Not as widely known as its South Florida counterparts, Florida’s Emerald Coast is a treasure trove of natural wonders with its calm, turquoise waters and tranquil state parks. Beckoning travelers with the lure of sugar-white beaches and sparkling Gulf of Mexico waters, this luxurious stretch of paradise feels like you’ve escaped to the Caribbean. Home to some of the Sunshine State’s little-known destinations, read on to discover the hidden gems near Florida’s Emerald Coast.
St. Andrews State Park
One of the most treasured natural attractions near Panama City, St. Andrews State Park is a beautiful barrier island with plenty on offer for nature enthusiasts. Dubbed the “Best Beach in America” by Dr. Beach, this state park has a premier location that offers excellent opportunities to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, and fish. It’s also a great place for an overnight adventure with plenty of on-site campsites.
Grayton Beach State Park
If you enjoy a secluded beach area, then look no further than Grayton Beach and nearby Grayton Beach State Park. Offering emerald green waters that are perfect for a summertime swim, two rare coastal dune lakes where kayaking is popular and plenty of biking and hiking trails, you’ll be spoiled for choice with outdoor adventures. Admire the Hemingway-style wooden homes that line the picturesque side streets and explore the vibrant art galleries.
Navarre Beach
An alluring barrier island with over 12 miles of white sand coastline, Navarre Beach is where you go to find complete solitude. An underrated gem on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this area is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the state. While relaxation is king at Navarre, you can also go swimming in its emerald waters, fish from the coast’s longest pier, or take a cruise along the scenic bike paths.
Perdido Key
Located on Florida’s far northwest, Perdido Key is situated on a tiny strip of land. An oasis of rolling, white sand dunes and warm Gulf waters, take a day trip here to soak in some of Florida’s most stunning views and escape from the daily stressors of life. It’s easy to lose track of time laying on the shoreline, while hiking, crabbing, and fishing are also popular activities.
Seaside
Made famous by the movie “The Truman Show,” Seaside is an idyllic town on Florida’s Panhandle. Boasting pastel-colored houses and white picket fences, this quaint area is the perfect escape for families, as beachgoers of all ages can play in the gentle surf of the shores and soak in the sunshine under a canopy of magnolias, hickories, and pines. A pedestrian-friendly area, you can take a walk along the brick-paved streets to find an array of local treasures.
Shell Island
A perfect destination for travelers who want to get away from it all, Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. With beautiful landscapes of rolling sand dunes and lush vegetation, you’ll find miles of pearly white sand that feel like you’ve discovered paradise. Take a shuttle from St. Andrews State Park to this remote island enjoy a day of sunbathing, snorkeling and combing the beach for brightly colored shells.
Santa Rosa Beach
Offering miles of clear blue waters set against a backdrop of blue skies, Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect summertime escape. Located between Pensacola and Panama City, its convenient location means you’re never far from the action. Drawing visitors from around the world, come here to enjoy the beautiful landscapes without all the tourist crowds.
Henderson Beach State Park
With pristine white sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline, Henderson Beach State Park is the perfect place to set up a picnic or go on a weekend camping trip. Its emerald green waters are only highlighted the sand pines, scrub oaks and dune rosemary that dot this state park, while boardwalks provide access to the beach where you can go swimming, sunbathing and fishing.
Miramar Beach
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, head to Miramar Beach, where you’ll find classic beach views of coastal enclaves alongside charming seafood restaurants, scenic beach roads, and beachfront resorts. With a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico, adventurous water based activities such as jet skis and parasailing are popular activities.
Fort Walton Beach
The perfect place to indulge in beach activities, Fort Walton offers a tranquil shoreline that just begs visitors to slow down for a little rest and relaxation. A year-round fishing and beach resort community, this family-friendly area has plenty of attractions nearby. A fuss-free destination, the beach is near various parks, museums and aquariums to keep the entire family entertained.
Camp Helen State Park
Boasting an array of environmentally rich landscapes, Camp Helen State Park makes for a great weekend excursion. Not only does it have a scenic beach area with excellent shelling, but it is also home to one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. With lush vegetation and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, spend your days swimming, beachcombing, hiking and fishing.
Mexico Beach
Located 20 miles east of Panama City, Mexico Beach has a preserved natural beauty and small town charm. Perfect for a sunny day, spend your afternoon swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, shelling for treasures and watching the dolphins playing at sunset. A nature lover’s paradise, here you can often spot numerous species of birds including bald eagles, osprey, pelicans in addition to loggerhead turtles.
TopSail Preserve State Park
Once used by Native Americans for hunting and fishing, TopSail Preserve State Park offers a wide variety of natural eco-systems. From the 3 miles of secluded, white sandy beaches to the cypress domes, marshes, pine flat woods and wet prairies, you can fish from the lake, go bird watching, hike the trails or sunbathe on the picturesque shoreline.
