7 Best Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast to Visit in 2024
When you think of American beaches, you might conjure the pristine waters and crystal-white sands of Florida. Of course, Florida has thousands of miles of coastal shorelines that border the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. However, there is one specific stretch of coastline with the most popular seaside towns in Florida—the Emerald Coast. Located at the northern segment of the Gulf of Mexico and renowned for its turquoise-gleaming, Florida’s Emerald Coast contains some of the best beachside towns that has soothed many vacationers and travelers from all over. From popular destinations like Destin and Panama City Beach to humble abodes like Seaside and Rosemary Beach, these lush and vibrant towns will have you soaking in the sun and the fun of Florida. So come explore the best small towns in Florida’s Emerald Coast to visit in 2024.
Destin
Destiny is a secretive mistress that guides all to their intended destination. And in the case of the Emerald Coast, the one spot you will definitely be attracted to is the town of Destin. Situated in an area known as the Florida Panhandle, Destin is the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” because of its ideal position in the basin of the Gulf of Mexico. As a celebration for good fortunes, the townsfolk and eager visitors partake in the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, one of the longest running fishing tournaments in the US that transpires for 31 days in the month of October.
You can traipse through the aquarian halls of the Mike Long Memorial Fish Wall and the Destin History & Fishing Museum to admire panoramas and displays of the many piscine species that reside in the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from fish, one can gallivant through the rolling sand dunes of Henderson Beach State Park, whereas the Big Kahuna’s water park is filled with tall slides, waterfalls, and swimming pools for all ages. You can walk down the piers of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and dine and play in Crab Island. Make your own destiny as you seek out some of the fine establishments of Destin such as Sandpiper Cove Beach, Destin Inn & Suites, and Pelican Beach Resort.
Seaside
Sightsee at Seaside by the seashore, a 35-minute-away neighbor of Destin. Architect students and professors will feel inspired by the late 20th-century architectural formats of New Urbanism, with white-picket fences and pastel-hued abodes creating an ambiance of homely elegance by the seashore. Indeed, Seaside is so idyllic in its laidback and cozy airs that these New Urbanist structures were used for the atmospheric setting of the hit film The Truman Show. To this day, the Truman Show House where the titular protagonist resided can still be visited and toured at your leisure.
One can follow a series of colorful and delightful pavilions, like the Pensacola Beach Pavilion, that leads to the long sandy beaches of Seaside. Among these serene and splendid shorelines is the Grayton Beach State Park, where numerous trails such as the Timpoochee Trail and a coastal dune lake promises relaxing opportunities for humble strolls. Feel right at home in Seaside, particularly in a homely hostel such as the WaterColor Inn.
Rosemary Beach
Approximately 15 miles east of Seaside, and beside the scenic beach side road of CR 30A, lies the lovely and rosy town of Rosemary Beach. As home to some of the finest restaurants and dining places for those with epicurean appetites, Rosemary Beach entertains all manner of travelers and beachgoers who are in need of a break from the hassle and bustle of the big cities. The bucolic gardens of the Eden Gardens State Park will soothe your weary spirits, especially with the comforting architecture of the Historic Wesley House, former abode of the first settlers of Rosemary Beach from 1897.
There is also the marshy waters and aquatic animals of the Camp Helen State Park, paired with the panoramic sceneries from the Pavilion at Grande Pointe. The more artistic of you can appreciate the vibrant culture and aptitude of Rosemary Beach at The Blue Giraffe gallery. And for those of you enthused to spend many fond days and nights by this small shoreline of the Guld of Mexico, then book a room at either The Pearl Hotel, Neptune’s Retreat, or Ciao Bella.
Fort Walton Beach
Situated between Pensacola and Panama City, Fort Walton Beach was once a major military fortress during the Seminole Wars. It was named after Colonel George Walton, the territorial secretary of West Florida (1821-22) and East-West Florida (1822-26). It also serviced the Confederate armies when it was called Camp Walton during the American Civil War. These days, Fort Walton Beach gives visitors access to the Santa Rosa Sound (separated from the gulf by Santa Rosa Island), Okaloosa Island, and the western end of Choctawhatchee Bay (an arm of the Gulf of Mexico). Although the remnants of the original fort barely remain, the Eglin Air Force Base now functions as a modern military base.
