Beaches of South Walton

Major North Florida cities include: Tallahassee, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Destin, Gainesville and Seaside.

North Florida is closer in appearance and demeanor to its Deep South neighbors than the tropical backdrop that typifies the rest of the state. It is a land of gracious antebellum plantations, quaint brick-lined downtowns and true Southern hospitality.

It's here that you'll find the state capital, the nation's oldest city, two major university towns (and bitter rivals), an honest-to-goodness big city and, surprisingly, some of the most beautiful beaches in the state that beckon with sugar-white sands and emerald green waters.

Nature reigns supreme in North Florida, and the region blooms with stately magnolia and dogwood trees, colorful azaleas and sweet-smelling gardenias. Forests, preserves and parks remain home to wildlife such as black bears, wood storks, bison, bald eagles and the rare Florida panther. Cool freshwater springs bubble up everywhere, affording recreational opportunities such as tubing, swimming, snorkeling, cave diving and sightseeing on glass-bottom boats. Outdoor enthusiasts can canoe wild and scenic rivers, camp on an open prairie, cycle along the Gulf of Mexico, catch their own scallops, kayak past centuries-old forts and more.

The northwest corner of the state holds idyllic, family-friendly beach communities famous for fishing, diving and the Navy's high-flying Blue Angels. In north central Florida, things slow down to a snail's pace in small rural towns and vast expanses of open land. Northeast Florida runs the gamut with interesting historic sites, secluded Atlantic beaches, urban excitement and charming island getaways.