Discovering the Best Beaches and Beach Towns in the Florida Panhandle

Where are the best beach towns and beaches in the Florida Panhandle? Well, it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Are you looking for family fun, couples retreat, the whitest sand, uncrowded, or a place to relax?

The Emerald Coast, pretty much all of the panhandle, has some of the whitest sand in Florida. Most of the water is a beautiful turquoise, hence "The Emerald Coast". 

Let's get started exploring! (Popular questions answered at end )

Perdido Key

Starting at the western edge of Florida is Perdido Key. It is a barrier island with white sand dunes, turquoise water, and tons of wildlife. Like it's popular neighbor, Gulf Shores (16 miles to the west), the beaches are lined with condos. It is less crowded than Gulf shores and the state parks seem to always only have a few people. 

 

Pensacola Beach

Beautiful beaches and plenty of nightlife. The Pensacola Beach area is always crowded, but on the far east side is a secret paradise (Navarre Beach). Navarre Beach is one of my favorite beaches in the panhandle. Tons of beautiful white sand, turquoise water, watersports, and restaurants, without the crowds.

Check out:

 Pensacola Beach Activity Guide 

 

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach has nice white sandy beaches and just enough other things to keep you entertained when not at the beach. Great place to relax, but still have things to do.

Check out:

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Take a trip into Destin (5 miles to the east) and check out the amazing beaches along the way.

 

Destin

What’s not to love about Destin! It has stunning beaches, restaurants galore, shopping, watersports, and anything else you can think of. It is one of my favorite places in Florida. It is also one of the most crowded places. Be prepared to literally crawl in traffic and give yourself about 45 minutes extra to get anywhere.

Check out:

 Destin Activity Guide 

 30A

30A is a 24 mile stretch along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, located between Destin and Panama City Beach. This area is amazingly beautiful, especially towards the Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach end. Be prepared to drop some cash if staying in the area and make reservations early. Lodging is limited to mostly upscale condos and homes.

Check out:

Grayton Beach State Park

Aly’s Beach   

Read more about Alys Beach 

Rosemary Beach    

Read more about Rosemary Beach

 

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach has a reputation as being a college party town. I have been there many times and I like it. I just don’t go during spring break. Beautiful beaches with plenty to do and see.

Check out:

St. Andrews State Park     

 

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach is a small place that seems to be in the middle of nowhere. If you are looking for uncrowded beaches, this is your place. Lodging is minimal and nightlife is almost nonexistent. Long walks on the white sand beaches, shelling, and relaxing are what this small town is all about.

*The area was hit hard by a hurricane in 2018 and is a slowly rebuilding. We loved the Driftwood Inn, which was totally destroyed. I hear they are rebuilding, so keep a watch for it.

 

Port St Joe

Reaching Port St Joe coming from the west means you have officially found the “Forgotten Coast”. Nature, sand, water, and more nature describe the area. Most lodging consist of beach houses.

Check out:

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park 

Cape San Blas

 

Apalachicola

Apalachicola is small fishing town popular for it’s charming Inns and fresh seafood. It has beautiful waterfront parks, but no beaches. No worries though, St George Island beaches are just a 20-minute drive away.

 

 

St George Island

St George Island is reached by about 15 miles of bridges. You know you have found a special place when you hit the end of the main road to the island and see the lighthouse. The island is 22 miles long and one mile across at its widest point. White sand is everywhere and people are few.

Check out:

Saint George Island State Park

Carrabelle

Carrabelle is small with limited lodging. The beaches are usually empty and there is little to do other than beach related activities.

 

The Rest of the Panhandle

Alligator Point, Bald Point State Park, Mashes Sands Beach, Shell Point Beach, and St Marks are at the far east part of the panhandle. The beaches are not pristine and the water is blue with a brownish tint instead of turquoise. These areas are great for tent camping, fishing, and experiencing nature. I saw my first eagle's nest at St. Marks. They are massive!

So, which one do I like best? All the the towns and beaches along the Panhandle coast are unique and each has things I like over the others. But, here is a quick rundown of my thoughts on questions I have been asked.

Where are the pretties beaches?  I hate to answer this one, but Destin. The sand seems to be whiter and the water a deeper turquoise. It is breathtaking to look at!

Which beach towns are best for families? For an overall experience, Destin. The amount of thing to do and places to eat are crazy. This place is great for all ages. (but very crowded)  Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach are also good choices.

Which beaches are less crowded? Any beach east of Panama City Beach. Think about going off season to beaches on the west end. January through March is a little cool, but you will have the place to yourself. 

