9 Small Towns on Florida's Emerald Coast Were Ranked Among US Favorites
For quartz-like water with pristine white sands, overlooking beautiful sunsets, fresh clams, delicious oysters, beautiful birds, and scenic hiking trails, head over to the paradise of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Spread along the coast are countless small towns, chock-full of rich history, with proud, smiling residents just waiting to serve you the most delicious food you can imagine. Many of these places have become long-time favorites among tourists and residents alike, but they’ve all kept their charm, offering fun activities for the whole family.
Pensacola
Pensacola Beach, resting along Santa Rosa Island, is supercharged with history. The largest city on the Emerald Coast is America’s first settlement, and is also known as the City of Five Flags, because it has been under the rule of five different governing entities, including Spain, France, and Great Britain. With a proud military heritage, Pensacola Beach is home to the Naval Air Station and the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. And while you’re there, you’ll definitely want to take a look at the iconic Pensacola Beach Ball, it’s a sure sign of white sands and clear waters to enjoy for miles and miles!
Seaside
Walking along the cobblestone streets and vivid pastel cottages, you might recognize Seaside as the famous setting for Jim Carrey’s groundbreaking performance in The Truman Show. A gem of the Florida panhandle, you’ll definitely be charmed by the vibes emanating from restaurants, shops, and bookstores in the Seaside Central Square. This is an ideal place for bird-watching, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and the Seaside Amphitheater hosts live music year-round, so while you’ll definitely find the peace and quiet you’re seeking, it’ll never be boring!
Apalachicola
Apalachicola, "The Oyster Capital of the World,” never disappoints when it comes to fresh seafood, so foodies are sure to enjoy their stay in the Franklin County town sitting on Florida’s Big Bend. History buffs will absolutely have to visit places like the Saint George Island Bridge, Crooked River Lighthouse, and Fort Gadsden Historic Site. With around 2,200 people calling "The Land of Friendly People" home, you’ll want to meet the residents, catch up with local history, and maybe even book a boat tour to visit the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Or explore one of the many hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking routes, and bird-watching areas found in the region.
Cedar Key
About 700 people live in this beautiful small town that captures the hearts and bellies of all those visiting Cedar Key! The fishing village, founded in the early 1840s, is known all around Florida for its delicious clams. Nature lovers absolutely have to visit the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, established by President Herbert Hoover in the late 1920s. The Refuge covers 762 acres of natural beauty and is spread over 13 Keys. It allows bird lovers to see dozens of different species of feathered friends in their natural habitat, an unforgettable sight for hikers exploring the area.
DeFuniak Springs
This historic town where Arbor Day started is home to Lake DeFuniak, a nearly perfectly round lake fed by a spring, which inspired the town’s founding in 1881. With Victorian-Era homes illuminated by six million holiday lights between Thanksgiving and New Year, DeFuniak Springs definitely becomes a place to see during the holidays. It is also home to many other celebrations, such as the Florida Chautauqua Assembly, Gras Fest, Lake Fest, and the biennial Quilt Show. And if you want to see one of the oldest libraries in the Sunshine State, it’s time to visit the Walton DeFuniak Library, established in 1886.
Destin
Situated in Florida’s panhandle, "The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village" is home to important state landmarks, such as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, a part of Destin since 1955. The small city located in Okaloosa County has 13,900 residents that are more than happy to show you around. Adventure seekers wanting to see alligators up close can go to Fudpucker's Gator Beach, and those looking for a 9-mile scenic drive will love the Choctawhatchee Bay Road Trip, which takes visitors from Destin to Fort Walton Beach.
Fort Walton
Sitting in the heart of the Emerald Coast, between Pensacola and Panama City, Fort Walton is also known as the "Redneck Riviera." Visitors will not want to miss a chance to see Fort Walton Beach with its turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. Foodies will have a great time tasting Giovanni’s One89 Italian cuisine or Hightide’s famous fresh oysters, right across the bridge to Okaloosa Island. There are two public golf courses, as well as plenty of fresh-air parks, museums and aquariums in the area to enjoy a nice, full day of Florida happiness. And you’ll have to head over to Landing Park to gaze at the unique and wonderful sunset over Choctawhatchee Bay, once the day is done.
Navarre
Navarre, perched along the Santa Rosa Sound, used to be called "Florida's best kept secret," but its popularity among visitors has required a representative new slogan, "Florida’s Most Relaxing Place." The small town is close to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Destin, and Pensacola Beach and has a uniquely relaxing atmosphere. You can get the complete experience by heading over to Navarre Beach for iconic seafood restaurants like Juana's Pagodas and Sailors' Grill. You have to take it slow when you are home to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
Freeport
Located in the natural harbor of LaGrange Bayou, this small town of over 6,000 people is driving distance from Tallahassee, Pensacola, Montgomery, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City, but you’ll definitely want to enjoy some of Freeport’s atmosphere and activities before moving on! With fishing charters and kayaking tours along Choctawhatchee Bay, water lovers can live through unforgettable experiences, having access to snorkeling and scuba diving as well.
The Gulf of Mexico has a lot to offer, from golf courses to pristine beaches, as well as wildlife refuges and awe-inspiring hike trails. This can all be found in Florida’s Emerald Coast, named after the beautiful color of its beaches, where you can enjoy white sands, turquoise waters, and authentic local friendliness, all the while enjoying delicious meals with a southern kick. With all these amenities, it’s no wonder these places have become favorites among Americans!
