As the authors of Explorer’s Guide: North Florida & The Panhandle, we’ve probably crisscrossed Northwest Florida more than most visitors.
In addition to the notable white sand beaches and emerald waters stretching from Panama City Beach to Pensacola, this region has compelling terrain for hikers, particularly along the Florida Trail west of the Apalachicola River.
Spanning two time zones, the region includes a vast sweep of wild shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, little-known springs, and Florida’s largest National Forest, the Apalachicola National Forest.
Along its westernmost shores, Gulf Islands National Seashore protects more than 15 miles of pristine shoreline. Central to the region are a string of coastal dune lakes, unusual bodies of water that periodically exchange their fresh waters with the Gulf of Mexico.
Regional Destinations
Recent Articles



