8 Most Laid-Back Small Towns on Florida's Emerald Coast
With its sugary-white sand and deep, emerald waters, Florida's Emerald Coast rivals the beaches of distant Caribbean islands, making it one of the best beach destinations in the United States. Beyond its remarkable shoreline, the region offers a full Florida experience, with coastal towns featuring everything from rooftop restaurants and underwater art museums to pontoon rentals and more. Why travel abroad to destinations like the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos, when these eight towns await you with your next relaxing vacation?
Navarre
Navarre, nicknamed “Florida’s most relaxing place,” certainly lives up to its name. Those who want to explore the water can snorkel or dive in one of the town’s nearby artificial reefs, keeping an eye out for sea turtles, jellyfish, rays, and colorful fish! A short trip west will take visitors to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge as well, which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine animals. After a day sunbathing, snorkeling, or visiting the refuge, travelers can grab dinner at Windjammers on the Pier, which is the town’s oldest family-run restaurant, serving fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, and more!
Seaside
Beyond its beautiful beaches, Seaside also has a special sense of community that will keep visitors wanting to come back year after year. The town has a weekly calendar packed with community events that visitors will want to take part in, including beach volleyball, a Saturday Farmers market, music and theatre performances, and more. Additionally, after laying out on one of the town’s white sand beaches, visitors can stroll through one of the many specialty boutiques, swimwear shops, souvenir stores, and more. Those looking for a book to read while on the beach can pick one up from the cozy Sundog Books! The Shrimp Shack is an excellent place to stop for renowned seafood after, offering oysters, lobster, and shrimp, among other seafood varieties.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is home to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of the longest stretches of federally protected shoreline in the country, offering plenty of space to unwind on its clear, untouched beaches. There are lots of water activities to take part in as well, such as Dolphin Tours, which visitors can arrange with Frisky Mermaid, or rent a pontoon with Pensacola Beach Pontoon Rentals. Sushi lovers can enjoy a fresh roll of sushi afterward at Bonsai, an upscale, innovative sushi restaurant, while Water Pig Barbecue is a great option for those craving some slow-cooked meat.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach, along Florida’s northwestern coast, is an eclectic town that has earned its unofficial motto of “nice dogs, strange people.” In addition to its white sand beaches, its vibrant art scene draws in countless visitors each year. Visitors who are looking for a unique and memorable experience can sign up for a glass shard art class at The Shard Shop, a Make-Your-Own-Art boutique. Those who are looking for an original piece of art to take home can stop by the Studio Gallery, which showcases some of the best art in the area. Combining art and the ocean, the Underwater Museum of Art is another must-visit, great for scuba divers, sitting 58 feet deep, less than a mile from shore. Grayton Beach State Park is a relaxing place to spend the day as well, where visitors can swim, camp, fish, or rent a kayak.
Gulf Breeze
Just across the bay from Pensacola is Gulf Breeze, which is just as worthy of a visit. The beaches in town are perfect for snorkeling, shelling, diving and paddling, and the scenic Gulf Islands National Seashore is easily accessible from town as well. The Gulf Breeze Zoo, with over 800 animals, is an interesting afternoon activity for children and adults alike, including a boardwalk, narrated train ride, and animal encounters. Those wanting a relaxing evening with good food must stop by The Pointe, one of the town’s most popular restaurants that serves steak and seafood and has live music and periodic events such as trivia.
Santa Rosa Beach
East of Destin, along the state’s northwestern coast, is Santa Rosa Beach, awaiting travelers with well-kept nature preserves, award-winning restaurants, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. In Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, visitors can see coastal dune lakes and ancient dunes, as well as appreciate rare ecosystems such as old-growth pine forests, wetlands, and sandy scrubland. They can also appreciate an array of endangered and rare species at Point Washington State Forest. As travelers get ready to unwind for the day, they can stop by Grayton Beer Company for a craft beer or enjoy panoramic coastal views at Vue on 30a.
Rosemary Beach
With cobblestone streets and many renowned restaurants downtown, Rosemary Beach has an upscale and laid-back atmosphere. Havana Beach Bar & Grill features stunning oceanfront views and a rooftop perfect for enjoying its delicious Caribbean Gulf Coast cuisine. To have a cross-Atlantic experience, travelers can also visit La Crema Tapas and Chocolate, which serves savory, traditional Spanish tapas. Those looking for a prime beach can spend the day at Camp Helen State Park, spanning 180 acres, or Inlet Beach, just a half-mile west. Visitors can also rent a bike and bike along the Timpoochee Trail, a paved trail that parallels the Scenic Highway 30A.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, situated between Pensacola and Panama City, is the perfect town to explore the Emerald Coast’s ecosystems and wildlife. In addition to spotting wildlife by snorkeling, diving, and swimming, visitors can stop by the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, especially good for children, which features an array of dolphins, sea turtles, seals, alligators, and more. The Emerald Coast Science Center is another excellent way to learn about the area, offering interactive exhibits to explore. After spending the day relaxing and learning about the emerald coast, visitors must try one of Fort Walton’s gulf-to-table restaurants, such as Floyd’s Shrimp House, one of the town’s most popular places to grab dinner!
Ready for a beach getaway? Florida’s Emerald Coast has it all—from breathtaking sands and clear waters to unique local experiences in each town. Whether you’re into diving, dolphin tours, or simply relaxing with fresh seafood, these spots promise a vacation that’ll rival any tropical escape. Pack your sunscreen and get ready for some sun-soaked fun!
