Training Example: VISIT FLORIDA – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

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DISCOVER ALL THE WAYS TO HAVE A FLORIDAY

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Eat & Drink

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Attractions

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Outdoors & Adventure

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Travel Ideas

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Arts & Culture

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Shopping

[H2] You Pick The Place

Explore the possibilities in each of Florida's unique regions.

Northwest

North Central

Northeast

Central

Central East

Central West

Southeast

Southwest

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[H3] Northwest

Northwest Florida has piney woods and some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Apalachicola are well worth your time.

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[H3] North Central

North Central Florida is rich in history, and abundant outdoors activities balanced with serenity. From the capital city of Tallahassee all the way to Gainesville, enjoy Southern charm.

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[H3] Northeast

Northeast Florida has natural wonders, tawny beaches, pioneer history, and big-city attractions in Amelia Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine.

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[H3] Central

Central Florida was practically built with fun in mind, starting with the theme parks of Orlando, Kissimmee and Winter Haven. It’s great for kids and adults of all ages.

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[H3] Central East

Central East Florida, with Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, is home to the space industry, top-notch birding, verdant parks, and the state’s top surfing.

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[H3] Central West

Central West Florida offers the big-city lures of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, but is also home to magnificent beaches, wildlife, clear springs, and scenic rivers.

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[H3] Southeast

Southeast Florida radiates balmy temperatures, luxury, and Latin and Caribbean flavors. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Palm Beaches, and the Keys are for vacations you never outgrow.

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[H3] Southwest

Southwest Florida, and the cities of Fort Myers and Naples, spreads a welcoming blanket of sugar-white beaches and tropical warmth for all visitors, a comfortable blend of the classic and cosmopolitan.

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Looking For a Floriday?

Come for familiar favorites and find new favorites around every corner.

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Amelia Island

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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

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Islamorada

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Ocala

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EXPERIENCE FLORIDA

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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

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Flagler Beach

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@Peter W. Cross and Patrick Farrell

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The Everglades

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Boynton Beach

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Weeki Wachee Springs

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Dry Tortugas

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Savannas Preserve

[H2] You Pick The Place

Explore the possibilities in each of Florida's unique regions.

Northwest

North Central

Northeast

Central

Central East

Central West

Southeast

Southwest

[IMG: Destin - Harbor Boardwalk - Couple Walking 1 - 2024 (Orange Video)]

[H3] Northwest

Northwest Florida has piney woods and some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Apalachicola are well worth your time.

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[H3] North Central

North Central Florida is rich in history, and abundant outdoors activities balanced with serenity. From the capital city of Tallahassee all the way to Gainesville, enjoy Southern charm.

Learn More

View Cities

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[H3] Northeast

Northeast Florida has natural wonders, tawny beaches, pioneer history, and big-city attractions in Amelia Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine.

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[H3] Central

Central Florida was practically built with fun in mind, starting with the theme parks of Orlando, Kissimmee and Winter Haven. It’s great for kids and adults of all ages.

Learn More

View Cities

[IMG: Volusia - De Leon Springs - Hiking - Swimming 012 - 2023 (Interpret Studios)]

[H3] Central East

Central East Florida, with Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, is home to the space industry, top-notch birding, verdant parks, and the state’s top surfing.

Learn More

View Cities

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[H3] Central West

Central West Florida offers the big-city lures of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, but is also home to magnificent beaches, wildlife, clear springs, and scenic rivers.

Learn More

View Cities

[IMG: Fort Lauderdale - Boathouse Restaurant at Riverside - 001 - 2023 (Emergent)dhouse Creative)]

[H3] Southeast

Southeast Florida radiates balmy temperatures, luxury, and Latin and Caribbean flavors. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Palm Beaches, and the Keys are for vacations you never outgrow.

Learn More

View Cities

[IMG: Sarasota - Ritz-Carlton Beach Club - Kids on Beach - 2024 (Roundhouse Creative)]

[H3] Southwest

Southwest Florida, and the cities of Fort Myers and Naples, spreads a welcoming blanket of sugar-white beaches and tropical warmth for all visitors, a comfortable blend of the classic and cosmopolitan.

Learn More

View Cities

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[H2] Florida: We've Got That Wow!

[H2] FLORIDA CITIES

Select a region below to filter city results.

