<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>If you’re looking for little getaway from Tampa Bay, but want to stay in-state, you’ve got lots of options! You can’t go wrong with a trip to Orlando or Miami, but that’s not all Florida has to offer. Imagine what a Panhandle getaway could be! The Florida Panhandle has a lot of cool sights to see, places to go and things to do. Here are some ideas for you to start planning your getaway!
Updated in July 2022 by Savannah Voci
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Panhandle Getaway: Exploring Florida
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309
If either you or your significant other are outdoors people, you can’t miss a visit to the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. This park has been around since 1923 and since then, it has continued to have beautiful gardens full of flowers you’ll love to see. The state park also includes a secret garden, a reflection pool, a walled garden, nature trails, and more. You can even pack a meal and have yourself a picnic on the picturesque grounds!
Florida Caverns State Park
3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
At this state park, the real attraction is not in the light of day. At Florida Caverns State Park, you can see caves with amazing limestone formations on the 45-minute cave tours! And after that, you can picnic, fish, explore the trails, camp, or even play golf at the nine-hole golf course. Whatever you decide to do, it’s definitely worth visiting the park.
Water Planet
5709 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
If you’ve ever wanted to swim with dolphins, this is your chance. Take your partner on a dolphin cruise and you’ll have the opportunity to swim with them! Even if you just want to see them, Water Planet has awesome dolphin tours. There are multiple different programs available, from the 1-day, 3-day or weeklong “Swim with the Dolphins” programs, to the sunset cruise and dolphin tour. No matter which you choose, it’ll be a time to remember.
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
For a place that has it all, HarborWalk Village is the place to go. Here, you’ll find a shopping area full of various stores and restaurants of all tastes. You’ll also find locations for water sports and adventures including paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and more. If you’re lucky, you might even see a free outdoor concert or a fireworks show, too! HarborWalk Village will keep you busy in the best way.
National Naval Aviation Museum
1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
How does visiting the world’s largest naval aviation museum sound? If you’re in the Panhandle, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a must see! It’s 37-acre grounds are full of different attractions for you and your partner to enjoy, from seeing different aircraft and exhibits to watching a Blue Angels flight demonstration to experiencing a flight simulator and more.
Have Yourself a Beach Day
The Panhandle is known for having some of Florida’s best beaches, including Panama City Beach, Pensacola Beach, and so many others. Whether you prefer to relax and read a book or partake in water sports, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Panhandle without a beach day!
Rosemary Beach
Right off of 30A in between Panama City and Pensacola sits Rosemary Beach. Take one step into this charming town and you’ll feel like you’re in a European city. Admire the unique architecture while you explore the shops, cafes, and restaurants that call Rosemary Beach home.
If you find yourself wanting to get out of Tampa Bay, but can’t make it to the Panhandle, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Check out our guide to an Orlando Day Trip or Adventures at Tallulah Gorge State Park and start planning your next trip.