The Florida Panhandle Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed

Even though I am nine hours from home, I’m still in Florida—let that sink in.

This area has been on my radar for a long time. I visited Destin for a quick RV trip a few Thanksgivings ago, and I knew I had to come back to explore more. When people ask me how far this is, I tell them it’s even further than driving to Tallahassee. This part of Florida is so far from home that it even has a different time zone! This area operates in the Central Time Zone, which is one hour behind Miami.

Known as the Emerald Coast or the Redneck Riviera, this area attracts many visitors from nearby states rather than Florida itself. The Emerald Coast earns its name from its signature green waters, which are primarily caused by phytoplankton and quartz sand. The white quartz sand on the beaches enhances the green color of the water by reflecting sunlight, and it is known for being exceptionally soft and powdery- like sugar under your feet.

We split our trip between two nights in 30A, and two nights in Destin.

30A: From Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Seascape, to Santa Rosa Beach, and everything in between.

The 30A area refers to a scenic stretch of coastline along County Road 30A located in South Walton County between Destin and Panama City Beach (all within the Florida Panhandle). It’s not a single town but a collection of small, picturesque beach communities, each with its own unique vibe.

This area has been created specifically for your viewing pleasure. “Please explore the towns by golf cart, bike, or on foot. Please shop at our amazing stores- they have great, unique merchandise. Please visit our local bookstores- they have a lot of options picked out just for you. Please enjoy our delicious food and excellent coffee. Don't forget to take pictures, tell your friends about it, and come back with them! Oh, and don't forget to enjoy the amazing long white sand dreamy beaches.” This area is as inviting as humanly possible.

Some standouts in 30A from South to North:

Each tiny town has its own flair, and none of them feel like you’re in Florida, or even America! There’s almost a feeling like Disney World; as if this area was made to perfection for your viewing pleasure. Everything is perfectly curated into the quintessential small town.

The TikTok famous Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is the most upscale of all the small towns in the area. This charming town is filled with high-end shops and beautifully lined trees, making it feel like a scene from a movie. It resembles a Mediterranean village. Just visiting the town hall and post office, along with the square that surrounds them, makes the trip worthwhile.

Alys Beach

Alys Beach features charming cobblestone streets and Greek-inspired architecture, with stark white houses that create a chic atmosphere reminiscent of Greece. The area has a more residential vibe, with palm trees lining the streets, contributing to its small-town feel and abundant charm. Additionally, there is a beautiful nature trail on an elevated footbridge that offers scenic views.

Seaside

The town of Seaside resembles a movie set and features a central town square where everything is conveniently located. It’s no wonder, this is where “The Truman Show” was filmed! It has a charming Southern beach atmosphere, complete with white picket fences. You'll find coastal cottages, food trucks, and pop-up shops, along with a year-round farmers market that offers excellent shopping opportunities.

Pro tip: We got the sourdough chocolate chip cookies and local honey and were blown away!)

The Sunsets for the Books

The sunsets, of course, are stunning all along the west coast of Florida. The unobstructed views of the uniquely pink sunsets are worth photographing and remembering.

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Destin: Where Fireworks, Water Sports, and a Non-Island Come Together

We did a sandcastle class- workshop. Although I was skeptical, this was a huge highlight. Within just a few minutes, with the help of skilled professionals, my girls built a massive, giant sea turtle named Bob. Sitting on the long white sand beach, with waves of emerald water crashing, was so relaxing and rewarding.

We took three different boat trips in Destin, and I wouldn’t have changed either one.

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A Private Boat to Crab Island

We got a pontoon boat with a slide on the back. If there is a slide option, you must take it.

Just north of the Destin Bridge, Crab Island used to be an island. There are food vendors where the food comes to you. The water varies from 1-4 feet deep and spans over 20-30 acres depending on the tide, wind etc. Miami people will get Haulover feels but this is so much bigger and better! The super clear water and amazing sand consistency are found here as well—my kids are STILL talking about this day. This was a 10/10 excursion.

Parasailing

This area is so beautiful and we got to see Crab Island from above, snuck in views of an Air Force base below, and dipped down to the dolphins jumping out of the water so close to us. This was the extra cherry on top.

Fireworks to Leave Destin with a Bang

There are fireworks in Destin every Thursday night during the summer months, just for fun. We took a tiki boat and were able to watch the fireworks from the water. Tiki boats, in case you haven’t seen one, are pontoon boats dressed up with a thatched roof, bar area, and tropical decor. We left this for the last night of the trip, which was a perfect ending to a perfect 4-day getaway.

Your Next Escape:The Emerald Coast

I feel more accomplished as a Floridian, now that I visited the area that is spoken about so often, but not visited as frequently as it should be. The best way to get to the Panhandle of our incredible state, if you’re coming from South Florida, is definitely by plane. Every single thing on this trip was just so worth it. You won't feel like you’re in another Caribbean town or even the Keys. The feeling here is new, and you’ll feel like you’re in on a secret, discovering something new. This hidden gem, the Emerald Coast, will have you dreaming of the ocean and sand, so what are you waiting for?

I’m excited to introduce Globe Thrivers, a smart travel tool that turns your saved posts and trip inspiration into a personalized itinerary. You can build and edit your trip with AI, then I’ll jump in to help refine and customize it just for you.

When you’re ready, I’ll handle all the bookings and details and make sure all of it it synced to your GT profile so you have everything in one place we can build together. Check out my profile on Globe Thrivers.

Is this still a bit too overwhelming?

Piecing small cute places together is “Camp Lisa's” specialty. Customizing the stops along the way or creating an itinerary just for you is what Camp Lisa’s all about.

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