Beaches in the Florida panhandle range from crowded and rowdy Panama City Beach to much quieter, even secluded beaches off the beaten path. With sugar-white sand and emerald green waters, Panhandle beaches can provide a tranquil experience for beach enthusiasts, families, or couples seeking a romantic escape. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Florida panhandle, or you’re looking for a day trip to a more secluded beach, I’ve listed and mapped out the options for you here.
This map includes either secluded or simply less-crowded beaches along the panhandle. Read on to learn more.
Least crowded beach towns in the Florida panhandle
If you’re planning your trip to the Florida panhandle, you’re most likely to find your beach vibe without the rowdy crowds in these low-key destinations. Most are within a short driving distance of attractions and entertainment.
Seaside
Seaside is a charming and quaint little town complete with artisan-lined streets, unique shopping destinations and plenty of dining options. Located along scenic Highway 30A, it’s part of the broader South Walton area, known for its beautiful beaches and unique communities. Seaside is famous for its New Urbanist design, characterized by narrow streets, pedestrian-friendly pathways, pastel-colored cottages, and central gathering places. The town was carefully planned to encourage walkability, community interaction, and a sense of place. The town’s Cental Square is surrounded by shops, galleries, restaurants, and even hosts hosts events, farmers’ markets, concerts, and festivals. The town has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with galleries showcasing local artwork, live music performances, and theatrical productions. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking on this town’s pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Seaside and the surrounding area offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, nature walks, and birdwatching. Nearby state parks and nature preserves provide opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. Be sure to check out Grayton Beach State Park, a 2,000-acre park offering ocean swimming, a boat ramp on a lake, hiking & biking trails, and camping. If you’re seeking a bit more remote beaches, take a scenic drive to Blue Mountain Beach or even this more secluded beach access point.
Miramar Beach
Miramar is a diverse and fun-filled beach neighborhood in South Walton, FL offering the perfect blend of coastal beauty, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Situated between Destin to the east and Santa Rosa Beach to the west, it’s known for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and outdoor recreation. You’ll find retail, golf, tennis, and a whole variety of restaurants. Shopping and dining destinations include the upscale open-air mall, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, and the nearby Silver Sands Premium Outlets, which feature a variety of designer and brand-name stores. Golf enthusiasts will find several championship golf courses in and around Miramar Beach, offering challenging layouts and scenic views of the Gulf Coast landscape. In addition to beach activities, Miramar Beach and the surrounding area offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby state parks and nature preserves provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring natural habitats. Throughout the year, Miramar Beach hosts various events and festivals, including food and wine festivals, art shows, live music concerts, and holiday celebrations, providing entertainment for residents and visitors alike. For a quiet and secluded beach experience check out Topsail Hill Reserve Beach. You’ll discover various access ways through Topsail Hill Reserve State Park, either on foot or by bicycle. Since there’s not much vehicle access, you won’t find the beach crowds here.
Rosemary Beach
Located west of Panama City Beach and east of Destin, Rosemary Beach is a charming coastal town located along scenic Highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle. Known for its picturesque beaches and upscale communities, Rosemary Beach offers a variety of amenities, including boutique shops, upscale dining options, spas, parks, and recreational facilities. The community boasts beautiful white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding. With its New Urbanist design, characterized by narrow streets, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and a mix of architectural styles, including Dutch, West Indies, and Mediterranean influences, it is also one of the most romantic towns around! Throughout the year, Rosemary Beach hosts events and festivals, including outdoor concerts, art shows, farmers’ markets, and fitness classes. There are also opportunities for outdoor recreation such as biking along scenic trails and exploring nearby state parks. Check out their website to see for yourself.
Sunnyside
Also located along scenic highway 30A, Sunnyside is part of the larger Laguna Beach area west of Panama City Beach. Sunnyside is known for its laid-back and quiet atmosphere, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a more relaxed beach experience away from the crowds of larger tourist areas. While Sunnyside itself may be quieter, it’s conveniently located near popular tourist attractions, including amusement parks, shopping centers, golf courses, and dining options in nearby Panama City Beach and Destin. You’ll be close enough to get a taste of Panama City life if you so desire. In addition to beach activities, Sunnyside and the surrounding area offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Several state parks and nature preserves are also nearby, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring natural habitats. If you’re not looking for too many shopping and dining options within walking distance, and you’d prefer to enjoy just pure beach, Sunnyside is the place for you.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is a small coastal community east of Pensacola, situated on a barrier island (Santa Rosa Island) between Pensacola Beach to the west and Destin to the east. It’s part of the broader Navarre area, which includes mainland Navarre and Navarre Beach. With 12 miles of pristine shoreline, Navarre prides itself as ‘Florida’s most relaxing beach’ and includes a 1,545 feet long fishing pier, several beach pavilions, and a bike path running through town. Compared to some of the more bustling beach destinations in the area, Navarre Beach offers a quieter and more serene setting, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful beach getaway. With pristine white sand beaches and emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Check out the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, which provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive signage highlighting the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. Also worth visiting is the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and educating visitors through exhibits and educational programs.
Perdido Key
Perdido Key or the “lost island” is a barrier island located on the western end of the Florida Panhandle, bordering Alabama to the west. Renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this place offers seclusion at every turn. Tucked away on a narrow strip of land, Florida’s westernmost beach is a sanctuary for people and wildlife of all kinds. For outdoor activities such as snorkeling, fishing, or kayaking, there are several public beach access points and parks. Perdido Key State Park is located on the eastern end of the island and is a great spot for picnicking and wildlife viewing. Parts of Perdido Key are within the Gulf Islands National Seashore which offers beach access, a small boat launch, day-use pavilions with restrooms, and nature trails. Perdido Key offers a variety of accommodation options with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a range of dining options, despite its laid-back atmosphere. This easygoing coastal community has it all – rolling, white-sand dunes and stunning views of the Gulf to the south, abundant wetlands, estuaries, and wildlife to its north, and a peaceful retreat for visitors of all kinds.
Quiet beaches near Panama City
Take a day trip away from the crowds, or stay in a more tranquil beach town that offers all the entertainment just minutes away.
Laguna Beach
Enjoy the sand and water, as well as basic amenities and virtually all the appeal away from the hustle and bustle of Panama City. Boasting beautiful sandy shoreline and blue waters, with no highrises nor large hotels, Laguna Beach offers beaches as nature intended (other than the Laguna Beach Pier). You’ll find inland parks with forests, wetlands, trails, wildlife and an unusual dune lake — in fact the town is named for the many coastal dune lakes unique to this area of Northwest Florida. Other areas of interest include the Thomas Donut and Snack Shop, Powell Lake to launch kayaks and paddleboards, and a few public access beach parking areas.
Sandy Point
Sandy Point is located within St. Andrews State Park at the northeast tip. Arriving here requires a bit of a hike from the parking areas because the roads through the park do not extend this far. Be sure to use the restrooms before your hike. Fees are $8 per vehicle to enter the park and camping options are available if you’d like to enjoy the scenery from sun up to sun down.
Shell Island Beach
Shell Island is 7 shoreline miles of secluded paradise near Panama City. Accessible only by boat, Shell Island is undeveloped and uninhabited, other than by wildlife, which adds to its charm and tranquility. The island is known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and shell collecting. Plan ahead and arrive prepared, because there are no restrooms, concession stands, nor trash cans — take everything with you and leave only footprints.
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