Where is the best place to find seashells?   Mexico Beach, St Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, and St George State Park.

Where is the best place to birdwatch?  St Marks

Is Rosemary and Alys beach really that special?  Yes! You will not see and experience anything like it anywhere else in the United States.

Where is the best place to snorkel in the Panhandle? Pensacola and Destin both have a couple of place to snorkel from the beach.

Hope this helps make your trip planning a little easier! 

 Happy & Safe Travels!

 

 

5 Fantastic Day Trips from Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you are looking for a break from the sand and surf of Gulf Shores, Alabama, there are plenty of great day trip options in the surrounding area. From state parks to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone within a short drive of Gulf Shores. Here are five fantastic day trips to consider on your next vacation.

1. Big Lagoon State Park  in  Perdido Key, Florida

30 minute drive from Gulf Shores

Located just over the state line in Florida, Big Lagoon State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for a day trip. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and alligators. Visitors can hike, fish, kayak, and enjoy stunning views of the lagoon and Gulf of Mexico.

Address:

12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

$5.00 - $10.00 per vehicle, depends on number of occupants

2. USS Alabama War Ship Tour in Mobile, Alabama

1 hour drive from Gulf Shores

For a glimpse into America's military history, head to the USS Alabama War Ship in nearby Mobile. This battleship served in World War II and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the decks, see the guns up close, and learn about the brave men who served aboard the ship.

Address:

2703 Battleship Parkway | Mobile, AL 36602

Admission:

$15.00 or less per person, $4.00 parking fee

Summer Hours:

April-September

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Winter Hours:

October – March

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

3. Fairhope, Alabama

45 minute drive from Gulf Shores

Just a short drive from Gulf Shores, Fairhope is a charming town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore. Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets and admire the historic homes, or head to the pier for a beautiful view of Mobile Bay. See my complete post on Fairhope here. 

4. Dauphin Island (Fort Morgan, Mobile Ferry, Fort Gains, Sea Lab)

35 minute drive + 40 minute ferry ride from Gulf Shores

Leave early morning to see all of these in one day.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Dauphin Island is a barrier island located just off the coast of Alabama, and it is packed with history and natural beauty. Visit Fort Morgan, a historic fort that played a key role in the Civil War, or take a ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Gains on the island. Do not miss the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine research facility that offers tours and educational programs.

Address:

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Hours:

Seven Days A Week

9AM-4:30PM

Admission:

Adult $8

Seniors/child $5

Mobile Bay Ferry

For a unique and scenic day trip, take a ride on the Mobile Bay Ferry. This ferry service connects Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, and the trip offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife along the way.

Address:

Fort Morgan Side

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Dauphin Island Side:

111 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Schedule:

Varies, check here   

Fees:

Regular automobile and driver is $16 + $5 for each passenger.

Fort Gaines

Established in 1821, Fort Gaines known is for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.

Address:

51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Hours:

9AM – 5 PM daily

Admission:

Children (Ages 5 -12) are $5.00

Adults (Ages 13+) are $9.00

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium 

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium is an educational public aquarium exhibiting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama.

Address: 

102 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Hours vary from winter and summer. 

Check here   https://www.disl.org/estuarium

Admission:

$6 - $12

Dauphin Island

At only 14 miles long and 2 miles wide, Dauphin Island lays at the entrance of Mobile Bay.

This is a great place to enjoy beaches without many people on them.

Bienville Beach (1501 Bienville Blvd)

West End Public Beach (Drive west on Bienville Blvd to the very end)

5. Pensacola, Florida Snorkeling & Fort Tour

45 minute drive from Gulf Shores

Escambia County Bay Snorkel Reef 

Located approximately 50 ft. off shore in Park West, just before the entrance of Fort Pickens. Great for beginner snorkeler.

Address:

Park West, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Fort Pickens State Park

This 1834 pentagonal historic United States military fort is located at the west end of Santa Rosa Island. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens.

After visiting the fort, enjoy some of the 10 miles of gulf and bay beaches leading to the fort. It's also one of the few places in the Pensacola area to find seashells.

Address:

1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Hours:

March 1 - October 31: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last entry at 8:00 p.m.)

November 1 - February 28: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hours:

Historic Fort: 8:00 a.m. to sunset

Admission:

Per person (pedestrian, cyclist, etc.) ............................$15

Motorcycle....................................................................$20

Private vehicle (capacity <15) .......................................$25



Happy Travels!