Exploring the Hidden Gems of Florida's Panhandle: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

Combining Florida's Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast, the Florida Panhandle is filled with unspoiled natural beauty found nowhere else in the state. The combination of inviting white sand beaches, emerald waters and tranquil barrier islands allows visitors to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Panhandle's small fishing villages and quaint coastal towns. For a truly extravagant beach vacation away from the crowds, head to one of these stunning places on Florida's northwest gulf coast.

Here is a one-week itinerary to discover these little-known and exotic places of Florida for yourself!

We started our road trip from Cocoa Beach and drove for 5 days all over the Florida Panhandle.

Road trip through the Florida Panhandle | Travel Itinerary - 5 days

Day 1: Big Lagoon State Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola and sunset at Navarre Beach, Destin

night at Destin

Big Lagoon State Park

The first night was at this State Park. On this trip we have combined nights in State Parks and nights in hotels. This experience was incredible, the truth is that the State Parks are great to stay overnight, we did it in our car. We bought an inflatable mattress and a kitchen kit for the camping days. The State Parks have very clean bathrooms and showers. Also when you reserve your site you also have a table and the possibility to make a campfire (sometimes they sell you the firewood directly in the park but sometimes you have to bring it yourself).

Camping fees: $20 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. (Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.)

Gulf Islands National Seashore (Florida)

Florida's coastal district features offshore barrier islands with brilliant white sandy beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications and nature trails.

It's a rural destination, so don't expect to find exclusive bars or cafes; if you plan to make a day of it, you'll need to bring your own food and drinks.

Admission to Gulf Islands National Seashore is paid per vehicle ($25 per vehicle). Those arriving by foot or bicycle will also pay a nominal fee, but with such stunning scenery and varied outdoor activities at their fingertips, they'll probably think it was money well spent. *If you have the Annual Pass for the National Parks it is included.

Pensacola

Located at the epicenter of Florida's Gulf Coast Panhandle, a beautiful beach resort that doesn't have as many crowds as its South Florida counterparts. It is the oldest settlement in America, founded by Spaniards in 1559. A historic town with shimmering emerald green waters, most visitors who come here just want to enjoy its sugar-white sands and laid-back atmosphere. With a variety of attractions, visitors can fish, swim or explore historic Fort Pickens.

Restaurant recommendation in Pensacola

The Fish House A restaurant close to the center of Pensacola, with an extensive menu of seafood and different varieties. The views are incredible, services was great and prices very reasonable. Address: 600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, FL 32502

Fort Pickens

A must-do if you are in Pensacola. Built in 1834 to defend Pensacola Bay and its naval dockyard, Fort Pickens was one of four southern forts never occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War. Sitting at the end of a long stretch of beach in Pensacola is the U.S. military fort, where you'll find a 19th century landmark rich in history. Take a stroll through the officers' and prisoners' quarters, mine chambers and interior gun rooms. Climb the canyon and admire the old brick walls and low arches.

Entrance fee: $15 dollars per person or included if you have the Annual Pass for the National Parks.

The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Address: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Navarre Beach

Explore the canoe capital of Florida and admire the beauty of the Gulf Islands National Seashore to witness its rich history. This compact beachfront community features 12 miles of luxury waterfront that is ideal for those seeking to disconnect from the big cities.

We came down to Navarre Beach to see the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. Being closed to the Pier made it also very special. If you want to enter the pier it's $1 per person (to park the car it's free).

We then drove to our next hotel destination in Destin.

Day 2: Destin, Grayton Beach State Park, Seaside and Panama City Beach

We spent the night in a beautiful hotel on Destin Harbor, so we woke up in this beautiful place in where we could see the sunset from our room.

Hotel recommendation

Inn on Destin Harbor Address: 402 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Destin

Destin is known as the "luckiest fishing village in the world," with plenty of fishing opportunities and hungry underwater populations. Emerald waters, white sands and fresh seafood make Destin an increasingly popular vacation destination. Nature lovers will appreciate nearby Henderson State Park for its 6,000 feet of natural shoreline, warm crystal clear waters and pristine Miramar Beach for peace and quiet.

Grayton Beach & State Park

Grayton Beach is a trendy neighborhood with Hemingway-style log homes set on narrow streets paved with oyster shells. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the United States, you can't beat its famous mile-long coastline with crystal-clear emerald waters.

