Florida Panhandle

Travel Guide

Florida Panhandle
Florida Panhandle
Florida Panhandle showing a beach, a bay or harbour and a sunset
Florida Panhandle
Panama City featuring a sandy 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

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

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 beach and a sunset

Seagrove Beach

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
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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
Grayton Beach State Park showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

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

Watercolor
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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
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
The price is CA $192 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $192
CA $267 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & 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! (2,784 reviews)
"Excellent choice for a beachfront property. The beds were very nice housekeeping was good."

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

The Island Resort at Fort Walton 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
The price is CA $61 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $61
CA $92 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & 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! (1,775 reviews)
"I loved my stay at the Palmetto!! Great location very clean friendly staff. I already have another reservation for this weekend ro bring my kids. Awesome place to stay."

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin

3 out of 5
573 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
The price is CA $177 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $177
CA $200 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,828 reviews)
Great value for the cost and accommodations.
"The room and amenities were wonderful. The room had been cleaned very well and the desk staff is always friendly. I am a local and still stay at this location once a year for my staycation. This stay and room were so amazing this will not be more than a once a year occasion."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin
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! (3,793 reviews)
"Tons of food option around the property and close by in driving distance. Tons of security on the grounds made it feel safe. Had great views."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 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! (822 reviews)
"I am 100% a believer that you get what you pay for but this place was very affordable, homey & easy access to all the need to go places!! I only wish the floors in the room were cleaner BUT keep in mind you are at the beach and across from the beach so the sand will forever be everywhere Sofa did ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 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 (313 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