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The Emerald Coast Beach: Destin and Fort Walton
Beach Florida
| The ultimate attraction is the emerald green waters and
unique sugar white sands along this stunning stretch of Florida. You can snorkel,
parasail, rent personal watercraft, fish, scuba dive, boat, or just sit on the beach and
do ... absolutely nothing. |
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Destin Beach Florida Locations and
Information
Many of the hotels we have listed are on the beach or a very
short walk to the beautiful white sands. If your hotel is not on the beach, you'll find
convenient and well kept public beaches with plenty of parking as well as amenities like
restrooms and dining. These are the three main public beach areas:
- Okaloosa Island Boardwalk - features ample
parking, ample beach, restaurants, beach bars, and more. One of the most popular beaches
in the area. Located on Okaloosa Island between Destin and Ft. Walton (closer to Ft.
Walton).
- Bracken Wayside Park and John Beasley Wayside Park
- Both located on Okaloosa Island just a few minutes east of Okaloosa Island Boardwalk.
- Henderson
Beach State Park - This scenic state park is suitable for families and nature
lovers. Fee for day-use area. Henderson Beach State Park has restrooms and vending
machines, ample parking, and a 3/4 mile nature walk.
- James Lee County Park - Located just a couple
miles east of Henderson Beach State Park, this beach area features public restrooms, a
restaurant, but parking can be a little tight on busy days.
- Grayton Beach
State Recreation Area - One mile beach, beautiful natural setting with
abundant wildlife, plus significant wildlife spotting opportunities. Fee for day-use area.
Camping reservations accepted.
- Back Porch Restaurant - Public beach and beach
access to the east of the restaurant at 1748 Old Highway 98 East in Destin. Showers provided, swimwear allowed
in the restaurant, ample parking across the street.
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USA Today Poll: Emerald Coast Is Nation's
#1 Beach
What: More than 3,000 USATODAY.com readers
weighed in on the 2001 Beach Guide of Top Ten Beaches, nominating hundreds of beaches from
Hawaii to Maine. Florida’s Emerald Coast claims the No. 1 slot with the most reader
votes by a “wide margin,” according to USATODAY.com.
This year’s poll is a first for USA Today. In past years, an expert called “Dr.
Beach” has ranked Top 10 beaches, of which Emerald Coast has not been included.
Why: The Emerald Coast – Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island,
Florida. – is famous for 24 miles of sugary-white sands and brilliant emerald green
waters and “Simply Irresistible” to travelers throughout the world.
When: Conducted for two weeks on USATODAY.com.
Announced May 10.
Results:
1. Destin/Ft. Walton/Okaloosa Island, Fla.
2. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
3. Siesta Key, Fla.
4. Panama City, Fla.
5. Daytona Beach, Fla.
6. South Beach, Fla.
7. Clearwater, Fla.
8. The Outer Banks, N.C.
9. Waikiki, Hawaii
10. Pensacola, Fla.
Check out the menu to your right for more great beach destinations!
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Destin, Florida - With its brilliant white quartz sand and
warm gulf waves, Destin and Fort Walton Beach lures visitors with plenty of recreational
opportunities, fresh seafood dining, and reasonably priced lodging. Part of northwest
Florida's less crowded Emerald Coast, it is conveniently located between Pensacola and
Panama City.
Destin, Florida Area Information:
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