Florida Panhandle, FL

Travel Guide

Destin showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a sunset
HarborWalk Village which includes a bay or harbor
Florida Panhandle featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and a beach
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park featuring golf and landscape views
Panama City which includes a beach

Escape to a little-seen corner of Florida for stunning white-sand beaches, charming fishing towns and cities rich with national history.

The northwestern corner of the Sunshine State, known as the Florida Panhandle, may not be as popular as its neighbors to the south, but it is a region rich with culture and natural beauty. While away your days on miles of idyllic beaches and feast on freshly caught seafood. The region’s cities, meanwhile, come with engaging museums and fascinating historic sites.

Amble around the Seville Square and Palafox historic districts in Pensacola to experience the city’s old-world atmosphere. The city calls itself the oldest European settlement in the U.S., as Spanish explorers had arrived here as early as the 1550s.

Stay in Pensacola to experience more of its cultural attractions. The National Naval Aviation Museum features over 150 different plane models and hosts weekly air shows from spring to fall. Hop between the Pensacola Museum of Art, the Pensacola Lighthouse and the Pensacola Children’s Museum on a journey through the city.

Capital city Tallahassee is equally appealing and features the impressive State Capitol building. Spend hours in the Tallahassee Museum, which features adventurous activities in its grounds, or in the Goodwood Museum and Gardens. Motoring enthusiasts will love the Tallahassee Automobile Museum.

Move at a slower pace in charming Apalachicola, a picturesque fishing village with a charming historic center. Come here in the evening for some of the best seafood in the region, caught freshly that day.

Nearby St. Vincent Island is a haven for endangered wildlife. Ride a boat out to the island and watch for bald eagles and sea turtles in this tranquil, undeveloped area.

Find a patch of sand for sunbathing and swimming on one of the Panhandle’s stunning beaches. Grayton Beach State Park has a 1-mile (1.6 kilometer) stretch of pristine shoreline, while Panama City Beach is party-central, especially during spring break.

Airports in Pensacola and Tallahassee are the easiest points of entry into the Florida Panhandle. Visit the warm region at any time of year, as it stays welcoming and sunny in every season.

Where to stay in Florida Panhandle

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Rosemary Beach

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Experience European Colonial charm in this Gulf Coast community, offering warm waters, beach activities, and a mixed-use town center with shops, restaurants, and live music at Peddler's Pavilion. Explore nearby parks and trails for a dose of nature.

Rosemary Beach
Seaside which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

4/5(1 area review)

This unincorporated area on Florida's Panhandle boasts a Seaside Farmers Market and a picturesque interfaith chapel. Explore the town center and stroll along pedestrian alleys radiating from the heart of the community.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

Seagrove Beach

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Travelers come to Seagrove Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach West while you're in town.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

5/5(10 area reviews)

While visiting Watercolor, you might make a stop by sights like Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach West.

Watercolor
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Seacrest

Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Seacrest
The Red Bar

Grayton Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Grayton Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Grayton Beach State Park or Grayton Beach.

Grayton Beach
Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort

2 out of 5
17255 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
$62 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
$70 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,739 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay at Palmetto Beachfront Hotel in West Panama City Beach! The spacious room was perfect for us—comfortably big with all the cozy touches we needed. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making our visit feel special and stress-free. As two female lovers, we felt safe ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

4 out of 5
Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, 1500, Fort Walton Beach, FL
$181 nightly
The price is $204 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$204 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,760 reviews)
"Did take a risk on Expedia and booked it perfect for a family vacation with kids boardroom gulfarium and adventure arcade mini golf waking distance smart choice"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Boardwalk Beach Hotel

Boardwalk Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
9600 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL
$82 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$92 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
6.4/10 (1,961 reviews)
"The room was very little, it was not a private balcony. Smelled like cigarettes everywhere you walk. The best thing was the view and the night life."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Boardwalk Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,784 reviews)
"Convenient and lots of shoppikg"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Club Destin Condos

Club Destin Condos

2.5 out of 5
1085 US-98, Destin, FL
Stay at this apartment in Destin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (809 reviews)
"We had so much fun here. Super clean. Staff was amazing. We will be back"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Club Destin Condos
Extended Stay

Extended Stay

2.5 out of 5
6950 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Splash City Adventures and Marcus Pointe ...
4.2/10 (310 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Extended Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Florida Panhandle