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North Central

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Central

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Central West

Southeast

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[H1] Places To Go

[H2] Floridians and those who visit enjoy a few common luxuries: no matter which Florida city or region you're in, you're always within a few hours from the ocean, the winters are generally warm and fresh, and locally caught seafood and homegrown citrus is plentiful.

But that doesn't mean all Florida cities are alike. Each has its own unique history, identity and story to tell, whether it's a large urban metropolis or a small community built around its strawberry crops or cattle ranches.

Whether you're looking for big-city excitement and entertainment or small-town quiet and curiosities, the best places to visit in Florida are the ones tailored to your taste.

While Jacksonville is the most populated city in the Sunshine State, tourists often overlook its strengths as a vacation spot next to theme park-heavy Orlando or the beach-blessed coastal cities. But Jacksonville's parks, museums and historic sites are marvelously laid our and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is an amazing attraction for visitors young and old.

There's also Tampa, enjoying a revitalized downtown that includes some of the city's best restaurants, urban parks, bars and a Riverwalk that attracts joggers, bikers and couples out on a stroll. Fort Lauderdale is one of the best places to visit in Florida for those wanting a winning combination of beaches, shopping and dining.

For visitors looking for a more quiet place to visit in Florida that still offers plenty of activities, cities such as Cape Coral, Gainesville, Fort Myers and Pensacola offer the perfect getaway plans. All offer top-notch golf courses, cozy bed and breakfast inns and fabulous restaurants without the traffic of the big Florida cities. Palm Bay, the biggest city in the Space Coast area, has some of the state's best nature trails at the Turkey Creek Sanctuary but also has beaches and other attractions for both kids and adults.

Some prefer more off-the-beaten-path towns such as Dunedin with its tiny but charming downtown and nearby parks, the historic St. Augustine filled with old stone fortresses and museums or quaint Mount Dora and its fun shops and restaurants.

Tiny Weeki Wachee built its livelihood on its 70-year-old underwater mermaid show and its natural springs, and Arcadia is known for some of the best antiquing around, all concentrated within a few blocks.

Sebring is home to the Sebring International Raceway, the Children's Museum of the Highlands, and has a charming Historic Downtown.

Each Florida city has its own collection of places to visit and gems to offer, whether its secluded beaches, Spring Training baseball, roadside oddity attractions or award-winning golf courses. Pinpoint your favorites to create the perfect escape.

[H2] Planning a trip to the Sunshine State but can’t decide between beaches or theme parks?

Torn between surfing on the Atlantic Coast and fishing on the Gulf Coast? Wondering what there is to do near your secluded, romantic bed and breakfast? Checking out VISIT FLORIDA’S interactive map of Florida before you travel is a helpful starting point.

Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway, a spring break jaunt or a summer road trip, you’ll never run out of things to do in Florida, a state packed with nature trails, parks, boating docks, roller coaster rides, museums and more.

Many visitors have a starting point in mind – say, Daytona Beach or St. Augustine – but then get curious about what there is to explore nearby, which is where our Florida map comes in handy. Others have a general activity they like to do while traveling, such as camping or trying unique restaurants, and want to know exactly where the best Florida destinations are before booking a ticket or hitting the road. And speaking of roads, a trip from the top of the peninsula to the southernmost point is doable in a day or two. But why rush when you can take time to discover some of Florida’s hidden gems, weird roadside attractions, quirky beach towns, outdoor art festivals and wildlife rescue sanctuaries?

Check out some of the small-town, family-friendly events going on within an hour or two’s drive from Jacksonville, Orlando or Miami using our map of Florida. Or hit some of the best campsites in north Florida, coolest natural springs in central Florida or most popular outlet malls among true bargain hunters in South Florida.

Browse the Florida map and take a detour off of Interstate 4 to check out some odd museums and parks, or break off from I-75 to do some nature hiking or wine tasting. Relax on a front-porch rocking chair and try fresh citrus juices at the Grove House in Lake Wales or make a day trip out of a stopover in beautiful Naples or the laid back New Smyrna Beach.

If you’re anywhere near the Everglades, swing over to Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, where you can learn the history of the Seminole Tribe or sample frog legs or alligator tail at the Swamp Water Café. It’s easy to hunt down some of the lesser known but most memorable Florida destinations by doing a little bit of map-scanning before you travel. Even the best laid plans should leave room for spontaneous adventure.

