Top Things to do in Florida Panhandle
Top Hotels in Florida Panhandle
- 1. Best Western Crossroads Inn
- 2. Hotel Effie Sandestin
- 3. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
- 4. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
- 5. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront An IHG Hotel
- 6. Holiday Inn Resort - Panama City Beach
- 7. Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse
- 8. The Island Resort At Fort Walton Beach
- 9. The Henderson Beach Resort
- 10. Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront
Things to do in Florida Panhandle, Florida Panhandle: The Best Outdoor Activities
The Florida Panhandle is known for its quaint beach towns and interesting attractions, many of which are money-saving and family friendly. Come to the Florida Panhandle and relax on glorious beaches, shop to your heart’s content and dance the night away. Santa Rosa Island is great for kids and offers a wide array of both beach-based and water-based activities. Families will enjoy a day away to tour the 150-year-old Pensacola Lighthouse. The Florida Panhandle offers exciting nightlife. Panama City, Destin and Pensacola all have numerous bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. Panama City is home to Club La Vela, the largest nightclub in the U.S. The Florida Panhandle is a shopaholic’s dream. It offers specialty stores, antique stores and shopping malls. For those renting a home or condo, a trip to Joe Patti’s seafood market in Pensacola is a must. The market specializes in fine wine and cheese, and beautifully presented handmade chocolates to take home to friends and relatives as gifts. Mon Père et Moi in Tallahassee is also worth a visit.
Restaurants in Florida Panhandle
1. Gulf Islands National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,254 reviews
This 150-mile stretch of seashore, which runs from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida, offers sparkling blue water and many beautiful beaches along the way.
Reviewed By GlennBrigan
Growing up in Pensacola and as an adult moving away I love and appreciate the beauty of the soft fluffy white sands of Santa Rosa Island when I get to return on a vacation. These beaches are the jewel of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether swimming in the gulf, walking along the shore collecting seashells, or exploring the historic past of Fort Pickens you will too love these beaches.
2. Santa Rosa Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 868 reviews
Reviewed By TASunde - Canton, United States
This is a great beach with soft white sand and both beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Not overly populated you've room to separate.
3. Navarre Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,707 reviews
Tucked away in a corner of Northwest Florida, far from crowded theme parks and packed beaches, you will find a piece of the old Florida offering solitude and simplicity for sun seekers, families, outdoor adventurers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Reviewed By Applejacksons
It’s horrible how great it is for just relaxing. If more people come here there will be more traffic for me as a Floridian. Beach is great. Calm on some days and not so calm on others. Just check the webcam. I agree go to Pensacola or destin so we can enjoy how pristine the beach experience is. The sound side is great as well.
4. The Rockin M Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Horseback Riding on one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Morning, evening, sunset and full moon rides available all year. Call for reservations.
Reviewed By kwalters740 - Columbus, United States
Did a sunset horseback ride on the beach with Rockin M Ranch in February 2021. It was a gorgeous night and Russell did an excellent job taking pictures and making it an enjoyable excursion! Would highly recommend!
5. Turkey Creek Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By JENEinVEGAS - Hudson, United States
Great walk along the boardwalk which follows the creek. Jump in the creek at one of six docks and float along. The water is chilly, but refreshing.
6. Blue Mountain Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By ClintTraveler - Coralville, United States
We have been coming to this area for 20 years. We like the off-season with your people and the weather is still very nice. The beach is the best in the world. We like to bike and there is a great bike path and a great bike shop with great service. Good for walking as well
7. Bay haven farms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By HelloCoCo19
I just took a friend of mine here for her birthday because she never rode a horse before! Melissa was very kind and informative about what to wear, the cost, and how to get there! Lindsey made sure we had a fantastic time and learned a lot about horses! We had such a great time! would recommend this cute little farm to anyone!! My friend left wanting to ride horses again soon!
8. Opal Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By maldenmusic - Malden, United States
Opal Beach is a gorgeous piece of white sand and clear water. The complex has pavillions, bathrooms, outside showers for rinsing off and daily lifeguards. There are no concessions or vendors. It's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and there's a $25 entrance fee which is good for 7 days. It's our favorite beach in Florida.
9. St. Andrews State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,262 reviews
Reviewed By O2486MWelizabethh
We love St. Andrews, the pier provides great fishing and is spacious, the jetties have great snorkeling opportunities and help create the kiddie pool which is my favorite part of the park! Calm, clear water tucked behind the jetties, the water stays nice and shallow allowing everyone, even the younger kids, the chance to enjoy the Gulf. We also enjoy standing on the alligator lake watching the gators drift through their swamp.
10. Pensacola Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,178 reviews
Located on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is a popular spot for family vacations.
Reviewed By rkmcgilla - Pensacola, United States
I live on the Bay between Pensacola and NAS and we take our grandkids there every time they visit. From the Pavilion at Pensacola Beach all the way to the West end of the island at Perdido Pass it is sugar white sand and beautiful water. Several restaurants, but our favorites over there is Flounders. In Pensacola McGuire’s is tops. The views on the drive are fantastic
