6 Picturesque Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast for a Weekend Retreat
The Emerald Coast is a 100-mile stretch of Florida's northwesternmost coast that covers five counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay. Named after the alluring hue of the Gulf of Mexico waters, this part of the panhandle also enjoys near continuous white quartz beaches, rolling dunes (and their corresponding freshwater lakes), large bays, long islands, and coastal flora such as old-growth pine forests and windswept wild grasses. Plopped along this picturesque shoreline are a few handfuls of charming communities ready to support a wondrous weekend retreat. These are six of the small-town standouts. Let's take the tour from west to east, beginning with Pensacola.
Pensacola
Sheltered from the Gulf of Mexico by multiple narrow islands and peninsulas, but still very much a place on the water (i.e. Pensacola Bay and Escambia Bay), Pensacola brings together beauty, history, and must-have vacation pleasures. Called the "City of Five Flags" because of its nearly 500-years of nation-swapping history, Pensacola has now hit stride – sporting eight distinct neighborhoods that will keep visitors entertained all weekend. From the soft sands of Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and West Pensacola, to the history of the downtown core (where you'll find remnants and reconstructions of the first European settlement of the New World), to the delicious dining and satisfying shopping splurges of uptown; there will never be a dull moment in Pensacola.
Navarre Beach
Less than 40 miles east of Pensacola, Navarre Beach is the next great weekend getaway along the Emerald Coast. Rightly called "Florida's most relaxing place, " this picturesque gem on the long, thin Santa Rosa Island exists to serve sunseekers. Navarre Beach is separated from Pensacola Beach by eight miles of undeveloped, dune-backed beachfront known as the Gulf Island National Seashore (one of only ten National Seashores in the nation). In town, the focal point is the 30-foot-high wooden pier that juts 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. This not only makes for a lovely morning or evening stroll, but also a popular platform from which to fish. Other weekend-worthy activities include snorkeling or diving at the four artificial reefs, visiting the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, or hitting up Navarre proper for some dining and nightlife.
Destin
Colorful and exuberant Destin is many things to many people. At its core, this Okaloosa County retreat is a cute fishing village (which sits just 25 miles east of Navarre Beach) that is celebrated for its bountiful hauls. But while its permanent population may be just a shade under 14,000 (as of 2020) north of 80% of the approximately 4.5-million snowbirds, spring-breakers, and other annual visitors to the Emerald Coast head to Destin. But solitude isn't for everyone. In fact, a social outing may be exactly what certain weekenders are working towards. Find yourself in good company amongst the many golf courses, shimmering beaches (Henderson Beach State Park being a standout), indulgent seafood restaurants, theme parks, nature cruises, aquariums, and action-packed harbor boardwalk. There's always something fun to do on the streets, shoreline, and waters of Destin.
Miramar Beach
Walton County's Miramar Beach is nearly adjacent to Destin, but strikes an entirely different chord. Squished between Choctawhatchee Bay (to the north) and the Gulf of Mexico (south), this beach town is smaller, laid back but still full of activities, and has a way of stoking nostalgia. Here, on the spread out beaches, vacationers can be seen sunbathing with a good book, giving their all in a game of volleyball, parasailing above the emerald waters, or jet skiing across them. Inland, folks can shop 'till they drop, hit the arcade, or explore the unique layout and dining/recreation opportunities at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. For a bit of nature (that is, aside from the sea), scoot over to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to see the rare freshwater dune lakes amongst the old-growth pine forests.
Grayton Beach
Another 15 miles along from Miramar Beach (still within Walton County) sits Grayton Beach, a serene village largely within the 400-acre Grayton Beach State Park and backdropped by the sprawling Point Washington State Forest – both of which are replete with rewarding hiking trails. Along with the salty breeze thrown up by the Gulf of Mexico and white quartz sands, Grayton Beach is also blessed with the freshwater dune ecosystem. Such a diverse landscape draws an equally diverse group of visitors. Along the coast, modern beach houses blend with historic cottages, and in town you'll have your pick of breweries, music venues, and dozens of restaurants to satisfy all types. The town's unofficial slogan sums it up best: "Nice Dogs, Strange People."
Seaside
Completing the Walton County trifecta and our tour of Florida's Emerald Coast, is the unincorporated planned community of Seaside. Just a 2.5-mile drive from Grayton Beach, or an even shorter stroll along the shoreline, this idyllic settlement is the product of a mission to create "the world's first New Urbanist town." Visitors may actually recognize parts of Seaside from the Jim Carrey classic, The Truman Show. There are 300 homes spread across 80 coastal acres, with nice little shops, galleries, and restaurants peppered in for added enjoyment. Take the wooden boardwalk and pass beneath the lighthouse sculpture to reach what has been called the "Best Beach on Earth" by Travel + Leisure (Seaside also made USA Today's list of Top 10 Best Beach Towns in Florida). To spend a magical weekend here, book a stay at The Court (the only boutique hotel in town), or inquire about private vacation rental homes.
From secluded beaches to bustling boardwalks, the Emerald Coast aims to please both introverts and extroverts. These six shoreline communities are not only beautiful, but they have enough outdoor recreation and entertainment to fill a whole weekend (and then some). So if you're looking to getway for the weekend but don't know how to narrow down Florida's infinite coast, start with this picturesque strip in the northwest corner.
Happy travels, you weekend warrior!
