Northwest Florida has had a tempestuous history, with both the British and Spanish empires laying claim to the territory before it joined the US in the early 19th century. Nowadays, you can set out from your Florida Panhandle vacation rental and immerse yourself in the region's storied past with a trip to the Panhandle Pioneer Village, a living museum comprised of traditional log-cabin buildings on a working farm. You can also relive the Panhandle's glory days by paying a visit to Fort Barrancas, a defensive outpost where the 1st hostile shots of the American Civil War were fired.
From the open ocean to sheltered bays, lakes, and rushing rivers, water rules the roost in the exciting Panhandle region. The area is famous for its dolphin-encounter centers, where visitors of all ages can befriend these playful creatures, and for its boat tours where you can watch them frolic in the wild, or even be towed alongside them. For an aquatic adventure a little closer to home, you can try booking a Florida Panhandle vacation rental with a private pool, perfect for a romantic evening dip or an early morning splash around with the kids.
Blessed with a subtropical climate, the Panhandle is known for its long, hot summers, when temperatures soar and guests hit the beach or lounge by the pool. Visitors should be aware that summer afternoons can be wet, as the rainy season in the area runs from May to October, so it's best to get your sunbathing done early. However, rain or shine, the ocean is always warm around the Florida Panhandle, so you can make the most of the many snorkeling, surfing, and scuba-diving activities on offer, no matter the weather.
The incredibly diverse countryside of the Florida Panhandle is showcased in a number of breathtaking state parks. Some feature magnificent natural formations, as in the Florida Caverns State Park, where you can journey deep underground to tour the spectacular limestone caves, while others, like St Andrews State Park, are located by the sea and offer miles of sandy beaches bordered by emerald waters. If you book a pet-friendly Florida Panhandle vacation rental, you can even bring your dog along with you on your rambles through the majestic landscape.
The beaches in the Florida Panhandle offer a little something for everyone, from water sports and adventures to calm days in the sun. St. George Island offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, unspoiled sand areas, and historic lighthouses, as well as opportunities for water adventures. You could also visit Panama City Beach, a family-friendly beach area with state parks, sandy beaches, and seaside amenities.
The nearest airport is in Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.), located 37.1 mi (59.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Regional), which is 49.7 mi (80 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Tallahassee Station, Madison Station and Pensacola Station are the main stations in the area.
The cool waters of the bay provide the Florida Panhandle with deep-cupped oysters, shrimp, crab, grouper, catfish, and mullet, all prepared with different delicious regional recipes. You could also find mayhaw jelly, tupelo honey from the swamps, and stone crabs, gator, cheese grits, and hush puppies in various restaurants and roadside stands near your vacation rental.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 36,840 vacation rentals around Florida Panhandle. From 11,620 house rentals to 628 cottage rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.