Milton Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and eat in Milton, Florida. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Milton, located in the Florida Panhandle, is a charming town that offers visitors a taste of the Old South with its historic architecture and quaint downtown. With a variety of cultural and natural attractions, as well as outdoor adventures and scenic views, Milton is the perfect destination for your next trip. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve listed the best things to do, places to stay, and eat in Milton, Florida.

Introduction to Milton

Milton is situated in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and is part of the Pensacola Metropolitan Area. The town was incorporated in 1844 and has a rich history that is evident in its historic buildings and landmarks. Visitors to Milton will enjoy its slower pace of life, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Milton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Imogene Theatre - Originally opened in 1912, the Imogene Theatre is a historic landmark that has been restored to its former glory as a performing-arts and entertainment venue.

  2. Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site - This 19th-century complex was once home to one of the largest water-powered sawmills in the South. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the mill, as well as the other structures on the site, including the ruins of a brick kiln and the office of the complex’s original owner.

  3. West Florida Railroad Museum - The West Florida Railroad Museum is housed in the Historic Bagdad Depot and features exhibits on the history of rail transportation in the region, including a restored caboose, steam engine, and boxcar.

Natural Attractions of Milton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Blackwater River State Park - Located just north of Milton, Blackwater River State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s pristine river is ideal for swimming, tubing, and kayaking, and the trails offer opportunities for hiking and biking.

  2. Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park - With over 3,000 acres of wilderness, Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The park’s trails offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, and visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and boating.

  3. Coldwater Creek - Coldwater Creek is a popular destination for tubing and kayaking. Visitors can rent equipment and float down the creek, enjoying the scenic views and clear water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Milton

  1. Blackwater Heritage State Trail - The Blackwater Heritage State Trail is a 10-mile paved trail that runs through Milton. The trail follows the route of the former Florida and Alabama Railroad and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

  2. Tanglewood Gardens Trail - The Tanglewood Gardens Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that winds through the Tanglewood Gardens Nature Preserve. The trail offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, and visitors can also enjoy fishing in the preserve’s pond.

  3. Navarre Beach Bike Path - Located just south of Milton, the Navarre Beach Bike Path is a 3-mile paved trail that runs along the beach. The trail offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding coastline.

Best Things to Do in Milton: Activities and Tours

  1. Santa Rosa Art and Culture Foundation - The Santa Rosa Art and Culture Foundation offers art classes, workshops, and exhibits throughout the year. Visitors can also experience live music and theater performances at the foundation’s main gallery.

  2. Milton’s Riverwalk - The Riverwalk is a one-mile paved trail that runs along the Blackwater River. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the river and take a leisurely stroll along the path.

  3. Milton Ghost Tours - The Milton Ghost Tours offer a unique experience for visitors who want to learn about the town’s haunted history. The tour takes visitors to the most haunted locations in town and offers a glimpse into Milton’s spooky past.

Week-Long Itinerary for Milton

Day 1: Explore historic Downtown Milton and visit the Imogene Theatre Day 2: Go tubing on the Blackwater River and hike the Blackwater Heritage State Trail Day 3: Visit Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site and the West Florida Railroad Museum Day 4: Take a tour of local art galleries and the Santa Rosa Art and Culture Foundation Day 5: Go kayaking on Coldwater Creek and hike the Tanglewood Gardens Trail Day 6: Visit Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park and explore the Riverwalk Day 7: Take the Milton Ghost Tour and enjoy a relaxing day at Navarre Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Milton

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Southern Fried Chicken - A signature dish of the South, fried chicken is a must-try when visiting Milton.

  2. Grits - A staple in Southern cuisine, grits are made from ground corn and can be served sweet or savory.

  3. Sweet Potato Pie - Made with fresh sweet potatoes, this dessert is a favorite in the South and a must-try when visiting Milton.

Local Beverages

  1. Sweet Tea - A classic Southern drink, sweet tea is a refreshing beverage made with tea and sweetened with sugar.

  2. Milton Brewery - Milton Brewery offers a variety of craft beers that are brewed on-site. Visitors can enjoy a flight of beers or take a tour of the brewery.

  3. Soda Fountain Drinks - Local soda fountains in Milton offer classic drinks like root beer floats, cherry Cokes, and phosphate sodas.

Where to Stay in Milton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Red Roof Inn Milton - This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of downtown Milton and offers clean and comfortable rooms.

  2. Holley Hill RV Park & Campground - Ideal for travelers who prefer camping, Holley Hill RV Park & Campground offers spacious campsites, cabins, and RV hookups.

  3. Blackwater Inn - The Blackwater Inn is a bed and breakfast located on the banks of the Blackwater River. The inn offers spacious rooms with river views and a delicious breakfast each morning.

What to Buy in Milton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Cotton Boll Wreaths - A popular Southern decoration, cotton boll wreaths can be found in many local shops in Milton.

  2. Art and Crafts - Local art galleries and markets offer visitors a chance to purchase unique handmade items.

  3. Pecans - Pecan trees are abundant in the area, and visitors can purchase bags of fresh pecans to take home as a tasty souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Milton

Milton has a strong sense of community, with friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms. The area has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through festivals, art shows, and live performances throughout the year. Visitors should be respectful of local traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Milton

The best time to visit Milton is from March to May or from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Milton

Do:

  • Visit local museums and historical landmarks
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and fishing
  • Try local cuisine and drinks

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions
  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Ignore safety precautions while exploring the outdoors

Safety and Health

Safety in Milton

Although Milton is a safe destination, visitors should take basic precautions to ensure their safety. Keep valuable possessions out of sight, and lock car doors when leaving your vehicle. Use caution when exploring natural areas, and be aware of wildlife and water hazards.

Health in Milton

Milton has several medical facilities, including Santa Rosa Medical Center and West Florida Hospital. Visitors should bring any necessary medications with them and be prepared for allergies or other health issues.

Getting to Milton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Milton

The closest major airport to Milton is Pensacola International Airport, located approximately 20 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Milton

The Greyhound bus station is located in Pensacola, approximately 20 miles away from Milton.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Milton by car or by taking a taxi or rideshare service from Pensacola.

How to Get Around in Milton

Although Milton is a relatively small town, visitors will need a car to explore the area. Bike rentals are also available in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Milton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Pensacola - Just a short drive away, Pensacola offers visitors a chance to explore its historic downtown, enjoy its beautiful beaches, and visit its museums.

  2. Fort Walton Beach - Located approximately 50 miles from Milton, Fort Walton Beach offers visitors a chance to explore its beautiful beachfront, visit its museums, and enjoy its many outdoor activities.

  3. Mobile, Alabama - Located approximately 100 miles from Milton, Mobile is home to numerous historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries.

Conclusion

Milton, Florida, is a charming town that offers visitors a taste of Southern hospitality and history. With a variety of cultural and natural attractions, as well as outdoor adventures and scenic views, Milton is the perfect destination for your next trip. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this unique and fascinating area.