These 7 Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast Have Beautiful Architecture
Florida's Emerald Coast is a dreamscape of sugar-sand beaches, turquoise waters, vast blue skies, and views of the Gulf of Mexico that leave lasting impressions. Along with the abundant natural beauty, the Emerald Coast also offers a variety of small towns with distinctive personalities and architecture that reflect these differences. Some towns have been established for decades, which is evident in their historic architecture. At the same time, other communities have been rebuilt after Hurricane Michael, which is also evident in their architecture. Whatever the status of these seven Floridian towns, their beautiful and diverse architecture remains constant.
Navarre
Navarre, Florida, is where you’ll find Saltwater Cottage, the oldest cottage in town. This little gem is one of the Emerald Coast's best-preserved representations of cottage life of yesteryear. Inside the cottage, visitors will find an art gallery full of repurposed, one-of-a-kind items, jewelry, and clothing as well as tasty homecooked meals in their café. The cottage itself is constructed of aged lumber and is as cute as can be. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the industrial-themed St. Michael’s Taproom is a modern and sleek building where visitors will enjoy a traditional craft beer designed to taste like beers in Europe in a clean and bright taproom where such brews as the Air Commando American Pale Ale and the Florida Highlander are served ice-cold. The Slippery Mermaid strikes a balance between modern amenities and old-school cottage-style design. Located in the heart of Navarre, this delightful seafood restaurant provides seating in and out of doors. It welcomes guest to enjoy their balcony while taking in views of Navarre Beach as they enjoy one of their signature sushi dishes. The interior of the Slippery Mermaid is surf-shop chic with vibrant and easy-breezy décor.
Mexico Beach
Recovery from Hurricane Michael, which ripped through the Emerald Coast in 2018, put Mexico Beach’s architecture under pressure, yet beautiful buildings stand tall in the aftermath of the storm. Efforts to renew the area have been rewarded at such locations as the El Governor Beach Resort, which was renovated after the hurricane. With an ultra-modern design and four levels of rooms, this vacation hotspot is designed to offer stunning views from a beachfront locale, providing guests with gorgeous vistas of the Gulf of Mexico. The Sand Castle vacation rentals also offer panoramic views that put Mexico Beach on the map, inviting guests to enjoy its sugar-sand beaches in town-house-style cottages with interiors that reflect a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Also renovated after Hurricane Michael, The Driftwood Inn’s bright red roof and pale exterior, as well as its distinctive architectural elements, reveal three levels of guest rooms with private balconies, contemporary décor, and classic Adirondack chairs that give the Inn a traditional beachy feel.
Miramar Beach
The Emerald Coast is full of stunning vacation-oriented architecture, and Miramar Beach offers prime examples of destinations designed to capture the imagination. The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the hub of the community, offering a collection of award-winning art galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops. Visitors enjoy a bustling boardwalk and vibrant live entertainment, as well as opportunities to try zip-lining or riding on a carousel. The Majestic Sun Condos provide ultimate beach-front accommodations in a stunning complex of buildings that comprise 140 units over 12 floors, with a penthouse at the very top. Built in 2001, this modern facility’s architecture represents all visitors could want in a seaside resort destination. Originally designed as a speak-easy during prohibition, the Miramar Beach Restaurant is a historically significant example of over 70 years in the business. It offers an ambiance that reflects the rich history of its original era, and guests rave about the stunning sunset views outdoors while indoors; they marvel at the 1920s-era photography that graces the walls, reminding guests of the building’s original glory days.
Milton
Milton, Florida, is one of the oldest cities in the state, and it enjoys some of the oldest architecture in the region. Reconstructed in 1916 after the original building was destroyed by fire, the Mt. Pilgrim African Baptist Church is an example of Gothic Revival in the Emerald Coast, enjoying the distinction of being the focal point of the Black Community in Milton. Added to the Register of National Historic Places in 1992, visitors will enjoy the Church’s collection of African Artifacts on display. Another example of beautiful architecture is Milton’s St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, which still maintains its original county-church design, complete with Gothic arches and stained-glass windows. It also features a classic red door, a whitewashed wooden exterior, and gingerbread trim along the roofline. It was originally built in 1867. Finally, The Imogene Theatre, formerly the Milton Opera House, is a three-level brick structure with front-facing windows and Greek-revival-style columns. It houses the town’s historical society, The Museum of Local History, as well as a venue for live music.
Destin
Destin, Florida, is known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village thanks to its proximity to the water. It is a place where locals and visitors alike enjoy gathering at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and the Harbor Walk Village. Here, family fun is offered in spades as a collective of novelty shops, fishing charters, and live entertainment, which are just some of the many things to do. Designed to be the hub of the community, the Village’s 66,000 square feet of space includes buildings that resemble sea shanties and create a laid-back and inviting ambiance. The Tail Fins Restaurant keeps the party hopping with its stunning views of the Harbor in a dining room that cooks up highly-rated mouth-watering seafood cuisine and provides seating on three different levels, each with windows that overlook the water. The Emerald Grand steals the show with its colorful, multi-tiered double towers that reach high into the air above the boardwalk, providing unforgettable views for those who aren’t afraid of heights.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach, Florida’s population is less than a thousand people, but the architecture reflects a robust community that values elegance and style. The homes in Rosemary Beach are designed to emulate the Dutch Colonial architectural styles of Europe, with high ceilings, prominent eaves, stucco walls, and shingled roofs. The Town Hall, a community focal point, represents a prime example of this architectural style. Spanning three floors, a white exterior, signature high ceilings, and steep rooflines, it is a popular venue for weddings due to its bright, spacious gathering space. Rosemary Beach’s Pearl Hotel has black and white awnings, turrets, and sun-drenched terraces. It has a presence of its own and invites guests to relax and enjoy its West Indies-inspired design.
Panama City Beach
Tradition is thrown completely out the window when it comes to the architecture of Panama City Beach, Florida. Still, it makes the list anyway because what it lacks in historical design, it makes up for in fun and adventure. For starters, visitors will not want to miss Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, housed in a structure designed to resemble a partially submerged Titanic rising from the asphalt. Inside, visitors are delighted by exhibits that are so wild, they’re unbelievable! In keeping with the bizarre and unbelievable, the WonderWorks attraction is as zany as it gets. Designed with Greek architectural elements, the story behind Wonder Works centers on a mad scientist who mistakenly unleashes a cyclone in an experiment gone wrong. The effects of the failed experiment caused the building to be uprooted from its original far-away location to being turned upside down and plunked on its roof in Panama City Beach. Guests will traverse the museum through a portal that sets everything to the right. Regarding architectural marvels, the M.B. Miller Pier is pleasing to the eye and a treat to experience. Stretching out 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, visitors can pay a small fee to walk the pier or drop a line to fish for Flounder, Blue Liners, King Mackerel, or Hard Tail, to name a few.
Brilliant landscapes and fun in the sun are what Florida is all about, and this is especially true in the Emerald Coast region. The architecture of each town provides insight into the community's heritage and lifestyle, such as Salt Water cottage, the oldest cottage in Navarre. Or The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, which exudes class and elegance, reflective of the community in which it resides. A little sense of adventure goes a long way when it comes to the quirky architectural designs of Panama City Beach's Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. In contrast, the Miramar Beach Restuarant stands tall as a beacon of the original glory days of the 1920s. Though the examples of architecture to be found within the Emerald Coast are eclectic, there is still much to enjoy while visiting this balmy and inviting coastal region.
