Northwest Florida

If you’ve ever heard the song “Rollercoaster” by Luke Bryan, watched Jim Carrey stroll around a lovely little town in The Truman Show or glimpsed a cyan blue sticker reading 30A on the rear windshield of a car, then you’ve gotten a taste of Northwest Florida. 

Famous for white sand and clear, green water, the beaches of Northwest, Florida have been appropriately designated as the Emerald Coast, but summer vacations aren’t all the region has to offer. 

With over six major military installations, including Air Force and Naval operations, the region’s aerospace, defense and cybersecurity industries benefit from an influx of 3,000 former military personnel each year. Not to mention, the workforce of Northwest Florida is over 1 million strong and draws in industry leaders like Boeing, Eastern Shipbuilding, Eastman, Lockheed Martin and Navy Federal that call the region home. 

Similarly, household names like Coca-Cola, Walmart and Family Dollar set up distribution centers here because of the close proximity to airports, sea ports and major interstates. 

Is the booming business not enough? Come see the historical sights of the panhandle. Pensacola’s military Fort Pickens operated in the 1830s and Fort Barrancas was used during the Civil War. In the early 1900s, the Chautauqua Building in Defuniak Springs hosted lectures by renowned leaders like Vice President Thomas Marshall, granting Defuniak the title of  “The Education Resort of the South.” Those looking to go even further back in time can visit the Indian Temple Mound and Museum at Fort Walton Beach to learn about Native American culture from 850 CE. 

The top natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts include hiking the highest point in Florida at Britton Hill and touring Florida’s only air-filled, public caves at Florida Caverns State Park. 

For modern-day fun-seekers, Pepsi’s Gulf Coast Jam music festival takes place every summer in Panama City Beach. See your favorite musician, shop at Pier Park or take some time after the festivities to relax on the beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!