5 Charming small towns in Florida’s Emerald Coast to explore this summer
These five destinations along the Emerald Coast have everything you need for a refreshing change of pace: historical sites, tropical beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
When most people think of Florida, they mostly think of sunny beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and warm weather year-round. They’ve probably visited the Coral Castle with its poignant story of unrequited love, taken a thrilling airboat ride in the Everglades, or danced the night away in glitzy South Beach.
But what many Floridians and tourists may not know is that the Sunshine State is also home to some of the most charming, picturesque small towns anywhere in the USA.
If you’d like to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life and enjoy places with unique character and great treasures to discover, you’re in luck. Here are five lovely destinations to explore this summer!
Niceville
Just the name is enough to make you want to pack the car and take a slow, leisurely drive to this quaint town of about 16,000 residents situated near Eglin Air Force Base, which borders the Boggy Bayou that opens to the Choctawhatchee Bay.
But “small” doesn’t mean that Niceville isn’t packed with fun things to do and explore. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a great spot for watching sunsets, and Turkey Creek Nature Trail is the perfect spot for a picnic with the family or an outing. With its trees, running creek, and breathtaking wildlife, there are peaceful areas to enjoy nature’s beauty. Visitors are invited to take a hike, tube, or walk through the park.
For those who are more city-oriented, this small town has many cultural amenities. One of the most popular attractions is the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the region, it exhibits everything from Native American artifacts to early settlers and the Civil War. Niceville is also home to a number of historic landmarks such as the Turkey Creek Bridge, which was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town is also dotted with charming shops and excellent restaurants to take a break from all the exploring. That’s really nice, wouldn’t you say?
Seaside
Located between Panama City Beach and Destin, this picturesque resort town with pastel-colored houses is the birthplace of the New Urbanist home design.
In fact, you may know it, even if you’ve never visited. That’s because “The Truman Show,” with John Carrey, was filmed in this picture-perfect town.
With its open spaces, pedestrian brick roads, and places of business built so people can walk and gather freely, Seaside creates a sense of community while honoring local ecology.
This is the place for morning yoga, watching movies under the stars, and participating in events for the whole family, from children’s theater to concerts at sunset.
Walk around town and you will find a great variety of shopping and dining options. Bud and Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, for example, is a great place to enjoy a meal as you watch the spectacular Florida sunset.
Rosemary Beach
Tired of driving to work on congested expressways? Stressed by the noise and fast pace of the big city? Now close your eyes… and imagine taking a leisurely stroll on boardwalks, past exquisitely designed cottages, gardens, and parks. “No traffic, no highways, no rush hour, no crowds and no stress,” boasts this Edenic town’s website.
That’s because everywhere you turn, you find unique features. For example, in the northwest corner of Rosemary Beach at West Kingston Road, you will encounter a beautiful butterfly garden that celebrates the significance of the native landscape. Then you will follow a wooden walkway that meanders through colorful plants that attract butterflies.
For the more athletically minded, the Rosemary Beach Fitness Trail & Walking Tour, a 2.3-mile trail has sand paths and boardwalks that wind through the community’s native landscape, parks, and public spaces.
But there are also fun rooftop bars with gorgeous sunset views and great food, as well as charming shops and restaurants.
With its cobblestone streets and relaxing atmosphere, this quaint, colorful town is also perfect for a romantic getaway.
Port St. Joe
For a laid-back atmosphere close to the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you can’t beat this small town with a population of 3,357 (as of the 2020 census).
About 45 minutes southeast of Panama City on Florida’s Northwest Coast, this wee town is big on seaside charm. Plus, much of the historic downtown is pet-friendly, making it a pet lover’s paradise
Lovers of the outdoors can spend time at St. Joe Beach and look across the bay to catch the view of T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in the distance. They can also go for an invigorating bike ride or walk on the paved four-mile Port City Trail.
For a small place, Port St. Joe has a lot of attractions. There’s Cape San Blas Lighthouse at George Core Park – which was relocated to Port St Joe in 2014 due to beach erosion – and the Constitution Convention Museum State Park, where visitors can learn fascinating facts about Florida history. For more fun and activities, watch the calendar for upcoming events.
When it comes to restaurants, visitors can choose from a variety of fun eateries like Sisters’ Bistro and Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina.
Navarre
Located in the northwest Florida Panhandle, this great destination for family fun is considered “Florida’s most relaxing place.” That’s because the small town on Santa Rosa Island has outdoor recreation, white-sand beaches, and award-winning seaside dining that can be enjoyed all at your own pace.
But you won’t want to dally, because there’s so much to do, see and explore! For example, you can snorkel and dive into the artificial reefs, hike, bike, and visit the area’s parks and attractions, which include the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.
Kids will absolutely love the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, where they can enjoy the interactive exhibits, learn about local wildlife and ecosystems, and see the center’s star, Sweet Pea, the resident sea turtle.
And for those traveling with their pets, there are even dog-friendly spots in Navarre Beach where your pup can enjoy some off-leash fun! There are also some pawsome local dog parks and trails, including the Shoreline Beachside Dog Park and the Blackwater Heritage State Trail.
Check out the calendar of events for special events, music shows, and festivals.
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