Popular for its pristine beaches characterized by white sand and emerald waters, the Florida Panhandle is an enchanting paradise that every adventure lover should explore. From Pensacola to Cedar Key, there are plenty of wonderful attractions and hidden gems along the Gulf of Mexico that are worth checking.

If that sounds like a great way to spend a vacation, then what better way to do that than going on a road trip? Apart from the dazzling beaches, there’s wildlife and beautiful lush forests to admire on the tours. For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, scroll down for a list of 10 scenic road trips through Florida’s Panhandle.

10 Pensacola To Seaside

There’s no better way to spend a vacation than discovering new places and meeting new people. That’s what adventurers get to experience when they take a road trip from Pensacola to Seaside. Following the US-98 E, it can be a thrilling 71.7-mi (115.4-km) drive with plenty to see, such as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach.

Art enthusiasts can make a brief stop at Ginger Leigh Designs on Santa Rosa Island. On arrival at Seaside, travelers can grab something to eat at Seaside Farmers Market.

  • Distance from Pensacola to Seaside: 71.7 mi via US-98 E
  • Scenic stops: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Ginger Leigh Designs, Top Sail Hill Preserve State Park

9 Panama City Beach To Grayton Beach

For tourists staying in Panama City Beach and wishing to visit Grayton Beach, the US-98 W route is the perfect option. It is one of the most scenic drives in the US for those looking to enjoy a road trip to remember. The route has a lot to offer the discerning soul, including sparkling beaches such as Laguna Beach and Rosemary Beach which are like slices of paradise on earth.

  • Distance from Panama City Beach to Grayton Beach: 28.9 mi (46.5 km) via US-98 W
  • Scenic spots: Gulf World Marine Park, Camp Helen State Park

8 Pensacola To Perdido Key

Filled with a wide range of must-see things, a road trip from Pensacola to Perdido Key is not one to miss. Tourists can make a stop at Gulf Breeze Zoo for a chance to view and interact with wildlife such as giraffes, hippos, gorillas, and orangutans. Travelers can start their adventure at Avalon Landing RV Park/ Pensacola East, which is about 23 minutes after departure. Before completing the journey, tourists can check out NAS Pensacola Visitors Center.

  • Distance from Pensacola to Perdido Key: 16.9 mi (27.2 km) via FL-292 W
  • Scenic stops: Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola, Palafox PI, Pensacola Naval Air Station

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7 Apalachicola To St. Marks

Looking for the most scenic roads on the East Coast that are perfect for globetrotters yearning to hit the road? Nothing beats a drive on the Big Bend Scenic Byway, especially when driving from Apalachicola to St. Marks. It’s a 65.3-mi (105.1-km) trip that can leave travelers with unforgettable memories. This route promises a memorable ride with plenty of wildlife to see and gorgeous forests to admire.

  • Distance from Apalachicola to St. Marks: 65.3 mi via the Big Bend Scenic Byway and US-98 E
  • Scenic stops: Ho-Hum RV Park, Sopchoppy, Wildwood Golf and RV Resort

6 Tallahassee To Cedar Key

Whether it's interacting with nature or enjoying a live performance, a trip from Tallahassee to Cedar Key is sure to leave adventure-seekers in awe. After more than half an hour of driving, globetrotters can make a stop at Monticello for a live show at the Monticello Opera House or dine at Jackie’s BrickHouse Eatery. Travelers can also check out the Chiefland Farmers Flea Market in Chiefland before ending their trip at Cedar Key.

  • Distance from Tallahassee to Cedar Key: 152 mi (244.62 km)
  • Scenic stops: Monticello Opera House, Jackie's BrickHouse Eatery, Chiefland Farmers Flea Market

5 Apalachicola To Destin

Those who wish to explore Panama City or Port St. Joe and live in Apalachicola can take a road trip to Destin. It’s 2 hours 40 minutes journey via US-98 W that is dotted with an array of spectacular attractions. Vagabonds can stop can soak up scenic views at Cape San Blas Lighthouse in Port St. Joe. On arrival at Panama City, they can indulge in swimming and boating at St. Andrews State Park or check out exotic and endangered animals at ZooWorld Zoological Park.

  • Distance from Apalachicola to Destin: 114.8 mi (184.8 km) via US-98 W
  • Scenic stops: Cape San Blas Lighthouse, St. Andrews State Park, ZooWorld Zoological Park

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4 Marianna To Port St. Joe

When traveling from Marianna to Port St. Joe, tourers always take FL-71 N and FL-73 N, which are some of the most scenic highways in the US, perfect for a road trip. After about 12 minutes of driving, tourists can stop and take a tour of the Dove Rest RV & Mobile Home campground. Travelers can partake in exhilarating water activities at Dead Lakes Park Boat Ramp for an hour or so before proceeding with their adventure.

  • Distance between Marianna and Port St. Joe: 79.8 mi (128.4 km) via FL-71 N
  • Scenic stops: Dove Rest RV & Mobile Home, Dead Lakes Park Boat Ramp

3 Port St. Joe To Pensacola

For those who can’t seem to travel without their four-legged friends and wish to go on a road trip to explore the best of America’s natural beauty, then this itinerary offers a great adventure. The route features some pet-friendly parks, such as Zollie Young Dog Park in Panama City and Alaqua Unleashed Dog Park in Seaside, where furry friends can go for a walk or play. The entire journey is about 3 hours and 5 minutes without stopping.

  • Distance from Port St. Joe to Pensacola: 175.5 mi (282.4 km) via I-10 W
  • Scenic stops: Zollie Young Dog Park, Alaqua Unleashed Dog Park

2 Fort Walton Beach To Marianna

Fort Walton Beach to Marianna is one of Florida’s best road trips that globetrotters and adventure lovers can’t afford to miss. It can take roughly about 1 hour and 44 minutes of driving to complete the journey, but this is more than just a drive-through. Travelers can grab something to eat at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, which is a short drive from Fort Walton Beach. They can then head to Chipley where they can buy souvenirs at T & B Hidden Treasures before proceeding to Marianna.

  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach to Marianna: 101 mi (162.5 km) via I-10 E
  • Scenic stops: Nick's Seafood Restaurant, T & B Hidden Treasures

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1 Rosemary Beach To Mexico Beach

Beach aficionados can enjoy an unforgettable coastal road trip from the sugary sand of Rosemary Beach to the white sands of Mexico Beach. The most scenic route to follow is the US-98 E which takes you across places such as Panama City and Tyndall AFB. All travelers need to bring is a good camera to capture the views and beach gear for a fun experience.

  • Distance from Rosemary Beach to Mexico Beach: 48.1 mi (77.4 km) via US-98 E
  • Scenic stop: Mexico Beach