Florida Panhandle

Home to Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, and seat of the state government, the Florida Panhandle also offers some of the most breathtaking beaches in the state. This region is home to many state parks, quirky roadside attractions, and picturesque small towns.

The Florida Panhandle has a rich and complex history shaped by Native American cultures, European colonization, and military conflict. Pensacola was established by the Spanish in 1559 and actually predates St. Augustine, although it was abandoned for a time and not continuously inhabited. Spain, Britain, and France all vied for control over Florida until Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 and then a state in 1845. In the 1800’s and 1900’s, railroads connected the inland with the coast and allowed for growth of industries such as timber and fishing. Many military bases also played a role in the area’s economic growth.

Today, the Florida Panhandle is often described as feeling more traditionally Southern than the rest of the state. Here you can relish some of the best beaches in the United States, traverse an underground cavern, explore historic forts, and even tour the Governor’s mansion.