Best Beaches in the Florida Panhandle

Award-Winning Beaches

When you think of a Florida vacation, two things immediately come to mind. World-class theme parks and award-winning beaches. Miami, Clearwater, and Daytona beaches are often thought of first but you don’t have to travel to the bottom half of our beautiful peninsula to get the best strands.

Right up top in our Panhandle, overlooking the magnificent Gulf of Mexico, you will find some of Florida’s greatest shorelines. All of them offer soft white quartz sand, crystal clear water, some of the state’s best shelling, and breathtaking sunsets. Here are just a few of northwest Florida’s beloved beaches…Welcome to the Emerald Coast.

Navarre Beach

Uncrowded, unspoiled, and unhurried is a great way to describe this beautiful beach.  Part of the natural beauty and charm of Navarre Beach includes a prolific sea turtle nesting season. This happens annually from May through October. Navarre is located just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of Florida. It boasts 12 miles of pristine white shoreline. It’s rated among the best beaches in the nation year after year.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach (PCB) is arguably the most famous beach in the Panhandle area. Known as a very popular spring break destination, this 27-mile stretch of white sand beach is home to two state parks, dozens of public beach access points, and waterfront restaurants. PCB is also very family-friendly. It offers many attractions such as adventure parks, water parks, and the nearby Pier Park Mall.

Henderson Beach State Park

This state park, located in beautiful Destin, offers the same wonderful amenities as other Florida state parks. However, its claim to fame is its nearly 30-foot white sand dunes. When you are looking to hike, bike, and picnic as well as take a refreshing dip in the Gulf of Mexico, Henderson Beach State Park is the place to go. The naturally beautiful surroundings make a wonderful place to connect with nature and make lifelong memories.

Pensacola Beach

Situated on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa is this famous family-friendly beach. White-sand beaches include Opal Beach, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Between dips in the Gulf, take a long stroll along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. You can make a day of it enjoying shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Miramar Beach

Located near Destin, Miramar Beach gives off the vibe of a classic coastal enclave with its scenic beach roads, surf shops, and restaurants, all blessed with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. This stunning stretch of white sand also has ultra-modern amenities and activities that are very family-friendly. Rent jet skis, go parasailing, or just take it easy strolling and hunting shells along the shore.