8 Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024 (2024)

Florida's Emerald Coast is known for its white sand beaches, tropical vibes, and laid-back atmosphere. While the towns all have something unique, these eight towns offer the best downtown areas of 2024.

Some of it is history and events, but these downtown areas are perfect for visiting. Most of the downtown areas on the Emerald Coast have views and public access to the beaches. This makes for a remarkable trip as you can explore the history while shopping and dining. Several events are held throughout the "busy" season, enhancing your visit to these remarkable beach towns.

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is a charming beach town with a thriving town center. Gulf Place on 30A looks like you would expect a beach downtown to look like multi-colored buildings and pastel-colored awnings line the pedestrian-friendly streets. While you are there, dine at the luxurious Vue on 30A for a refined, beachfront dinner.

Gulf Place includes townhomes, tennis courts, and, of course, plenty of shopping. Several events occur at Gulf Place, such as the 3rd Thursday Wine Walk. The Wine Walk starts at Artists Place from 5-7 PM. For $20.00, you can sample various wines while strolling through the town center and shopping at your favorite places. Santa Rosa Beach has a lively downtown area is the perfect place to visit for a self-care trip.

Destin

Destin is a tropical getaway renowned for its offshore fishing and beautiful beaches. It also has an attractive downtown area, the waterfront Harborwalk Village. The Destin Commins is also an outdoor adventure with over 85 shops and restaurants.

Harborwalk Village is a massive shopping center along Destin's harbor. Restaurants include East Pass Seafood House and Azul Mexican Fusion. Waterfront activities include dolphin cruises or fishing charters. The Treasure Trove Marketplace is full of fun and unique shops while enjoying the one-of-a-kind view only Destin offers.

Apalachicola

Apalachicola is a historic fishing village with a historic downtown, full of charm and mystique. Apalachicola Main Street was developed in 2011 as part of the Florida Main Street and National Main Street programs. The enhancement program has preserved the rich history of downtown Apalachicola for future generations and allowed new businesses to thrive.

The Center for History, Culture, and Art is a great place to start your visit. The brick and granite structure was built in 1836 and is only one of two serving cotton mills from that era. The Dixie Theater, circa 1912, is a classy way to end your day of exploration and dining. It is not just a live theater; it is an educational portal about the significance of Apalachicola. There are also modern shops and restaurants, most offering the local seafood that Apalachicola is known for.

Cedar Key

Cedar Key is a barrier island accessible only by boat. The main drag offers historical structures and panoramic views of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The island is distinctively "old Florida" and has long been a haven for artists, writers, and creatives. Every April, there is a festival, "Old Florida Celebration of the Arts," and it is a prime time to visit.

Other annual celebrations include the 4th of July, the October Seafood Festival, and Pirate Fest. Dock Street, the main thoroughfare, is equivalent to Duval Street in Key West and is packed with waterfront bars. Haunts like Duncan's on the Gulf and Steamer's Clam Bar and Grill are popular among visitors and residents. The downtown area is accessible by vehicle, but most travel on bicycles or golf carts.

Seaside

Seaside is a picturesque community with principles of New Urbanism architecture. The 80-acre community also includes the Seaside Town Center, with incredible shops within walking distance of the 300 residences. No trip to the downtown area is complete without a stop at Bud and Alley's, a waterfront, open-air patio popular with sundowners.

The Town Center also has quaint passageways that lead to the remarkable beach. Among the many shops are bookstores like SundogBooks and retail shops like The Seaside Style. There is also a pop-up area and the Seaside Farmer's Market.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, or just PCB, is known as the Spring Break party town but offers much more. The walkable historic downtown area offers lofts for residents, shops, and restaurants. The Social District allows pedestrians to purchase to-go cups they can carry with them as they peruse the numerous galleries and local shops.

The Thistle and Thorne is a popular eatery in the heart of the downtown district that participates in the Social Beverage program along with Ferrucci Ristorante. Numerous galleries are also to peruse, such as The Light Room. It is an elegant photo gallery and photography academy with exposed brick walls. You can tour the dark room and take a beginner photography lesson. PCB has one of the best downtown districts on the Emerald Coast and is one of the best of 2024.

Fort Walton Beach

Downtown Fort Walton Beach is an elegant shopping and walking district on the Emerald Coast. The vibrant area has a gorgeous coastline as a backdrop and is a foodie's paradise. The center hosts the Saturday Market on the second and last Saturdays of the month. Arts and crafts, fresh produce, and craft artisans sell baked goods here.

The downtown area is also a haven for local artists. It hosts the Art Walk, an all-day event on the third Friday of March through September. Over 20 restaurants are located here, including KC's Sandbar and Grill, Taste Tapas and Wine Bar, and Maas Coffee Roasters. This quaint pedestrian district has many live events that make the FWB Downtown District one of the best of 2024.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is a quaint coastal community with a lively downtown area. The Town Center offers rows of multi-colored three-story buildings, including lodging, galleries, and restaurants. Popular restaurants include Havana's Beachbar and Grill and the Summer Kitchen Cafe.

Scott Merrill inspired the downtown Town Hall, a popular wedding spot. Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar offers unbeatable views of the Gulf of Mexico and provides an ideal setting for watching sunsets. This is one of the best downtowns due to its walkable paths, manicured gardens, and cobblestone roads.

Discover the Best of Florida's Emerald Coast Downtown Areas

The Emerald Coast is known for its white sand beaches and tropical-colored water. These quaint beachside communities also have exceptional downtown areas. Rosemary Beach has exceptional architecture, while Apalachicola and Cedar Key offer historic sites and an old Florida atmosphere.

Live events and celebrations include the Wine Walk in Santa Rosa Beach and the Saturday Market in Fort Walton Beach. These downtown areas also provide the ultimate destination for foodies, and there are rooftop bars where you can watch gorgeous sunsets while dining. The best way to get around is to leave the car at the hotel and stroll through the shops and historic sites while soaking in the tropical sunshine.

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