Drive 240.1 miles • 6 hours, 50 minutes

While the peninsula region of Florida seems to get all the attention, the state’s long, thin panhandle quietly charms explorers throughout the year. Discover the cuisine, carnival-like atmosphere and beautiful coastal views along the Gulf—you just may forget about heading south.

1. Pensacola

Starting Point • History, Outdoor Recreation, Sports

Pensacola, the “City of Five Flags,” is famous for its extraordinary beaches, but there’s so much more. Kayak in Nature at Big Lagoon State Park, Fort Pickens and more. Take a dolphin spotting cruise on the Gulf, or fly high while parasailing. Tee off at some of America’s finest golf courses, and then park your RV and camp beachside. Feeling the urge to fish? Charter a fishing boat. History buffs can tour the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas and Historic Pensacola Village.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS

Emerald Beach RV Park – Navarre, FL – (866) 939-3431

2. Destin

47.8 miles, 1 hour, 31 minutes • Food, History, Outdoor Recreation, Shopping

White sand beaches and emerald-green waters? Must be Destin, Florida. Go swimming in the fabled Gulf of Mexico, or take a deep-sea charter and reel in marlin and yellowfin tuna. As the sun sets, take a romantic sunset boat cruise. Kids can play Robinson Crusoe on nearby Okaloosa Island or Crystal Beach, then visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Shop ’til you drop at Destin’s charming little boutiques, big outlet malls and more. Destin’s seafood restaurants will satisfy any appetite.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS

Camp Gulf – Destin, FL – (877) 226-7485

Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort – Panama City Beach, FL – (800) BEACHRV

Live Oak Landing – Freeport, FL – (877) 436-5063

3. Carrabelle

138.3 miles, 3 hours, 46 minutes • Food, History, Outdoor Recreation, Quirky, Shopping

Ever see a house built of bottles? Or the world’s smallest police station? They’re both found in the eclectic town of Carrabelle. It’s a peaceful, unspoiled village with little traffic and no crowds, but there’s plenty to do. Go fishing for the big one, shop world-class stores and savor fresh fish dinners at the end of the day. Learn local heritage at the History Museum, then learn about the Greatest Generation at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum. Take an eco-tour, then see Crooked River Lighthouse up close and personal.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS

Carrabelle Beach RV Resort – Carrabelle, FL – (850) 697-2638

4. Tallahassee

54 miles, 1 hour, 33 minutes • Food, History, Quirky, Shopping

What’s your pleasure? Arts ’n’ culture? Nightlife or Nature? It’s all in Tallahassee. Dance at a blues club. Get magnetized and mesmerized at the Mag Lab, home to the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world, or chow down at Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack. Go wild at an FSU football game, then sample sweet potato pancakes at Canopy Road Café. Make a visit to the Black History Museum then explore this state capital’s history. Tip a few at Liquor Loft—half liquor store, half bar. And these are just for starters.