The Florida Panhandle is a northwestern section of Florida that’s fifty to one hundred miles wide and about 200 miles long. It is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the states of Georgia and Alabama. There are lots of things to do in this part of Florida. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in the Panhandle.
Destin
Destin in the Panhandle is a northwest Florida city famous for its beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and many golf courses. To the south, the city is home to Henderson Beach State Park, which has several nature trails and shelters a variety of wildlife. To the north, the city is home to Big Kahuna, a water park with tall slides and a giant shark tank.
Destin is home to several chain restaurants and multiple shopping complexes. The city has a great selection of affordable vacation rentals for families with kids. It is also home to an outlet mall and bowling alley called the “Fish Bowl.” Destin also has a vibrant nightlife scene and is an excellent place to bring the whole family.
Although the city is known for being a tourist destination, its history goes much deeper than that. The area has been home to Native Americans for thousands of years. In fact, experts believe that humans first inhabited the area around 15,000 years ago. Early paleo-humans migrated south from Alaska and the Bering Strait. As early as the seventh century, Destin supported stable villages of native Americans. These early settlers fished for local seafood.
The Pensacola Airport is the largest airport in the Panhandle. It is frequently used by beach vacationers from Alabama. There are several airlines serving this airport. Southwest Airlines, Delta, American, Frontier, Silver, and United all service the area. Destin is about one hour and 15 minutes away from Pensacola, which has many more non-stop flights.
Pensacola Beach
If you are looking for a beach town without all of the high-rise hotels, Pensacola Beach is a great choice. This city sits on the western edge of Florida’s Panhandle and borders Alabama. Despite its smaller size, Pensacola offers plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. The beachfront boardwalk features several restaurants, shops, and specialty stores.
Pensacola Beach is a great place for families. This quaint city offers plenty of places for children to play and explore, such as the waterfront restaurants. This beach town also features an amusement park and pier. It is a popular tourist destination, and you can even watch ballet and opera performances! If you’re a beach bum, you’ll have no problem finding plenty to do on Pensacola Beach.
The city also features a rich historical past and a thriving modern scene, perfect for those seeking time off the beach. A visit to downtown Pensacola will provide a cultural experience during the day and allow you to enjoy memorable nightlife. In addition, if you’re visiting Pensacola, make sure to check out the National Naval Aviation Museum, which features the country’s proud naval aviation heritage. This museum is one of Florida’s most popular museums, and is certainly worth a visit.
The Florida Panhandle offers a unique experience compared to the rest of the state. The beaches here are a fantastic escape from the touristy crowds of other parts of the state. The pristine white sand on these beaches is unique in its texture. The sand here was eroded from granite in the Appalachian Mountains, so it has a distinctly different texture from other sands. The beaches are also easy to reach, making it a great place for those looking for a quiet getaway.
St. Andrews State Park
Just three miles east of Panama City Beach, the 1,200-acre St. Andrews State Park is the home of the Florida State Parks chapter of AmeriCorps. Located off U.S. 98, it is also home to the headquarters of Florida State Parks.
This beautiful park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It has plenty of activities, including a playground and a boat ramp. You’ll also find plenty of wildlife viewing in this area. The jetty day-use area is one of the most popular spots at the park.
The park features miles of white-sand beach, including the tallest sand dunes in Florida. The park also features three hiking trails that meander through a 1750-acre coastal eco-system. It also offers several opportunities to swim in the bay and Gulf. There are also two campgrounds with 119 sites each, with water and 30-amp electrical hookups. Pets are allowed, and the maximum RV length is 60 feet.
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a 1,545-foot long fishing pier in Navarre, Florida. It is the longest of its kind in Florida and the fifteenth largest public pier in the United States. It is home to many species of fish and is a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors can enjoy the views and enjoy the fishing experience from the pier. The pier is open year-round and offers free admission for disabled veterans. There is a private bait shop and an outdoor restaurant that offers food and drinks. Whether you’re a family of three or a couple looking for the perfect spot to spend the day, there’s something for you at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier.
The pier is one of the longest and most popular in the Gulf. Locals and visitors alike enjoy fishing on this pier to catch Spanish, Pompano, and King Mackerel. You can even rent a fishing pole from the pier’s bait and tackle shop.
The Pier offers fishing opportunities for all skill levels, from novice to expert. There are also disabled-accessible spots and an entrance ramp.
Port St. Joe
Port Saint Joe, Florida, is a small coastal city that is home to a variety of natural attractions and activities. Visitors can swim, horseback ride, or simply enjoy the scenic views. In the area, you can also enjoy stargazing and other outdoor activities. If you’re a bird lover, you can go shell hunting at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Families can also enjoy a day at George Core Park.
Fishing is another popular activity in the area. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, you’ll find a wide variety of options here. Depending on your skill level, you can even go offshore and try your hand at scalloping. There are also plenty of opportunities to buy unique souvenirs from the area. The white sand beach is another option that you’ll want to check out.
Another fun activity is a boat trip. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Port St. Joe’s bay is a beautiful place to go fishing or boating. There’s even a Cape San Blas Lighthouse, which was relocated there a few years ago. The town is growing into a laid back tourist destination, with plenty of marinas and restaurants. Despite its small size, the local government has been able to keep the city from becoming overdeveloped.
The town of Port St. Joe is a coastal community that’s rich in history. It’s home to a paper mill that closed its doors in the 1930s, and is now home to a large residential community called WindMark Beach. And in 2002, it won the “Best Beach in America” award!
