Florida's Emerald Coast, stretching 100 miles alongside the Panhandle, contains a number of 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 are counted by the flock; and the place native fishermen collect over a number of chilly beers to speak of the one (or a number of) that obtained away.
Dubbed the 'Emerald Coast' by an area 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.
House to lots of Florida's finest seashores, selecting the very best 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 Seaside in March and April, whereas summer season tourism reaches its peak from June by way of August. The crowds start to skinny on the peak of hurricane season (from the tip of August to November) because the climate turns into extra temperamental. With a super mix of excellent climate, fewer crowds and loads of outside actions and festivals to get pleasure from, savvy vacationers discover Could to be a super time to go to.
Most guests have principally caught to the primary sights off Florida State Street 30A, the area's fundamental 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 a number of deep gulps of recent, salty air. Common seashores are plentiful close to fundamental resort areas like Panama Metropolis Seaside and Destin, however the space nonetheless has a number of hidden treasures value looking for out.
Not removed from Panama Metropolis Seaside, Shell Island is a favourite amongst locals and some in-the-know guests for outside 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 standard facilities – no concessions, restrooms, picnic tables or trash cans (bear in mind to pack out what you herald). Wander alongside sugar-sand seashores and thru mangroves the place the one different customer could be a nesting shorebird. Convey a pair of binoculars to identify bottlenose dolphins, that are ceaselessly seen off the coast of this slice of paradise.
A bit additional afield, Grayton Seaside State Park exemplifies the area's treasured moniker, offering secluded seashores with azure waters, in addition to biking and climbing trails and two uncommon coastal dune lakes which are made for exploring through kayak. Plus, thirty onsite cabins make for the proper quiet getaway.
2. Discover under-visited state parks
Far-off from Florida's theme parks, the Emerald Coast presents a extra feral various to the manicured leisure discovered within the heart of the state. Archaeological proof suggests the world round Topsail Hill Protect State Park was as soon as utilized by Native People for searching and fishing, and little has modified since. The park nonetheless contains a gorgeous array of ecosystems, together with cypress domes, marshes, pine flatwoods, scrub and moist prairies.
Simply north of the pastel-colored deliberate group of Seaside, Eden Gardens State Park offers 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, a number of climbing 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 Purple Door Saloon is the stay-until-last-call hangout the place locals could be discovered after hours. Pizzas and bratwursts can be found to take in the booze.
Straying from Entrance Seaside Rd, Panama Metropolis Seaside's fundamental commercialized artery, you'll discover native favorites like FINNS Island Type Grub on Thomas Dr. The road meals shack is the proper spot to choose up a espresso on the way in which to the seashore or a lightweight lunch. For an upscale chew a bit additional inland, Hunt & Collect Uncooked Bar & Pub presents a classy, but approachable tackle coastal Floridian delicacies with a comfy environment excellent for a date or winding down after a day on the seashore.
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 method to discover one thing secret to most. Luckily, 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 Purple Seawas a 125ft tugboat that was deliberately sunk in 2009. Now she sits simply 40ft under the floor, and several 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 related Panama Metropolis to Panama Metropolis Seaside, however is now residence to angel fish, grouper and the occasional barracuda.
For landlubbers who nonetheless need 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 Competition and the 30A Songwriters Competition have fun the area's storied previous and artistic spirit.
The coves and bays of the Emerald Coast had been the proper hiding spots for pirates who plied the waters for unsuspecting service provider vessels. The Billy Bowlegs Competition, held in Could at Fort Walton Seaside, memorializes one such pirate, William Augustus Bowles, who operated a flotilla of marauders across the Florida Panhandle. Every year, 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 world wide come to intimate venues only a guitar-pick's throw away from idyllic seashores for the 30A Songwriters Competition. 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 outside phases that may accommodate hundreds of followers.
6. Hit the boardwalk for family-friendly enjoyable
Whenever 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 outside actions corresponding to 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 amazing place for dinner and a present. Head upstairs to Landshark Touchdown for even higher views, however you’ll want to get there early if you wish to snag a very good seat.
In close by Sandestin, the playground, journey zone, carousel and arcade at Baytowne Wharf delight younger guests. House to procuring, eating places and a tranquil beachy environment, the Village additionally hosts dwell 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 superb vacation spot for households with youthful youngsters.
7. Don't miss out on native seafood
From recent grouper to steamed shrimp and fried baskets of coastal delights, the Emerald Coast is likely 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.
House of the Destin Seafood Competition 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 places to select from. Residents are likely to choose the Harborside spot for its laid-back environment. Select your fish (snapper and grouper are all the time nice selections) as a meal or a sandwich fried, grilled, blackened or bronzed.
In close by Santa Rosa Seaside, Goatfeathers is an area favourite for steamed shrimp and seafood platters whereas Smelly's Fish Camp is a energetic vacation spot for oysters – their grilled oysters are among the finest!
8. Hike or bike the coastal countryside
Past the attractive seashores and towering accommodations of Destin or Panama Metropolis Seaside, you'll discover charming seaside cities and serene pure landscapes ready to be explored alongside Florida's 30A. In Henderson Seaside State Park, simply east of Destin, guests can splash within the surf, then hike among the many dunes, observing the vegetation and wildlife that make up the fragile ecosystems alongside the .75 mile nature path.
Probably the greatest methods to expertise the appeal alongside the 30A is by bike. The 18.6 mile Timpoochee Path takes cyclists previous coastal landmarks alongside the way in which. Stretching between Dune Allen and Inlet Seaside, the principally flat, paved path winds previous uncommon dune lakes, filming places of The Truman Present within the city of Seaside, the shimmering white buildings of Alys and loads of neighborhood retailers 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 recollections of easier instances: bushes draped with Spanish moss, light pastel seashore homes, roadside fruit stands or a dockside shack with the very best seafood on the town.
Often known as “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 tip of 2025 as a result of environmental circumstances and over-harvesting, Apalachicola continues to be an amazing place to get pleasure from recent seafood and Florida staples. Gap In The Wall and Owl Café are favorites for native seafood paired with a chilly pint and a soothing environment.
