7 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In Florida's Emerald Coast

We live in a busy world. All day long, our energy, attention, and focus are being pulled in a dozen different directions. If you’re feeling the strain, it’s time for a vacation. Imagine dipping your toes in warm, white sand while you gaze out over gently rolling turquoise waters, glittering in the balmy sunlight. It’s not heaven; it’s Florida’s Emerald Coast, which is about as near to paradise as it gets. Stretched along the Gulf Coast region of the panhandle, the Emerald Coast is home to some of Florida’s most inviting waterfront towns. Time stands still in these beachy idylls where the most stressful decision you’ll make is where to eat dinner.

DeFuniak Springs

DeFuniak Springs is a quaint, historic town by the shores of a spring-fed lake. Away from the bustling coast, this is a tranquil town with lots to see. Start with a stroll around the historic district to enjoy architecture that dates back to DeFuniak Springs's founding in the late 1800s. Highlights include the Chautauqua Building, constructed in 1909, and St Agatha’s Episcopal Church, built in 1896 and featuring beautiful stained glass windows. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spend a lazy afternoon enjoying DeFuniak Lake, ideal for boating, birding, fishing or just having a paddle. For more beautiful scenery, take the short drive to nearby Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, where you can take a dip in the springs, explore self-guided nature trails, or fish for pickerel and panfish.

Grayton Beach

If you’re dreaming of the beach but don’t want to have to fight for a spot in the sun, head for Grayton Beach, a laid-back community with an artsy vibe and unspoilt white sand dunes. Visit the local galleries, including The Studio Gallery and La Duna Gallery to browse stunning works from local artists. Pick up a unique piece of shell art or a dazzling watercolor to take home.

Close to Grayton Beach State Park, this is also an ideal destination for nature lovers. The park offers lots of opportunities to kayak, canoe, hike, bike, bird watch, and fish at its coastal dune lake. Adventurous swimmers can grab their snorkeling gear and head for Sea Turtle Reef, a beautiful underwater paradise just 800m from the beach.

Apalachicola

Also known as ‘Oystertown’, the peaceful fishing village of Apalachicola is steeped in maritime history and surrounded by stunning scenery. Visit the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture & Art to view fascinating exhibits on the town’s seafaring past, inhabitants through the ages, and artwork from the local creative community. To see where the town gets its nickname, sample the local seafood at The Station Raw Bar which serves up fresh oysters in the heart of downtown.

To truly get off the beaten track and experience the Florida wilderness, visit the St Vincent National Wildlife Refuge which consists of two neighboring islands off the coast. Only accessible by boat, this is a birding paradise. View a range of neotropical migratory bird species from the islands’ hiking paths and wildlife viewing spots. The Reserve is also a breeding site for endangered red wolves.

Freeport

Away from the busy coastline, the tucked-away town of Freeport is a hidden treasure. It may not be on the Gulf, but this community still has plenty of scenic waterfront views thanks to its proximity to beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. Enjoy a sun-drenched day at the beach at Choctaw Beach Park, or take a short drive to Eden Gardens State Park to explore this 163-acre oasis. Part of the historic Wesley homestead, the park is built around an 1897 mansion, which is open for public tours. The extensive grounds include beautiful gardens, a koi pond, and a launch area for canoes and boats on the Tucker Bayou. Back in town, visit the Heritage Center of Freeport for more about the history of the area. This specialty museum was compiled by local historians who have amassed an impressive collection of stories and photos of Freeport families through the decades.

Milton

Life is slower in the pretty river town of Milton. Escape your cares with a relaxed stroll along the Milton Riverwalk which starts in the historic district downtown and extends along the beautiful Blackwater River. The walk takes you past the West Florida Railroad Museum, where you can stop in for a look at classic carriages and model railroads, as well as the Panhandle Butterfly House and Nature Center, a vivarium where you can interact with some of Florida’s 160+ native butterfly species. See more butterflies in the wild and some gorgeous scenery at Blackwater River State Park, where you can take a dip, do some fishing, or enjoy a lazy afternoon tubing.

Rosemary Beach

A charming resort town founded in the 1990s, Rosemary Beach is a welcoming destination with a relaxed, friendly vibe, especially in fall when the summer tourists have headed home. The upscale, planned community is within easy reach of several pristine nature reserves, including Deer State Park and Topsail State Park. The latter is a short drive west on the scenic Highway 30A and includes towering sand dunes, freshwater dune lakes, pine forests, and wetlands. Book a fishing charter to test your angling skills in the quiet dune lakes and surrounding bayous, or rent a kayak and enjoy a self-guided eco-tour through the diverse Florida ecosystems. The easy-to-navigate grid layout of Rosemary Beach also makes it perfect for cyclists, and bicycles are available to rent from a number of local operators. When the sun goes down, relax to the sound of local musicians doing their thing. The town holds weekly concerts during the spring and summer and has a packed schedule of family-friendly events.

Hidden Gems on the Emerald Coast

Next time you need a break, head for Florida’s Emerald Coast, but plan wisely. The region’s touristy towns like Destin or Panama City are a mecca for sun-lovers and it can be tough to find a spot on the packed beaches. Slow things down and get off the beaten track in these hidden gems on the Emerald Coast. Here, you can escape the grind and find out what a Florida vacation is all about — sun, sand, sunshine, and serenity!