7 Unspoiled Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast
Florida's Emerald Coast along the Panhandle region has some of the prettiest beaches in the world. The area also has quaint coastal towns, and most of them are unspoiled. Miles of secluded beaches, protected marshes, and preservation ensure that this region will be enjoyed for generations.
Many conservation areas allow visitors and are operated by the state or the national government. This coast is sought after by those seeking a tranquil visit away from crowded tourist destinations like Orlando or Miami. The small towns allow visitors to glimpse a different side of Florida that many do not experience.
Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach has long been a top vacation spot because it is less crowded than most beaches along the Emerald Coast. This part of the coast has earned the moniker "The Unforgettable Coast" because it is one of the last unspoiled stretches of beach in Florida. The Mexico Beach beach offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and perfect sunsets. Kayaking is ideal for discovering the local marshes and wildlife.
Eco tours are common in this area because of the lack of commercial development, and the small town is designated as a bird sanctuary. Several parks have hiking and biking trails, including Under the Palms Park. The park has a serene setting and includes a picnic pavilion. The tranquil settings and lack of urban development make Mexico Beach one of the best beaches on the Emerald Coast.
St. George Island
St. George Island is just off the coast of Apalachicola and is a popular vacation spot for families. The 20-mile island has 17 miles of biking trails, cultural attractions, and wildlife species. The Cape St. George Lighthouse, built in 1833, collapsed into the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and was reconstructed in 2008. The light keeper's house was recreated the following year, doubling as a museum with exhibits detailing the monument's history. The island is also known for its unspoiled beaches and dunes.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park has nine miles of unspoiled beaches, dunes, and sand marshes. The white sand beach is popular among visitors because of its unfettered oceanic views and beauty. The pier is ideal for coastal fishing for pelagics, and fishing charter boats are also available for hire.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is a small coastal town on Santa Rosa Island. Its long strip of clean beach is surrounded by azure-colored water and a tranquil natural setting. The 1,545-foot-long Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, 30 feet above the waterline, highlights the beach. Powdery white sand and dunes are the beach's trademarks, and the dunes and conservation parks are critical to ecological development.
Nearby is the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, home to the resident seat turtle, Sweet Pea. Visitors observe these majestic animals in a 15,000-gallon saltwater pool. Navarre Beach Marine Park is a 4.5-acre park with picnic areas and an artificial reef area for snorkeling. The miles of unspoiled beaches and the small community proudly offer a more laidback atmosphere than the more populated Florida beaches.
Santa Rosa Beach
This sparsely populated unincorporated community hosts Blue Mountain Beach, known for its stunning views, lupine flowers, and massive dunes. The blue flowers gracefully accent the clear blue water and sand dunes that reach up to 65 feet above sea level. This beautiful South Walton paradise boasts one of the highest elevations on the coast at 65 feet and a friendly atmosphere.
Grabbing a rental bike at Big Daddy's Bike Shop and cruising the small neighborhood is as charming as lounging on the beach. The art gallery of renowned artist Justin Gaffrey is a short ride from the rental shop. The paved 19-mile Timpoochee Trail runs through town and traverses Highway 30A.
Niceville
As the name implies, Niceville is a lovely beach town with a friendly community. It is surrounded by natural settings like wetlands, forests, and marshes, which can be seen at parks like Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. The former World War ll gunnery and bombing range includes towering pines up to 300 years old. The focal point is Rocky Bayou, which feeds Choctawhatchee Bay, another unspoiled landmark. Niceville offers plenty of other options to enjoy nature, like trails and parks.
Turkey Creek Nature Trail is 20 acres and provides ideal canoeing and kayaking opportunities down the creek. It also has a pavilion for gatherings. The boardwalk is a serene way to get close to turtles, ducks, and other wildlife. For those who prefer woods over the beach, there is no better town on the Emerald Coast than Niceville.
Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe is a historic town near Panama City, known for its pristine beaches and high dunes. It is one of the most historic towns in Florida, and the friendly community is quick to offer historical tidbits. The T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park extends 20 miles into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. It is an important habitat for sea turtles and nesting birds, and the park allows camping, which is the best way to experience this treasure of a park.
The Bay Walk Trail winds past the tranquil shoreline, and there is a biking trail. The Port City Trail is 4 miles of paved trail that connects to parks like Forest Park South and Buck Griffin Lake. Port St. Joe has a historic downtown, a perfect respite from a fun-filled day on the gorgeous beaches.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is a small village with a secluded beach bordering Grayton Beach State Park. The park is widely known for its immaculate beaches, but there are also four miles of trails through coastal forest with scrub oaks. Western Lake is a freshwater lake with ideal kayaking and canoeing conditions, and camping is available. The beach is a top destination among divers and snorkelers for its unique underwater attraction,
The Underwater Museum of Art provides a unique way to promote ocean conservation. The museum is 58 feet underwater and includes sculptures that attract various marine life and build ecological systems. Downtown has an artsy atmosphere with several shops and galleries promoting local artists' work and excellent dining options.
Final Thoughts
Florida is a hotspot destination for many travelers, especially in the larger metropolises. However, a tranquil respite in one of these seven unspoiled towns on the Emerald Coast offers a view into a different side of Florida. Many would argue a better side. Country towns like Navarre have many natural points of interest that cannot be experienced in bigger cities.
The community makeup of these towns is often friendly and inviting. There is a lot of history here, and the residents will frequently extol visitors with stories of Florida's past. The local shops and watering holes are excellent sources of local knowledge and make the unspoiled region even more endearing.
