Fodor’s Travel has just finalized its 2015 Go List of the top 25 places to visit next year, from Cleveland to Chile. The Florida Panhandle was chosen as a 2015 must-see destination.
Throughout the past year the experts at Fodor’s Travel have logged over a million miles traveling across the globe, making their picks for the must-see places to visit in 2015. The highly-anticipated list spans six continents and includes destinations for every type of trip – from natural wonders in Iceland to stunning colonial cities in Vietnam.
“The Fodor’s editorial team is passionate about finding the latest up-and-coming hotspots and rediscovering classic destinations,†said Arabella Bowen, Editor in Chief of Fodor’s Travel. “Inspiring our readers to do the same is a key part of our mission and the recommendations on the Go List will get travelers dreaming about their next trip.â€
What did Fodor say about the Panhandle:
Why Go Now: Why not now? The soft quartz beaches of the Florida Panhandle are more beautiful than what you’ll find on most Caribbean islands and undoubtedly among the best in the United States. Chilly winters limit year-round vacationers, but those who venture down will experience a region that feels more Southern than the Latin-influenced culture of South Florida. Some towns have rollicking college-oriented nightlife, some are quieter and geared toward families. Fresh seafood is uniformly excellent, and the virtually unimpeded 100-mile stretch of beach from Pensacola to Panama City feels endless. Add the chance to explore less-visited but wonderful places like Apalachicola and Florida Caverns State Park, and you have the makings of a memorable vacation.
Insider Tip: Every Panhandle beach town has its own personality. Pensacola Beach is low-key and family-friendly. Destin is filled with condos and the busy Sandestin Resort. Grayton Beach is upscale and artsy. Panama City Beach is commercial but bookended by gorgeous natural areas. Inland are interesting towns and the state’s capital, Tallahassee.
When to Go: High season is summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Spring Break is also a busy time (but you can always avoid the crowds if you wish). The sweet spot may be early May and late September, when the water is warm but crowds are thinner.
See the entire list.