By Kate Bustillos
Picture a paradise of sugar-white beaches, where seafoam shallows blend into deep gradients of blues and greens. Welcome to the Florida Panhandle — a 200-mile stretch of postcard-worthy shorelines along the Gulf of Mexico.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, here are three reasons why the Florida Panhandle is the perfect destination for your next beach vacation:
1. The sand literally sparkles.
Finely ground flecks of Appalachian quartz blend with the Panhandle’s powder-soft sand, creating dazzling shorelines that could easily be mistaken for a tropical island in the Caribbean.
2. There’s more than just fun in the sun.
Nightlife in the Florida Panhandle is vibrant and eclectic, from honky tonks to tiki bars. When the sun goes down, there’s plenty of live music, happy hours, and gastronomic delights to be found.
3. It’s a destination for everyone.
Whether you’re planning an adventure for the whole family, a romantic retreat for two, or a getaway with friends, the Panhandle has you covered. Kid-friendly fun? Check. Romantic sunsets? Check. Tropical island vibes? Check.
Aptly dubbed the “Emerald Coast,” this stunning region of northwestern Florida is home to some of the best Florida beaches, spanning five pristine oceanfront counties. While all locations share the same calling card of sugary white sand and glittering gulf water, each has its own distinct atmosphere and treasure trove of attractions to choose from. Here are three amazing Panhandle vacation destinations to choose from — you’ll be ready to pack your bags before you know it.
Panama City Beach
This beloved town is one of the Florida Panhandle’s most popular settings for oceanfront fun. With 27 miles of pristine coastline, you can spend the day sunbathing, beachcombing, or playing in the turquoise waves. Stroll the boardwalk of Russell-Fields Pier, a favorite spot for fishing enthusiasts. Or hop aboard the Shell Island Shuttle for a day trip to scenic Shell Island. This secluded barrier island boasts one of the best snorkeling spots in Panama City Beach, plus an undeveloped seashore peppered with a colorful array of indigenous seashells. The shuttle service even offers daily snorkel gear rentals, so you can explore the island’s clear, sheltered waters.
Visit Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Cool off with a salt-rimmed concoction at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville or savor Gulf Coast seafood classics like smoked tuna dip and jumbo shrimp at the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House. Fashionistas and souvenir-seekers can peruse over 100 venues from major department stores to trendy boutiques. Plus enjoy a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including a mirror maze, SkyWheel experience, and an IMAX theater. Less than 10 minutes from Pier Park, aquatic adventures await at Shipwreck Island — a thrilling water park overflowing with water slides, rides, a lazy river, and more.
Where To Stay:
Club Wyndham Panama City Beach (RCI Silver Crown)
Holiday Inn Club Vacations-Panama City Beach (RCI Gold Crown)
Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort
Miramar Beach
Delightfully dynamic, Miramar Beach offers both the nostalgic charm of coastal Florida and the trendy attractions of an upscale beach neighborhood. Known for its miles of pristine white sand, Miramar Beach is the perfect place to recline in a shaded lounger and take in panoramic views of the shimmering gulf waters. If you’re looking for a more action-packed beach vacation, you can rent Jet Skis, kayaks, and pontoons, book a parasailing excursion, and bike along the Scenic Highway 98 Trail. Or spend the day strolling the shoreline on one of the best Florida beaches, playing beach volleyball, and splashing in the balmy, jade-colored water.
Miramar Beach is within walking distance of oceanfront eateries like Pompano Joe’s Seafood House, a celebrated local staple serving Caribbean-inspired food, including their award-winning seafood gumbo. If you’re seeking a more high-end experience, the town center, Grand Boulevard, features hundreds of upscale shops, local boutiques, and name-brand stores from Anthropologie to Williams Sonoma, in addition to a host of fine-dining options and an outdoor park with a splash pad for kids.
Where To Stay:
Club Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Majestic Sun
Destin
Deemed the “Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast” and the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is famous for its gorgeous beaches and unbelievably clear water. There are 13 public beach access points in Destin, but keep in mind that portions of the shoreline are privately owned, so you will need to look for the designated public beach area at each location. Most of Destin’s beaches are surrounded by convenient amenities like restaurants, playgrounds, and public restroom facilities. However you can also enjoy a more natural beach setting at Henderson Beach State Park. Explore thirty-foot coastal dunes on a nature trail hike, relax on one of the best Florida beaches, or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the gulf. One of Destin’s most popular attractions is Crab Island, a sprawling sandbar boasting shallow, crystal clear water. Rent or charter a boat for a day trip to this unique oasis that draws hundreds of visitors looking to drop anchor and float their cares away.
Located in the heart of Destin Harbor, HarborWalk Village is a lively entertainment hub brimming with attractions for the whole family. Book a pirate ship experience, snorkeling trip, or dolphin cruise at the marina or take a ride on the high-flying Destin Zipline. Get your fill of fresh-caught seafood or head over to the food truck zone for a selection of unique local bites. Destin Commons, an award-winning outdoor shopping center, features over 85 stores and restaurants. Families can also enjoy plenty of kid-friendly venues like Uncle Buck’s, an aquatic-themed restaurant and bowling alley, or Luckey Climber, an immersive playground where kids can unleash their imaginations.
Where To Stay:
Sapphire Resorts @ Holiday Beach Resort-Phase II (RCI Hospitality)
Homewood Suites by Hilton Destin
Club Wyndham Beach Street Cottages
Are you ready to book? In addition to the resorts featured above, RCI has more than 50 resorts located in the Florida Panhandle, so you can soak up all the fun in the sun of an Emerald Coast vacation.
Travel Your Way. Every Day.
With RCI, you can exchange your timeshare at over 4,000 resorts, in more than 110 countries including the beaches of the Florida Panhandle! Take advantage of your membership and use your timeshare to exchange for an Emerald Coast getaway today.