When most people think of the Florida Panhandle, their minds jump straight to Destin, Panama City Beach, or maybe Pensacola.
And hey, those spots are great but there’s a whole bunch of smaller towns nearby that barely get a mention, and honestly? You’re missing out.
We’re talking quiet beaches with no crowds, towns with wild history, hole-in-the-wall seafood joints, and even a police station inside a phone booth.
If you’re into cool places that feel like hidden gems, where the locals wave and life moves a little slower, these 7 towns should be on your radar.
Ready to meet the spots that everyone else is overlooking? Let’s go.
1. Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe sits on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, located between Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas.
It’s known for its calm waters, white-sand beaches, and small-town charm.
This town once hosted Florida’s first Constitutional Convention in the 1800s, where the state’s first constitution was drafted.
Now it’s all about fishing, boating, and epic Gulf Coast sunsets.
You can stroll the scenic George Core Park, check out the historic Cape San Blas Lighthouse, or paddle through the salt marshes at St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve.
Don’t miss grabbing shrimp sandwiches at Krazyfish Grill or searching for scallops in the bay during summer—locals swear it’s the best spot in the state for it.
2. Carrabelle
Next up is Carrabelle, your go-to spot if you’re into unique coastal towns with zero crowds and a whole lot of character.
This place is home to the World’s Smallest Police Station (it’s literally a phone booth) and it sits right on scenic Highway 98 along the Carrabelle River.
You can fish off the massive public pier, explore the exhibits at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, or hop on a boat to Dog Island for quiet beaches.
Carrabelle Beach is super chill, great for long walks and shell collecting, and the sunsets here? Total show-offs.
3. Defuniak Springs
Heading inland for a sec, DeFuniak Springs is like stepping into a real-life storybook town, with a perfectly round lake right in the middle.
Lake DeFuniak is known as one of the world’s most perfectly round, spring-fed lakes, and you can walk the 1-mile path around it while gawking at Victorian-era homes that look straight out of a movie set.
This place used to host big-time Chautauqua gatherings in the 1800s (think TED Talks but with more bonnets), and part of the old auditorium still stands today.
If you’re hungry, swing by Mossy Head Diner for their smoked Cuban sandwich, a Florida favorite with smoked ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and house Cuban sauce.
4. Marianna
Next up, Marianna is a small town that’s hiding some seriously wild adventures underground.
It’s home to Florida Caverns State Park, which is the only place in the state where you can tour dry caves full of stalactites, stalagmites, and other cool formations.
Above ground, you can hike along the 0.75-mile Bluff Trail, paddle the Chipola River, or cool off with a swim at Blue Hole Spring, which stays a chilly 72°F year-round.
And when you’re ready to refuel, pop into The Wharf Casual Seafood for catfish and hush puppies that locals swear by.
5. Rosemary Beach
Located along the coast, Rosemary Beach is a picture-perfect beach town that looks like it belongs in a European postcard.
It’s part of the 30A stretch but is way more chill compared to some of its flashier neighbors, with cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and cozy courtyards tucked between white buildings.
You can bike everywhere, hit the soft-sand beach, or browse local boutiques like Disco and ExVoto before grabbing a fresh bagel from Charlie’s Café.
Sunsets here are next-level, especially if you catch them from the boardwalk near the Western Green with an ice cream cone in hand.
6. Wewahitchka
If you’re into unique small towns with a lot of nature, Wewahitchka (just call it “Wewa” like the locals do) is totally worth the detour.
This place is famous for its tupelo honey, and you can actually visit local beekeepers or hit the annual Tupelo Honey Festival every May for all the sweet stuff.
It’s also packed with wild beauty—think boat or kayak trips through Dead Lakes, fishing on the Apalachicola River, and bald cypress trees.
For a local bite, check out Krispy Krunchy Chicken, where people drive for miles for their freshly made fried chicken.
7. Navarre
Last but definitely not least, Navarre is where you go when you want all the beachy beauty without the big crowds.
It’s got 12 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald-green water, plus the longest fishing pier in Florida at 1,545 feet—perfect for dolphin spotting or just soaking up the ocean breeze.
Snorkelers love exploring the artificial reefs near Navarre Beach Marine Park, and the Navarre Sea Turtle Conservation Center there is super cool.
Grab a crab cake from Dewey Destin’s right on the water, then kick back and do absolutely nothing because in Navarre, that’s kind of the whole point.
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