Playtime in the Panhandle
Combining the charm of the South with the excitement and relaxation of a tropical paradise, the Florida Panhandle is such a great place to play! The outdoors offer respite and an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The shopping here provides everything from antiques in small towns to popular retail in a sunny shopping center. And, of course, the accommodations here are a playful destination all themselves! It’s time to play in the Panhandle.
Play in the Outdoors
If your favorite kind of beach is the kind where you are all alone with the turtles, dolphins, and herons, then the Panhandle has a lot of your favorite beaches just waiting for you to discover. If you’d rather be surrounded by towering pines than high-rises, the Panhandle has you covered.
Dubbed “The Forgotten Coast” because of its unspoiled beauty and authentic communities, Franklin County encompasses some of the most beautiful stretches of the Panhandle. Take a self-guided walking tour of coastal towns like Apalachicola, where you can take in an array of landmarks, shop unique boutiques and art galleries and learn about the town’s rich maritime history. The historic fishing community of Eastpoint continues to offer fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood in local waterfront restaurants, where you can watch fishing boats unload their catch. The community of Carrabelle offers a championship golf course. St. George Island is an idyllic community of unspoiled beaches, opportunities for bird watching, and a chance to connect with nature. The island offers pet-friendly beach areas where you dog can enjoy the sand and surf with you! Many vacation rentals and some accommodations offer pet-friendly options, and even local restaurants welcome well-behaved pets!
floridasforgottencoast.com
Found on the 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s famed Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Island offers several beach communities for visitors, each with its own unique draw. Santa Rosa Beach, founded in 1910, provides a perfect blend of old and new: historic architecture houses modern restaurants and boutiques, and arts and culture surround you. Throughout the island, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Northwest Florida nature with pristine parks, rich forests and rare coastal dune lakes all intertwined by a series of trails. Deer Lake State Park offers Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod, and scrub oaks can be seen in a coastal dune habitat, with a boardwalk across the dunes providing easy access to the beach. Local history and nature beautifully intertwine at Eden Gardens State Park, which features the historic Wesley house and ancient oak trees. Stop by for a guided tour of the home or walk through the gardens to learn about South Walton plant and wildlife species. And there are always special ways to explore nature thanks to plenty of adventure outfitters, from pushing yourself along the water on a paddleboard from YOLO Adventures Sandestin, to exploring the acreage of Point Washington State Park on horseback with Arnett's Gulfside Farm & Stables.
visitpensacolabeach.com
The sister island of Santa Rosa, Okaloosa Island is full of outdoor water adventures! Surrounded by Santa Rosa Sound, Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the waves. Love to relax? Rent a pontoon boat from Crab Island Watersports, and spend your time laying out in the sunshine. Does your family love adventure? Try Banana Boat Rides in nearby Destin Harbor. Want to see some friendly dolphins? Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure in Fort Walton Beach, where you can snorkel with stingrays and sharks, feed penguins and watch otters play - and don’t forget the dolphin shows and special dolphin encounters! Become a VIP trainer and work side-by-side with the staff to learn what it takes to train and care for marine mammals, and don’t leave with a sweet kiss from a seal! Speaking of family trips, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodations on Okaloosa.
emeraldcoastfl.com
Things are sizzling above ground, so why not go below ground? Florida Caverns State Park will take you deep underground to a refreshing average 65 degrees. Not only are the caverns full of cool air, but also cool facts! This is the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public, and one of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves. he Florida Cavern has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies.
floridastateparks.org
Tallahassee is an outdoor lover’s dream, thanks to its many beautiful parks and gardens - or a combination thereof! Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is one of the area’s most-photographed sites, and are a masterpiece of floral architecture that surrounds the winter home of a famous New York financier. The grounds offer more than 200 floral varieties, a secret garden, reflection pool, nature trails, and fishing and boating on Lake Hall. Goodwood Museum & Gardens is another beautiful park, which was originally a 1,600-acre cotton plantation. The mansion is now a museum featuring original family furnishings, porcelain, textiles, glassware and art. The museum is situated on 20-acres of land with centuries old live oaks and gardens. In addition to the main house, there are 20 structures dating from 1835 to 1925. A popular Panhandle attraction is a freshwater spring - one of which can be found at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Reminiscent of old Florida vacation spots, Wakulla Springs is home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Daily guided riverboat tours offer an up-close glimpse of wildlife including alligators, turtles, manatees, deer and an abundance of bird species. And don’t miss the chance to cool off in the crystal-clear water!
floridastateparks.org
goodwoodmuseum.org
Play While You Shop
Shoppers will find absolute Heaven in the Panhandle - particularly anyone looking for unique finds, antiques, or one of a kind home decor. The very experience of shopping can be fantastic when you visit an outdoor shopping destination!
Perhaps one of the most perfect places to go antique hunting is the town of Havana, just 17 miles from Tallahassee. Havana is an iconic Panhandle destination, which has earned itself the moniker “Florida’s Friendliest Small Town.” Some years ago, the town went through a magical transformation, in which dozens of vintage homes were repurposed into antique shops, furniture stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re into collectables or want a unique way to decorate your home, these shops have some of the coolest items you could think of. Weezie’s Cottage is a restored 1860’s cottage located in the heart of downtown Havana, with lots of items to furbish your own home. Wanderings Decor & More offers an extensive collection of eclectic styles, mixing exotic or funky with more traditional, transitional lines with their furniture, jewelry, gifts and home decor lines. Brides will find that it isn’t just “something old” available in these shops - there is also plenty of “something new”! Miss T’s Sets is a unique gift shop with a bridal registry and wine bar, women’s accessories, candles, kitchen gadgets, Waterford crystal, Kate Spade and Fortessa items, and lots of other accouterments that make it a great place for a bridal party trip or for finding a special bridal gift.
