5 Best Vacation Spots In The Florida Panhandle

Millions of people visit the beaches of Florida every year, and while many travel to the busy beaches of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and other South Florida beaches, I believe the beaches of the Florida Panhandle are the best Florida vacation spots to visit. These beaches are much less crowded, much less expensive, and I feel much more beautiful, making them the best vacation spots in Florida. There are other great sites to see nearby, great southern and seafood cuisine, and the people are much more friendly. I have been on some of the best cruise lines in the world, gone skiing in North Carolina and Colorodo, and had great Hawaii Vacations, but this area is the most comfortable and relaxing in the world. I am biased though: I grew up in this area.

If you are planning your first trip to Florida or your 100th, these places never get old. It does not matter if you want lavish resort living, beachfront rentals, or a quiet stay on a secluded beach in a house, this list of the 5 Great Vacation Spots In The Florida Panhandle has it all. If you have any questions about these spots, please leave a comment, I would be happy to share any more that I may know. Do yourself a favor and search some of these locations to get just a glimpse of the local hospitality, cuisine, and sites. We enjoy sharing our little part of the world and are certain you will agree these ARE the best vacation spots in North Florida and that they are the best places to visit in FL!

Best Beaches In The Florida Panhandle: St. George Island

This is by far my favorite beach in the world. Yes, I said the world. I have been to beaches in Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, South Florida and others. St. George Island has the finest powder white beach in the world.

St George Island is 1.5 hours east of Panama City, and about 2 hours southwest of Tallahassee. You have to access the island by bridge from Eastpoint, FL. It sits across from the Appalachicola Bay, a great site for seafood lovers, and extends 28 miles from Cape St. George Island to Dog Island.

The beach access here is either free public access or you can drive to the east end of the island and pay to enter the state park where there are pavilions, camping access, and beautiful sand dunes. There are several options for accomodations here, including small hotels and condos, but I think renting through VRBO.com is probably best. If you are planning your first trip to St. George Island you definitely do not want to miss a picnic in one of the state park pavillions.

Most Scenic Gulf Coast Vacations: Cape San Blas

Cape San Blas and Indian Pass Beaches are two of the best kept secrets of the Panhandle. These beaches are located 10 miles southeast of Port St. Joe, FL. The Cape runs southwest from the Panhandle then turns northwest and separates St. Joe Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. These beaches are secluded and undervisited, white beaches with beautiful, large sand dunes. There is a large state park at the northwest end of the cape with camping and picnic facilities. For a family on a budget, the state park at Cape San Blas is one of the best places to visit in FL.

The accomodations here are almost strictly rental houses. VRBO.com is by far the best resource here, but some local pages are good as well. A short 10 mile trip into Port St. Joe will take you to any groceries, shopping or great seafood that you may need. For the best seafood, go to the marina, there is an excellent outdoor restaurant there overlooking the boats and the bay. Order the Fried Pickle Spears, you won't be sorry!

The Best of Florida Vacations: Sandestin Beach

Sandestin truly offers the best of both worlds: beautiful beaches that aren't overcrowded, and lavish accomodations. Although Sandestin is much more expensive than the first two, it also has some opportunities that they don't. Sandestin is technically a "Golf and Family Resort."

Located a few miles east of Destin, FL, Sandestin includes a few luxury resorts that have land both on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Choctawhatchee Bay. There are great beaches, lavish rooms, and you are minutes away from Destin which has outlet shopping, great seafood, and more beaches. You can also experience the great environment of North Florida Golf. If you prefer not to leave the resort, they also have shopping and wonderful seafood.

Best Resort Towns In Florida Panhandle: Seaside / Watercolor Beaches

This beach resort and vacation area is beautiful, peaceful, and I think the best family choice if you want to be close to Panama City Beach.  Just minutes west of Panama City Beach, these communities were used in the Jim Carey movie "Truman Show."  They have great pedestrian shopping areas, beautiful beaches, and a good array of accommodations.  You can choose from the resorts, hotels, or rent through VRBO.

There are some great seafood and other restaurants in these two towns, or you can take the short trip into Panama City.  No matter what your preferences, this area is a hit for any family or couple that visits.

Top In Secluded Florida Beaches: Alligator Point

This beach is the most secluded beach of all. It is only a short drive from Tallahasse, FL and offers wonderful sand, excellent eats, and great fishing. Alligator Point is a strip of land that, similar to Cape San Blas, creates a bay between it an the coast of Florida. This bay produces some of the best salt water clams in the world.

Alligator Point is a few minutes drive from Bald Point State Park. Also, one of the best and most beautiful seafood restaurants in the Panhandle is minutes away, across the Ocklocknee River, at Angelo's and Sons. Accommodation are almost totally by rental company and VRBO for this area. If you want to get away from everything and enjoy a beautiful beach, start planning!