Panhandle Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Panhandle Panoramic Road is a 190 km road trip that takes you from Pensacola to Panama City, two beautiful cities in the United States. Along the way, you can take in some incredible sights, including Pensacola Beach, Seaside, and many more. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the summer months when the temperatures are warm and the beaches are inviting.
The road trip itself is an amazing experience, offering stunning landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and excellent road conditions. Even if you are a novice driver, you can easily manage this road trip without any problem. Plus, with a moderate budget, you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of the Panhandle Panoramic Road.
Overall, the Panhandle Panoramic Road is an excellent road trip that will provide you with a lifetime of memories. With its breathtaking scenery, inviting beaches, and excellent road conditions, this is one road trip you won't want to miss. So make sure to plan your trip today and experience the beauty of the Panhandle Panoramic Road.
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number of days
190 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Pensacola
Distance 190 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: modest
49.4 kWh
Airports
PNS
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Pensacola is located in the Florida Panhandle and is the perfect starting point for the "Panhandle Panoramic Road" road trip. The city is home to beautiful beaches, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Visitors can start off their trip by exploring the Pensacola Naval Air Station, which is home to the National Naval Aviation Museum. They can also visit the historic fort, Fort Barrancas, which offers stunning views of the city and the Gulf of Mexico.
Pensacola is also home to a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty by taking a boat tour of the Pensacola Bay or by visiting the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Travelers can also enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. The downtown area is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
The closest international airport to Pensacola is the Pensacola International Airport (PNS), which offers car rentals for travelers. From there, visitors can begin their journey on the “Panhandle Panoramic Road” and explore all that Pensacola has to offer.
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Pensacola
- Pensacola Beach
Distance 21 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a road trip from Pensacola to Pensacola Beach and explore the stunningly beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast! This 13mi drive, which will take you fewer than 1 hour, will take you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Start your trip by visiting the Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of museums and historical buildings that tell the story of Pensacola in the 19th century. Then, you can take a stroll along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, a scenic path lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Once you reach Pensacola Beach, make sure to visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a stretch of white sand beaches, dunes, and marshes that are perfect for swimming, fishing, and bird watching. Also, don't forget to explore the Fort Pickens, a 19th-century fort that's now a National Park.
For a more relaxed experience, you can take a boat tour around Pensacola Bay, where you can admire the stunning views of the Gulf Coast.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Pensacola Beach - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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2
Pensacola Beach
- Destin
Distance 69 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
20.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a fun road trip from Pensacola Beach to Destin? This stage of the tour is only 43 miles and will take you less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Pensacola Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and home to the world-famous Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic lighthouse and visit the historic Fort Pickens. Then, take a short drive to the picturesque town of Navarre. Here, you can enjoy some of the best seafood in the area.
Continue your journey to the charming city of Fort Walton Beach. Make sure to explore the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, the Air Force Armament Museum, and the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Then, you’ll arrive in Destin, the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Here you can explore the Emerald Coast Science Center and the Destin History and Fishing Museum. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!
Destin - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Destin
- Seaside
Distance 40 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
10.4 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Destin to Seaside! This 25-mile drive will take you less than an hour, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in these two locations.
In Destin, you can visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a great place to enjoy a relaxing stroll, take pictures of the beautiful views, and grab some delicious food. You can also explore the Henderson Beach State Park, a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park, a great place to have lots of fun.
In Seaside, you can visit the iconic amphitheater, the unique Ruskin Place, or the beautiful beaches. You can also explore the unique shops and restaurants of the town.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Seaside - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Seaside
- Panama City Beach
Distance 39 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: slow
9.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to embark on a 24-mile road trip from Seaside, United States to Panama City Beach? This journey will take you fewer than 1 hour and it is one of the stages of a larger tour.
Seaside is a charming coastal town in Oregon, with a vibrant downtown, beach access and a variety of shops and restaurants. Don't forget to explore the Promenade, a one-mile stretch of boardwalk along the beach, and the Turnaround, a popular gathering spot with a unique fountain sculpture.
Panama City Beach is known for its white sand beaches and emerald green waters. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking and parasailing. Don’t forget to visit the iconic St. Andrews State Park, where you can explore the many trails and observe the abundance of wildlife.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing road trip from Seaside to Panama City Beach!
Panama City Beach - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Panama City Beach
- Panama City
Distance 21 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers! Let us take you on an amazing journey from Panama City Beach to Panama City, a distance of only 13mi, taking less than 1 hour to drive.
Start your tour in Panama City Beach, a coastal city in Florida, and explore its beautiful beaches, such as St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, and the iconic Pier Park. Then, take a drive to Panama City, the largest city in the Florida Panhandle. Here, you can visit the Gulf World Marine Park, the ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory, and the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront.
For outdoor lovers, you can also enjoy the St. Andrews State Park and its white sand beaches, the Frank Brown Park, and the Panama City Beach Conservation Park.
This is only one of the stages of your amazing road trip, for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Panama City - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Panama City
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Panama City is a beautiful coastal city in the United States, located in the Florida Panhandle. It is the end of a stunning road trip named "Panhandle Panoramic Road", offering breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast beaches, rolling hills, and lush forests.
Panama City is home to numerous attractions, including the Gulf World Marine Park, which is a great place to see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is another great family-friendly attraction with its thrilling waterslides and wave pools. The St. Andrews State Park is a lovely spot for some outdoor recreation, with its 1.5 miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush forests. There are also numerous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating, as well as nature trails for hiking and biking.
For those traveling by car, Panama City is conveniently located on the I-10, so it's easy to get to and from. The nearest international airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), located just 20 minutes away.
No matter what your interests are, Panama City is a great destination for a road trip. With its stunning beaches, thrilling attractions, and outdoor activities, it's a place to make unforgettable memories.
Panhandle Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Pensacola
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End:
Panama City
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Distance:
190 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Panhandle Panoramic Road is a captivating 190 km (118 miles) Road Trip route winding through the scenic Florida Panhandle, from Pensacola to Panama City. This journey offers travelers an array of breathtaking coastal views, sugar-white sandy beaches, and charming small-town atmospheres, making it an ideal route for drivers of all skill levels seeking a serene adventure.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Pensacola: Embark on your journey in this historic city, home to the renowned National Naval Aviation Museum and the historic Pensacola Village, which offers a glimpse into 19th-century life.
- Pensacola Beach: Relax on the idyllic shores with their powdery white sands and take a stroll on the Pensacola Beach Pier, one of the longest in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Seaside: Discover this master-planned community, famous for its role in the movie `The Truman Show,` featuring charming pastel-colored houses and boutique shopping experiences.
- Panama City: Conclude your Trip with a visit to this lively beach town, offering diverse dining options, fishing opportunities at the Russell-Fields Pier, and the natural beauty of St. Andrews State Park.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time for this Road Trip is during the late spring to early fall, with May to September offering warm temperatures perfect for beach activities and water sports.
Potential Risks:
- Be mindful of the hurricane season between June and November, which can bring severe weather and disrupt travel plans.
- Expect heavier traffic and crowded attractions during the peak tourist season in the summer.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route is dotted with various budget-friendly accommodations and eateries that cater to a range of tastes.
- Activities along the way are plentiful, including sunbathing, swimming, exploring local art scenes, and visiting historical landmarks.
- Road conditions are typically well-maintained, providing a smooth and pleasurable driving experience.
A good choice for:
The Panhandle Panoramic Road is an exceptional choice for those looking to experience the unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this picturesque drive offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, prepare your playlist, and embark on this unforgettable coastal Road Trip to savor the endless charms of the Florida Panhandle.
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