8 Most Scenic Small Towns In Florida's Emerald Coast

A few years ago, the Scenic 30A was dotted with just a handful of travel-worthy towns. Today, a cornucopia of heart-melting eye candies line this famous stretch. Of course, the Emerald Coast is stunning — and because of this — known across the globe. An incredibly pristine shoreline, exotic coastal dune lakes, the jeweled-toned waters of the gulf, and much more. All these conspire to make the perfect backdrop to a beach-themed vacation. Below, we reveal these stunning microcosms of cuteness, which line the area like a bejeweled necklace.

Seagrove

If you thought — based on the name — that a thick grove of trees encircles this Florida eye candy, you would be right. It also has a sandy beach, but put it at the tail end of your trip; The best for last. You will enjoy wandering through the quiet streets of a storybook town that exudes the ambiance of Old Florida in its most unhurried state. Often less crowded than its more famous peers — Seagrove makes for an exciting discovery. To kickstart your trip, grab a seat — and some mouthwatering fish tacos — at the Seagrove Village Market Café. They have a dog-friendly patio from where one will enjoy sampling a range of delightful flavors. After this, a deep-toned massage (or an hour of Yoga) at the highly-rated Balance Health Studio will set your mind and muscles in excellent shape. You can then rent a paddle board at the Yellowfin Ocean Sports before wending your way to the one-and-a-half-mile beach, where the scenery will set your heart aglow.

Grayton Beach

Sandwiched between Pensacola and Panama City, Grayton Beach plays host to one of the Emerald Coast's finest gems: Grayton Beach State Park. This mind-bending park spans up to 2,000 acres and has been a travelers' favorite for decades. This park does not just provide a beach experience, although many associate it with gorgeous white sands and delicious waterfront views. The fish-laden Western Lake, for example, is spellbinding and is unique for being one of a few coastal dune lakes in the world. Besides, this park hosts the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation's first permanent underwater sculpture exhibit. For an extended stay, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is conveniently close to the beach, quiet and peaceful, and radiates an Old Florida feel that comes with a step-back-in-time experience.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is a low-key architectural version of Charleston, complete with broad porches, cobblestone streets, and deep eaves. Whether you want to sample a good read at the Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery, buy something for your kids at Gigi's, or purchase a refreshing scent at Pish Posh Patchouli's, this town provides excellent retail therapy. That said, many consider a chic rooftop bar and restaurant located close to the square to be the defining attraction of Rosemary Beach. Pescado is not only one of a few venues in Rosemary Beach with a rooftop bar but also — because it features stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico — one of the best spots for a romantic dinner. For the best experience here, you will want to arrive just before sunset. And just so you know, the public beach here allows you to plan bonfires with friends or family.

Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is on Santa Rosa Island. So you can imagine the dreamscapes, the waterfront views, and why it has been called "Florida's most relaxing place." Once you cross the causeway, you will be blown away by the scenery — amid glistening emerald waters and sugar-white sand. One of this town's claims to fame is that it plays host to the longest fishing pier in the Sunshine State. The pier is an idyllic spot for walks — as it is for fishing and spectacular sunsets. If in good terms with Lady Luck, you will lock eyes with some dolphins, jellyfish, and sea turtles. Navarre Beach Marine Park also features clean bathrooms, showers, and free parking. For an extended stay, the Navarre Beach Camping Resort will come in handy. You will feel tucked away and relish the heartwarming bay views. While not a hidden secret anymore, Navarre Beach still feels like a well-kept secret.

Destin

People say it is touristy, and they have a point. Destin, with its strip malls and mini golf courses, is loved by tourists for two reasons. It's impossibly beautiful. It is also chock-full of attractions, stuff people enjoy seeing or doing. The beach remains the best thing about Destin. Its sand is sugar-white and soft; Its waters are emerald and crystal-clear. There is Mimmo's Ristorante Italiano as well, which serves one of the best Italian dishes in Florida, whether pizza or pasta. Destin Commons, which features over 85 stores and restaurants, is a great spot to hang out, tantalize every taste bud, or shop for popular brands. Then, there is the lovely and energetic harbor walk, its addictive ambiance, and its stunning sunsets. The truth is, Destin deserves to be explored —- even once in a lifetime.

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is on Santa Rosa Sound at the western end of the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay. Eglin Air Force Base is a principal feature of this town and a significant actor in its economy. While a first-time visitor will want to eat, shop, or swing by the boardwalk, Fort Walton is home to numerous attractions. The Air Force Armament Museum, just 7 miles from downtown Fort Walton, features interesting displays of Air Force armament and an extensive collection of historic rifles. The Indian Temple Mound Museum, on the flip side, boasts one of the finest collections of prehistoric ceramics in the South. To the outdoor lover, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the largest in the nation, is just west of the city. When hunger pangs begin to set in, grab some tasty Fajitas at Rockin Tacos — before picking Victorian-era shoes at DeFrance Indoor Flea Market and Antiques. one of the largest indoor flea markets and antique stores on the Florida Panhandle.

Seaside

It is not just its name. Seaside is so idyllic that it served as the setting of the 1998 cult-classic film "The Truman Show." Its motto: "A simple, beautiful life," can make one promptly lace up and swing his backpack over the shoulders. Who doesn't want such a dream? To kickstart your trip, Modica Market, which serves outstanding culinary delights — from cheese biscuits to banana muffins — will come in handy. Not far from Central Square, Ruskin Place, with its art galleries and boutiques, serves bite-sized portions of retail therapy. Enjoy the serenity of the aptly named Fairy Forest before wending your way to Seaside Chapel, where your soul will be transported from the physical and material — to the spiritual and metaphysical. And do not worry about a place to stay. Seaside has been described as a big vacation rental.

Panama City Beach

Trust Panama City to live up to its name and fame. The beach experience here is excellent and will make you understand why Florida is often ranked as the most visited state in the country. The average American knows beauty when she sees it. While one will enjoy lounging on the beach, the best experience is at sunset — when the horizon is illuminated in incandescent bursts of pink, blue, orange, and red — all at once. Aqua Resort, located conveniently close to Pier Park, is right on the beach. The views from this property are heartwarming and are among this property's most-loved features. Besides, Russell-Fields City Pier, one of the longest in the South, is a lovely spot to lock eyes with sea turtles. State parks such as St. Andrews and Camp Helen are awe-inspiring and can effortlessly steal a day or two. And that is without mentioning the untouched beauty of Shell Island. Also, for some memorable retail therapy, Pier Park, the go-to spot for shopping and dining on the Emerald Coast, plays host to more than 120 stores, including Dillard's and Forever 21.

The Take-home

Florida is often ranked among the most visited states in America. It boasts numerous attractions that draw visitors from as far as the state of Washington on one end to the state of Maine on the other. That said, the Emerald Coast, where beauty drips at every turn of the eye, is one of the Sunshine State's most defining attractions. Fortunately, numerous small towns dot this stretch and make for excellent getaways. Some of the most scenic towns along the Emerald Coast include well-known names like Destin and Panama City Beach — and others like Navarre Beach and Rosemary Beach.