Emerald Coast, the Panhandle, the Forgotten Coast. There’s a reason this region of northwest Florida has so many nicknames. The Emerald Coast for its stunning blue-green waters, the Panhandle for its shape on the map and the Forgotten Coast for its rural atmosphere, small population and largely undeveloped area with Old Florida charm.
The beach communities along the Florida Panhandle offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s bigger cities, each one with its own laid-back vibe and local flavor.
The area boasts over 30 state parks, each a haven for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Wander the tranquil walking trails for a glimpse of colorful migratory birds at Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola or marvel at the snow-white sand and shimmering surf at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach—a paradise for sunbathers and water-sports enthusiasts alike.
For something truly unique, venture underground at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna, where guided cave tours reveal a world of stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over centuries.
All in all, 13 counties border the Gulf Coast with expansive beaches, historic districts and quiet fishing villages—all ripe for varied outdoor activities.
Here are ideas for group fun in the most popular meeting spots in the Panhandle.
[Related: The Unique Allure of Florida's Panhandle for Meetings]
Pensacola
With names like Strippin-N-Rippin Charter Fishing and All Caught Up Fishing Charters, you’d think the locals don’t take their fishing seriously—but you’d be wrong. Called the “Red Snapper Capital of the World,” groups come here for deep-sea fishing and fly fishing all year long.
Those who aren’t interested in fishing but love to get out on the water can always hop aboard the Frisky Mermaid in hopes of spotting frolicking dolphins or experiencing the world-famous Blue Angels practicing their aerial stunts in the sky. There are also numerous lunch, dinner and sunset cruises available for groups.
Pensacola also stands out for its sugar-white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters, where visitors can soak up the sun or try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding. And Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, at 1,471 feet long, is said to be the longest in Florida. A stroll out to the end of the pier is a great way to see the Gulf up close without getting your feet wet, or watching folks cast their lines in hopes of catching the big one.
The Casino Beach Bar & Grill is nearby and popular for its grilled fish tacos and burgers. For a more elegant event, there’s Pier Suite Events, a venue overlooking the Gulf for up to 150 guests.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is worth a trip for history buffs. With more than 4,000 artifacts and 150 carefully restored aircraft, it is the largest Naval aviation museum in the country. On select days, the Blue Angels can be seen practicing high over the museum.
From April to September, visitors can catch a minor league baseball game at Blue Wahoos Stadium, with several ways to enjoy this experience: at Hancock Whitney Club, an open-air, covered third-floor event space overlooking the stadium and Pensacola Bay; Better Homes and Gardens Mainstreet Properties Lounge on the stadium’s ground floor; and the team clubhouses for a one-of-a-kind event in the players’ locker rooms.
“Meeting professionals are continually drawn to Pensacola because it offers far more than a traditional meeting destination—it’s a place to truly experience,” said Kaya Man, destination sales director for Visit Pensacola. “Groups can move seamlessly from productive meetings to memorable outdoor activities, whether that’s time on the water, exploring scenic parks or enjoying our iconic sugar-white-sand beaches.
“What planners especially appreciate is how easy Pensacola is to get to and get around,” Man said. “With convenient air access and a walkable historic downtown, attendees can step out of their hotels and immediately enjoy local shops, waterfront views and a vibrant dining scene. From fresh Gulf seafood to chef-driven restaurants and casual coastal fare, there’s a wide variety of locally owned dining options perfect for group outings.”
[Related: 7 Success Stories for Meetings in Florida—As Told by Planners]
Walton County: South Walton and Destin
South Walton is home to 15 coastal dune lakes—found in only a handful of places around the world. These lakes make for a perfect backdrop for guided paddleboarding or kayaking on these calm, scenic waters.
Groups can also take an e-bike excursion along the scenic 18-mile Timpoochee Trail, winding past beach neighborhoods and state parks. Local cafes and shops dot the trail, so it’s a fun way to get acquainted with the area.
Several companies, like 30A Beach Paddle Surf, 30A Blaze and Big Fish Bike and Beach Rentals, can stage a beach bonfire for groups; think s’mores and live music in a relaxed setting for an opening or closing reception. Add in a friendly sand-sculpting contest or beach Olympics-type activity and it becomes a memorable team experience.
Visitors to the area in May can take advantage of popular events like the long-running ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival at Grand Boulevard or Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, where large-scale digital art is projected onto the town’s iconic white architecture.
For tours on the water, East Pass Excursions provides private yacht or boat tours with sandbar stops for sunset or harbor outings.
Fishing is popular in Destin, with companies like Destin Fishing Charters and Destin Inshore Fishing Co. offering trips. Boogies Watersports rents Jet Skis, parasailing and pontoon boats.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach—home to seals, turtles, penguins and stingrays—is available for private events in its Living Sea Aquarium Room for up to 220 people; in its Dolphin Oasis for up to 400; or across the entire park for up to 600.
