Walton County Tourism

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

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.

The 15 Most Beautiful Places In Florida, According To A Native Floridian

Southern Living

It’s not hard to find beauty in the Sunshine State. Yes, there are the beaches, of course. With two coasts, there’s a picturesque stretch of sand for everyone. But Florida also has botanical gardens, historic hotels, nature preserves, incredible architecture, and so much more. Every time I visit my home state I find something new to marvel at and appreciate. This list covers a handful of these places, but each one is uniquely beautiful and worth a visit.

Seven Beautiful Places in the South That Feel Much Farther Flung

Garden & Gun

Recently, Delta Air Lines released its annual list of the most-searched destinations and—quelle surprise—it read like a Rick Steves itinerary: London, Paris, Rome, Athens… But if a summer jaunt across the pond isn’t in your travel forecast, consider that some of the South’s most charming towns and regions bear an uncanny resemblance to popular global getaways. So stash the passport, grab your weekender, and explore these Southern destination dupes.

9 Gulf Coast Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness

World Atlas

The Gulf Coast stretches from Florida to Texas and has many charming seaside towns and friendly communities. Many people come for the white sand beaches and azure-colored water, but they return to spend time with the communities, adding just as much charm to the area as the natural scenery.

20 Florida Beaches That Could Pass For The Caribbean

Southern Living

18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways

As summer approaches, the dream of a peaceful beach escape can quickly devolve into the reality of battling over limited parking spots, securing the last beach umbrella and wrangling the best lunch reservations.