8 Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast With Thriving Local Businesses
Florida's Emerald Coast is reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea and the islands that inhabit those clear blue waters. The beaches along the coast are among the prettiest in the world. Their white sand beaches draw millions of visitors annually for Spring Break, warm winter months, or relaxation. Some towns, like Panama City Beach, are famous party spots and ideal for family vacations.
This 100-mile stretch of coast comprises five counties along Florida's Panhandle region, and many coastal towns have thriving local businesses. Some small towns depend heavily on tourists to sustain their economy for the rest of the year. Towns like Seaside are renowned for their shopping district as much as for their beaches, which are a destination in themselves.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a famous college Spring Break town known for its white sand beaches and azure water. It is also a family-friendly vacation destination with thriving local businesses, especially at Pier Park. The outdoor shopping hub offers 124 outlets and dining options. The newest attraction is the fun SkyWheel, an entertainment complex with a 200-foot observation deck, a great way to gaze at the Gulf of Mexico.
The Skywheel entertainment center includes a mini golf course and other venues. Tickets are reasonably priced and available online. Local restaurants like Dickey's Barbecue Pit are crowd favorites, and there is something for every palette. The historic district has many more businesses, art galleries, and other cultural attractions. Panama City Beach is a world-class destination, not only for the beaches but also for thriving local businesses and restaurants.
Seaside
Seaside is a gorgeous, planned community in Santa Rosa Beach with brick-lined sidewalks and a bustling downtown shopping scene. Most local retail shops and restaurants are here, and many people travel to Seaside for shopping excursions. The Seaside Town Center comprises 300 homes on 80 acres and includes businesses like Summer of Spivey, a swimsuit shop selling locally made swimwear.
A notable dining option is Bud and Alley's Waterfront Restaurant. The restaurant includes the Rooftop Bar, providing incredible sunset views and a vibrant atmosphere. The Pastel-colored Daytrader Tiki Bar and Restaurant provides a classic beachside atmosphere with a touch of class. Walking around Seaside, it is easy to see what makes it stand out, even among the Emerald Coast's beautiful coastal towns.
Destin
Destin, the "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," attracts many visitors yearly for its attractions, local businesses, and restaurants. Like Brotula's Seafood House and Steamer on Harbor Boulevard, the Gulf to Table eateries are a community staple. Brotula's specializes in New South culinary style with a chef-inspired menu. Destin Commons is an open-air town center with over 80 stores, restaurants, and a monthly market.
The town center is quaint and pleasingly aesthetic, including stucco buildings and a fountain. Destin Common's signature is the nine murals that adorn the walls, painted by internationally acclaimed artists. The murals, especially the Destin Postcard, provide excellent photo opportunities. Destin holds events throughout the year, like the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival, which is another reason to visit.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is located on Okaloosa Island, a 7-mile barrier island with fun attractions and local restaurants. The Gulfarium Marine Park is a big draw for many, with numerous animal encounters. The animals include dolphins, harbor seals, and a chance to snorkel with stingrays. Wild Willy's Adventure is a 17,000-square-foot venue featuring a 4D movie theater, arcade, a 60-foot rope course, and many other fun events. There are also adventures and fantastic shopping opportunities along the boardwalk.
The Emerald Coast Science Center is another popular attraction. it features a mobile planetarium, interactive exhibits, and much more. Favorite restaurants include The Shack and The Gulf, favored for their fresh seafood and beachy atmosphere. Downtown is pedestrian-friendly and includes several shops and artistic displays. The third Friday of the month, March through September, features an Art Walk with exhibits from local artists and is a perfect way to discover this small beach town.
Santa Rosa Beach
The charming coastal town of Santa Rosa Beach is known for its parks, sweeping dunes, and state parks. There are also classic restaurants like Cafe 30A and shopping in the town center in the Water Color Community. The home association is upscale and offers rental cabanas and beach houses. A stroll through the town is a fantastic way to check out the local scenery, restaurants, and shops.
In the evenings, beating the beachfront Vue on 30A is hard. It boasts the best panoramic Gulf views on the coast and offers a fresh menu crafted by a chef. Or, grab a cold beverage at Idyll Hounds Brewing Company. Along with craft beers, the brewery hosts several festivals throughout the year, like Houndfest at the end of September. Santa Rosa Beach is a tranquil town with smaller crowds than other beach towns and excellent local businesses.
Mexico Beach
The small town of Mexico Beach is a well-known vacation spot for many and has unique local businesses. Behind the local beachfront hotel, Driftwood Inn Gifts features authentic "old" Florida collectibles. The Mexico Beach Marina is a quaint one-stop shop with a general and beach store. There is also a nice blend of restaurants and ice cream shops.
Mexico Beach Sweets is a small ice cream shop serving beach town candy. A favorite restaurant is the Shell Shack on the beach. The landmark has been open since 1965 and offers fresh seafood, seashells, and unique novelty gifts. The newly opened Forgotten Coast Brewery is a short walk from the beach and quickly gained a following for its laidback atmosphere and coastal food. This is a remarkably tranquil time with enough amenities for an extended vacation on one of the prettiest beaches on the Emerald Coast.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is a short stretch of sand, but it has a thriving local business culture, especially on the boardwalk. The Boardwalk is packed with boutiques, restaurants, and live events across the street from the iconic red, white, and blue beach ball water tower. Pensacola Bay Cruises allows ticket holders to depart at several locations. Live events include the Sounds of Summer on Friday and Saturday nights. Shopping is another top activity on the Boardwalk.
Boutiques like Ardor and Envie are just two of the shopping options. The popular Bamboo Willie's offers incredible views, boat slips, and live music on the beach. Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar has a classic New Orleans flair, an homage to its French Quarter roots. A free trolley service at the beach provides a respite from the heat and a perfect way to explore the town's businesses and events.
St. George Island
St. George Island is a 22-foot barrier island close to Apalachicola with 17 miles of paved walking and biking trails. A notable landmark is the lighthouse. The St. George Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop has been reopened to the public since 2008 after the original 19th-century structure fell into the ocean in 2005. There are also several bustling shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options.
St. George Trading Company is the local souvenir shop, while Island Dog Outdoors is an adventure sports shop specializing in paddle boards. Dining options include the Blue Parrot for seafood fans and Pollywhogs for barbeque lovers. The lively town also has a booming nightlife and live music scene. Biking through town showcases pastel-colored beach homes and is a great way to fully experience the town's soul and what makes St. George Island so unique.
The Emerald Coast, along Florida's Panhandle, has striking coastal scenes and gorgeous beaches. The small towns along the coast are fun and often top beach vacation lists. Panama City Beach is known for its Spring Break parties, but there is much more to discover, like the local businesses that make up the fabric of the community. Barrier islands like Fort Walton Beach and St. George Island offer an authentic "old" Florida atmosphere and live events.
Seaside's quaint shops and brick-lined sidewalks make it a popular choice for retail therapy and a day at the beach. All eight of these towns offer fantastic dining, many of them on the beach so guests can watch the sunsets, which is a big part of the allure of the Emerald Coast. The towns may be small, but each one has thriving local businesses.
