Surprising Florida Beach City Revealed As The Top Alternative To Miami

There’s no denying Miami is a powerhouse.

Beaming with unmatched culture, scenic beaches, a nocturnal party scene, and ritzy stays, it’s not rocket science to figure out why it’s such a popular vacation spot.

That being said, Miami isn’t for everyone. I, for one, am not a huge fan. As the kids say today, it’s “mid”.

Would I visit again? Yes, but it would have to be under the right circumstances. Apparently, I’m not a card-carrying member of an exclusive club who feels this way either.

As we inch closer to fall, more people look to escape the chilly temps across much of the U.S. in favor of sun-drenched shores, and that’s Exhibit A why Florida is such a draw.

I mean, it is called the “Sunshine State” for a reason, and the allure isn’t limited to Miami and Orlando.

One surprising beach city has been named the top alternative to Miami and it would probably take dozens of guesses before you narrowed it down.

Boasting paradisal white-sand shores, rich history, and epic eats, travel experts at The Independent swear by Pensacola as your next laid-back Florida getaway.

Swap South Beach Chaos For Idyllic Serenity

Sugar-white sand, otherworldly hued waters, and a sense of serenity — and that concludes today’s pilot episode of Travel Off Path’s Things You Won’t Find In Miami.

Seriously, though — Miami is a fun city with buzzing neighborhoods like Little Havana to trendy artsy districts like Wynwood, but the beaches are pretty lackluster for such a major city renowned for, well, beaches.

At least, that’s my experience. I’d take the Southwest side of Florida over Miami any day. In fact, I’m stoked to be going back to Tampa’s cluster of hidden gems next month.

Offering similar vibes on the Panhandle is Pensacola, a vibrant beach escape with clear-ish waters unlike the Gulf’s reputation of brackish no-swim zones like that of Mississippi and parts of Alabama.

Pensacola’s 18-mile stretch of coast is spotless, most notably the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which spans numerous barrier islands. It offers some of Florida’s most beautiful shores for hiking, sunbathing, or exploring protected lands by camping or kayaking and spotting aquatic life.

The Independent claims Santa Rosa is among their favorite,s backed by ‘sparkling azure seas’. Can’t argue with that!

Way More Affordable Than Miami: Pig Out & Sleep Well On A Budget!

Many Miami tourists don’t bat an eye at splurging on luxury, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Sure, this vibrant city is synonymous with glitz and glamour, but Pensacola may actually look better on the ‘gram.

When you’re in South Beach, there’s no denying beaches are expansive — many of which are lined with posh stays and some of the city’s top restaurants packed with A-listers schmoozing over bottle service.

Time for a reality check — most travelers craze realness. What’s more realistic to obtain than powdery white-sand beaches with less crowds and way better prices?

The answer: Pensacola. Plus, it lacks the same level of raucous college students as nearby Panama City and you can eat good in the neighborhood without settling for Applebee’s soggy chicken wings.

Pensacola is where “Old Florida” meets Gulf Coast authenticity, meaning you can score down-home cookin’ with soulful Southern meals and fresh “catch of the days” without the overpriced menus curated to tourists.

A great example is The Oar House, a local favorite serving affordable (yet delicious) seafood classics like Po’boys only set you back $11.95.

Not a seafood fan? That’s okay too. Check out Lucy’s In the Square in Pensacola’s charming downtown, and I promise you won’t dent your wallet.

Hotels are budget-friendly too, and you don’t have to settle for hostels or unkempt boutique hotels with shared bathrooms like you might have to in Miami — this Hilton Garden Inn for $149 is very reasonable to cap off summer.

Though the Independent recommends the Pensacola Beach Resort with rates starting in the low $200s.

“The City Of Five Flags”: Pensacola Is More Cultural Than You Think

Finding a dupe to Little Havana ain’t happenin’ in Pensacola. However, there’s more than meets the eye.

One such spot is Historic Pensacola Village. This must-see features a complex of restored homes and buildings that transport visitors back in time.

Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags” due to its long history as a French, Spanish, British, Confederate, and American settlement that left a lasting mark to this day.

There are numerous spots to take a deep dive into Pensacola’s vast history, such as The Pensacola Museum of History, The National Naval Aviation Museum, and most notably Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fortress used as a stronghold during the Civil War, and is now part of the aforementioned Gulf Islands National Seashore.