Florida Panhandle

Travel Guide

Florida Panhandle
Florida Panhandle
Florida Panhandle featuring a sunset, a bay or harbor and a sandy beach
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

Rosemary Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach while you're in town.

Rosemary Beach
Seaside showing a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach West.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach featuring 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
Grayton Beach State Park featuring a 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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Seacrest

Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Seacrest
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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
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
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! (1,734 reviews)
Good Stay and Clean
"When I booked this, I had no idea we would be across the street at the other building. The booking said “across street” but on a map, the only building listed as the Palmetto is the main building. Other than that, the room was very clean. Never saw any bugs. Sheets were clean and no stains on them. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
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 P8,483 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,483
P11,669 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (2,753 reviews)
"Access to the beach and restaurants was outstanding."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Boardwalk Beach Hotel

Boardwalk Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
9600 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
6.4/10 (1,960 reviews)
"Great location, just a short walk to the beach, staff were very friendly and helpful, pools were clean, beds were comfortable. Everything was good. Only complaint is it could have been cleaner. But considering the location and price, I would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Boardwalk Beach Hotel
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! (3,783 reviews)
"Convenient and lots of shoppikg"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 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! (808 reviews)
"We had so much fun here. Super clean. Staff was amazing. We will be back"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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 (309 reviews)
Bed bugs
"My room had bed bugs"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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.

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