9 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Florida's Emerald Coast
Florida, lovingly called the Sunshine State, has long been a favorite vacation and retirement destination in the United States for its sunny weather, beaches, and popular tourist attractions. However, as fun as tropical resorts and Walt Disney World are, those Florida attractions come with big crowds and busy lines. For a more peaceful and enriching vacation, why not try Florida’s small towns that have kept their heritage and quaint charm?
Here are nine of the most historic small towns in Florida’s Emerald Coast. Not only do they have that quintessential Florida beach vibe and a bevy of museums and historical sites, but they also have that small-town charm that is hard to get from Florida’s big cities. Pack up some sunscreen and sunnies—the historical Emerald Coast is waiting!
Destin
Arguably one of the most popular spots on the Emerald Coast, Destin started as a fishing village, which eventually became a vacation favorite due to its emerald-green waters. You can learn more about its past at the Destin History & Fishing Museum, where antique fishing rigs and other nautical artifacts are on display.
Use your new Destin knowledge when you go sailing with the boat tours from Destin Harbor Boardwalk. You can get pontoon boat rentals, dolphin cruises, and even a thrilling parasailing adventure that lets you see Destin from above! Swim from any of the five beachfront parks before rewarding yourself with fresh seafood from Destin’s most-awarded restaurant—Marina Cafe.
St. George Island
This heavenly barrier reef island is not only full of stunning tropical views and uncrowded beach hangouts, but it is also rich in historical beauty. Its lighthouse, the Cape St. George Light, is a treasured spot and has stood on the island for 153 years before it toppled into the sea. A replica now stands in its place using salvaged parts of the original lighthouse, with a museum and a lovely gift shop inside.
After your mini lighthouse tour, explore the tiny island by camping at the white sand beach of St. George Island State Park, lounging at the seafront beach house of Recharge by the Sea, or dining on oysters at Paddy’s Raw Bar.
Apalachicola
Known for its oysters and historic port town history, get your museum fill in Apalachicola via the John Gorrie Museum State Park and the Raney House Museum. The former is a museum highlighting the man who made mechanical refrigeration possible! Dr. John Gorrie wanted a way to cool the sickrooms for his patients, and as they say, the rest is history. Today, you can find exhibits of his ice-making machine at the site. Meanwhile, the Raney House Museum is one of the well-preserved mansions that popped up during the town's booming trade era.
To further acquaint yourself with the best of the best of Apalachicola, travel during the first week of November to join the Florida Seafood Festival. Not only is the event a historic and the oldest festival in Florida, but you will also feast on the freshest oysters and even watch the blue crab race! If you cannot visit then, go to The Station Raw Bar or the 13 Mile Seafood Market anytime to get your oyster fix. For non-oyster souvenirs, The Tin Shed Nautical & Antiques has some interesting trinkets for you.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, or Paradise Valley in Spanish, is a true paradise for Floridian history buffs due to its regional museum and proximity to the Air Force plane collection. Home of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, this tiny museum is jam-packed full of displays and relics that show how its Native American people and colonial settlers lived in the past. You will find a sample homestead, old typewriters and saddles, and an informative session on the panhandle’s bygone days. Cap your history lesson by dining on Valparaiso’s culturally varied culinary scene. The Philippine Market & Cafe, Pho Nguyen Vietnamese Noodle, and Doc's Oyster Bar’s New Orleans-style seafood are just some of the highlights.
Just southwest of downtown Valparaiso is the Air Force Armament Museum, a behemoth of a place for any war history enthusiast. It has amassed more than 29 aircraft on exhibit, with a sizable number of guns, bombs, and missiles in its display arsenal. Get a crash course on World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as see the evolution of the country’s air power!
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is a great mix of being an angler paradise, a beach resort haven, and a hub for history and science museums. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the interactive exhibits of the Emerald Coast Science Center, the ceramic artifacts and native lifestyle demonstrations of the Indian Temple Mound Museum, and the animal encounters of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Fort Walton Beach is also serious with its fishing culture. Avid and beginner fishers should head over to The Island Pier for its 1,200-foot pier that provides great views while fishing. First-time anglers can rent equipment from them and will not need a Florida fishing license just to try. After a day of learning and fishing, unwind at Marina Bay Resort for waterfront views and a luxurious vacay, or choose Aunt Martha’s for a quaint bed and breakfast stay among 300-year-old oak trees.