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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

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[H1] FLORIDA BEACHES

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[H2] From its Gulf shores and Atlantic coastlines, Florida’s beaches shine. Here you’ll find sands of all hues and textures, state and national parks, camping, accessibility, diverse marine life, and sunny scenes - bustling and secluded - that are both party and family friendly.

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Family Friendly Beaches

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BEACH CAMPING

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Dog-Friendly

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Hidden Gems

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ACCESSIBLE

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ADVENTUROUS

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Beach FAQs

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beach sunsets

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shelling, beachcombing

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ATLANTIC COAST BEACHES

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GULF COAST BEACHES

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FAVORITE FLORIDA BEACHES

825 miles of beaches in every variety means Florida has a stretch of sand that’s perfect for you.

Here, you can escape to a secluded retreat by the waves; opt for a vibrant seaside city that never sleeps; or choose a family-centric beach where pirate ships and dolphin cruises beckon.

Check out this sandy smorgasbord of popular –and very different-- Florida beaches to help you plan your Sunshine State getaway.

[H2] Northeast

[H3] Jacksonville Beach

Nestled against the Florida’s Atlantic coast, Jacksonville Beach has been a favorite vacation destination for generations of beachgoers, offering accommodations for an assortment of tastes and budgets. Nature takes center stage in this kicked-back town: you’re invited to peddle a beach cruiser on its hard-packed, latte-hued sands; enjoy a morning stroll by the waves; or explore its waterways atop a stand-up paddleboard.

The iconic Jax Beach Pier marks the center of the action, where you can fish or take in sweeping views of the ocean. Surfing is a time-honored tradition here, and you can join in the fun with surf lesson—or bring your own board to ride the swells at The Poles, Jacksonville's signature surf spot.

Food enthusiasts will relish the diverse culinary scene, offering fresh seafood and eclectic dining options along the beachfront. A lively nightlife scene encompasses beachside bars and live music venues.

[H3] St. Augustine Beach

In historic St. Augustine Beach, you won’t find high rises, but the ways to play are legion. The waves here lure skim boarders, boogie boarders, surfers, paddle boarders and kiteboarders, while an impressive fishing pier welcomes anglers and sightseers.

Your gang can cool off in the splash park; play a game of sand volleyball; ride a beach cruiser bike across the hard-packed sands; or wonder at legendary attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and The St. Augustine Light Station in nearby St. Augustine.

It's an ideal location for families and physically challenged visitors, because driving is allowed on St. Augustine Beach within designated areas, making it simple for to access the seashore.

St. Augustine Beach offers diverse dining: try local seafood at Salt Life Food Shack, Mexican cuisine at Playa Chac-Mool, and Italian at La Strada.

Places to stay include hotels, charming bed & breakfasts, historic inns, beachfront resorts, and convenient campgrounds.

[H3] Flagler Beach

For a hidden gem with nary a high rise in sight and free parking, you can’t do better than Flagler Beach. Sited between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, this relaxed village charms visitors with its offbeat, hip personality. The beaches are uncrowded and thick with cinnamon-colored sand, and the waves are a playground for surfers.

Ways to enjoy the outdoors are numerous and cater to a vast range of energy levels and tastes: You can bask in the sun by the seashore; try your luck fishing in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway; try to spot gulls, gannets and warblers on a bird-watching expedition; or mount up for a beach horseback ride with Equestrian Adventures of Florida.

Beachside eateries; one-of-a-kind shops; a brewery; and a winery that invites you to sample wines, slushies and shots on an ocean view patio add to the tropical ambience.

Places to stay include vacation rentals; a luxe RV resort directly on the beach; and intriguing hotels like the colorful, intimate Si Como No Inn.

[H2] Central East

[H3] Daytona Beach

Exciting and active, the “World’s Most Famous Beach” is famed for its hard-packed sand, the Daytona International Speedway and automobile-friendly shores. Here, you can unwind on the pristine beach, swim, or enjoy or enjoy water sports that include fishing, boating, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and parasailing. Visiting Daytona Beach Main Street Pier and the lively Daytona Beach Boardwalk --home to Ocean Walk Shoppes, the Daytona Beach Bandshell, restaurants and a classic arcade –is a time-honored tradition, as is climbing the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest.

Daytona Beach promises to please all palates with a diverse assortment of eateries, including beachy favorites like Joe's Crab Shack, Ocean Deck, and LandShark Bar & Grill.

