Northwest Florida Beaches has mile after mile of flawless sands trimmed by the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But if you’re thinking, ‘another beach holiday’ that’s where this area is going to give your Florida pre-conceptions a gentle shake.
Rediscover spontaneity in Northwest Florida Beaches
Northwest Florida Beaches runs along the Gulf of Mexico from Pensacola in the west to Franklin County in the east. An outdoorsy, salty-air, sunny, sand-between-your-toes place that could be described as off-the-beaten-track, but really just dances to its own tune.
Locals here believe every day has the potential to be an adventure, and 30 state or federal parks and preserves, as well as 10 natural Bays and Sounds, plus seemingly endless beaches, back them up.
Paddleboarding, Grayton Beach, South Walton
It’s easy to be adventurous with your kids in Northwest Florida Beaches
But the best news for families is how easy it is to be adventurous with your kids in this part of Northwest Florida.
Most family adventures here can be done in less than half-a-day, letting you be more spontaneous on the planning front. And because off-the-beaten-track means fewer crowds it’s also the place where you can decide you want to do something and then just go and do it. Yes, suddenly you’re the fun parent again, instead of the one hustling your kids out of bed at sunrise because a crack of dawn dolphin cruise was the only one not fully booked six months in advance.
Off-the-beaten-track but very well connected
But what off-the-beaten-track doesn’t mean, is remote.
Northwest Florida Beaches stretches for 150 miles, and is made up of eight very different counties, yet they’re all connected by one single highway and the beachy Gulf Coast shoreline, of course.
The result is a vibrant and colourful area with an incredible sense of community, fascinating history and people who genuinely love being outdoors, on land or water. Those same people are really big on sharing too, so you’ve found the perfect spot if you want to try something new, from kayaking and canoeing to scuba diving, snorkelling, horse riding, surfing and just about anything else you can dream up, including a very nice line kid-friendly hiking, biking and exploring.
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Perfect snorkelling conditions, Pensacola
Get to know the unique counties of Northwest Florida Beaches
Speaking of exploring, you want to start that adventure by getting to know the counties of Northwest Florida Beaches.
Swimming platform, Morrison Springs, Wakulla County
Dive into one of the world’s largest natural springs
From east to west on Highway 98 (that single highway we were talking about) your first stop is Wakulla County, home to one of the world’s largest natural springs, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and authentic beach towns. It’s also something of a ghost crabbing legend, and if your kids haven’t tried ghost crabbing yet, just wait till you see their faces when they do!
Escape the crowds on Florida’s forgotten coast
Franklin County is known as ‘Florida’s forgotten coast’. Not a comment on its appeal, as it is anything but forgettable, but just a nod to the fact that it is one of the very few coasts in the state with totally undeveloped beaches. So if escapism is your thing, this is where it’s found.
Sunset horse riding, Gulf County
Head to Gulf County in search of wildlife
When you feel like going wild, Gulf County has that covered. Look up to the skies here to catch a glimpse of Bald Eagles or head to St. Vincent Island, home territory for Sambar Deer, alligators and even a pair of Red Wolves. Naturally the local hiking is unforgettable, but kayaking, paddleboarding and horse riding on the beach are pretty memorable too.
Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach
Spread out on 27 miles of Gulf Coast beaches
Right at the heart of Northwest Florida Beaches sits Panama City Beach which claims 27 miles of Gulf Coast beaches as its own. This is where children learn to paddleboard in the famous Kiddie Pool lagoon or snorkel in an aquarium. It’s also the place for thrilling waterparks, the sensational Skywheel, and all-natural adventures in St. Andrews State Park.
Dolphin reef, Miramar Beach, Walton County
Snorkel the surprising coral reefs in Walton County
Dreamy beach towns, miles of unbroken sands and huge, star-filled skies are just a few of the reasons families light on Walton County and just stay put. If that all sounds a little romantic for your kids, kit them out in snorkelling gear and point them in the direction of Walton’s four manmade coral reefs. You can’t miss them, they’re just offshore and in the shape of a dolphin, a seahorse, a turtle and the cobia fish, which migrates along the Florida coast in spring.
A great day for fishing, Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Get out on the water in Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Destin-Fort Walton Beach believes in nurturing a spirit of adventure in kids from a young age. It’s one of the best spots for young fisherfolk to pick up a rod and reel for the first time. Sailing is another local passion that starts early, on boats, kayaks and canoes: take your pick. Plus, local mums take the lead when it comes to finding you the right family activity here. So you can relax and just enjoy the experience knowing it’s been tried and tested by real experts – parents just like you.
Canoeing, Navarre Beach, Northwest Florida Beaches
Chill, you’ve found ‘Florida’s most relaxing place’
Camp on the beach, paddle peaceful river trails, explore primitive forests or just watch a sunset casting countless shifting colours over the ocean. They call Navarre Beach, ‘Florida’s most relaxing place’ and it’s hard to resist. Don’t even try, is our advice. Just turn up, see what you like the look of and take it from there. One thing is for sure, anything you do here, you’ll want to do again, and again.
Paddleboarding, Pensacola
Learn the way to beach in historic Pensacola
Last, but definitely not least, Pensacola sits to the far west of Northwest Florida Beaches. It’s the oldest settlement in America (first founded in 1559) so there’s plenty of history to explore, as well as vast beaches, pretty islands, miles of waterways and even more miles of hiking and biking trails. Another great place for first time water sports, it’s also a good bet for turtle and dolphin spotting. And, if you train your eyes on the skies, you can even see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels practicing aerial manoeuvres on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays: the rest of the world has to wait for air shows!
Navarre Beach, Northwest Florida Beaches
When’s the best time to visit Northwest Florida Beaches
It’s always a good time to visit Northwest Florida Beaches, but we like spring and autumn best for warm beach weather and water temperatures of 20 to 30°. And if you’re thinking May or October half term or Easter breaks, you’ll be pleased to know that no fewer than three airports access Northwest Florida Beaches: Pensacola; Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Northwest Florida Beaches.
How to plan a Northwest Florida Beaches holiday
How to get there
UK flights to Northwest Florida Beaches from 12 hours, 14 minutes via Atlanta
When to go
Spring or Autumn is ideal for family adventures, with average daily temperatures of 24 to 28° from March to May, and 31 to 26° in September and October.
Average daily temperatures June to August, 31 to 35°.