PENSACOLA, Fla. The gleaming white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Floridas Panhandle draw millions of visitors each year, but this area isnt known for glitz, glamour and high-end hot spots like some of Floridas other beaches. Instead, the Panhandle offers a laid-back vibe, Southern hospitality and family atmosphere. The region caters to budget-conscious travelers who often drive from nearby Southern cities like Atlanta, Birmingham or New Orleans.

Hotel and restaurant costs climb during the peak summer months, but even the priciest Panhandle resorts are generally less expensive than Miami Beach, Naples or the Florida Keys. And the Panhandle offers many opportunities for great memories visiting local attractions that cost nothing at all.

BEACHES

From Pensacola in the western Panhandle to Apalachicola in the east, youll find more than 200 miles) of relatively undeveloped beaches. Walk the sand in the early morning or late day to glimpse a spectacular sunrise or sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Because the beaches dont get lots of traffic except for a few towns that draw college spring breakers in March shell seekers often make unique finds such as small conch shells and sand dollars. Beachgoers often glimpse pods of dolphins frolicking in the distance and schools of stingrays gliding just offshore.

During the busiest months, some beaches offer free outdoor concerts. Pensacola Beach offers live music every Tuesday night from April to October, visitpensacolabeach.com/what/bands.php.

NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM

The museum is located on Pensacola Naval Air Station and is open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/. The museum offers an extensive collection of vintage military aircraft from all eras of flight and has numerous hands-on displays that give visitors a taste of what it was like to be a naval aviator through the generations. On most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings March through November, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the U.S. Navys Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron practices in the skies above the museum, navalaviationmuseum.org/explore/blue-angels-practices. Visitors are treated to a full, jaw-dropping performance by six of the worlds best fighter pilots. Team members gather inside the museum after some practices for an autograph session with visitors.

SEASIDE

The picturesque village of Seaside http://www.seasidefl.com/ is located on the Gulf of Mexico between Destin and Panama City and includes some of the priciest beach homes in the region. Developed in 1981 as a planned resort community, Seaside was the setting of the 1998 film, The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey. Seaside is known for its pastel-colored beach bungalows built in the old Florida tradition and for its beautifully landscaped walkways and public areas. The town has a selection of upscale boutiques and restaurants, but there is lots of fun to be had in Seaside without spending any money. Seaside often has live concerts during the evenings in its outdoor amphitheater. Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy the music; details at seasidefl.com/highlights/events-calendar.

WENTWORTH MUSEUM AND HISTORIC PENSACOLA

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Florida Panhandle offers gleaming beaches for budget travelers