9 days in Florida Panhandle Itinerary

Surrounded on three sides by water, Pensacola offers access to white-sand beaches and emerald-green ocean unspoiled by large resorts.

Get out of town with these interesting Pensacola side-trips: Okaloosa Island (in Fort Walton Beach), Navarre Beach (in Navarre) and Fort Pickens Area (in Pensacola Beach). There's lots more to do: brush up on your military savvy at National Naval Aviation Museum, step off the mainland to explore Santa Rosa Island, see some colorful creatures with Jolly Sailing and Dolphin Cruises, and test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms.

For maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Pensacola road trip tool.

New York City to Pensacola is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. While traveling from New York City, expect much hotter days and a bit warmer nights in Pensacola, ranging from highs of 68°F to lows of 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can drive to Apalachicola.

Apalachicola is a city in Franklin County, Florida, United States, on the shore of Apalachicola Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Fri): examine the collection at The Raney House Museum, get a taste of the local shopping with Bowery Art Gallery and Studio, then admire the landmark architecture of Orman House Historic State Park, and finally stroll the grounds of Chestnut Street Cemetery. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some serene contemplation at Trinity Episcopal Church, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Oyster City Brewing Company, then identify plant and animal life at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, and finally view the masterpieces at Sea Oats Art Gallery.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Apalachicola vacation builder.

Drive from Pensacola to Apalachicola in 3.5 hours. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time (CST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is usually a 1 hour difference. In March, plan for daily highs up to 71°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Panama City Beach.

Boasting 43 km (27 mi) of white sandy beaches and plenty of sunshine, Panama City Beach is an ideal choice for a relaxing holiday.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Panama City Beach: Santa Rosa Beach (in Santa Rosa Beach), Kitchenique (in Miramar Beach) and Eden Gardens State Park (in Point Washington). The adventure continues: stroll through Panama City Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Henderson Beach State Park, admire the majestic nature at St. Andrews State Park, and see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

Plan my day in Panama City Beach using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Getting from Apalachicola to Panama City Beach by car takes about 2 hours. In March in Panama City Beach, expect temperatures between 72°F during the day and 49°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly back home.