Northwest Florida

PANAMA CITY BEACH

Panama City Beach, featuring 27 miles of white sand beaches along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of America, is home to two state parks (St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park), dozens of public beach access points, waterfront restaurants that serve up fresh local seafood, and legendary attractions.

The waters at Panama City Beach are famous with fishermen and scuba divers who enjoy the benefits of dozens artificial reefs located offshore, and with a coastline that angles slightly toward the west, you can watch the sunset over the Gulf of America every day of the year.

CAPE SAN BLAS

Just 20 minutes south of Port St. Joe on Florida’s Northwest Coast, Cape San Blas is a secluded piece of paradise with serene beaches, emerald-green water, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, and dive the glistening Gulf waters, do some fishing, explore the area on foot or by bike via the eight-mile Loggerhead Trail, and visit Salinas Park Bayside and Salinas Park Gulfside for scenic boardwalk views.

OCALA

Situated in North Central Florida about 40 miles south of Gainesville, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Boasting 600 horse farms and home to an abundance of horse-related attractions, events, and activities, Ocala promises visitors the ultimate equestrian experience.

South Walton

With 26 miles of stunning sugar-white sand beaches and 16 unique beach neighborhoods, South Walton offers endless opportunities for visitors to find their perfect beach. Nestled on the Northwest Florida Panhandle along the Gulf of America, South Walton is easily accessible but set apart by its unmatched natural beauty. Unique landscapes, eclectic shops, luxury accommodations and award-winning dining options are part of South Walton’s distinctive character and relaxing atmosphere.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville, perfectly positioned along the Atlantic Ocean in Northeast Florida, is a natural paradise for visitors looking for an affordable yet luxurious destination.

Whether you're looking to discover the undiscovered, ignite romance, reconnect with family, or be inspired by the city’s cultural offerings or vivid sunrises, anything is possible in Jacksonville.

The "River City by the Sea" boasts more than 20 miles of wide and uncrowded beaches, close to 40 miles of the tranquil Intracoastal Waterway canal, and the longest stretch of the beautiful St. Johns River.

On land, Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, with 10 state and national parks.

Its authentic cuisine, thriving craft-beer scene and fun and cosmopolitan nightlife make Jacksonville a unique destination.

High Springs

The casual tempo of High Springs, the north central Florida town of 3,600, entices travelers.

Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville, High Springs tempts visitors with diverse and unique offerings of art, antiques and outdoor adventures that make it a refreshing getaway.

Surrounded by natural attractions, the town attracts canoeists, cave divers, and campers heading to the nearby Santa Fe River. Yes, High Springs is a place for snorkeling, diving, tubing or swimming in freshwater springs that flow at a steady 72 degrees all year long.

Destin

The Florida destination dubbed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” is also the crown jewel of the Emerald Coast. When your feet touch the sugar-white sand, know that you are walking on Florida Gulf-coast beaches that rank among the best in the world. Here are some of the things to do in Destin.

Harborwalk Village is a one-stop-fits-all for rentals of paddle boards, kayaks, pontoon, jet skis, parasailing, glass bottom boats, dolphin cruises and pirate ship excursions. It also is loaded with restaurants and shops.

Adventures are available by sea, land, and sky, from leisurely to a degree of difficulty. Calm waters and shallow depths make the perfect runway for kiteboarding, a viewfinder lens for snorkeling, and a playground for rookie paddleboarders.

Between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, there are 24 miles of soft white sand beaches that are blessed by surf that transitions in color from pale green glass to emerald, and all of it is backed by blue sky.

Fort Walton Beach

Located between Pensacola and Panama City along North Florida’s glittering Gulf Coast, Fort Walton Beach offers visitors its powdery white beaches, emerald waters, enjoyable golf courses, and more.

Fort Walton Beach boasts all the fun of the major vacation spots, minus the fuss.

Home to family-friendly resorts and attractions such as parks, museums and aquariums, Fort Walton Beach's calm, green waters and cool, white sand make this northwest Florida destination a family favorite.

Dunnellon

The north-central city of Dunnellon lies west of Ocala and north of Homosassa. This small town is located on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers and bills itself as the Treasure of the Nature Coast. Dunnellon has something to offer everyone: from beautiful Rainbow Springs State Park and the awesome rivers to strolling the lovely tree lined streets of the Dunnellon Historic District. Spend yours day on a river boat ride, tubing, swimming, kayaking down the river, fishing for that big bass or shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the unique shops and antique stores. Take a break in Dunnellon and enjoy true old-time charm.

Florida Caverns in Marianna

This is one of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves and is the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public. The Florida Cavern has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies. The Chipola River and Blue Hole spring provide areas for fishing, canoeing and boating. Florida Caverns State Park is popular for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve

From the moment you step outside your car at Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley, Florida, you can hear the wolves howling to greet you. Situated on nearly 100 acres with sprawling forests and enclosures designed to mimic the habitat of wolves, the preserve is home to 22 wolves including Gray Wolves, Arctic Wolves and British Columbian Wolves.

Founded in 1999 by Wayne and Cynthia Watkins, Seacrest Wolf Preserve grew from a small animal rescue into a large family-friendly preserve dedicated to preservation through hands-on education. Here, guests have the rare opportunity to become a part of the wolf pack on a walking tour through the 2–3-acre habitats, stopping along the way to give the wolves an affectionate belly rub, get a slobbery kiss on the cheek from a wolf or even participate in a group howl—all while learning more about wolf personalities, behavior and history.

PLACES WITHIN 3 HOURS OF

TALLAHASSEE AND NORTHWEST FLORIDA