Choose from diverse beachfront hotels that include The Shores Resort & Spa, offering luxury accommodations; Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, perfect for family getaways; and the highly acclaimed, budget-friendly Sun Viking Lodge.

[H3] Cocoa Beach

Infused with a strong surfing culture and a fun-loving atmosphere, this Space Coast city welcomes visitors with family-friendly attractions; the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop; and the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, stretching 800 feet over the Atlantic and boasting a tiki hut at its end. Take a surf lesson, go fishing, shop till you drop, or snag some ‘me-time’ at a spa. Make sure to check out the launch schedule at nearby Kennedy Space Center; you might be rewarded by the unforgettable view of a rocket sizzling towards the heavens.

Cocoa Beach eateries are abundant and varied, with toes-in-the-sand restaurants like Coconuts on the Beach adding to the endless summer vibe.

Beachfront accommodations include Four Points by Sheraton, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, and the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, complete with a beach concierge and water park on-site.

[H2] Southeast

[H3] Riviera Beach

Just a splash north of Palm Beach, this upscale, hidden gem offers serene shores perfect for relaxing, swimming, and hunting for seashells. Fishing and surfing are popular, as is snorkeling the unique reef, sited just offshore in shallow water. Nearby Peanut Island Park boasts stellar snorkeling and kayaking, and boating enthusiasts will be in heaven: Riveria Beach is home to multiple picturesque marinas.

Tiki bars at the Singer Island Marriott Hotel and Coconuts on the Beach invite you to soak up the tropical ambiance, while eateries like Johnny Longboats, Ocean Breeze and Two Drunken Goats will satisfy your appetite.

Stay steps from the beach at luxe resorts like the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, the Singer Oceanfront Resort, and  Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences. Or opt for the budget-friendly Super 8 Motel Riviera Beach, promising free breakfast, WiFi, and parking.

[H3] Delray Beach

Voted the ‘most fun small town in America,’ you can ditch the car keys and use your own two feet to explore this enchanting, upscale village. Expect alfresco  bistros serving up dishes guaranteed to make a foodie swoon; hip pubs and electric nightlife; a vibrant arts scene; and eclectic boutiques that tempt visitors to scoop up the latest designer fashions. On the beach, relaxing by the waves and swimming are time-honored traditions, but a wealth of watersports awaits: surfing, playing volleyball, sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, and kite flying.

Stays include the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa, super luxe and pet friendly; Delray Breakers on the Ocean, delivering budget-friendly rooms with kitchenettes; and The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, a historic hotel situated in the heart of downtown Delray Beach.

[H3] Fort Lauderdale

Known as the ‘Venice of America’ for its 300 miles of inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale offers a tantalizing recipe of stunning coastline and cosmopolitan indulgences. It's famous for its picturesque, two-mile-long Beachfront Promenade; water activities like snorkeling and diving; and upscale Las Olas Boulevard, a palm-fringed tapestry of eclectic shopping and dining,  fashion boutiques and art galleries.

On the beach, surf, take a paddleboard expedition, or just perfect your tan on the latte-hued sand. And you can bring the family: Fort Lauderdale is fun for all ages.

Bo's Beach offers a relaxed vibe with seafood delights, while Lona Cocina Tequileria entices with modern Mexican cuisine, and Sandbar Grille provides a casual beachfront experience with classic Florida fare (try the Wicked Good Fish Tacos).

Pull up the covers at luxury hotels like the W Fort Lauderdale, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale and Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach.

[H3] South Beach

Is that who I think it is? South Beach Miami is a colorful swirl of celebrities, Art Deco architecture, and notorious nightlife, set against a landscape of beautiful beaches occupied by beautiful people. Kick back on the sand by a candy-colored lifeguard station to celebrate the sunshine or watch the show roll by, with rollerbladers traversing the Miami Beach Walk, ripped men flexing in Muscle Beach, and bikini-clad women playing sand volleyball. South Beach is handicap accessible, with more than 20 wheelchair accessible beach access points, and family-friendly, too.

The area is nirvana for foodies: South Beach serves up open-air breakfast hotspots, upscale vegan concepts, and epic seafood eateries directed by celebrity chefs.

To soak up iconic Ocean Drive’s history, style and non-stop entertainment, stay at one of the legendary, historic hotels that border it, like The Betsy – South Beach, a luxurious architectural wonder at the core of the arts and culture scene.

