Top Reasons to Go to Northwest Florida

Snow-white beaches: Much of the Gulf Coast shoreline is relatively unobstructed by high-rise condos and hotels, and the white-powder sand is alluring.

Laid-back fun: Whether you prefer to kick back at a beach bar or kayak on a coastal dune lake, this growing region is great for those who go with the flow.

Fresh seafood: Sleepy fishing villages in this part of Old Florida serve oysters, grouper, and shrimp straight from the Gulf.

Southern hospitality: There's a saying in Florida: the farther north you go, the further South you are. That's very much a reality in Northwest Florida, where chances are very good you will be called "hon" by a waiter.

Capital sights: As the state capital (chosen because it was midway between the two earlier Spanish settlements of St. Augustine and Pensacola), Tallahassee has historical museums, two major universities, and plenty of woodland trails and canopy roads.