8 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Florida's Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is a stretch of coastline in western Florida that faces the Gulf of Mexico. It encompasses many counties and numerous towns that are extremely popular with Americans and tourists worldwide. A mix of idyllic beaches, warm coastal waters, gorgeous weather almost all year round, and an abundance of things to see and do within the towns themselves all contribute to the allure of the Emerald Coast.

Explore this area through the lens of these eight small towns. See which cultural, historical, and natural destinations appeal to you if you take a trip throughout The Sunshine State.

Seaside

Seaside is the epitome of a quaint beach town, designed with the charm of a typical New England village but with a Southern twist. It's famous for its "New Urbanism" architecture, where white picket fences and pastel-colored cottages line the streets, just like you'd see in New England, but in Florida, where the weather is sunshine almost all year long!

The central square is a hub for visitors, featuring several essential amenities along tasty dining establishments like The Daytrader Tiki Bar and Restaurant, a cute restaurant sitting right on the beach. The Seaside Amphitheater nearby plays all sorts of live music and events, adding to the laid-back and fun atmosphere.

A highlight of Seaside is its proximity to the white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With walkable streets and a range of outdoor activities, Seaside has a perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment and is ideal for a vacation away from big city life.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, often abbreviated as PCB, like many beach towns on Florida's Emerald Coast, is sought after for its gorgeous beaches, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions. This town contains over 27 miles of white sandy shores along the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Beyond its stunning coastline, Panama City Beach offers a variety of attractions to suit every interest. For families, there's Shipwreck Island Waterpark and Gulf World Marine Park, where visitors can interact with dolphins and other marine life. Pier Park, a large outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, features a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and an amusement park with a Ferris wheel. For a night on the town, you will never run out of bars, live music venues, and beachfront clubs to hop around to. The Salty Goat is a highly-rated staple of Panama Beach to grab a cold drink and see some live music.

For those who love nature, St. Andrews State Park is a popular place for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking throughout its borders.

Destin

Destin is a bustling coastal town known for its crystal-clear waters and world-class fishing culture. Often referred to as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin has a wide variety of fishing charters available to catch some of the most sought-after species in the warm coastal waters nearby. Visitors can take part in deep-sea fishing excursions with companies such as Semper Fish Destion, Emerald Coast Charters, and several others.

If fishing is not quite for you, you can enjoy Destin's many other water-based activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and dolphin tours. The HarborWalk Village is a popular spot for dining, shopping, and entertainment, with its attractive range of restaurants with waterfront views and live music performances. For fun with the family, Destin is home to Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park, a family-friendly attraction with water slides and amusement rides. Bring your sunscreen!

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach, a close neighbor just west of Seaside, is a historic town that also has a laid-back vibe. It's known for its eclectic mix of old Florida-style homes and modern architecture that make you truly feel that you are in a southern beach town. Be sure to visit The Studio Gallery to view and purchase your own piece of art from Grayton Beach, with all exhibits being made by local artists.

Grayton Beach is a gateway to the aptly named Grayton Beach State Park, a scenic area with several trails, coastal dune lakes, and of course, pristine beaches. This is also a place where you can enjoy the simplicity of a small town while being minutes away from outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking.

For a cool drink after a long day of exploring (or at the start of one, depending on how adventurous you are feeling on your vacation), The Red Bar, a local institution, is a must-visit spot for live music, refreshments, and locally sourced meals.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach combines a European-inspired aesthetic with a coastal feel that you will come to expect from this region. With cobblestone streets covering much of the downtown core, well-maintained public green spaces, and hidden courtyards, there is no wonder why so many note that this down has a distinct European vibe.

Rosemary Beach also hosts regular events like farmers' markets and art festivals, fostering a lively community spirit. For something to do inside, check out the Cuate 30A art gallery, right across from The Pearl Hotel, an iconic place to stay with fantastic views of the gulf.

Like many towns on this list, Rosemary Beach is known for its many beautiful beaches, where the turquoise waters and soft sands make for an idyllic setting to sit back, read a book, have a drink, or take a break for the afternoon.

Alys Beach

Alys Beach is strikingly different from other towns along Florida's Emerald Coast, with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture featuring whitewashed walls and distinctive rooftops. This town was originally designed to be walkable, with narrow streets and eye-catching landscaping that hopefully eliminates your desire to use a car to get around.

Alys Beach is home to unique landmarks like the Alys Beach Tower and the Caliza Pool, a stunning swimming pool with a resort-like ambiance. You can find high-end boutiques and fine dining options in the downtown area. Book a table at The Citizen, an upscale restaurant serving fresh seafood and crafted cocktails.

This beach town hosts a range of festivals, such as the 30A Wine Festival and Digital Graffiti, an outdoor art and digital art event that is spectacular to see at night.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is a popular spot for those who want to own a slice of their own property in this idyllic part of Florida, with its mix of resorts, highrise condos, and beachfront cottages. For a shorter visit, perhaps a stay at one of the many resorts, like Mahjextic Sun or Henderson Beach Resort, is highly recommended. The extensive beachfront, with vast stretches of soft sand and warm, clear waters, hosts dozens of other places to stay during your time here, making it not always necessary to make an advanced booking.

Miramar Beach is home to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet shopping centers in the area, containing several brand-name stores. Miramar Beach's central location on the Emerald Coast also makes it easy to explore nearby attractions, including golf courses (Seascape Golf Course, right in the heart of town) and amusement parks (Baytowne Adventure Zone, a short drive northeast).

Niceville

For a destination not directly on the coast but slightly more inland on Choctawhatchee Bay, Niceville offers a quieter alternative to the buzzing coastal towns nearby. A standout feature of Niceville is its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, making it a popular place for active duty service members or anyone simply interested in aviation. The town is also home to Northwest Florida State College, just in case you want to feel like you're on vacation while getting your degree.

Outdoor adventurers can appreciate the range of recreational activities available in and around Niceville. Turkey Creek Nature Trail is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and boating, with boardwalks winding through lush forests and over a picturesque creek. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park also has an assortment of places for boating, hiking, and wildlife observation.

The annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival draws visitors from across the area for live music, arts and crafts, and local foods served up fresh at the many vendors that set up shop there.

Soak Up the Sun on the Emerald Coast

An alternative to southern Florida's Miami or Tampa Bay, the Emerald Coast is a fantastic place to get sun on the beach and experience Florida's beautiful western maritime landscapes. From Panama City Beach's beaches and nightclubs to Niceville's many quaint amenities and swampland parks, a trip through the emerald coats can be something special all year round, given the almost perpetual nice weather of this region. Mark down any of these eight small towns, and you surely can't go wrong for a more laid-back time away from big city life.