Welcome to Florida's Emerald Coast, where a picture's worth a thousand likes!
While it's difficult to narrow down the area's most Instagram-able vistas, here's a selection of our favorites, guaranteed to have your friends staring and sharing!
1. CENTRAL SQUARE RECORDS
| Seaside, Florida
Photos by @centralsquarerecords
A crate diggers paradise, this hip record store is much more than a cool way to pass the hours while friends and family hit the beach. Central Square Records boasts one of the most amazing views on 30A. Head upstairs and take in the entire town of Seaside, FL, where “The Truman Show” was filmed. The iconic obelisk in the background and the amphitheater in the foreground lend themselves to a perfectly framed Instagram masterpiece. Say hi to Tom for us!
89 Central Square - 2nd Floor - Seaside, FL 32459 | 850.231.5669
2. PENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM
| Pensacola, Florida
Photos by @kare_bear_florida and @deehker
The history buff in you will marvel at this storied structure, located on the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Pensacola. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is an essential stop on any trip to NW Florida. Climb 177 steps up 151’ for a vista unlike any other along the Gulf, with views of the Blue Angels to the north, and the calm, emerald Gulf waters at your feet. Take a selfie on the 360 degree outside walkway or standing next to the impressive array of mirrors and glass surrounding the “light.” BONUS: The incredible Naval Aviation Museum is right next door, and it’s free!
2081 Radford Blvd - Pensacola, FL 32508 | 850.393.1561
3. ROSEMARY BEACH WALKOVERS
| Rosemary Beach, Florida
Photos by @rosemary_beachfl and @holss_m
Head to The Pearl (another Instagram-worthy spot) in Rosemary Beach and walk towards the Gulf. Once there, you’ll be standing on a bluff looking down at the Gulf of Mexico. This gorgeous part of America contains the highest altitudes of any Gulf Coast location. As the sun strikes the Tudor style condos and beachfront homes, make sure your camera is shooting west, capturing the steep bluffs in the background.
The Pearl | 63 Main Street - Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
4. BUD & ALLEY'S AT SUNSET
| Seaside, Florida
Photos by @viemagazine and @aamcintyre13
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this Coastal Casual restaurant and bar strikes a pose each day when the sun fades below the emerald waters. Locals know full well to listen for the bell, marking the end of another gorgeous day in Seaside. Shoot due south to capture the waves kissing the shore.
2236 E W County Hwy 30A - Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850.231.5900
5. NAVARRE BEACH 7-MILE DRIVE
| Navarre Beach, Florida
Photos by @traceinghamphotography and @neuroactivity
Walk, drive, or bike along this scenic 7-mile two-lane road. With the intracoastal on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the thousands of dunes gives the impression you’ve landed on Florida’s version of the moon. Each step on the Gulf’s longest stretch of accessible, undeveloped beach provides a photo-op to impress. Pro-tip: Bring a stepladder or something to stand on, and go at sunrise or sunset to soak in the beauty. Bonus: If you go at night, you’ll see more stars than Hollywood Boulevard!
State Road 399, Between Navarre Beach and Portofino Resort
6. PENSACOLA BEACH MERLIN SIGN
| Gulf Breeze, Florida
Photos by @pensacolaposh and @classicgrl716
A retro classic featured in paintings, sculptures, and many other works of art, textiles, and graphic design, this sign is a little tricky to capture. Due to traffic heading to the beach, there are no distinct “pose points,” so be mindful as you approach. Your best bet is having your passenger take photos as you drive past. Video is another surefire way to reel in this beauty. Pro-tip: Go at night and capture the blur as you drive past. Insta-grand!
Gulf Breeze, Florida
7. GRAFFITI BRIDGE
| Pensacola, Florida
Photos by @thegraffitibridge
You definitely won’t need to tag your location for this one. This Instagram-able spot is a true original on the Emerald Coast. A unique expression of art, and an iconic landmark for the street artist in all of us, the Graffiti Bridge is actually an old railroad overpass once used by the CSX Transportation Company. It changes virtually every day, so no two posts are alike!
Off 17th Avenue in Pensacola, Florida
8. SHUNK GULLEY
| Gulf Place, Florida
Photos by @jamiecrow80 and @cgalat
A recent edition to Scenic Highway 30A’s many fine dining establishments, this two-story beauty has all the makings of a tourist trap, yet completely avoids them. Another Coastal Casual entry, Shunk Gulley has made a name for itself by serving some of the best, and budget-friendly, oysters in the region. Sit at the railing on the top floor, then point and shoot. With the Ed Walline beach access in the background, your unobstructed view is guaranteed to make the folks back home say, “Well… shunk my gulley!”
1875 S County Hwy 393 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850.622.2733
9. DESTIN HARBOR - HARBORWALK VILLAGE
| Destin, Florida
Photos by @lafillefreespirit and @thegoodlifedestin
Downtown Destin’s waterfront stretch of bars, restaurants, arcades, and watersports activities could occupy this entire list! Hard to choose which location to feature, so walk around and take your time. Make sure to head to the far western end, towards the southwestern side of the Emerald Grande, for a unique setting that includes the Marler Bridge the foreground. Then turn and capture Holiday Isle, a manmade masterpiece just across the channel. Strike a pose and then hit “post”!
10 Harbor Blvd - Destin, FL 32541 | 850.424.0600
10. HARPOON HARRY'S
| Panama City Beach, Florida
Photos by @angelaanjin
One of those places you’d drive by a million times and never know it has one of the most killer views in all of NW Florida. Enter above the seating area and take in the view straight down to the beach. Floor to ceiling windows capture the sugar white sand in all its glory. Warning: It will be difficult paying attention to your dining companions as the gulf waters wave hello.
12627 Front Beach Road - Panama City Beach, FL 32407 | 850.234.6060
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