Florida’s Panhandle - Must See Beach Towns You May Not Know
Florida is such a beautiful state with so many beautiful beach towns and cities that you could literally choose where to go by throwing a dart at a coastal map of the state and not be disappointed by where it landed. Though most of the beach destinations are widely known, there are still lesser known beach locales that will amaze you. Case in point, take Florida’s Panhandle region, specifically the Emerald Coast which encompasses nearly 100 miles, from Panama City on the east all the way to Pensacola on the west. Many widely known vacation destinations makeup Florida’s Emerald Coast, but there are a couple of gems that still remain to be mined, specifically Rosemary Beach, and its neighbor to the west, Alys Beach. Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach were designed by Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk (Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company) who also designed the famous beach town of Seaside which sits 15 miles to the east of them. All three towns were designed using the New Urbanism concept and each has different, and distinct themes.
Rosemary Beach
Located just 15 miles west of Seaside, and 24 miles west of Panama City, Rosemary Beach is a beautifully themed beach town. Some say it has a European feel and architecture, some say it has a New Orleans French Quarter feel, and still others say it has a Charleston South Carolina vibe. Whatever you think it is, it for sure is a great place to take great pictures. Rosemary Beach has many restaurants with varied and great food like Pescado Seafood Grill, Cowgirl kitchen, Summer Kitchen Cafe, and Edward’s Fine Food & Wine to name a few. Shoppers will be in heaven with Rosemary Beach’s many unique boutiques and shops. Rosemary Beach gives you a great opportunity to make it a worthwhile day trip, or a vacation destination. One thing to keep in mind is that the beach is private and is only accessible from town only to residents, or people staying in Rosemary at the time. The Pearl Hotel, as well as many vacation homes are available for vacationers that want to stay in Rosemary Beach. If you do stay overnight, one cool thing to keep in mind, Rosemary Beach is one of only a few beaches around the state that allows bonfires on the beach, bonfires have to be booked. Each bonfire includes up to 20 chairs, cocktail tables, banquet table with tablecloth, skewers, bonfire pit with wood, 2 tiki torches, and ice chest with ice. For bonfire reservations call (850) 231-1860.
Rosemary Beach
Located just 15 miles west of Seaside, and 24 miles west of Panama City, Rosemary Beach is a beautifully themed beach town. Some say it has a European feel and architecture, some say it has a New Orleans French Quarter feel, and still others say it has a Charleston South Carolina vibe. Whatever you think it is, it for sure is a great place to take great pictures. Rosemary Beach has many restaurants with varied and great food like Pescado Seafood Grill, Cowgirl kitchen, Summer Kitchen Cafe, and Edward’s Fine Food & Wine to name a few. Shoppers will be in heaven with Rosemary Beach’s many unique boutiques and shops. Rosemary Beach gives you a great opportunity to make it a worthwhile day trip, or a vacation destination. One thing to keep in mind is that the beach is private and is only accessible from town only to residents, or people staying in Rosemary at the time. The Pearl Hotel, as well as many vacation homes are available for vacationers that want to stay in Rosemary Beach. If you do stay overnight, one cool thing to keep in mind, Rosemary Beach is one of only a few beaches around the state that allows bonfires on the beach, bonfires have to be booked. Each bonfire includes up to 20 chairs, cocktail tables, banquet table with tablecloth, skewers, bonfire pit with wood, 2 tiki torches, and ice chest with ice. For bonfire reservations call (850) 231-1860.
Alys Beach
Located less than a mile west of Rosemary Beach is Alys Beach. Alys Beach is another strikingly beautiful beach town. Just as Rosemary has different feels for different people so too has Alys Beach. Alys Beach's buildings are all white, and give some people a Greek town vibe, while others get a Moroccan feel. Let’s just say a modern Mediterranean experience without the jet lag. Just as Rosemary Beach, and Seaside for that matter the views and photo opportunities abound. Also like them many fantastic dining choices await you such as George’s at Alys Beach, The Citizen, and Restaurant Paradis to name a few. Shopping opportunities are target rich as well with many unique shops to explore. The northern part of Alys Beach contains a 20 acre nature preserve that has an elevated boardwalk and offers an opportunity for a great walk or bike ride with great views. Time spent in Alys Beach is well spent. As with Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach is a great place for a day trip, or a great vacation spot. Like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach’s beach is also private and is accessible from town only to residents and those that are staying there at the time.
Time Wasted At The Beach Is Time Well Spent
I HIGHLY recommend visiting both Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, and since they are so close together, you can explore both on a single day trip. The photos, the vibe, the experience is something that you will not be able to duplicate or beat very easily. Enjoy and make some memories in these gems on Florida’s Emerald Coast!
Time Wasted At The Beach Is Time Well Spent
I HIGHLY recommend visiting both Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, and since they are so close together, you can explore both on a single day trip. The photos, the vibe, the experience is something that you will not be able to duplicate or beat very easily. Enjoy and make some memories in these gems on Florida’s Emerald Coast!