Exploring The Florida Panhandle

Image: PHOTO: Beautiful Panama City Beach is a must-see in the Florida Panhandle. (Courtesy Flickr/dconvertini)

by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 2:15 PM ET, Mon January 23, 2017

Road trip!

If you're looking for an adventure out on the open road, head to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and explore the Florida Panhandle. The northwest part of the state provides hundreds of miles of exciting places to see and things to do.

It's hard to narrow down all of the highlights, so here are a few of the items that should be at the top of your list:

The National Naval Aviation Museum: Even if you're not a military buff, you need to pull over and tour one of the most-visited museums in Florida. Located in Pensacola, this huge 350,000-sq.-ft. museum is free to everyone. Here you will see the aircraft history of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation, and can even sit behind the controls of these warbirds. Learn about women in naval aviation and about the biplanes of the Great War. One of the most spectacular parts of your visit will be watching the rehearsals of the Blue Angels, the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron.

Seville Quarter: When it's time to get out of the car and eat, drink and dance the night away, the Seville Quarter, also located in Pensacola, is one of the most famous places to do it in the Panhandle. The Seville Quarter is made up of seven rooms. Visit one or visit them all. Start with the original Rosie O'Grady's where you'll find good old Dixieland jazz. Enjoy a morning cup of cappuccino at the Palace Caf�� or get your groove on at the Phineas Phogg's dance club. There's also Lili Marlene's World War I Aviators Pub, Apple Annie's, Fast Eddie's Billiard Parlor, the End o' the Alley, and Palace Caf��.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Enterprise Earns Sustainability Products and Services Award[/READMORE]

Pensacola Lighthouse: It's just 177 steps between you and one of the most beautiful Gulf Coast views you will find. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum was built in 1859. You don't have to imagine how cool it would be to see the Blue Angels practice from the top of the lighthouse, because the venue offers the opportunity to see them at eye level from the catwalk. They also offer 'ghost tours' and a tour of the Richard C. Callaway Museum, which is the restored 1869 keeper's quarters. Read about local Civil War history, U.S. Coast Guard history, maritime history, and local archaeology.

The Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum: Holy vehicles Batman! There's a lot to do in the capital of Florida, but you definitely don't want to miss The Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum, where you can learn about the first automobiles in America, see a history of the automobile throughout the ages and even see real Batmobiles used in the motion pictures. There are 150 rare and historic cars here, including Abraham Lincoln's hearse, the first automobile designed by the Duryea brothers in 1894, steam powered cars, muscle cars, pedal cars, and more. The museum also houses other unique collections, including knives, Native American artifacts, brass registers and more. Plan to spend a good deal of time here.

Panama City Beach: You can't visit Florida without stepping on a beach, so throw the car into park, put on your flip flops and head to Panama City Beach. There are 27-miles of beautiful beaches to choose from, including Shell Beach, an approximately 7-mile long undeveloped barrier island with pine hammocks, and an inland lake that is home to ghost crabs and endangered species such as Choctawhatchee Beach Mice.

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