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
Florida’s Front Line Beaches (6/6/2024) During World War II, two specialized coastal training bases in Florida contributed to the successful D-Day landings at Normandy and at beachheads beyond. 
Horn Spring Trail (12/12/2023) Four miles upriver from Natural Bridge Battlefield as the trail winds, scenic Horn Spring is a destination within an expansion of the park protecting springs of the St. Marks River.
Florida Great Outdoors Initiative (10/14/2023) Through January 13, 2024, the Florida Great Outdoors Initiative offers park visitors a half-price discount on annual passes to Florida State Parks.
Spring Hopping Around Tallahassee (7/1/2019) Between Madison and Marianna and across Wakulla County, explore a colorful collection of natural springs for swimming and snorkeling, all within an hour of Tallahassee.