Most of the Florida peninsula experiences their busy season during the winter and spring season. But summer is the high season in Northwest Florida (spring and fall have their merits as well).

Northwest Florida encompasses that area of the state which has for many years been known locally and affectionately as "the panhandle."  From the western border of Florida, near Pensacola, to just south of Tallahassee, Northwest Florida offers some of the finest beaches in the entire state -- crystal-clear water and pure white quartz sand.

To help you come up with some ideas for your Northwest Florida beach getaway, here are some articles and resources on VISITFLORIDA.com that I like:

Finding a place to stay: Hotel, condo or beach house? Laura Spinale has written a very helpful article with some great suggestions and contact information. Read A Cottage Away From Home to get you started with finding your perfect beach hideaway. And if you're not sure which beach is for you, Laura also has a great Northwest Florida Beach Guide.

Northwest Florida offers hundreds of miles of coastline and dozens of beach (and non-beach) towns to consider. Places like Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, and St. George Island, just to name a few.

Don't forget that Northwest Florida offers more than great beaches. Check out Jen Karetnik's article about The Culture of the Forgotten Coast and learn about unique things to see and enjoy during your visit. If art is your thing, how about Scouting the Northwest's Art Galleries by Laura Spinale?

If you're putting off your getaway until the fall season, Chelle Koster Walton eloquently describes life in Northwest Florida during the fall in her article Butterflies, Beaches, and Fall Breezes, and she does a great job of showing us how easy it is to explore the beach communities of South Walton on foot in A-foot in Beaches of South Walton.