9 Florida's Emerald Coast Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
This stretch of coastline, which is located on the Florida panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico, is named for the emerald-green Gulf waters enjoyed at its perfect sandy beaches. Strolling through the downtown districts of Port St. Joe or walking the beaches at sunset on St. George Island, you'll find yourself relaxing and slowing down to match the town's pace. Beachfront dining, pristine wildlife exploration, and outdoor live music are all within easy reach. Let’s explore nine Emerald Coast towns that know how to take it easy.
Mexico Beach
When you enter Mexico Beach, life feels like it immediately slows down. This small coastal town has stretches of beautiful beaches you can view while cruising down the road. You will find pastel-painted beach shacks that have little boutique-style shops and places for a sweet treat. This area is known to locals as “The Forgotten Coast,” making it a great little hidden gem. There are several events to attend throughout the year, including the MBARA Kingfish Tournament, the Gumbo Cook-Off, and seasonal farmers’ markets. Take a scenic dolphin cruise or check out Mango Marley’s for a bite to eat.
Port St. Joe
If you travel a little way down scenic U.S. Route 98, you will find Port St. Joe. This quaint little town is a great place where life moves more slowly, and everyone feels like part of the community. The downtown district is great for strolling and exploring small shops, restaurants, and ice cream spots. The Cape San Blas Lighthouse is the area's beacon and has a small gift shop featuring local artwork for purchase. You can relax on St. Joe Beach or visit T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, where you can grill out by the bay or swim in the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf.
Cape San Blas
Just south of Port St Joe, you will find Cape San Blas, which the locals refer to as “The Cape”. In Cape San Blas, you can enjoy a place that presents you with the Old Florida vibe. One thing that makes this place unique is that you can enjoy leisurely horseback riding on the beach at Broke-a-toe Horseback Riding. Cape San Blas is a great place to relax on the beach, swim, fish, snorkel, and dive the glittering Gulf waters. You can enjoy hiking or biking on the eight-mile-long Loggerhead Trail. For a unique dining experience, be sure to check out Skully’s Low Country Boil.
Apalachicola
If you explore a little further down “The Forgotten Coast,” you will discover Apalachicola. This little fishing town takes you back in history with restored homes and untouched beaches. St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge is a well-preserved area that is a sanctuary to migratory birds, endangered red wolves, and more. The area is known for its fresh seafood and oysters. You can dine on the water at Half Shell Dockside, or check out The Station Raw Bar, a restaurant created from a restored old station. Apalachicola hosts the Florida Seafood Festival, which is full of fun and, of course, fresh seafood cooked a variety of ways. The downtown area is a great place to stroll and check out small boutiques. If you are brave enough, you can even go on a ghost tour.
St. George Island
As you leisurely explore The Emerald Coast, you will want to stop in at St. George Island, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. The Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a beautiful nature spot to view miles of undeveloped beaches, dunes, and local wildlife. The area is known for its variety of species, including sea turtles and various bird species. The abundance of fish makes it a fisher’s paradise, and there are fishing charters available for deep-sea fishing. Visitors can play on the sand, swim, and explore by bike, kayak, or paddleboard. Make sure to stop at the Blue Parrot Ocean Front Café to dine directly on the water.
DeFuniak Springs
A little further inland, DeFuniak Springs is a great place to take it easy and is located only about 45 minutes from the beaches at Panama City Beach. Lake DeFuniak is the perfect spot to relax and have a picnic or stroll and look at the beautiful historic Victorian homes. You can unwind at Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery while you sample their delicious wines and wander through the vineyards. Stop by Walton-DeFuniak Library, Florida’s oldest library, and get a book and explore the gardens in the back. The downtown historical district is lined with fun little shops, and the town has a cute train depot and museum that is picture-perfect. DeFuniak Springs is a great place to spend some time relaxing in Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Inlet Beach
If you prefer to be closer to the beaches of Panama City Beach, you will find that Inlet Beach offers a slower pace than some of the surrounding beach towns. Inlet Beach is located along scenic Highway 30A. It borders Camp Helen State Park, where you can explore nature trails to the beach and Powell Lake to canoe the pristine waters. Shopping and dining at 30Avenue is a must for an upscale experience. Get breakfast at the Donut Hole or grab a bite to eat at Shades Bar and Grill, a locals’ and visitors' favorite. Inlet Beach is a perfect spot that is close to the action but tucked away in its own little area.
Rosemary Beach
Along Scenic Highway 30A, you will also find Rosemary Beach. This charming little area with European Inspired makes the area perfect for an afternoon stroll. The town center features quaint boutiques, coffee shops, spas, chocolate shops, and delicious dining. You can explore The Timpoochee Trail, which takes you along miles of paved trails, and it makes accessibility easy with bike rentals in the area. The community pools and parks give the area a feel of coastal luxury, and the Emerald Coast is just steps away. You can even take sandcastle lessons with Beach Sand Sculptures, or have the Rosemary Beach Service set up a bonfire on the beach experience for you.
Seaside
Another spot along Scenic 30A that is just so charming, where you can enjoy a smaller place, is Seaside. Airstream Row is a favorite, where gourmet food is served right out of restored vintage Airstream trailers. The experience itself is so much fun, and then you can walk right down to the beach and enjoy the view. Seaside Amphitheater is the perfect place for a picnic with live music, exploring their seasonal farmers’ markets, or attending their annual events. The original post office is an iconic landmark you will love to check out, and it is one of the smallest in the United States. If you are looking for a slower pace of life on the beach, Seaside is a great spot
Slow Down and Visit the Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast really has it all, including beautiful beaches, perfect sunsets, shopping, and dining. This stretch of the Florida coast is not the busiest or the most popular - and that's exactly what makes it perfect. When you want to slow down and just take life easy, Florida’s Emerald Coast has a place for you. So, bring your sunscreen and come to the Sunshine State to kick back and relax.
