When you think of a vacation in Florida, two things come to mind: world-class theme parks and award-winning beaches. While the beaches of Miami, Clearwater and Daytona are often the first to come to mind, you don't have to travel to the lower half of the state to enjoy some of the best beaches. The Florida Panhandle is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, from white sand dunes to crystal clear waters. Here is a guide to some of the nicest beaches in Northwest Florida.
Playa de Navarre
.Navarre Beach is a hidden gem that many people don't know about. This beach offers plenty of activities for the whole family, from swimming and shell hunting to jet skiing and paragliding. Plus, there are plenty of waterfront restaurants and shops to explore.
Henderson Beach State Park
. Located in Destin, this state park is known for its nearly 30-foot white sand dunes.It's a great spot for hiking, biking, picnicking and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
Opal Beach
. Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Opal Beach is located on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola. This beach is perfect for a day of swimming, walking and shell hunting. Plus, there's plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment nearby.Miramar Beach
.Miramar Beach exudes a classic coastal vibe with its beach roads, surf shops and restaurants. This stretch of white sand also has modern facilities and activities for the whole family.
Alligator Point
. Alligator Point is one of the best beaches on the North Florida Gulf Coast for finding shells. It's easy to access but you can find more seclusion by parking on one of the side streets away from the public beach.Bald Point State Park
.This park is located near Oyster Bay and is one of the least crowded beaches in the Panhandle. You can swim in crystal clear waters or go out on your boat for fishing adventures. Plus, you can visit the nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to see migratory birds, sea turtles and other wildlife.
Pensacola Beach
. Pensacola Beach has brilliant white sand beaches and sparkling emerald green waters that are sure to impress.Spend a day relaxing on the beach or explore Footprints in the Sand ecological trail to learn about its hidden secrets.
Navarre Beach
. The quiet community of Navarre Beach is always a great place to spend a day. With more than 12 miles of pristine sandy beaches, you can enjoy all kinds of incredible adventures. Plus, there's a picturesque bike path that offers even more ways to enjoy the beautiful waterways.Gulf Pier at Pensacola Beach
.If deep-sea fishing catches your eye, head to Gulf Pier at Pensacola Beach. Here you'll find lots of hopeful anglers trying their luck and hoping to catch tuna, redfish and much more. If you don't have your own equipment or don't know what to use, just stop by the bait and tackle store.
Alys Beach
. Located in South Walton County along 30A, Alys Beach is a luxurious spot with award-winning architecture, high-end art galleries and boutiques, and intimate restaurants that make it an excellent choice for a romantic getaway.Grayton Beach
.Grayton Beach is another jewel in South Walton County with its picturesque boardwalks, local boutiques, restaurants and bars. You can also rent jet skis or go paragliding at Premier Adventure Park or explore the island's unique ecology at 29 stops along Footprints in the Sand eco-trail. From white sand dunes to crystal clear waters, there are plenty of incredible beaches in Northwest Florida that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you're looking for an adventure or just want to relax on the beach, these spots are sure to please.