[H2] The Florida Keys

[H3] Bahia Honda, in the Keys

A tranquil escape for nature lovers, Bahia Honda State Park promises the best natural beaches in the Florida Keys, with palm-fringed shorelines, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets. The Park delivers abundant outdoor adventures that include swimming; shelling; kayaking; bird watching; hiking; and biking— but none are more famous than the wade-in snorkeling in the shallow, turquoise water, with colorful fish as well as corals, sea turtles, and rays just a few hundred feet from shore.

Bring a picnic, or satisfy your hunger at nearby eateries like the Keys Fisheries for fresh seafood; the Square Grouper for innovative, eco-conscious dining, and Porky's Bayside Restaurant & Marina for waterfront dining.

Convenient stays include campgrounds within the park; vacation rentals or resorts on Marathon;  or for a splurge, the notoriously posh Little Palm Island Resort.

[H2] Southwest

[H3] Captiva Island

Traffic lights. Chain restaurants and stores. High rises. Captiva Island doesn’t have any of them, and that’s the way folks here like it. Nestled on the Gulf of America, this secluded island welcomes visitors with a quiet, quirky vibe.

The beach is perfect for relaxing and swimming, and treasure hunting, too: Captiva is among the best shelling spots in North America. The area waters are a favorite with dolphins, and you can take a Captiva Island ecotour to watch the beloved mammals frolic and play.

Ditch the car keys to explore the walkable village, complete with tropical foliage and hand-painted directional signs, to discover galleries like Jungle Drums and places to eat that include The Mucky Duck, which overlooks the beach, making for epic sunset views.

Places to stay include Tween Waters Resort and Spa, South Seas Island Resort, and vacation rentals.

[H3] Siesta Key

Famous for its glistening white, 99% pure quartz sand and shallow, gin-clear waters, award-winning Siesta Beach welcomes beach aficionados. Free parking; lifeguards; typically calm surf; and amenities that include restrooms, a playground and a concession make this stunning stretch of coastline a favorite with families.

Swimming, birding, and fishing are popular, as well as adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Siesta Key Village – easily accessible via the free trolley-- offers diverse shops and dining options. Indulge at the Daiquiri Deck for seafood, try traditional Italian

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The beaches of Northwest Florida beg you to take off your shoes.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

[H1] Your Vacation Guide to Northwest Florida

[H2] Florida's Panhandle is renowned for outdoor adventure, family fun, and its stunningly white beaches. Stretching from Pensacola to Apalachicola, it promises history, charm, a multitude of activities, and an abundance of smiles.

[H2] CITIES IN FLORIDA'S PANHANDLE

[H2] Apalachicola

Its waterfront isn’t the center of industry it was in the mid-19th century, but some of the brick warehouses once devoted to cotton production remain – shop for clothing and other gift items at Grady Market for a taste – and the river’s influence is ever-present. Fishing boats run in place of cotton-laden steamboats, and shrimp and blue crab are tasty here. Though the town boasts more than 900 historic sites, it’s an easy walk among most of them.

[H2] Blountstown

Rivers run near it – the Chipola to the west, the Apalachicola to the east. Grab a paddle, or a tube, to glimpse limestone bluffs and experience area shoals – a particularly adventuresome one along the Chipola River Canoe Trail is known as “Look and Tremble Falls.” Venture into history at Florida's Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, an impressive collection of original and replica structures featuring 19th-century log cabins, a farmhouse and a school. The working farm here produces sugar cane and its own syrup, and annual quilt shows and peanut boils capture the essence of Northwest Florida.

[H2] Carrabelle

Anglers revel in the area’s bays and grassy flats, which reveal species from tarpon to trout; sun-celebrants and shell-seekers enjoy natural respites such as Dog Island, accessible only by boat. Back in “civilized” Carrabelle, the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum commemorates soldiers who completed their amphibious training here, including D-Day veterans. Oyster shacks and an annual Riverfront Festival highlight the town’s maritime identity, as does the renovated Crooked River Lighthouse, erected in 1895.

[H2] Chipley

Holmes Creek, a spring-fed creek, flows through here with canoes and tubes (boating and fishing tours are popular, too). Falling Waters State Park stages some drama within its 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide sinkhole; when water levels are sufficiently high, a waterfall crashes inside. The annual Florida Panhandle Watermelon Festival sweetens the scene at the Washington County Agricultural Center.

