The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast
Florida is famously known for its sun, windy beaches, and superb retirement places. And Florida’s Emerald Coast is no different. The Florida Emerald Coast is another name for the Gulf of Mexico that spans about 100 miles in Florida. The five counties within the Emerald Coast are Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, and Bay.
Each of these counties has hidden gems that make up eight of the most picturesque small towns in Florida’s Emerald Coast such as Seaside, Grayton Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Navarre, Santa Rosa Beach, and Miramar Beach.
Seaside
Seaside is famously known for its colorful beach houses that sit between Miramar Beach and Rosemary Beach. This tucked-away location has less than 2,000 in its population. Seaside is popular for its outlook on New Urbanism, such as walking, community, and organic sustainable living.
There is plenty to keep you occupied in Seaside from famous farmers markets, the Seaside Amphitheater, the Seaside Chapel, and even the Truman Show House, where the famous Jim Carrey’s character lived.
Outside of popular attractions to see, Seaside has dining the Floridian way that includes beachfront restaurants and quaint southern cafes along the shopping markets.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach holds a smaller population of about 1,000 members. This vibrant town is known for its quietness and charming hiking trails. Despite its small population, it offers a wide variety of natural beauty through kayaking, hiking, and swimming.
Gray Beach State Park is perhaps one of the most prominent landmarks that has over 2,000 acres of salt marshes, crystal green waters, and breathtaking coastal dunes. This state park offers great wildlife watching such as white-tailed deer, gray foxes, and numerous bird-watching opportunities.
In addition to the beauties of nature, Grayton Beach also offers the beauty of man-made art. From the Zoo Gallery promoting sculptures, handmade jewelry from the residents, and contemporary art they show it all.
There is even a studio dedicated to the beauty of the Emerald Coast known as the Justin Gaffrey Studio & Gallery that is just minutes away from the state park.
Destin
Destin is considered one of the more popular tourist attractions all Florida’s Emerald Coast. Their population is just under 14,000. They are most famous for their water activities. With beaches such as Crystal Beach, Norriego Point, Miramar Beach, James Lee Beach, Crab Island, and much more Destin is the go-to place for water enthusiasts.
The famous Henderson Beach State Park spans over 6,000 feet of crystal clear water and sandy white beaches. These are popular spots for families looking to sunbathe, swim, and try some water sports out.
Destin is known for their famous seafood with restaurants like Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House and the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House. This dining is upscale with stunning views, but also casual with the dress code attire.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach sits right up in the panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City. They are envied as the town with the endless white-sand beaches. With a population of 21,000 people, this picturesque town ensures there is plenty for its residents and tourists to do.
They have historical sights such as the Indian Temple Mound Museum which was built over 1,400 years ago. There are various artifacts and exhibits to look at with an admission cost of $3-6 per person.
The fishing pier on Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is perhaps one of the most attractive spots to visit. There are all sorts of fish to see such as the Spanish Mackerel, Whiting, Ladyfish, Bluefish, and large fish such as the Red Drum and Jack Cravelle.
Niceville
Niceville holds a population of 15,000 people and contains many exciting attractions such as historical landmarks, the beauties of nature, and famous festivals. If you’re passing through Niceville make sure to first stop by the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida to learn more about the history of Niceville and the surrounding area.
This beautiful town offers the beauty of nature like hiking at the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. They also offer great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities on the Choctawhatchee Bay and Boggy Bayou.
Every year, Niceville hosts the famous Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival that features live music, delicious food trucks and homemade food, and plenty of fun for the kids. In addition to this, they hold a spectacular Fourth of July show that has fireworks that will knock your socks off, with the best country live entertainment music playing in the background.
Navarre
Navarre is the neighbor between Pensacola, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. This proud town holds a higher population of about 40,000 people. This is a major tourist attraction with family-friendly parks. Even the famous Gulf Breeze Zoo is a mere short 10-minute drive from Navarre.
Although the population numbers are higher than these other towns, Navarre is known as a very calm and serene place to reside. Residents love to swim, boat, paddleboard, and spend their free time in the sun.
The most famous pier along Florida’s Emerald Coast is called the Navarre Beach Pier. It is a whopping 1,545 long. This pier offers a great romantic way, family fun fishing, or relaxing views of the sunset.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is often compared to Destin, Florida. The great thing about Santa Rosa Beach is that it is a more laid-back type atmosphere with not as many crowds. Their population sits at around 15,000 people and continues to remain at a steady population from year to year.
Like the other picturesque hidden gem towns in Florida’s Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach is also known for its beautiful snow-white beaches and clear water as far as the eye can see.
This beach hosts two famous state parks: Grayton Beach State Park and Point Washington State Park. So whether you’re looking for swimming and fishing or hiking and horseback riding, both of these state parks have you covered.
Miramar Beach
Miramar gets its unique name from the founding Mayor of the City, Robert Gordon. In Spanish, the name Miramar means “Look at the Sea.” Miramar is home to breathtaking beachfront houses along narrow sandy beaches.
This town has approximately 15,000 members in its population and they are commonly known for their coastal dunes and their preservation of nature. Not only do they carry the beauty of nature in this small town, but they also keep their residents busy with super seafood dining, market shopping, and their famous festivals year-round.
The 30A Songwriters Festival is held every year in January and houses talented songwriters from all across the US. And the Seeing Red Wine Festival is held annually with fine wine tasting, live music, exquisite food, and educational seminars.
The Florida’s Emerald Coast is packed with the beauty of nature, the cool breeze of the ocean, lively festivals, southern cuisine, and market shopping. So, no matter if you’re looking for a great place to retire or simply a family vacation, be sure to keep one of these eight picturesque towns in Florida in mind.