Colorful homes are nestled among local boutiques and art galleries, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the United States, visit Grayton Beach State Park and enjoy 400 acres of granulated sugar beaches, nature trails and a magnificent coastal lake.

To enter the State Park: $5 per vehicle

Seaside

A small community with skinny streets and white picket fences, movie enthusiasts will enjoy taking a day trip to the former set of “The Truman Show” movie. A pedestrian-friendly area with pastel-colored houses, this quaint area is a great place for families to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

For this night we then drove to Panama City Beach where we had our next accommodation.

Day 3: Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas Lighthouse, St Joseph Peninsula State Park

Hotel Recommendation

Casa Loma Address: 13615 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Panama City Beach

Known as the "Wreck Diving Capital" of the South, Panama City Beach is full of dive sites and artificial reefs. It is one of the best diving destinations in the United States and one of the only cities with dozens of sunken ships and bridges. These are my recommendations on what to do in Panama City Beach:

Pier Park, a fun-filled entertainment center with stores, restaurants and entertainment activities. Best of all, it is located right on the shores of Panama City Beach.
Russel-Fields Pier
Ron Jon Surf Shop

Cape San Blas Lighthouse

The Pensacola Lighthouse is perhaps the best of the bunch, standing 150 feet tall with 177 steps, next to a maritime museum. In the town of Port St. Joe, you'll find the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, unique for its supported structure that looks more like an oil rig. Further east, there is a 92-step climb to the top of the St. George Island lighthouse, built in 1852. The on-site museum tells the story of this white tower, including when it had to be shut down during the Civil War to avoid aiding Yankee ships.

St Joseph Peninsula State Park

Boasting 9.5 miles of snow-white sand beach, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in the country. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, visitors can explore the Wilderness Preserve, set up a picnic, hike along the bay shore and meander through the nature trails to spot diverse wildlife.

Day 4: St George Island State Park and Tallahassee

St George Island State Park

St. George's Island, home to St. George's Island State Park, is what many consider a slice of paradise. Located in the Florida Panhandle, this barrier island is surrounded by the picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, offers 17 miles of paved bike paths and is one of the best beaches in the state. You'll feel alone on this undefended barrier island, where it's hard to leave its soft, sweet sands.

We stayed here for the night and it was an incredible experience.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is an excellent place to come if you are looking for everything in one city. Florida is popular primarily for its divine scenery, and you obviously won't be disappointed in Tallahassee thanks to its extensive flora and fauna, plus it has the best public parks, wildlife reserves and animal sanctuary areas. Home to Florida State University and Florida A&M, the city has a youthful atmosphere.

Florida Caverns State Park

Just a bit more than an hour you'll find Marianna’s biggest attraction: Florida Cavers State Park:

This is one of the few State Parks with caves, and is the only State Park in Florida where visitors can enter the caves.

The caves have formations of dazzling limestone stalactites and stalagmites that form a kind of curtains of different colors.

Guided tours of the caves are offered Thursday through Monday, except Thanksgiving and Christmas (no cave tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The tour lasts 35-40 minutes.

Cavern tour tickets: $15 per person. They are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased in person at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of arrival.

State Park fee: $5 per vehicle - we stayed the night in the state park so this fee was included in the camping price. Highly recommended to stay one night in this state park, but book in advance cause the spots fill up fast.

You’ll have your own space to camp your tent or your car, a wood table and a bonfire 🔥! The toilets are clean and showers work good. $20 dollars to camp.

The State Park is located two miles north of Marianna on State Highway 166. 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, FL 32446.

Day 5: Cedar Key

Enveloped in small-town charm, Cedar Key is an old Florida gem nestled on the edge of nature with a population of less than 700. Just an hour southwest of Gainesville, you'll be greeted with a rustic atmosphere and a slower pace of life. Its beauty is undeniable, with plenty of stores and fishing boats. Things to visit in Cedar Key:

Cedar Key Fishing Pier
Walk through 1st, 2nd and 3rd street and enter inside the local shops.

Restaurant recommendation in Cedar Key

Steamers: Really neat, Gulf side restaurant with great food and great service. We loved being outside right over the water, watching the pelicans and dolphins.

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-9pm

Address: 420 Dock St, Cedar Key, FL 32625