It’s time to step off the beaten path and explore some local secrets that make our stretch of paradise truly one of a kind. When you think of the Gulf Coast, iconic beaches, fresh seafood, and lively boardwalks probably come to mind. And while the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters certainly live up to the hype, there’s a whole other side to the Gulf Coast waiting to be discovered.
Princess Beach: Okaloosa Island’s Secret Beach
On the eastern end of Okaloosa Island, Princess Beach is one of the Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets. There are no signs, no lifeguard stands, and no facilities — just a quiet stretch of untouched shoreline where locals go to escape the bustle of the main beaches. With emerald water, soft sand, and a natural dune backdrop, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful morning walk, shell hunting, or simply soaking up the sun without the crowds. If you’re up for a little adventure and know where to look, this hidden gem is well worth the search.
The Coastal Art Scene You Didn’t Know Existed
Local secrets aren’t just about sunbathing. Right in the heart of our charming communities are art galleries, studios, and monthly markets that showcase the talents of local artists. Visit the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach or browse funky murals and handcrafted goods in Downtown Pensacola to get a glimpse of the region’s creative side. If you’re visiting at the right time, Foo Foo Festival in Pensacola is a spectacle of local artists that is sure to impress.
Kayak the Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County
These rare ecosystems exist in only a handful of places around the world, and South Walton is one of them. Locals love to paddle through the serene waters of Western Lake or Camp Creek Lake, where freshwater meets the salty Gulf. It’s a peaceful, otherworldly experience you won’t find on the average tourist itinerary.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Sure, waterfront dining has its appeal, but some of the best bites on the Gulf Coast are found in unassuming roadside shacks or hole-in-the-wall eateries.
If you’re in the Perdido Key area, you have to try Jaime’s Local Seafood Shack, a hidden food truck off the beaten path that has fresh seafood and amazing specials.
Heading toward Navarre Beach, Scooter’s Fish House is a local staple where fried shrimp baskets, blackened mahi, and smoked tuna dip are served fast, fresh, and with no fuss. It’s casual counter service with Gulf flavor done right.
Closer to Fort Walton Beach, locals love Stewby’s Seafood Shanty, a humble drive-thru and dine-in spot that’s big on taste and light on tourist crowds. Don’t let the no-frills exterior fool you — the grilled fish tacos and fried oysters are crowd favorites for a reason.
And if you’re exploring Pensacola Beach, take a detour inland to Carmen’s Lunch Bar in downtown Pensacola for a break from fried fare. This cozy café serves inventive soups, sandwiches, and tapas with a Southern twist — all locally sourced and full of personality.
Wherever you roam along the coast, skip the chain restaurants and follow the locals — your taste buds will thank you.
Explore the Backwaters of Bon Secour
Want a break from the beach? The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama offers pristine trails, birdwatching, and kayaking in a quiet, natural setting. This protected land feels like stepping into another world — one where dolphins play in the inlets and herons glide overhead.
Opal Beach: The Locals’ Secret Spot
Directly between the busier stretches of Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach lies a pristine, under-the-radar escape known as Opal Beach. Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this quiet stretch of coastline is loved by locals for its untouched beauty, sugar-white sand, and sparkling emerald waters.
There’s no development here, just wide-open beach, rolling dunes, and the peaceful sound of waves. Locals often head to Opal Beach for a relaxing afternoon picnic, long beach walks, or a quiet sunrise.
With shaded pavilions and minimal distractions, it offers a true back-to-nature experience — a rare and refreshing contrast to the more commercial beach scenes nearby.
Sunset From a Quiet Dock
While tourists scramble for the perfect photo from crowded piers, a great local secret is to slip away to quiet spots like Galvez Landing in Perdido Key or the Pensacola Bay Bluffs for a peaceful view of the sky set on fire by the setting sun. These lesser-known docks and overlooks offer some of the most breathtaking — and uncrowded — views on the coast.
Canoe the Blackwater River
When the Gulf beaches fill up, a great local secret is where to go for a quieter kind of coastal adventure: Blackwater River State Park. Just northeast of Milton, this natural lazy river winds through miles of pristine Northwest Florida wilderness. With some of the purest sand-bottom waters in the nation, the Blackwater River is a dream destination for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
This spot is beloved by locals for its gentle currents, shady riverbanks, and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. Visitors float along under a canopy of Atlantic white cedars — including one recognized as a Florida Champion tree — and often stop to picnic on the sandy banks or explore nature trails nearby. Whether you’re camping under the stars, casting a line, or just drifting downstream with friends, Blackwater River is the perfect way to unplug and enjoy Florida’s wild beauty away from the crowds.
Fall and Winter — The Locals’ Beach Season
One of the best-kept local secrets is the beauty of the Gulf Coast in the off-season. From September to February, the beaches are peaceful, the water is still warm, and the sunsets are even more vivid. It’s the perfect time to explore without the crowds, and ideal for those looking to purchase a second home or relocate to a slower-paced lifestyle.
Discover the Gulf Coast Like a Local
At Pointe South, we believe that the real charm of the Gulf Coast lies in its hidden places and tight-knit communities — the kind of local secrets that don’t show up on a typical vacation brochure. Whether you’re buying, renting, or just exploring, our team is here to help you experience the Gulf Coast like a true local.
Ready to find your own piece of paradise? Reach out to one of our knowledgeable agents today and let’s go beyond the tourist trail together.
