Beach Vacation

We just booked our beach cottage, and purchased airline tickets for our summer vacation! With it being so cold today, I am looking forward to the white sandy beaches of Florida's panhandle. The last time I was there, I lived in Panama City Beach for a summer with a group of other college students. This time, we are going with 2, maybe 3 other families to Carillon Beach, just minutes from Seaside and Rosemary Beach. Can't wait!
I am not much of a laying out in the sun kinda gal, so I am ready to explore the area! If anyone has any names of good places to shop, places to eat, things to do, please leave a comment! Are there any showhome tours nearby?