9 Must-Visit Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast
When visiting Florida’s Emerald Coast, the natural beauty is so bewitching you may find yourself coming back for more the first chance you get. From its green-blue waters to its white, soft sands, this "Sugar Coast" region supplies views so perfectly it is easy to see why many call it paradise.
But one of the best things about these small Florida towns is that they present something for any traveler, regardless of budget or lifestyle. Experience luxury at a private beachfront hotel or opt for the spirited atmosphere of a public shore. Lounge oceanside with a good book or scuba dive to a historic shipwreck. The adventure is endless, but so is the relaxation. Whether you stop by for a day of boardwalk strolls and seafood eats or extend your stay for a week of beach days and pontoon tours, the fun on Florida’s Emerald Coast is infinite. Here are nine must-visit small towns that will make you want to add the Emerald Coast to your travel bucket list.
Destin
With tropical summers and mild winters, Destin is a town infamous for its year-round beaches. Deep into December, temperatures still reach the 70s and 80s, so it is unsurprising that over 4.5 million people come here throughout the year. Start your visit at the palm tree-lined Destin Boardwalk for incredible views of the harbor. The quarter-mile walkway features a variety of classic beachside attractions. Savor seafood hotspots like Harry T’s Lighthouse and leave room for drinks at the Coyote Ugly Saloon. If family-friendly options are more your speed, HarborWalk Adventures has a kid-friendly zipline over the water, a rock wall, and a trampoline park for all ages.
For a more nature-focused side of Destin, make your way to Henderson Beach State Park for the rare opportunity to stand atop a 30-foot sand dune. Beachside, the shore has that same sugary sand, and the warm gulf waves are divine. Dolphins can often be spotted offshore, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. But for an even closer look at these majestic marine mammals, book a 1.5-hour tour with Southern Star Dolphin Cruise. With so much to see and do, any visit to this Florida Panhandle town will show you why 80% of all Emerald Coast visitors choose Destin as their destination.
Fort Walton Beach
Less than 15 minutes from Destin, Fort Walton Beach is another Florida Panhandle town with the same stunning white shores and emerald waters. This poses the question: which town to choose? The answer is in the vibe you are looking for. Destin is the livelier of the two and definitely has more to do as far as watersports and attractions. Fort Walton, on the other hand, is quieter and more on the natural side. So, if your ideal beach getaway is centered more on the beach itself (and less on the carnival-style boardwalk), Fort Walton is your best bet.
The main draw of Fort Walton is its access to Okaloosa Island. Okaloosa is a section of the 40-mile Santa Rosa barrier island, and it is known for having some of the most scenic beaches in the state. And the best part is, you can forget about the fuss of a ferry ride, since you can drive to the island right from town! Crossing the Brooks Bridge will take around 10 minutes, and the payoff is beyond worthwhile. Bask in the postcard shores of John Beasley Park, where fishing, swimming, and sunbathing are a beachgoer’s dream. Pack a picnic lunch or take your appetite next door to the Okaloosa Boardwalk, a quieter yet equally spirited alternative to Destin’s. Places like the Crab Trap offer classic boardwalk eats with gorgeous views of the Gulf.
Navarre Beach
If you are on the hunt for an even more secluded beach day or getaway, Santa Rosa Island has the perfect town for you. Around 30 minutes west of Okaloosa is the lesser-known Navarre Beach, an easygoing coastal town with tons to see and do, minus the large crowds and tourist traps. Stroll the pearly-white shores and beach combing for treasures along the way. Sand dollars and seashells are plentiful and easily shared between visitors. If you are eager for ocean-based excitement, visit the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. You get access to three artificial reefs free of charge. The main cost will be your scuba or diving gear, which you can rent back on the mainland at places like the Bay Breeze Diver Center. While you explore the intricate manmade habitats, you can expect to see a variety of marine life. Fish, sea turtles, and even octopuses can be spotted on your excursion.
Back above the water, make sure to experience the town’s famous pier. The walkway stands 30 feet above the waves, stretching 1,545 feet long, making it the longest pier in Florida and the entire Gulf of Mexico. Come for a stroll with your family or set up your line for a day of fishing. Other family-friendly attractions are a key selling point of Navarre Beach, including the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Kids will love meeting Sweet Pea, the center’s adorable green sea turtle whose home (a 15,000-gallon saltwater pool) is the first thing you see when you walk in. Learn about Sweet Pea and other marine creatures as you make your way through the interactive exhibits.