Cedar Key
Do not let its island clusters and fishing village vibe fool you—Cedar Key had quite an interesting role during the Civil War! Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, this tiny town was tasked with making and shipping salt to soldiers during the war. You can still see remnants of its salt kettles at the Cedar Key Museum State Park. The park also houses Native American relics, wooden pencils back when the town made cedar products, and local seashells from the founder’s personal collection. Hiking and kayaking are allowed on the premises.
Just across Cedar Key’s harbor is the mini isle of Seahorse Key, where its lighthouse was erected in the 1850s. Now considered a historical beacon, the lighthouse’s history is rocky—from being a watchtower that was attacked by the Spanish Naval to becoming a detention center for Native Americans. Need a break from the history lessons? Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and its animals provide a pleasant respite, while Atsena Otie Key is a popular spot for kayakers and trekkers. While hiking, keep an eye out for its ruins and historic cemetery!
Milton
With its railroad history and proximity to the Blackwater River, there is much to explore in the laid-back city of Milton. Start your visit with a tour of the West Florida Railroad Museum, an old 1909 railroad depot that has now been transformed into an exhibit for train cars and railroad memorabilia. There is even a kiddie train ride for the little ones to enjoy!
Other family-friendly spots are the Panhandle Butterfly House & Nature Center and the Splash Pad at Carpenter’s Park. For a scenic jog along the river, head to the Milton Riverwalk, a boardwalk in the historic district of downtown Milton. You can also go tubing or rent a canoe for some watersports in Blackwater River. Milton is also home to the Blackwater Heritage State Trail, an 8.1-mile paved trail that is perfect for jogging, biking, and even skating.
Grayton Beach
Nestled between Destin and Panama City Beach on the Northwest coast of Florida, Grayton Beach is a historic beach village with an award-winning state park, an impressive underwater museum, and a cluster of beach cottages as its shopping area. Continuing its heritage as the go-to vacation retreat in the area, the village is proud of Grayton Beach State Park, which topped Dr. Beach’s 2020 ranking. Aside from swimming in the park, you can camp, bike, hike, surf and lake fishing, and rent kayaks and paddleboards through the nearby Friends of Grayton Paddle Rentals.
Almost a mile from Grayton Beach, dive into the waters to see the underwater sculpture garden of The Underwater Museum of Art. These man-made sculptures have become a living reef and are now part of the beach’s marine life and Grayton Beach culture. For some shopping, meander through the unique shopping district of Grayton Beach, where shops are housed in adorable cottages! Enjoy a Parisian-style café at Black Bear Bread Co., slurp on delectable noodles at Nanbu Noodle House, and take home a few glass mosaics and art trinkets from La Duna Gallery.
Port Saint Joe
Located along the shores of Saint Joseph Bay is the sleepy port town of Port Saint Joe, where its iconic and historic Cape San Blas Lighthouse stands and the cool blue waters of the nearby Saint Joe Beach attract tourists year-round. Although already removed from service, the lighthouse remains standing as a reminder of its long service and history in this Emerald Coast town.
For more history lessons, the Constitution Convention Museum State Park is all about educating visitors on Florida’s first constitution, which was drafted in the long-gone town of St. Joseph. Need to unwind after that heavy history session? Hit the beach with AquaBear Adventures and their family-friendly snorkeling and dolphin cruises, go strolling and picnicking at George Core Park, and munch on yummy Port Saint Joe fare at The White Marlin and Oysterette. For a place to rest after all that learning, splashing, and eating, the Port Inn and Cottages is a great accommodation choice due to its location downtown.
Florida is blessed with amazing sandy beaches, pristine waters, and teeming marine life, so much so that it continues to be America’s favored vacation and retirement state, with millions of visitors dropping by every year. However, the crowds and hectic city life in Florida cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are not for everyone. If you would rather have a chill Florida vacation, look to the Emerald Coast!
This list of historic small towns to visit in Florida’s Emerald Coast proves that you do not have to wade through busy cities to enjoy Florida’s beaches and history. Destin’s emerald waters, Apalachicola’s traditions, and Fort Walton Beach’s museums are just some of the gems you can experience on this side of Florida. Forgo the usual theme parks and get a small-town historical Florida vacation instead!
