The Florida Panhandle is the northwestern part of the state, from the border of Alabama to the Panama City area. It’s a very popular place for southerners from bordering states to visit and enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer. The most visited areas in the Florida Panhandle include Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Panama City.
The Pensacola area, home of the famous Blue Angels, has a lot more than aviation attractions. It’s also the home of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the longest stretch of protected shoreline in the country. Pensacola’s beaches have been ranked among the top beaches in the country by The Travel Channel and TripAdvisor. Unspoiled and uncrowded, the natural beauty of this area is amazing. Other things to check out in Pensacola include the world’s longest man-made coral reef, fishing, shelling, shopping, golf, and fine dining.
The Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Resort is a 4 ½-star masterpiece. You will be pampered and spoiled to your hearts content, and rates start at just $260 per night. If you’re looking for something more quaint, I suggest the Bay Beach Inn located in Gulf Breeze. This hotel has private beach access, swimming pools, and a free breakfast. Rates start at an affordable $109 per night.
Known as The Emerald Coast, the Fort Walton Beach/Destin/Okaloosa Island area of the panhandle is a little more populated and more geared towards tourists. There’s almost an endless list of things to do and see. Besides the beautiful beaches and touristy things to do, like go carts and miniature golf, the are some more unique activities you can take part in like dolphin watching, tubing down a lazy river, paddle and yolo board instruction and rentals, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and the Gulfarium.
There are plenty of places to stay in this area, but the two that really stand out are The WaterColor Inn and Resort, and The SummerPlace Inn. The WaterColor Inn offers the finest accommodations in the area. Travelocity hates rates starting at just $445 per night. It’s the perfect place for a very romantic get-away. The SummerPlace Inn is a stunning 4-star resort, and Travelocity has rates starting at only $127 per night. Now that’s a steal!
Panama City is a hot spot full of activity and a popular spot for Spring Break. When the area isn’t populated with partying college kids, it’s a great place to bring the family. The beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast stretch on through Panama City. Some of the more unique activities include Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Shipwreck Island Water Park, and the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze.
There is a plethora of places to say in Panama City Beach, and the best place to stay for a kid friendly family vacation is The Majestic Beach Resort. This 3-star resort has all the amenities, as well as supervised children’s activities. Travelocity has prices starting at only $156 per night. If you’re looking for something more geared towards adults, you’ll most definitely want to check out the Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa. This 4-star resort is a haven for boaters, golfers, and nature lovers. With prices starting at only $116 per night, you can’t afford not to take advantage of this deal!