Seaside
For a trip to a town almost too good to be true, Seaside’s blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor is like something from a movie. This eye-catching resort town was once the setting of a film, playing the fictional town of "Seahaven." Peter Weir’s 1998 cult classic The Truman Show depicts Seahaven as the picture-perfect American beach town, and a vacation to Seaside will instantly reveal why it was selected to play the part. Pastel beach homes and white picket fences are a signature of the community, and the ivory seashores are equally dreamy.
Seaside also helped birth the New Urbanism movement, meaning the town is highly walkable. Strolling is recommended either way, though, since the charming street views and cobblestone paths are too pretty to pass up. The town takes its aesthetic very seriously, so even the bites maintain the aesthetic. Foodies will appreciate the gourmet options at Food Truck Row, whose restaurants operate out of restored vintage airstream trailers. Beat the heat with Hawaiian shaved ice at Frost Bites, or savor succulent fall-off-the-bone ribs at Barefoot BBQ. Aside from taste testing, you can view a live show at the Seaside Repertory Theatre or amphitheater.
Something to bear in mind when planning your Seaside getaway is that most of the town’s beaches and shores are closed to the public. But have no fear: less than five minutes from town, Grayton Beach State Park grants you access to the pristine Grayton Beach for just $5 USD. This nationally ranked oasis is home to towering dunes, beautiful trails, and Western Lake, a stunning 100-acre coastal dune lake. The rentable beach houses in town may be gorgeous, but they are definitely on the pricier side. For adventurers on a budget, the park also accommodates campers with 59 affordable campsites and 30 cabins. This is an especially great way to see more of Seaside.
Rosemary Beach
Keeping along Florida’s famed roadtrip Route 30A, around 20 minutes from Seaside, you will find its sister town, Rosemary Beach. Both were developed as planned communities by DPZ CoDesign, a Miami architecture firm founded by husband-and-wife duo Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. Rosemary Beach, however, was founded in 1995, making it newer than the 1980s Seaside—and the differences do not end there. Although the towns share a similar artistic vibe, Rosemary contrasts Seaside’s pastels with a more neutral color palette. Muted whites, greens, and browns replace the bright and colorful Seaside, creating a more natural look that compliments the surrounding environment in a really spectacular way.
Like its sister town, the vacation rentals here are also a bit on the pricier side, but they are a great way to gain entry to the shores since many beaches here are private. If you are looking to splurge, the cottages are adorable, or you could opt for the more traditional Pearl Hotel. This 4-star accommodation comes with access to a private beach, meaning you can experience the turquoise water in bliss without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. But if you do not mind sharing the sand with other beachgoers, less than 5 minutes from town, you can hit up Inlet Beach. It has five public access points—the largest being at the end of South Orange Street—making this a more cost-effective way to dip your feet in the sand. Back in town, the restaurants also vary in price points, ranging from fine dining to more casual. Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar features elevated meals with a gorgeous ocean view, while places like Cowgirl Kitchen serve up more casual (yet delectable) Southwestern bites on Main Street.
Alys Beach
If you are looking to rejuvenate and go all out on an extravagant beach vacation, Alys Beach invites you to indulge in its world-class beach community. The town is just west of Rosemary Beach, and just by looking at it, you would never know it was also developed by DPZ CoDesign, but this was highly intentional. The all-white Mediterranean-style architecture is incredibly striking and radiates a level of grandeur the town wants you to feel during your visit. Their website even emphasizes Alys Beach as more than a retreat town, but rather "a fully-tailored, luxury vacation experience."
Wellness is one of the town’s core values, and its Zuma Wellness Center is a home base for connecting your body and mind. Take a yoga or spin class led by highly qualified instructors, and enjoy the tranquil outdoor space before ending your session with the steam room and a massage. Wellness extends to restaurants in town like Raw & Juicy, a casual courtyard nook serving organic food and drinks. The more upscale joints sing a similar tune, with fine dining spots like George’s serving locally sourced produce and fresh seafood, combined beautifully into a global menu.
You may have guessed, but the town is very exclusive when it comes to their beaches. But if you plan on vacationing here, the vacation rentals will grant you beach access at Turtle Bale, Béla Gray, and Gulf Green. Of these options, the latter is the most central and the most grand. With towering beachfront homes on either side, and a Wes Anderson-style symmetry in the decorative urn-topped bathhouses, the beach entryway is the epitome of picture-perfect. The Alys Beach Bike Shop (located beneath the Beach Club Plaza) also rents bikes and paddleboards to locals and vacation renters hungry for an outdoor adventure.
