Best Beaches in the Florida Panhandle

April 21st, 2022 by

Relaxing in the sun with your toes in the sand is the ideal situation for many adventurers. When visiting the Florida Panhandle, there are many beaches that offer beautiful scenery and embody both relaxation and fun. Here are five beaches to consider when visiting the gorgeous panhandle so you can spend more time adventuring and less time planning.

St. George Island

St. George island is a 22-mile-long piece of land in the Gulf of Mexico home to pristine beaches and plenty of fun things to do for everyone. Spend the day basking in the sun or exploring the nine miles of undeveloped shoreline, dunes, and marshes at the island’s eastern end. If you want to see more of the island, you can rent a boat or sign up for a charter trip to explore its bay and other close islands. Want to explore the water on your own? Rent a kayak or paddleboard to connect with the gentle waves and salty air.

The island has many live music venues and events throughout the year, so you can participate in plenty of fun activities after finishing up at the beach. Some examples include the annual Chili Charity Cook-Off or the Rock by the Sea Festival, which showcases local musicians and allows the community to spend time together. You can also satisfy your cravings by visiting one of the many restaurants that serve fresh local seafood, cocktails, pizza, or snack items.

Perdido Key

Want to visit the beach while visiting Pensacola, Florida? Then the 16-mile-long Perdido Key island is your spot with its stunning beaches and entertaining wildlife. Spend time on the snow-white beaches and crystal blue waters or walk along the island’s untouched wilderness to get the whole Florida experience. Be sure to research which beach flag the island is currently waving before you go, so you and your family can stay safe while visiting this relaxing haven.

The island also offers plenty of fun and exciting activities to do after spending time at the beach. There are several charters or rental companies that can help you get out on the water and explore. There is also the Big Lagoon State Park seven minutes away on the mainland, where you can watch and listen to the birds. Visit the Perdido Kids Park so your kids can explore and burn off any of that excess energy. This island also has several art galleries just a short drive away where you can view local artists’ incredible works and relax.

Panama City Beach

Venturing to Panama City allows you to experience one of the top waterfront destinations in the nation. Panama City Beach has soft white sand beaches and clear water so you can enjoy your day on the shore and listen to the waves crash. This beach has so many fun things to do that anyone can find an activity to enjoy. Those who love the adrenaline rush can take jet ski tours, parasailing adventures, airboat experiences, or scuba-diving courses. Animal lovers might enjoy the Blue Dolphin Tours, where you can interact with bottle-nosed dolphins that swim near the beach.

If you want to learn more about the natural ecosystem unique to Florida, you can explore Camp Helen State Park where you can take in the salt marshes and freshwater wetlands. Try the Serenity Spa to relax after a long day on the water or visit Tootsie’s Orchard Lounge to take your romantic getaway to the next level. For even more fun in the sun, you can play all day at Hidden Lagoon Golf and Racetrack or Shipwreck Island Waterpark.

Santa Rosa Beach

Located in the idealistic South Walton, Florida, Santa Rosa Beach can be your home away from home with its luxurious shorefronts. Eat, relax, and stay in one of this beach’s many luxurious hotels or condos where you’re just steps away from the beach. If you want to take a small break from the water but still want to enjoy the Florida sunshine, you can walk or bike the 18.5-mile-long Timpoochee Trail that winds through lakes, restaurants, and scenic bridges. You can also head over to 30A, where you can complete surf camp, take surfing lessons, rent beach cruisers, or take sunset tours.

Enjoy golfing? This beach is also host to the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club where you can get the best of beach and golfing worlds. There are also several fishing tours that allow you to catch your own fresh fish, such as Destiny Unbound Angling, Rising Son Expeditions, or Sandcastle Rockstars. Check out other fun activities in this spot, including the Baytowne Adventure Zone, Boulevard 10 Cinema, Blast Arcade and Laser Maze, and Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade.

Navarre Beach

Spending time at Navarre Beach can help you leave your stress and worry behind. This unique beach combines uncrowded beaches with backwoods adventures to give you an unforgettable experience. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can pull up your boat or pop out your lawn chair to enjoy the beach’s free outdoor spring and fall concerts. You can also take the Chain of Lakes Trail self-guided tour to learn more about the area’s natural habitats and wildlife.

By venturing back onto the water, you can get the experience of a lifetime by taking a dolphin tour or scuba diving at the Navarre artificial reefs. Zip lining, parasailing, and completing the seasonal corn maze will have you and your family taking about your vacation for years to come. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also choose between many of the beach’s local vendors that offer donuts, ice cream, sno-balls, or other delicious baked items.

Sun, adventure, and fun are what you can find at any of these five amazing Florida Panhandle beaches. Whether you’re indulging in a couple’s getaway or taking a family vacation, these coastal spots have fun activities everyone can enjoy. If you need a new Chevrolet to take you to these amazing beaches, stop by Apple Turner Chevrolet and one of our friendly sales team members can help you find that dream car. Contact us online or call us at 850-409-8808 to learn more today.

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