ReZoom

While many off-season visitors to Florida crave the exciting nightlife of Miami or the amusements of Orlando, the Florida panhandle holds its own as a top winter vacation spot.

Transportation: With numerous daily direct flights from major cities, getting to the Pensacola area is relatively effortless and inexpensive. Flights from Atlanta are as low as $120 roundtrip, while roundtrip flights from New York are slightly above $200. The Pensacola Bay lies within 52 miles of natural seashore, and all major panhandle towns are accessible via Interstate 10. For the road trip adventurer, other nearby Southern attractions such as Biloxi, Mobile and the incomparable New Orleans, are all within driving distance.

Lodging: Hotels, condominiums and townhouses are often fully booked in summer months but have plenty of vacancy and prime location availability during the value season. Prices are also drastically slashed in the off-season: rates of seaside townhouses drop from $1,500 a week in the high season to about $1,500 a month during winter, while hotel rates can range from $40 to $100 a night.

Activities: With 343 days of sunshine annually and average water temperatures reaching the upper 60s, winter beaches maintain their lure minus the summer crowds. Visit Pensacola Beach to try a variety of water sports such as parasailing, surfing and deep-sea fishing. Or to experience more tranquil landscapes, explore Perdido Key Beach on Barrier Island for bird-watching and breathtaking views of undeveloped coastline.

The Pensacola Bay area offers activities for the beachgoer, historian, cultural enthusiast and endless explorer. As America's first European settlement dating back to 1559, Pensacola offers a rich historical heritage. Visit the city's historical district, museums and Civil War era forts for a taste of the region's past. On a crisp winter night, relish the art scene of downtown Pensacola's operas and symphonies. The Bay area also boasts several winter festivals, such as the Polar Bear Dip on New Year's Day, the 15K Double Bridge Run and Mardi Gras celebrations in February. For the winter sports enthusiast, briefly revisit the cold weather at a Pensacola Ice Pilots hockey game.

Ready for more? Check out more stories in our travel section.

For discounts on lodging and attractions, go to www.visitpensacola.com for special coupons and offers throughout the off-season.