of Mexico has been dubbed the ‘Wreck Capital of the South.’ Diving the Emerald Coast is a positive approach to discover one thing secret to most. Thankfully, with a number of dive charters alongside the coast, exploring this space has by no means been simpler.
Panama Metropolis’s latest wreck dive, the Crimson Sea, was a 125ft tugboat that was deliberately sunk in 2009. Now she sits simply 40ft beneath the floor, and a number of other species of marine life have already taken up residence. The Emerald Coast additionally options a number of submerged bridge spans, together with sections of the Hathaway Bridge, which was initially inbuilt 1929 and linked Panama Metropolis to Panama Metropolis Seashore, however is now residence to angel fish, grouper and the occasional barracuda.
For landlubbers who nonetheless wish to get a glimpse of life a number of fathoms underwater, head to Man within the Sea Museum, which showcases the number of gear and undersea habitats used to discover the mysteries of the ocean.
5. Have fun native historical past and tradition at annual festivals
The Florida Panhandle’s id is inextricably linked to the historical past and landscapes of the world, which is peppered with the tales of pirates, vagrants and artists who discovered refuge within the palmetto-lined coast. Annual occasions just like the Billy Bowlegs Pageant and the 30A Songwriters Pageant have a good time the area’s storied previous and inventive spirit.
The coves and bays of the Emerald Coast have been the proper hiding spots for pirates who plied the waters for unsuspecting service provider vessels. The Billy Bowlegs Pageant, held in Could at Fort Walton Seashore, memorializes one such pirate, William Augustus Bowles, who operated a flotilla of marauders across the Florida Panhandle. Annually, pirate reenactors “invade” town and maintain siege for 3 days of peg-legged merriment, music, meals and native arts and crafts.
In January, musicians and songwriters from all over the world come to intimate venues only a guitar-pick’s throw away from idyllic seashores for the 30A Songwriters Pageant. Bringing 125+ acts to the Emerald Coast, the pageant is an opportunity for songwriters to share their tales and tunes in dozens of venues round South Walton together with intimate spots as small as 75 seats and out of doors phases that may accommodate 1000’s of followers.
6. Hit the boardwalk for family-friendly enjoyable
Once you want a break from the sand and solar, head to Destin’s Harbor Boardwalk or the close by Village of Baytowne Wharf for a day of family-friendly leisure.
The Harbor is a hub for out of doors actions like parasailing, jet ski leases, boat charters, sightseeing cruises and excursions. You’ll additionally discover dozens of outlets and eating places to peruse alongside the harbor. In the course of the summer season, you may catch fireworks shows on choose nights with glorious views from the William T. Marler Bridge (aka Destin Bridge). The launch level is true throughout from Margaritaville, so it’s an incredible place for dinner and a present. Head upstairs to Landshark Touchdown for even higher views, however remember to get there early if you wish to snag an excellent seat.
In close by Sandestin, the playground, journey zone, carousel and arcade at Baytowne Wharf delight younger guests. Dwelling to procuring, eating places and a tranquil beachy ambiance, the Village additionally hosts stay leisure and seasonal occasions all year long. Positioned about 30 minutes east of Destin, Baytowne Wharf sees considerably fewer crowds than the Harbor and is a good vacation spot for households with youthful children.
7. Don’t miss out on native seafood
From contemporary grouper to steamed shrimp and fried baskets of coastal delights, the Emerald Coast is without doubt one of the finest locations to pattern seafood straight from the Gulf. Tucked among the many kitschy vacationer stops, the hidden gems beloved by locals serve up spectacular seafood together with hometown hospitality.
Dwelling of the Destin Seafood Pageant held in September, it’s no shock that town has loads of glorious seafood eating places. Dewey Destin’s is a must-visit with a number of areas to select from. Residents are inclined to want the Harbourside spot for its laid-back ambiance. Select your fish (snapper and grouper are at all times nice selections) as a meal or a sandwich fried, grilled, blackened or bronzed.
In close by Santa Rosa Seashore, Goatfeathers is a neighborhood favourite for steamed shrimp and seafood platters whereas Pungent’s Fish Camp is a full of life vacation spot for oysters – their grilled oysters are among the finest!
8. Hike or bike the coastal countryside
Past the gorgeous seashores and towering accommodations of Destin or Panama Metropolis Seashore, you’ll discover charming seaside cities and serene pure landscapes ready to be explored alongside Florida’s 30A. In Henderson Seashore State Park, simply east of Destin, guests can splash within the surf, then wander among the many dunes, observing the crops and wildlife that make up the fragile ecosystems alongside the .75 mile nature path.
Top-of-the-line methods to expertise the allure alongside the 30A is by bike. The 18.6 mile Timpoochee Path takes cyclists previous coastal landmarks alongside the best way. Stretching between Dune Allen and Inlet Seashore, the largely flat, paved path winds previous uncommon dune lakes, filming areas of The Truman Present within the city of Seaside, the shimmering white buildings of Alys and loads of neighborhood outlets and eating places.
9. Expertise genuine Outdated Florida
It’s in locations like Apalachicola that you’ll uncover the true spirit of Outdated Florida. Past the shiny theme parks and manicured seashores, you’ll discover the nostalgic reminders of less complicated occasions: timber draped with Spanish moss, pale pastel seashore homes, roadside fruit stands or a dockside shack with the most effective seafood on the town.
Often called “Oystertown” for its namesake specialty, Apalachicola’s cultural and financial connection to the ocean makes it the proper place for fishing and boating adventures. The tranquil waters of the Apalachicola River and close by waterways welcome newbie kayakers and paddlers. Distant parks encompass the world and preserves, like St George Island State Park and the St Vincent Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, the place guests can bask within the pristine waters and undeveloped seashores.
Though oyster harvesting has been paused till the top of 2025 as a consequence of environmental situations and over-harvesting, Apalachicola continues to be an incredible place to take pleasure in contemporary seafood and Florida staples. Gap In The Wall and Owl Café are favorites for native seafood paired with a chilly pint and a soothing ambiance.