[H2] Crestview

In 1929, the Old Spanish Trail opened to enable the ultimate transcontinental road trip, connecting San Diego to St. Augustine by way of cities well- and less-known, including Crestview. Main Street throws various events (a cruise-in car show, fall festival, barbeque and Veterans Day parade). A May Day Festival centers on Allen Park, established by the Okaloosa Negro Civic Club in the 1950s, and the Carver-Hill Museum, which chronicles the history of the local African-American community.

[H2] DeFuniak Springs

Reviving a century-old tradition, DeFuniak Springs hosts the annual Florida Chautauqua Assembly. Attendees gather at the renovated 1909 Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, which presides over perfectly round Lake DeFuniak. Chipley Park, also known as Lake DeFuniak, charms with lighted piers that end in gazebos, what is likely the oldest operating library in the state (established in 1886) and the Walton County Heritage Museum, which occupies a restored train depot.

[H2] Destin

The “world’s luckiest fishing village,” as the residents like to call it, was first established by New England fisherman Leonard Destin in the 1840s. What started out as a small fishing village has grown into a popular Florida vacation destination. Visitors flock to its emerald-green waters, bright white sand beaches, upscale and outlet shopping complexes (the Silver Sands Factory Stores claims to be “the nation’s largest designer outlet center” based on number of designer-name stores), elegant restaurants, premier resorts and condo rentals. Fishing and seafood are still popular; Destin Fishing Rodeo and Destin Seafood Festival draw big crowds each October.

[H2] Fort Walton Beach

Not everyone knows that Fort Walton Beach hosts its own Mardi Gras. It’s a fun, Florida-style spin on the renowned revelry, but at its heart, this city’s all about the water. Ultra-green Gulf waves lap at blinding-white shores where dunes, resorts and water sports abound. The Boardwalk on nearby Okaloosa Island is a family-friendly attraction, and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park lets you watch dolphin and sea lion shows and peer into large-scale aquariums. History gets serious at the Indian Temple Mound Museum downtown and at Eglin Air Force Base’s Air Force Armament Museum, where you can view vintage aircraft for free.

[H2] Grayton Beach

This may be South Walton’s original community from the 1800s, but Grayton Beach carefully balances history and culture. Sand dunes resemble snow-capped hills guarding quiet sands, and dense pines and oaks shroud aged wooden homes conjuring up a time when the pace here was even more easy-going. Make time to explore the trails and shores of Grayton Beach State Park. Colorful cottages all in a row conceal galleries and whimsical boutiques near much-talked-about restaurants.

[H2] Gulf Breeze

You can feed giraffes, view twin tamarinds and take in acre after acre of free-roaming animals along the Safari Line express at the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Or, look for blue herons, brown pelicans and five-lined skinks inside the Naval Live Oaks Area (and headquarters) of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

[H2] Marianna

On the surface, Marianna is all antiques and 19th-century relics. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, scene of the Civil War Battle of Marianna, still stands. Beneath the town, caverns (both water-filled and dry) invite exploration. Tours at Florida Caverns State Park reveal limestone stalactites and stalagmites – you also can camp and fish here, and the multi-use trails are popular with horseback riders, cyclists and walkers.

[H2] Mexico Beach

A “secret” family vacation spot for generations, Mexico Beach – less than five miles long – is a time capsule of living memories that harken to the way it used to be. Fishing is a huge draw for this Gulf Coast gem, thanks to the hundreds of artificial reefs that lie along the Gulf floor. Some of the best sport-fishing in the world, relaxing days on uncrowded white-sandy beaches, and genuine mom-and-pop restaurants and shops can be found in this city.

[H2] Milton

Blackwater River State Forest reveals trails along its waterway and Juniper, Coldwater and Sweetwater creeks (watch for pitcher plant bogs). Also see the town’s 1912 Imogene Theater, Gothic Revival-style St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the West Florida Railroad Museum.

[H2] Navarre

In a community this size, a handful of restaurants and long stretches of beach (12 miles, precisely) are all you need. Fishing and staging the quintessential day at the beach are top to-dos along these family-friendly shores.

[IMG: Located right across the street from the soft sands of Panama City Beach, you]

Located right across the street from the soft sands of Panama City Beach, you'll find this outdoor mall, brimming with restaurants and shops.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

[H2] Panama City

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, kiteboarding, dolphin-watching trips and shelling are popular activities on the crystal-blue waters of St. Andrews Bay, with world-class beaches just minutes away. Seafood shacks and oyster bars serve up fresh eats almost everywhere you look.