Niceville
For a different side of Florida, the underrated town of Niceville offers a much less flamboyant atmosphere, instead anchored by its nature. The community (once called Boggy after the bayou it straddles) is settled along the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. The bay and its adjacent bayous are home to a stunning ecosystem of canopied trees and animated wildlife, from the brightest blue crab to the ever-playful dolphins. Make your way to the Bluewater Bay Marina for views of the bay and endless water sports options. Once you have built an appetite, you can continue to enjoy the sights from LJ Schooners, an on-site restaurant and oyster bar, specializing in seafood classics since 1980. If you spend the day fishing, they will even cook your catch of the day, grilled, blackened, or fried.
For an adventurous day beyond the marina, SEA Chase Watersports rents pontoons and charter boats. Boating licenses are required, or you can pay extra for an operator. The double-decker pontoons are equipped with a slide, trampoline, and paddleboard, which is a great choice for families. But the other rentals are fabulous in their own right, carrying you through the Boggy Bayou, the Destin Harbor, the Rocky Bayou, and Crab Island, a world-famous sandbar. Once an actual island, today, Crab Island serves as a popular spot to anchor your pontoon. With a mere depth of 1 to 4 feet, the area is great for cooling down, playing in the obstacle courses, or grabbing a drink at one of the floating bars.
Mexico Beach
To experience a blend of small-town charm and resort-style beach attractions, you will want to make your way to Mexico Beach. With around 1,000 residents and no traffic lights in sight, it would be easy to miss this underrated getaway destination. But despite being a close-knit community (even all the restaurants are family-owned), its locals are happy to share in their 5 miles of blissful sandy shores. For free, Barefoot Rentals will even deliver beach gear right to you, ranging from beach chairs and umbrellas to kayaks and paddle boards. Whether you are hoping to savor the sand or ride the open waves, there is something for every vacationer in Mexico Beach.
Compared to other Emerald Coast communities, the town is more on the relaxed side, which is one of its best features. However, there are still some incredible resort-style beach activities. Diving and snorkeling are incredibly popular, thanks to the intricate manmade reef systems just offshore. Since 1997, the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association has installed 282 reefs, ranging from depths of 20 to 120 feet. Mingle with the colorful fish, sea turtles, and starfish that have made these conservational habitats their home. For a more historical dive, Mexico Beach also has two incredible shipwrecks to explore. The Empire Mica (a British steam tanker 105 feet deep on the ocean floor since 1942) is truly a once-in-a-lifetime scuba experience. The Vamar shipwreck is equally incredible and provides a more beginner-friendly dive available to both divers and snorkelers at just 25 feet below the waves.
Pensacola Beach
Like the other coastal towns in Florida, Pensacola Beach is world-renowned for its breathtaking sandy shores. But along with Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach has the longest federally protected seashore in the US. For that reason, you can relish in a more secluded day of sandcastle building with unobstructed views of the mighty Atlantic. It is no wonder Pensacola Beach won the title of Florida’s Best Beach for the second time in 2018.
The Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours and Pontoon Boat Rentals is a fun way to get out on the water for even greater views. The boat tours are kid-approved, and for the more adventurous adults, you can rent a pontoon for as little as half a day or as long as seven. The dolphin tours are fun for all ages, and the sunset excursion is by far the most popular. Keeping with the family fun, back on land, Laguna’s Adventure Park (at Laguna’s Beach Bar & Grill) combines tasty food with exciting activities. Ride the longest zip rail in Northwest Florida or climb a 3-story ropes course. Younger kids might prefer the splash pad, while adults can enjoy the thrill of jet ski rentals or parasailing. But something everyone can enjoy is the 600-foot stretch of immaculate beachfront.
Whether you are here for one day or seven, Florida’s Emerald Coast has a way of making you feel like you have been transported to paradise. With palm trees at every turn, milky-white sand, and sparkling turquoise waves, the beaches are some of the prettiest in the country, or maybe even the world. Although many of these towns share in their attractions, several offering dolphin tours, divine seafood restaurants, and elegant beaches, there is also something that sets each town apart. Whether you are diving to shipwrecks at Mexico Beach, standing atop a 30-foot dune at Destin, or boating to the infamous Crab Island sandbar from Niceville, these Emerald Coast towns invite you to experience some of Florida’s greatest sights and experiences, that will have you forming memories to last a lifetime.