You can see more of town’s military involvement at the Air Force Armament Museum, or you can admire a Mississippian-period mound and other Native American artifacts at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. There is also the Gulfarium, a gallery showcasing the marine wildlife in the region, and the Emerald Coast Science Center where one can learn all about the unique ecosystems in Fort Walton Beach.
Do not miss out on The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, an annual celebration of an 18th-century pirate of the region every June. Most of all, you can either continue your adventures in the many parks and recreational spaces in Gulf Islands National Seashore or relax in opulent establishments like Aunt Martha’s Bed & Breakfast or Seaside Escape at Fort Walton Beach.
Navarre
Navarre is one of the best stress-relieving vacation spots for federal civil servants, US military personnel, defense contractors, and retirees in either Florida or throughout the whole of the United States. In Florida’s Emerald Coast, Navarre truly shines with its emerald-sparkling waters from the Gulf of Mexico. With its position between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, the town entertains and alleviates the worn and the weary with its perfectly white strip of beaches at the Navarre Beach Marine Park in Santa Rosa Island.
Being “Florida’s most relaxing place,” one can check out the impressive artistry and mastery of the Holley Hill Pottery and Sand Dollar Cottage. Catch fish and spot other unique aquatic animals from the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, or simply see them up close at the Gulf Breeze Zoo or from the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. At the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, you can learn all about the local ecosystems and habitats that Sweet Pea, the center’s resident sea turtle, calls home. So bask in the emerald delights of Florida’s most relaxing place, Navarre.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is one of the most mentioned and definitely one of the top three best beaches in Florida’s Emerald Coast. Approximately 70 miles from Apalachicola, you can wade and waddle through miles of white-sand beaches made out of quartz crystals that originated from the Appalachian Mountains hundreds of years ago. Those eager for angling and fishing can seek game at St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen, two protected nature preserves that promise the aquarian delights of the Guld of Mexico.
However, if you prefer not to have your feet soaked, then you can walk about in the forests and trails of Conservation Park. In the months of March and November, people gather for the Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show for the newest and vintage models of vehicles ever known. And on October, aside from an annual Oktoberfest, you can dress up as a pirate and participate in several pirate-themed activities in the Pirates of the High Seas Fest.
Get a majestic view of Panama City Beach’s hotels, resorts, and shoreline from the SkyWheel Panama City Beach, or experience thrills and rides at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Become more acquainted with all species of animals at the Gulf World Marine Park and ZooWorld Zoological Park. Finally, discover the history of scuba diving and submarines at the Man in the Sea Museum. There are many more features to cherish in Panama City Beach, especially the amiable accommodations like Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort and Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort.
Apalachicola
About 90 minutes south of the state capital of Tallahassee, Apalachicola is widely hailed as “Oystertown” due to the many bivalve mollusks in the Apalachicola River and out into the Apalachicola Bay. “Apalachicola” derives from a few Native American words such as the Hitchoti "apalahchi," meaning "on the other side," and "okli," meaning "people.”
Apalachicola also refers to a ridge of earth produced by sweeping the ground in preparation for a council or peace fire, lending to a new meaning for the town, the “Land of the friendly people.” Indeed, the area around Apalachicola has been friendly to everyone since the Woodland and Mississippian periods all the way to modern times. During the American Civil War, however, Apalachicola suffered much from the conflicts between the Union and Confederate armies since the town was a vital means to control much of the Chattahoochee River system in Florida.
The 19th-century Orman House Historic State Park is one of the few edifices that continue to preserve the town’s local heritage, while places like Big Townhead Island and St. Vincent Island promote the contemporary beauty of Apalachicola. For those of you intrigued by the oysters, the history, or the friendly people in Apalachicola, you should definitely find a place to say like Gibson Inn, Riverwood Suites, or Apalachicola Bay Inn.
Aside from its aquamarine waves, the Emerald Coast is also known as the Sugar Coast for its soft, sugar-white beaches that all of the aforementioned towns display. Of course, thousands of vacationers and retirees do not stay in these lovely towns because of the beaches. They stay because of deep, cultural histories as seen in Apalachicola. For the festivities and excitement in Panama City Beach. For the relaxing, homely atmosphere in Navarre and Fort Walton Beach, and for the New Urbanist setting of Seaside. Regardless of where you are vacationing, you will not miss the turquoise surfs and powdered shores of the best small towns in Florida’s Emerald Coast to visit in 2024.
