North West Florida

Uniquely amongst US states, the further north you travel geographically, the further ‘south’ you get culturally. Hence the North West area of Florida, referred to as the Pan Handle owes a lot to its neighbouring states for its influences.

With a great climate, an intriguing history coupled with beautiful beaches and friendly locals, North West Florida has a lot to offer.

The most famous attraction is the town of Pensacola – one of the original settlements in the state complete with Historic Village, a collection of homes and buildings in various architectural styles from various eras. It occupies four blocks and also encompasses a museum of industry and a museum of commerce, as well as an archaeological trail.

Surrounding the historic village, downtown holds intriguing shops, trendy cafes, art galleries, museums, theatres and an energetic entertainment district that lend the town an artistic, youthful verve. To the north, residential historic districts preserve gracious old homes in Victorian and Georgian styles, one holding a family-style restaurant that’s a favourite among locals.

The Pensacola Bay Area´s strategic position at the mouth of a deep bay determined its fate as an important military post from day one. On the western point of Santa Rosa Island, home to today’s Pensacola Beach, the U.S. built the mammoth Fort Pickens in 1830. Now part of a national park, its well-preserved ruins sit among the magnificent pure-white sand dunes and salt-dwarfed vegetation of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

The sea and the rivers of this area provide a wealth of visitors to the region. The town of Milton is often hailed as the "Canoe Capital of Florida." Here the Coldwater, Blackwater, Sweetwater and Juniper waterways make canoeing, kayaking, rafting, paddle-boating and inner-tubing favourite summer pastimes. Camping and biking facilities are also available. Fishing and diving off the crystal clear waters also bring in visitors to the area.