44 Best Sights in The Panhandle, Florida

Although it's known as the "New Capitol," the 22-story skyscraper flanked by lower-slung House and Senate offices actually dates from the 1970s. In the 1960s, when there was talk of relocating the state's seat of government to a more central location like Orlando, Panhandle legislators quickly approved the construction of a sorely needed new complex that would keep the capital in Tallahassee. This New Capitol is prominently placed at the crest of a hill directly behind the classical-style historic capitol.

After going through security, pick up a self-guided-tour brochure at the plaza-level Florida Visitor Center. The governor's office is on the first floor, as is the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, where plaques honor native Floridians and other notable figures associated with the state such as Ray Charles, Burt Reynolds, Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. The Italian marble–lined rotunda is abuzz when the legislature is in session (January and February in even years, March through April in odd years) and the head-count goes from 1,500 to 5,000 people. You can watch lawmaking in action from galleries overlooking the fifth-floor House and Senate chambers. For a few contemplative moments away from the crowds, visit the Heritage Chapel, featuring coquina, cypress, and other construction materials typically used in Florida.

Palafox Street is the main stem of historic Downtown Pensacola and the center of the Palafox Historic District. The commercial and government hub of Old Pensacola is now an active cultural and entertainment district, where locally owned and operated bars and restaurants attract both locals and visitors. While in the area, stop by Veterans Memorial Park, just off Bayfront Parkway near 9th Avenue. The ¾-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives in the conflict.

With nearly 100 access points along 27 miles of the sugary white sand and jewel-green waters for which the Emerald Coast is known, it's easy to find a place to sunbathe or swim on Panama City Beach. It still attracts the spring-break crowd, but the atmosphere is far less rowdy and much more family-focused these days, and the tradeoff for all the high-rises is an abundance of places to stay, play, and feast—you won't easily get bored or go hungry here. If, however, you're planning to drive to the beach, note that there are only four public parking lots. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

Almost 3,000 acres of forest and wetlands have been set aside for this city-owned park at the edge of Panama City Beach. Some 24 miles of trails and boardwalks offer ample opportunities for walking and biking, and they connect to the Gayle's Trails system of bike paths around Panama City Beach. A visitor center offers clean restrooms and drinking water as well as a classroom for occasional programs.

The newest museum in the University of West Florida Historic Trust complex offers a variety of programs for children of all ages, including story time; art projects; and a plethora of interactive historical exhibits with maritime, multicultural, and other themes.

If you're heading out to Perdido Key, consider making prior arrangements to stop along the way for a visit to the Pensacola Lighthouse, which offers gorgeous views of the bay and Gulf. As the lighthouse is on the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, access for civilians might only be available via a shuttle-bus tour that requires advance reservations and proper identification. Entry requirements are subject to change, however, so check ahead. Wear supportive shoes; it’s 177 steps to the top. Note, too, that climbers must be at least seven years old and 44 inches tall. Museum exhibits here highlight things such as lighthouse keeping and the Coast Guard.

Pensacola's city jail once occupied the 1906 Spanish Revival–style building that is now the secure home for the museum's permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by 20th- and 21st-century artists. And we do mean secure: you can still see the actual cells with their huge iron doors. Traveling exhibits have focused on photography (William Wegman, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams), Dutch masters, regional artists, and the occasional art-world icon, such as Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí.

Even if you're not a fan of museums, this one is worth a look. Housed in the elaborate, Renaissance Revival–style former city hall, it has an interesting mix of exhibits illustrating life in the Florida Panhandle over the centuries. One of these, The City of Five Flags, provides a good introduction to Pensacola's history. Displays include an exhibit that showcases the infamous Trader Jon's bar, where young flight students mingled with celebrities and local politicians, and a child-size interactive area with a ship and fort where kids can play and pretend to be colonial Pensacolians.

Set amid the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this state park has a quiet, pristine coastline with dunes of white sand lined with sea oats. Its beach, now referred to as Johnson Beach, has historically been inclusive, as it was one of the few beaches open to African Americans during segregation. Today the park offers primitive camping year-round, but it's also ideal for a day of swimming, shelling, birding, and surf fishing. Perhaps you'll see signs of the critically endangered Perdido Key beach mouse, a species that only lives on Perdido Key. The beach is within walking distance of dining and nightlife on the key and is a short drive from Alabama. Amenities: showers; toilets. Best for: sunsets; swimming; walking.

On a huge swath of land that was once an amusement park, this open-air, 900,000-square-foot entertainment complex creates the "downtown" that Panama City Beach otherwise lacks. Shopping ( www.simon.com/mall/pier-park) is a major draw, with large anchors such as Dillard's and Target, as well as specialty stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop. But there are loads of other attractions, too: the 200-foot-high Sky Wheel, the 16-screen Grand IMAX theater, a Dave & Buster's, laser tag. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and other clubs and restaurants keep things hopping after dark. Pier Park is also the site of festivals, holiday celebrations, and other special events throughout the year.

For years, Railroad Square consisted of ramshackle warehouses near the train tracks, but visionary owners transformed the area into a funky artists' enclave that now has 70 quirky galleries, shops, and restaurants. If possible visit during the monthly First Friday Festival, a very popular evening open house featuring art, food, music, and a drum circle.

Established in 1559, Pensacola's first permanent Spanish settlement predates St. Augustine's by six years. The site's center is Seville Square, a live oak–shaded park bounded by Alcaniz, Adams, Zaragoza, and Government streets. Roam 14 brick streets past honeymoon cottages and homes amid a parklike setting. Many buildings have been converted into restaurants, bars, offices, and shops that overlook Pensacola Bay and coastal road U.S. 98, which provides access to the Gulf Coast and beaches.

Open each summer, this 15-acre water park has 3 million gallons' worth of splashing-good fun for all ages—from speedy slides and tubes to a giant wave pool to the slow-moving Lazy River. Oddly enough, admission is based on height (whether you are over or under 50 inches), with those under 35 inches entering for free. Wear water shoes or flip-flops to protect your feet on the hot pavement.

Located about 20 minutes from downtown, this expansive, bucolic park has a lot to see and do. A village of 19th-century buildings—including a pioneer farm, a one-room schoolhouse, and a Southern manor—showcases Old Florida and has weekend living-history demonstrations on cooking, blacksmithing, quilting, and other period activities. A boardwalk meanders through 52 acres of a natural-habitat zoo with panthers, bobcats, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, red wolves, hawks, owls, otters, and black bears. Guest animals drop in for visits, and animal encounters are scheduled daily. Don't miss the nature walk, which has colorful dinosaur sculptures created entirely from recycled car parts. For an extra charge, you can get a bird's-eye view everything at Tree-to-Tree Adventures, which features sky-high zip lines and an aerial obstacle course.