8 Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast to Visit for a Weekend Getaway

On the coast of the Florida Panhandle lies the Emerald Coast, which is 100 miles of sandy beaches lining part of the Gulf of Mexico. While many people flock to other parts of Florida to vacation like Miami, the Emerald Coast has plenty of smaller settlements perfect for a weekend getaway. There's plenty of shopping, eating and sun rays to catch away from the big crowds. From local seafood to fishing, Emerald Coast has it all.

Niceville

Niceville lives up to its name with a friendly atmosphere and a love of nature. Right on top of Choctawhatchee Bay and near the Eglin Air Force Base, the town has plenty of parks to stroll through, including a local dog park for any pups. The Lions Park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, and the Turkey Creek Nature Trail all provide wonderful Florida trails and weather for all ages. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Theater has plenty to provide for entertainment, with shows, music, and even art galleries. Golf courses like Bluewater Bay or Elgin are right in town and are perfect for sunny Florida fun.

Destin

Destin is very well known for its fish, with many different spots on the water to cast a line. The town started out as a fishing village, so people have been fishing there for centuries. Visitors and residents can also take a fishing charter if they'd like to get more into the ocean. The town also hosts Fudpuckers Gator Beach, the largest alligator park on the Emerald Coast. The Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park has more than 40 different slides, making plenty of fun for the whole family. Kids will love the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, which has treasure hunting and sword fighting throughout. Food places include Crab Trap Destin and Harry T's for authentic beachside seafood!

Alys Beach

Alys Beach stands out from not just a lot of Emerald Coast towns, but Florida towns in general. The waters are clear, sure, but the architecture surrounding it has to be pre-approved and white in color. All of the buildings in Alys Beach are uniform in their color scheme, which has a symmetry not seen anywhere else. The town has a quiet and calming atmosphere, with the area being very walkable. Alys Beach has unparalleled coastal views and excellent local food from places like George's at Alys Beach, Neat (a wine bar), and Mojito Alley. These options may be pricey, but the experience is well worth it.

Seaside

While Seaside is technically an unincorporated community, many people in and out of state refer to it as a beach town, and for good reason. The beaches of Seaside are gorgeous, and the pastel beach houses only complement the landscape, making them even prettier. Central Square has entertainment from movies and live jazz during summer weekends, making for nightly fun. Movie fans might recognize Seaside, as it was the filming location for The Truman Show in 1998. The Fusion Art Glass & Fine Jewelry gallery features much of Russ Gilbert's work while representing over 150 other artists. Shrimp Shack and Barefoot BBQ are just beachside eateries that house amazing local food.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is sometimes considered a part of Destin but is in a separate county with its own zip code, setting it apart from the town. Activities like jet skiing and parasailing riding are offered on the bright-colored waters, beachside volleyball, and plenty of spots to eat and drink. Places like Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar and Vin’Tij Food & Wine offer lovely food and beverages to enjoy by the seaside. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities at the Silver Sands Premium outlets and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin making two outlets for almost anyone's shopping needs. Axes & Ice Cream is a spot in town that offers two things you'd never think of putting together: dairy treats and ax throwing.

Navarre

The town of Navarre is somewhat of a tourist-heavy location, but that means that there's plenty to do. On the beaches alone you can learn to surf, take boat tours, rent bikes, and even snorkel. There are even opportunities to see dolphins off the coast through boat tours, and bike trails are available throughout town to use the rented bikes. The town has a long fishing pier perfect for catching fish during spring and summer. Navarre has a five-acre park perfect for children to play in, making a whole trip to the town very family-friendly. The Beach House Bar & Grill, Windjammers on the Pier, Broussard's Bayou Grill, and more sell fresh food and have incredible sights while you eat.

Shalimar

The town of Shalimar has a more rural feel than other places along the Emerald Coast. It was once known as Port Dixie, but now goes as Shalimar to reflect the nearby water, meaning "by the beautiful water." The nearby water hosts fishing charters for those who want to fish at sea. There's Have Fun Charters and Reel Salty Fishing Charter to name a few. There's a local golf and country club called Shalimar Pointe with a great course and views. Local food includes Mediterranean, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, and more. Shalimar has a strong library built in 1996 and still runs today, which is done entirely by volunteers.

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach is 25 miles from Panama City, known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. The sand on their beaches only has quartz crystals, making them uniform in color and cool during summer. There are nearly five miles of it for anyone to enjoy, with easy beach access almost anywhere. Paddling by canoe or kayak is an incredible way to experience sea-level waters, with guides ready to provide both the boats and tours. Plenty of parks line the town, close to and far from the shore. Canal Park, Parker Park, Under the Palms Park, and more. Plenty of seafood is available around town, like Shell Shack of Mexico Beach and Killer Seafood.

Discover the Emerald Coast's Charms

While there are plenty of beach spots throughout Florida, to the point where that's what the state is mostly known for, there are plenty of smaller spots with incredible seaside fun and sun and other opportunities like shopping, hiking, or exploring. The incredible food offered on the Emerald Coast makes the ocean views much better, and you're never too far away from the sea, no matter which town you head to. Emerald Coast is perfect for anyone trying to get that hot beach weather, any time of year.