[H2] Panama City Beach

This town has a beach persona – with 27 miles of white sand beaches along the turquoise waters of the Gulf – that coaxes out the carefree in all. Swimming, fishing, diving and sunset-watching are popular. ZooWorld is fun, and educational, too. St. Andrews State Park features diving, snorkeling, surfing and fishing.

[H2] Pensacola and Pensacola Beach

From sky to sea, there’s much to see here. Overhead, the Blue Angels practice from mid-March to mid-November (watch from the viewing area at the National Naval Aviation Museum). History dominates at street level. Take a guided tour of 19th-century homes and the 1832 Old Christ Church at Historic Pensacola Village, or stroll beneath the oaks to the wooden gazebo at Seville Square. There’s ample water sports activity and classic beach fun to be had along Quietwater Beach Boardwalk, but you can also access the hushed Gulf Islands National Seashore here. For divers, the world’s largest artificial reef, retired aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, lies just offshore.

[H2] Perdido Key

With Gulf Islands National Seashore and Perdido Key, Big Lagoon and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Parks in proximity, Perdido Key protects some of the beach’s most fragile and magnificent assets: wispy sea oats, critical dunes and nesting birds and sea turtles. Enjoy hiking, crabbing and surf casting; fishing charters are always available. And, yes, Cajun-style steamed oysters, live music and an annual mullet toss can be found at the Flora-Bama Package and Lounge.

[H2] Port St. Joe

Florida’s first Constitutional Convention was held here in 1838, but the area’s legacy proves more natural than political. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, another America’s Best Beach pick in Northwest Florida, protects some of the state’s oldest and tallest sand dunes. Charters and marinas speak to Port St. Joe’s fishing sensibility, and a charming collection of buildings shares its 20th-century history (hint: lumber has a lot to do with it). Constitution Convention Museum State Park will fill you in on 19th-century happenings.

[H2] Santa Rosa Beach

Inside Eden Gardens State Park, the Wesley House’s stately columns and wrap-around porch transport you to its turn-of-the-century heyday. Grandfatherly oaks and ornamental gardens decorate the grounds, and a notable collection of Louis XVI furniture accents the home’s interior. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Point Washington State Forest take you back to nature. Bike the paved roadway to the park’s beach and fishable dune lakes; go off-road cycling or hiking inside the 15,000-acre forest.

[H2] Seagrove Beach

Spend time in Seagrove Beach fishing or admiring the distinct ecology. Deer Lake State Park tempers its salty beachfront with fresh coastal dune lakes, which occur only along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The park borders Point Washington State Forest, where the Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail meanders through a sandhill habitat marked by an airy canopy of longleaf pines. Still, this is a South Walton community – you needn’t venture far to find beach cottages, shops and eateries.

[H2] Seaside

You know it by its aesthetic: skinny streets, white picket fences and close-quartered homes painted to match the sky, sand and sea. The result is a calming community where concerts ring out from the amphitheater, art walks highlight local galleries and boutiques and a seasonal farmers’ market provides all you need – and all within walking (or biking) distance.

[IMG: St. George Island State Park defines a soul-soothing getaway.]

St. George Island State Park defines a soul-soothing getaway.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

[H2] St. George Island

Cross the bridge from East Point to reach St. George Island. Vacation homes, and water, define the barrier isle. The Gulf, Apalachicola Bay and St. George Sound beckon anglers, paddlers and beachcombers. St. George Island State Park captures the island’s peacefulness along miles of dune-dotted beach.

[H3] See more cities in Florida's  Northwest region.

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[H3]
Grayton Beach

[IMG: Seaside]

[H3]
Seaside

[IMG: St. Andrews State Park near Panama City Beach features sugar white sands, emerald green waters, and a vast array of ever-changing winged creatures since the park is a popular migratory stopover for numerous bird and butterfly species. Besides boasting a mile-and-a-half of beaches for fishing and swimming, St. Andrews also offers the chance for visitors to stroll through pines, dunes and coastal plant communities, or set up camp in a shady campground or primitive group area.]

[H3]
Panama City Beach

[H2] Florida Travel: Discover Panama City Beach in 60 Seconds

[H2] Florida Travel: Discover Panama City Beach in 60 Seconds

[H3]
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