Famous for over 100 beaches with sugar-white sand and emerald waters, Northwest Florida Beaches is one of the most idyllic destinations in the south. Beyond family-favorite destinations like Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola, there are beautiful lesser-known hidden gems within the region that are sure to surprise and delight the water-loving traveler.

Located alongside Florida’s Gulf Coast, Northwest Florida Beaches is an  8-county region, connected by Highway 98. From end to end an accessible road-trip adventure is possible in just under four hours, with off-the-beaten path experiences on the water and on land all along the way. Fall (and Spring) months are the perfect time for an adventure-filled trip, when the Gulf waters are warm and prime for activities like snorkeling and diving, paddleboarding and kayaking, surfing, and more. The Gulf-to-table cuisine also sets this region apart, with coastal delicacies like oysters and immersive guided boat tours for a unique look into oyster farming.

VISIT FLORIDA has rounded up the latest and greatest experiences across the region which includes Pensacola, Navarre Beach, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Walton County, Panama City Beach, Gulf County, Franklin County, and Wakulla County. Please see below for a curated list, and let me know if you’re interested in sharing NWFL offerings with your readers. I’d love to hear about any domestic travel content you might be working on as we head into colder months, and be a resource for any of your Florida needs.


Family-Friendly Water-based Adventures in Northwest Florida Beaches:

  • Paddleboarding in Pensacola is not only limited to the Gulf. First-timers can find their footings on the calm waters of Little Sabine Bay, Bayou Grande, and Big Lagoon State Park - the start of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (the country’s longest designated national recreation trail).
  • In Navarre Beach, Coldwater Creek offers a 19-mile paddling trail with pristine, naturally dark waters filled with tannins, and a fair amount of mini rapids to keep your paddling interesting.
  • The calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin-Fort Walton Beach create an ideal setting for learning to fish. Many charter captains specialize in shorter runs (as little as 2 hours) that are completely customized.
  • Just off the shore of Miramar Beach in South Walton visitors will not only spot dolphins swimming, but an artificial snorkeling reef in the shape of one. The reef is close enough to shore (approximately 200 to 300 yards) that it can be reached by kayak or paddleboard.
  • Dive below the surface in Panama City Beach and discover the infamous Black Bart. This 185-foot, offshore oilfield supply vessel was sunk as an artificial reef and now rests upright in about 80 feet of water. The top of the ship rises to a depth of about 45 feet, which makes it an ideal place for the open water certification of student divers.
  • Cape San Blas in Gulf County is one of the only remaining beaches in the country where you can ride horses on the beach. Riding experience isn’t necessary as beginner friendly horses provide a safe way to enjoy the beach from an entirely new perspective.
  • Adventure continues after the sunset has set camping at Dr. Julian G. Bruce State Park. Located in Franklin County the park offers nine miles of undeveloped white sand beach on the gulf side and healthy marshes and nature trails on the bayside. After taking in a sunset this is an ideal spot to stargaze from one of the campsites.
  • Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs (in Wakulla County) boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform.