The Florida Panhandle hugs the top part of the Sunshine State, skimming west across the Gulf of Mexico in a glorious celebration of white-sand beaches, exceptional surfing waves, and super cute (and affordable) beach towns that epitomize the absolute best of summertime. With balmy, temperate weather, kind people, and convenient proximity to major cities, this part of Florida is one of the state's best-kept secrets.
Whether visitors want to bask and perfect their base tans on sugary sands, indulge in some of Florida's finest water sports, find the sun-drenched parties of the Gulf Coast, or enjoy the solitude of an untouched stretch of sandy paradise, these top ten beaches in the Panhandle will deliver and then some.
10 Pensacola Beach
Arguably one of the most popular beaches in the Panhandle, and the gem of the Emerald Coast, Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island is notable for its 20 miles of serpentine beach, bright green water, and the distinctive water tower that greets travelers when they step into town.
In addition to the awe-inspiring nature and great swimming and fishing, visitors will find plenty of shopping and world-class dining on this beach.
- General Vibe: Busy with plenty of amenities and restaurants
- What to Do and See: Spot dolphins and marine life, and go snorkeling and swimming
9 Grayton Beach
Smack-dab in the middle of Pensacola and Panama City beaches rests the chill oasis of Grayton Beach. Travelers will find a chilled-out artistic vibe, plenty of water sports like kayaking and swimming, and a plethora of marine birds and underwater life.
There are also inland trails to explore, museums, and plenty of local restaurants right on the beach.
- General Vibe: Natural, artistic, and very chill
- Things to Do: Go hiking, birdwatching, kayaking and swimming
8 Santa Rosa Beach
Those craving the idyllic sugary beaches of the Gulf Coast will love Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County. Its smooth sands and bright cobalt and green waters make it a sun-worshipper's paradise, but travelers can also get their fill of hiking or biking on the sunny trails that surround this beach.
- General Vibe: Beautiful and scenic, with plenty of space to stretch out
- Things to Do: Sunbathe, bike, hike, and try to spot some local wildlife
7 Navarre Beach
Those who find themselves in Pensacola could easily hit up two amazing beaches in one day. Navarre Beach is right down the road, renowned for its massive, walkable pier and a fantastic array of marine life.
Visit Navarre Beach between May and October for turtle season, a magical time when visitors can actually see these majestic creatures come out of the waters to nest on Navarre Beach's smooth shores.
- General Vibe: Relaxed and natural with plenty of marine life
- Things to Do: See all of the marine life, including turtles, stingrays, and an abundance of fish
See Turtles, Stingrays, And More At Florida’s Navarre Beach
6 Henderson Beach State Park
Close to the bustling and bright shores of Destin Beach, Henderson Beach State Park is one of the best Florida Panhandle beaches with places to swim, summit sand dunes, and excellent hiking.
Since it's a little more off-the-beaten-path than some of the other spots on our list, there's a good chance that visitors will have a stretch of sandy heaven all to themselves.
- General Vibe: Untouched and beautiful
- Things to Do: Hike, swim, wander along the Henderson Beach State Park boardwalk
5 Destin Beach
Perennially popular Destin Beach boasts 6,000 feet of sunkissed beach, a happening and exciting beach town vibe, world-class restaurants, and tons of water sports to enjoy. Those looking for some party vibes to accompany Florida's southern charm will love this Panhandle hotspot.
- General Vibe: Exciting party town with a long gorgeous beach
- Things to Do: Celebrate with the locals, go fishing, eat some of the state's finest seafood
4 Perdido Key State Park
Travelers in the know head to the very west and tippy top of Florida's Panhandle to relax on Perdido Key State Park, a jaw-dropping stretch of raw nature studded with interesting rock formations, lovely sandy shores, and the Gulf's balmy waters.
It's an ideal spot for kayaking, hiking, and biking against a backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
- General Vibe: Raw, natural, and untouched
- Things to Do: Bike, kayak, hike, grab some envy-worthy Instagram shots
3 Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island is just off the Panhandle's shore in the Gulf of Mexico, and it's three miles of fabulous beaches, cute shops and restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly parks. Okaloosa's biggest draw is undoubtedly the friendly pods of dolphins that frequent the shallows surrounding the isle.
- General Vibe: Family-friendly, relaxed, and wholesome
- Things to Do: Picnic, enjoy some shopping, see the dolphins
2 Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is synonymous with spring breakers and is one of the top places to be after dark, but visitors can still find quiet spots here and there. Panama City is exceptionally long, stretching an impressive 27 miles along the Panhandle coast.
Those looking for excitement can also swing by Shipwreck Island Waterpark or head to nearby St. Andrews State Park for some birding and hiking.
- General Vibe: Depending on when people go, very party heavy
- Things to Do: Enjoy Panama City Beach's nightlife, visit Shipwreck Island Waterpark, stroll the long beaches
1 Rosemary Beach
Photo by Kirk Thornton on Unsplash
South Walton's Rosemary Beach combines a blissful beach with top-notch architecture for a whole new experience on the Florida Panhandle. There's also a winding 18-mile bike bath, plenty of artisanal dining and shops, and lots of local art galleries to explore.
- General Vibe: Sophisticated and boutique
- Things to Do: Admire the architecture, shop, bike around the beach
The best Florida panhandle beaches offer gorgeous sand, amazing views, and plenty to do along the shore. With these ten options, there's more than enough to round out a FL summer vacation.