West Florida Travel Guide
Plan your next vacation to West Florida with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top cultural and natural attractions, best hiking and biking routes, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to West Florida
- List of Places to Visit in West Florida
- Hiking/Biking Routes of West Florida
- Best Things to Do in West Florida: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for West Florida
- Food and Drink Scene of West Florida
- Where to Stay in West Florida: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in West Florida: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of West Florida
- Best Time to Visit West Florida
- Do’s and Don’ts of West Florida
- Safety and Health
- Getting to West Florida: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in West Florida
- Where to Go Next from West Florida: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to West Florida
West Florida is located in the Florida Panhandle region and is known for its stunning Gulf of Mexico beaches, historic towns, and diverse natural landscapes. The region encompasses several cities and towns, including Pensacola, Destin, Panama City Beach, and Apalachicola.
List of Places to Visit in West Florida
If you’re planning a trip to West Florida, here are a few must-visit places to add to your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola: The museum is home to over 150 restored aircraft and is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
- Pensacola’s Palafox Historic District: Explore the area’s historic buildings, galleries, and boutiques.
- Historic Pensacola Village: A living history museum that offers tours of historic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th century.
- Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach: Discover the history of Native American tribes and artifacts in the area.
Natural Attractions of West Florida: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: A stretch of protected coastline that offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for water sports.
- Grayton Beach State Park: Known for its white sand beaches, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
- St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach: A popular spot for beachgoers, featuring snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
- Apalachicola River: Experience the area’s natural beauty on a kayaking tour along the river.
Hiking/Biking Routes of West Florida
West Florida boasts several hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful views of the natural landscape. Some of the best trails include:
- Blackwater Heritage Trail: A 8.1-mile trail that winds through historic sites and natural habitats.
- Parks, Trails, Preserves: A network of parks, trails and preserves located in Bay County.
- Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park: A 4.2-mile hiking trail that takes visitors through a natural environment that includes wetlands and pine forests.
- Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: Explore the area’s lush gardens and scenic trails.
Best Things to Do in West Florida: Activities and Tours
If you’re looking to experience the region beyond its beaches and natural beauty, here are some top activities and tours to consider:
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Get up close and personal with the playful dolphins in the area.
- Deep-Sea Fishing: Charter a boat for an opportunity to catch a variety of game fish, including snapper, grouper, and tuna.
- Parasailing: Take in the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico while soaring high above the water.
- Escape Rooms: Solve puzzles and clues to escape from themed rooms, a great activity for families and groups.
Week-Long Itinerary for West Florida
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola and explore the Palafox Historic District |
| Day 2 | Spend the day at Gulf Islands National Seashore and enjoy water sports and hiking |
| Day 3 | Visit Fort Walton Beach and see the Indian Temple Mound Museum |
| Day 4 | Head east to Apalachicola River for a kayaking tour |
| Day 5 | Deep-sea fishing and parasailing in Destin |
| Day 6 | Spend the day at Grayton Beach State Park |
| Day 7 | Visit Panama City Beach, explore the St. Andrews State Park, and try escape rooms |
Food and Drink Scene of West Florida
West Florida’s food and drink scene is heavily influenced by the Gulf of Mexico’s bounty and southern cooking. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Gumbo: A hearty stew with seafood and sausage served over rice.
- Fried Grouper Sandwich: Fresh grouper coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, served on a bun with tartar sauce.
- Key Lime Pie: A tangy and sweet pie made with local key limes and a graham cracker crust.
Local Beverages
- Bushwacker: A frozen cocktail made with rum, Kahlua, creme de cacao, and cream.
- Sweet Tea: A refreshing iced tea sweetened with sugar.
- Craft Beer: West Florida is home to many craft breweries, including Grayton Beer Company and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company.
Where to Stay in West Florida: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
West Florida offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious beach resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Here are some options to consider:
- Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach
- Margaritaville Beach Resort in Pensacola Beach
- Beachside Inn in Destin
- The Gibson Inn in Apalachicola
What to Buy in West Florida: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home from your trip, here are some options to consider:
- Sea Shells: Collect unique and beautiful sea shells on the beach.
- Key Lime Products: Bring home key lime pie mix or key lime candies.
- Artwork: West Florida is home to many talented artists, and you can find their work in local galleries and shops.
Local Culture and Customs of West Florida
West Florida has a mixed culture, including Native American, Spanish, and British influences. Visitors should be respectful of the area’s unique history and culture.
Best Time to Visit West Florida
The best time to visit West Florida is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is peak season, with hot temperatures and crowded beaches.
Do’s and Don’ts of West Florida
Do:
- Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
- Try the local seafood and cuisine.
- Dress appropriately for the beach and outdoor activities.
- Plan for the heat and humidity in the summer months.
Don’t:
- Disturb sea turtle nests or wildlife habitats.
- Leave trash or litter on the beach.
- Ignore warnings about dangerous weather conditions.
- Try to touch or feed wild animals.
Safety and Health
Safety in West Florida
West Florida is generally a safe destination for tourists, but visitors should exercise normal safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep valuables secure.
Health in West Florida
West Florida is known for its high humidity, especially in the summer months. Visitors should stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays.
Getting to West Florida: Transportation Options and Logistics
West Florida is easily accessible by car or plane. Here are some transportation options to consider:
Airports Near West Florida
- Pensacola International Airport
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
- Panama City Beach Airport
Bus Stations Near West Florida
- Greyhound Bus Lines in Pensacola
- Bay Town Trolley in Panama City Beach
Other Options
- Taxi and Ride-sharing Services
- Car Rentals
How to Get Around in West Florida
West Florida is best explored by car, and car rentals are available at all major airports. Visitors can also use ride-sharing services or taxis.
Where to Go Next from West Florida: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have more time to explore the region, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- New Orleans, Louisiana: A cultural hub famous for its food and music scene.
- Mobile, Alabama: A historic city on the Gulf of Mexico with stunning architecture and museums.
- Tallahassee, Florida: The state capital with museums, parks, and vibrant nightlife.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or simply some rest and relaxation on the beach, West Florida has plenty to offer. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip and experience all that the region has to offer.
