The Florida Panhandle is the northwestern part of the state and is roughly 200 miles (321 kms) long, bordered by Alabama, Georgia and the Gulf of Mexico. It is renowned for sparkling white sands and emerald waters stretching from Cedar Key along the Gulf of Mexico to Pensacola.
The Emerald Coast, also call Miracle strip, is in the Florida Panhandle and consists of 5 coast areas, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Oakaloos, Walton and Bay counties. It is known for the clear emerald-green water and sugar-white sand. Travelling through Panama City and Destin areas with the gorgeous white sandy beaches and big blue coloured ocean views I could see why it was called the Emerald Coast.
This area felt more wild than the Sarasota/Bradenton areas. My days here had beautiful blue skies with just enough of a chill in the air to put on a sweater. I explored and walked through St Andrews State Park, Camp Helen State Park (probably my favourite), Henderson Beach State Park and Santa Rosa island. All stunningly beautiful in their own way.
My final stop on my roadtrip to explore Florida was at Mystic Springs Campground, another water management free campsite along the Escambia River. It was quite remote but the spot had just enough sunlight for my solar and I was tired of driving every day so stayed the week. I spent my time biking, listening to the birds, catching up on my Amazon prime shows, and just relaxing.