“In Walton County, group itineraries almost build themselves. A morning strategy session in one of our light-filled meeting spaces can transition to stand-up paddleboarding on a rare coastal dune lake or an e-bike ride along the Timpoochee Trail, and end with a sunset beach bonfire or an evening immersed in our arts scene,” said Karen Morris, director of sales, Walton County Tourism. “Walton County’s quieter stretch of coastline gives planners the best of both worlds; wide-open spaces and creative experiences that make meetings feel less like obligations and more like rewards.”
[Related: 3 Meeting Planners Share Their Top Florida Incentive Programs]
Panama City Beach
This year, St. Andrews State Park will celebrate 75 years of welcoming guests to this 1,200-acre sanctuary between the Gulf and Grand Lagoon. It features white-sand beaches, snorkeling reefs and two fishing piers. There’s also a ferry to the seven-mile barrier island known as Shell Island, a pristine stretch of untouched beach where manatee and dolphin can be spotted along the jetties.
In November, Panama City Beach officially deployed Black Pearl, a 97-foot steel-hulled pirate-themed vessel and the newest addition to its nationally recognized artificial reef program, now offering more than 50 dive sites. Originally constructed as a movie prop for productions such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, the submerged vessel is now accessible to Open Water Certified Divers.
The Man in the Sea Museum offers a look at military, scientific and recreational diving history since the 1800s. Visitors can view interactive exhibits and try on deep-sea dive boots and diving helmets. Also, the area’s first TopGolf facility opened, perfect for all levels of players. TopGolf also offers a three-hour teambuilding activity complete with three to four rounds of competition plus gifts for guests, including medals or trophies for the victors.
For large groups, the legendary honky-tonk Tootsies Orchid Lounge (its flagship is in Nashville) will offer new beachfront property accommodating nearly 1,000 people when it opens in early 2026. It will feature live country bands and serve everything from oysters to pulled pork sandwiches.
“Panama City Beach is one of those rare destinations where you can pack a full agenda and still feel like you’re on vacation. Our crystal-clear turquoise waters and 27 miles of shoreline are unmatched, offering countless ways to enjoy the Gulf Coast—on the water, under the surface, along the beach or exploring our trails, parks and top-tier attractions,” said Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “With year-round sunshine and a robust calendar of festivals, concerts and cultural events, meeting attendees leave here feeling both energized and refreshed. It’s the kind of place where work and play blend naturally.”
[Related: The Latest Property Openings and Renovations in Florida (2025)]
Latest & Greatest: Hotel Developments in Florida's Panhandle
Fort Walton Beach
The 333-room Island Resort Fort at Walton Beach completed major enhancements across the property, including expanded upgrades to the porte cochere and Daktronics marquee, shaded seating and a rental-bike center. The resort offers 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Panama City Beach
Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort opened a new clubhouse featuring a fitness center, arcade, event space and restaurant, expanding the onsite amenities available to guests. Guests enjoy a 580-foot-plus private beach complete with umbrella/chair service and paddleboard/kayak rentals and lessons, and a 2.5-acre Oasis pool with H₂O adventure slides and a 425-foot heated lazy river. Margaritaville Cottages Resort has 103 homes, with 93 participating in the onsite rental program and managed directly by the resort. The hotel has roughly 3,000 square feet in meeting space total.
Pensacola
Hotel Tristan is expected to open in late 2026 in downtown Pensacola, steps away from local shops, attractions and restaurants. The boutique hotel will feature 122 rooms, a rooftop bar and 2,000-square-foot meeting room.
Tempo by Hilton is slated for completion in late 2026/early 2027. The upscale lifestyle hotel will be located right off the bayfront, built with thoughtful communal spaces and a pool terrace. It is expected to have more than 200 guest rooms.
Sandestin Beach
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa emerged from a $35 million property-wide renovation—completed in early 2025 to mark its 40th anniversary—with a refreshed coastal-modern design and upgraded amenities. All 590 rooms and suites have been renovated, along with the lobby, dining venues, pools, spa, beachfront decking and 62,5000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Tallahassee
Residence Inn by Marriott Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol completed property-wide renovations to modernize its space. The 135-suite hotel features kitchenettes and separate living areas ideal for project teams and academic groups, near the Capitol building and universities. The update included a refresh of its 4,130 square feet of event space that can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Alluxsuites at 1876, an Ascend Collection Hotel, introduced a new boutique option for the extended-stay segment featuring 93 stylish units ranging from studio to two-bedroom suites. Amenities include a modern fitness center and the 1876 Bar and Grille.
