With 320 days of sunshine all year round, now is the perfect time to escape the harsh cold and discover the hidden gems of Northwest Florida. Beyond the beaches, Northwest Florida is full of water trails to discover and explore the destination and its wildlife in a unique way.

Water and wildlife enthusiasts have an abundance of options to enjoy the water wonderlands of Northwest Florida! Paddle down a lazy river scenic blueway where the only sound you’ll hear is the intriguing songs of wildlife in the midst. Jump on a paddle board to cascade over the salty waves, be amazed with a skim over the pristine waters of the largest concentration of springs in the southeast, or take the challenge with a venture out to secluded whitewater rapids.

VISIT FLORIDA has rounded up the latest and greatest water trails across the region to explore across Pensacola, Navarre Beach, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Walton County, Panama City Beach, Gulf County, Franklin County, and Wakulla County.

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Pensacola

  • Big Sabine Bay: This beautiful coastal sanctuary is a must-visit jewel in the Pensacola Bay Area. Accessible only by trekking through the sand with your gear, paddling from Pensacola Beach, or catching a ride on a boat.

Navarre Beach

  • Blackwater River: Paddle or tube down the Blackwater River - the only pristine sand river left in the United States. For kayaking or canoe trips, you can choose between a four mile journey or an 11-mile adventure.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach

  • Rocky Bayou: Paddle the bayou at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park - an aquatic preserve designated in 1970. The bayou is a reserve for osprey and bald eagles, so don’t forget your binoculars!

Walton County

  • The Choctawhatchee River: Florida’s third-largest river system flows approximately 96 miles from the Alabama state line into the Choctawhatchee Bay with tree-lined shores. The river boasts 13 springs and numerous spring-fed tributaries.

Panama City Beach 

  • Shell Island: Complete with sparkling clear water bordering its sugar-white shore, Shell Island is a rare opportunity to experience a beach as nature wanted. Accessible by boat, canoe, kayak, or paddle board, Shell Island has seven miles of undeveloped paradise to enjoy.

Gulf County

  • St. Joseph Bay: Filled with turtles, dolphins, seahorses and more - St. Joseph Bay is like your own private aquarium! A hub for all adventure including paddling, kayaking and snorkeling, check out the 20 mile long barrier peninsula.

Franklin County

  • Apalachicola River: Florida’s longest river stretches more than 100 miles through Northwest Florida. The lower 30 miles of the river are surrounded by extensive swamps and wetlands, except at the coast.

Wakulla County

  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: Explore miles of trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy birdwatching along scenic waterways. It encompasses over 86,000 acres in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles of north Florida’s Gulf coast