havanaflorida.com
Just 30 minutes outside of Pensacola is Milton, one of the oldest cities in Florida and a testament to Southern beauty and character. Even the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright drew inspiration from this town. Here you will find incredible antique shopping, with establishments such as Blackwater Trail Antiques & More. Search through this shop, which is located in a historic home, for special gifts like homemade soaps and unique household items like shabby chic decor, antique furniture, and even toys. Meanwhile, at the Copper ‘Possum Antique Mall, you can find a wide assortment of almost completely vintage items spread throughout 10,000 square feet of furniture, glassware, decor, jewelry, and more. If you’re searching for a special home decor item, you should certainly visit Millie’s Antiques & Collectibles, which offers lots of vintage and refurbished furniture as well as hand-crafted decor and knickknacks.
miltonfl.org
Not that you needed another reason so visit the beautiful Panama City Beach in the Florida Panhandle, but they have some of the greatest shopping in the state - particularly if you’re looking for shabby chic home decor or coastal-style furnishings. Follow the Coastal Design Emporium Trail (also known as “Decor by the Shore”) to discover a collection of charming local shops wherein you can spend the day searching for your favorite home decor treasures. To begin your retail journey, stop at the Visitor Center for a Decor by the Shore passport, which contains a map, descriptions of each store, and even the chance to get a free souvenir!
visitpanamacitybeach.com
One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Panama City Beach is Pier Park, a complete shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located right on the Gulf of Mexico. This colorful outdoor complex boasts 124 stores, ranging from clothing for the whole family to home goods, shoes and jewelry. Pier Park features anchor department stores like Target, Dillard’s and JCPenney plus tried and true clothing stores like Old Navy and American Eagle Outfitters. For the trendy shopper, Pier Park’s boutique stores so you can find that flawless look. And to put the finishing touches on any outfit, youthful Claire’s, color-coded Charming Charlie, and sophisticated Francesca’s has adorable accessories and fashion jewelry. For those in your family who aren’t as into the shopping, there’s an IMAX theatre, laser tag, and thrill rides.
pierpark.com
Play at Your Accommodations
Hotels aren’t just for lying around - they’re for having fun, too! Whether you’re playing with the family (including the pets) or looking for something more romantic for two, you will find that your hotel or resort itself can be its own attraction!
Ideal for family gatherings, the St. George Inn offers peace and tranquility on a Forgotten Coast barrier island, St. George. Featuring a quaint Southern style with whitewashed exterior, gables, and even wraparound porches complete with rockers, the inn offers spacious, comfortable, individually-appointed rooms. Their adjoining two-room suites with private porches are perfect for a group trip or family stay, while their Honeymoon Suite with fireplace offers a cozy hideaway for newlyweds. Not only is the inn spectacular - it is also close to the island beaches, restaurants, and shops. A nearby free boat launch as well as a fishing pier are easily accessible to water lovers. Being a pet-friendly island, its makes sense that the St. George Inn welcomes pets!
stgeorgeinn.com
Perfectly situated in Historic Pensacola, the breathtaking Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast warmly welcomes guests into its individually-appointed guest rooms, each with private bath and antique decor from its four-poster bed in the Captain’s Room to its soaker tub in the Suzanne Room. Awake each morning to a delicious home-cooked breakfast, as well as sampling delicious home-baked treats throughout the day. In addition to the hotel, you can relax at the Cottage Cafe, which occupies what was once the property’s carriage house. Boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, the Saenger Theatre, Pensacola Historic Village, and the local Farmer's Market are all within walking distance of the Pensacola Victorian.
pensacolavictorian.com
Sandestin Beach Resort in Miramar Beach offers pet-friendly accommodations at select parts of their massive property. This resort is a great choice for every family member thanks to its variety of accommodations that make plenty of room for everyone, as well as lots of activities for everyone to enjoy and family vacation packages that work with your budget. The kids could be spending time at the beach, dad could be golfing, and mom could be at the spa!
sandestin.com
Situated on the picturesque Santa Rosa Sound just off Pensacola, the Paradise Inn is a quaint and classic beach hotel in the traditional Old Florida style that offers pet-friendly rooms as well as private beach, pool, and pier that makes it ideal for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. Their onsite restaurant, Paradise Bar & Grill, serves up tasty plates and beverages - even the locals love to hang out here.
paradiseinn-pb.com
A gem of a resort on the Emerald Coast, Hyatt Place in Sandestin is a NEW, 84-room select service hotel designed by Howard Hospitality and HVS Design and opened in February of this year. Features of Hyatt Place include daily hot breakfast featuring cage-free eggs, whole fruit, Greek yogurt, and more. Enjoy coffee and cocktail bars, a 1,600 sq. ft. meeting space, and 24 hour fitness center. Room decor includes sleek lines combined with soft lighting and natural accents to offer a modern take on rustic. Suites with sofa beds offer a semi-separate sitting space for more room to spread out. This new hotel is located within walking distance of the bustling Grand Boulevard Town Center, packed with first-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.
hyatt.com
The Park Avenue Inn is a historic bed and breakfast that whisks you away to a romantic era when luxury was the norm. Rooms and suites feature updated versions of Victorian decor, which offers a chic yet refreshing aura. Enjoy being in the heart of downtown, surrounded by towering oaks and sycamores. Breakfast is served in the dining room each morning (let them know of your allergies and preferences).
theparkavenueinnreservations.com
More Places to Play in the Panhandle
