Walton County Tourism

12 Ideal Florida Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025

Florida is a famous travel destination because of its stunning beaches, small towns, and historic landscapes. The Sunshine State is also famous for extended stays because of the attractions and cultural exhibits, including living history events and historical recreations with period-appropriate actors. The bigger metropolises like Orlando and Miami are well known, but the smaller towns and villages exude a coastal charm that is hard to beat.

Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Walton County, Florida

Matador Network

Walton County is a stretch of Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Destin, full of Southern eateries, businesses focused on sustaining the environment, and an unabashed love of local artists and artisans. The more affluent and recently renovated part of Walton County, it’s characterized by eco-friendly businesses, walkable neighborhoods, and mid-range to upscale offerings. For generations, Walton County has been a road-trip vacation destination, thanks in part to Scenic Highway 30A. Living up to its name, the highway connects more than 20 miles of coastline along Florida’s panhandle.

21 Best Places to Travel in September

Travel + Leisure

If you’ve been waiting for summer vacationers to head back to work or school so you can enjoy your favorite—or new—destinations without the crowds, now is the time to plan your travel. Warm weather continues in most places, prices may be lower, and restaurant and tour reservations are easier to secure. With that said, we’ve compiled a variety of nearby and far-off places for you to explore. Here are our suggestions for your ideal September vacation.

St. Charles Avenue Magazine July 2025

St. Charles Avenue Magazine

Like a painting or a sculpture, a road map begins as a vision, a feeling or an idea.

21 Best Beaches in Florida, From South Beach to Amelia Island

Conde Nast Traveler

From sparkling Gulf shores to wave-lapped Atlantic coastlines, the best beaches in Florida dazzle with their sheer variety—and beauty that needs no filter. There are many choices among East Coast beaches, but across the Sunshine State specifically, sand runs the full spectrum: there are powdery white stretches that feel impossibly soft underfoot, cinnamon-hued swaths kissed by surf, and coral-fringed coves where sea turtles and snorkelers alike feel right at home. Some beaches are vast and wild; others are lined with iconic architecture, boutique hotels, and oceanfront promenades. A few are only reachable by ferry or seaplane. And many, including more than a handful on this list, are some of the best beaches in Miami, a city that’s loves a prime stretch of sand.

7 under-the-radar food and wine festivals off the beaten path

Market Watch

For the true foodie, a food and wine festival promises a delight of your senses with a variety of flavors, aromas and, of course, culinary chops. But, if you’ve battled the crowds at festival favorites like Aspen Food & Wine or South Beach, you know the dream of a relaxed dining experience can quickly devolve into a frenzied search for a snack or sample.

10 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Florida

World Atlas

Florida is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a hot spot for visitors. While the bigger cities like Orlando and Miami are the most well-known, plenty of charming small towns should be on any traveler's bucket list. Florida has a lot to offer: history, picture-perfect beaches, and miles of natural wetlands are just the beginning.

20 Florida Beaches That Could Pass For The Caribbean

Southern Living

What if we said you could visit the Caribbean without a passport? Or that you could plant your chair in white sand, dip your toes in clear water, and listen to palm trees swaying—without leaving the States? While Florida isn't actually part of the Caribbean, it does have magnificent beaches that convincingly mimic the blue waters of everyone's favorite tropical sea. When you don't have the time (or the budget) for jet-setting, you need only follow the curves of the Florida coast to find a slice of ocean-lapped sand that speaks to you.

8 Quirkiest Florida Towns You Didn't Know Existed

World Atlas

Many of us have a similar image of Florida in our heads: palm trees, boardwalks, theme park rides, and white-sand beaches. But what about the towns not often graced on the sides of billboards and travel magazines? For free-spirited travelers who love exploring locales off the beaten path, the Sunshine State boasts some of the most unique destinations in the country.

The South’s Most In-Demand Beach Towns Right Now, According To Vrbo

Southern Living

Beaches are the most popular vacation destinations on Vrbo this summer, and according to the online marketplace, many of the most sought-after beach destinations in America just so happen to be in the South.

8 Prettiest Small Towns On The Gulf Coast

World Atlas

The Gulf Coast stretches from Florida to Texas and is renowned for its white sandy beaches and azure-colored water. The laid-back towns that comprise the landscape are fun and friendly, with walkable streets lined with boutiques and other local venues. Some towns are intentionally designed with a European atmosphere centering around the downtown district, while others stand out for their historical significance.

Florida’s 14 Gorgeous Coasts Each Have Something Unique To Offer—Here’s Our Ultimate Guide

Southern Living

Florida may look like one big sandbar, but its coastlines couldn’t be more distinct. With the second-most miles of coastline of any state in the nation, after Alaska, there are over 8,400 miles to explore. Each stretch of seaside tells a unique story, from the Panhandle’s creamy white sand and old Florida towns, to the Atlantic’s surfing hot spots and rocket-launching watch points. As a native Floridian, I continue to be surprised when I discover unique pockets of Florida that defy stereotypes and often fly under the typical Florida radar.