Looking for a fun vacation spot in Florida? While Orlando and the normal coastal cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are great, don’t rule out the panhandle on Florida’s gulf coast. There are so many options that I never even knew about before visiting last year for the first time. I was lucky enough to have to travel there for work, but I’ve gone back since (as have many of my co-workers!) for rest and relaxation. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Destin, Fort Walton Beach and various beaches along the beautiful Route 30A in northwest Florida. There is something for everyone there!
If you want something fun and family friendly, Fort Walton Beach and Destin have many restaurants, shopping (the shops in Destin Commons), marinas that offer boat rentals, mini-golf and other fun activities for everyone in the family. Tommy Bahamas (great for fish tacos!) and Cuvee Bistro (Grouper Vince was my favorite!) are two of my favorite restaurants that I never miss when I visit.
Another gorgeous area you don’t want to miss is the beaches of South Walton along Route 30a. There are some beautiful options off the beaten path. I couldn’t believe how different the areas are from one another and how much there is to do. Grayton Beach, Seaside and Rosemary Beach are my personal favorites. Grayton Beach has a beautiful state park (Grayton Beach State Park) – this part of the panhandle is just breathtaking! And it is perfect for kayaking, riding your bike or just relaxing on the beach and enjoying some well-deserved R&R. In Rosemary Beach, one of my favorite places is a little apothecary shop named Pish Posh Patchouli’s. They have amazing homemade lotions and bath products along with cool gifts and beauty products. Shopping at Seaside is fun, too – I can never walk out of Sundog Books without a handful of new reading material.
Want to hear more? Come back to the RCI Blog this week, where we will be sharing stories and photos from RCI subscribing members who have visited the many towns along Florida’s gulf coast.
