9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Florida's Emerald Coast

Florida is home to various unforgettable small towns, and there is no better way to start exploring than visiting the Emerald Coast. The coastal area along the Gulf of Mexico stretches for 100 miles through five Florida counties, including Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Panama City Beach. If the beauty of the white powdery sand and still Gulf water isn't enticing enough, then be sure to check out these small towns and their quaint promenades, main streets, and low-key attractions for the perfect relaxing sun-bathed getaway. These nine small towns will take you on a journey highlighting Florida's beauty. 

Grayton

Grayton is perhaps the best beach town on the Emerald Coast due to the variety of experiences you can have. You get everything from emerald green gulf waters to further inland, lush pine forest that hosts incredible sand dunes and lakes. You can try a variety of water sports, such as surfing or water skiing, or take a calm, leisurely swim in the inland lakes. There is great scenic hiking for the land lovers, bringing you up close to Florida's natural flora and fauna. Tired feet? Try horseback riding or rent an ATV for an additional thrill. 

Seaside

Seaside is one of the most picturesque cities on the emerald coast, with its quaint brick streets, pastel-colored beach houses, iconic whitewashed post office, and architect-designed walkways leading to the sugar-white sand. In fact, the town inspired some Hollywood investment, becoming the setting for the 1998 film The Truman Show, starring Jim Carey. The beaches offer crystal clear views of the white sandy bottom and are a great place for relaxing in the sun or going for a laid-back swim. Don’t miss the incredible local art scene, shop at the quaint boutiques, and stroll through Central Square's record and books stores. For music lovers, check out The REP Theater, which boasts an open-air amphitheater and performing arts space. No wonder Seaside has become the number one retirement destination.

Mexico Beach, Florida

Are you looking for a lazy beach town to catch up on your rest and relaxation? Mexico Beach is the place for you. About an hour outside of Panama City, this small town is full of beaches and not many crowds.

This town is a well-guarded “secret” vacation spot for families that offer long, relaxing days on our uncrowded white-sand beaches, genuine mom-and-pop restaurants and shops, and some of the best sport-fishing in the world.

Crystal Beach, Florida

Located only minutes from Destin, Crystal Beach is a picturesque community boasting gorgeous beaches. It invites visitors to bike through its scenic neighborhoods adorned with pastel-colored homes and charming white picket fences. The dedicated bike path offers a serene journey amidst this beauty. On the shores, the allure of white powdery sand beckons for relaxation while a selection of romantic waterfront restaurants serves up local delicacies. With its blend of natural beauty and community charm, Crystal Beach is the ideal destination for both family-friendly day trips and intimate romantic getaways.

Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is known for its white sand, stunning emerald green water, and a vibe many might call: relax! In fact, it is self-proclaimed as “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place.” Part of the Pensacola Metro area, Navarre Beach is the less crowded, less-known beach in the area and really is an incredibly relaxing town.

When the Navarre Pier was built, it became the longest pier along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, stretching 1545 feet long and 30 feet above the water.

From the pier to the east is Navarre Beach Marine Park, formerly a state park (before 2009). This naturally preserved coastline with dunes and a wide open beachfront is a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty, a day of surf fishing, kayaking, walking, shelling, bird watching, or simply relaxing. The area beyond the Marine Park is Eglin Air Force Base.

Mom’s Beach is the first beach on the Soundside of Navarre Beach Marine Park. This beach has calmer waters and is popular for families with small children. It is also the spot for kayaking and canoeing on the island's sound side.

The Navarre Beach Marine Park is also home to The Navarre Beach Marine Science Center, The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.

Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach Blue Mountain Beach routinely receives acclaim for its breathtaking shoreline, but this dune's size is truly incredible; it boasts the highest elevation in the entire Gulf of Mexico. This beach neighborhood draws its name from the blue lupine flowers that sway in the coastal breeze. The community has a laid-back bohemian atmosphere and is home to many local artists, restaurants, old-fashioned ice cream parlors, and delicious bakeries. The community also features two rare coastal dune lakes and connects to nature trails in the Point Washington State Forest and the bike path along Scenic 30-A. 

Village of Rosemary Beach

The unforgettable Village of Rosemary Beach is at the far eastern end of Scenic 30A, about eighteen miles from Dune Allen Beach's western gateway. It is a beautiful colonial Dutch West Indies-styled coastal village. The town boasts a long, lush lawn that serves as a village green where outdoor concerts, old-fashioned Americana-styled family games, art shows, festivals, and seasonal fireworks are featured. Take a walk down towards the Western Green Village Beach Access, and you will find a quaint street filled with specialty shops, fashion boutiques, bistros, and homes.

Alys Beach

Nestled in the Florida Panhandle’s pristine white sands and sparkling blue water sits a seaside community that feels miles away from its surrounding cities. A typical day in Alys Beach could involve hiking the numerous nature trails, such as the Timpoochee Trail, or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood nature preserve. The town definitely has a younger “hip” crowd feel, perfect for bachelorette groups, girls' trips, couples' trips, or an anniversary trip! It has a few great restaurants & coffee shops that are all walkable if you stay locally.

Niceville

Niceville is just as its name suggests, a nice town part of the Fort Walton Beach - Crestview - Destin Metropolitan Area, and located just northwest of Eglin Air Force Base. It is also home to Northwest Florida State College. It is best known for its natural landscape and two main state parks. The Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park has hiking trails, a boardwalk, and a more adventurous hike to Perdido Bay, which is a great spot for birding and wildlife viewing. The Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park boasts boating and fishing activities. The town has plenty of shops and restaurants, and the best restaurants often overlook the water. The Matty Kelly Arts Center at Florida State offers Broadway and theater shows, symphony performances, and art exhibits.

There is also a beautiful golf course in Niceville, the Rocky Bayou Country Club, which is open to the public.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is one of the Emerald Coast's most fun and diverse beach neighborhoods. You can spend your days active and outside, playing beach volleyball, renting jet skis, going on parasail rides, or just relaxing and soaking in the sun. Those who love shopping will have a blast meandering through the town's antique shops and premiere outlets, and evenings can be spent at the many fine dining restaurants or the New Vision Theatres Boulevard 10 Cinema.

There are plenty of additional ways to stay active in Miramar Beach, where, in addition to golf, tennis, or swimming, you can take advantage of the weather by taking a run or bike along the 3-mile Scenic Highway 98 Trail.

St. George Island

St. George Island is a quiet barrier island located at the western end of Apalachicola Bay. The island is home to miles of white sand beaches and plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching. You can also take a stroll down historic Apalachicola Avenue, explore nearby state parks, or just relax on your own stretch of beach. St. George Island is also one of the few pet-friendly beaches in Florida. Many of their vacation homes, stores, and restaurants welcome four-legged visitors with open arms. Additionally, St. George Island is every fisherman and fisherwoman’s wonderland. When you throw your line out, you can expect to land sheepshead, speckled trout, flounder, whiting, redfish, and tripletail. This is the ultimate family vacation destination, with bike paths, nature parks, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and family-friendly restaurants.

Towns of the Emerald Coast

Florida's Emerald Coast is more than just its famous beaches; it's a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. From Seaside's historic charm to Grayton's natural wonders, each town offers a unique experience. So, the next time you plan a trip to Florida, consider venturing off the beaten path and discovering the hidden gems of the Emerald Coast.