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Destin Florida and Fort Walton Beach
The easy pace of Destin revolves like a slow ceiling fan caressing visitors with a refreshing breeze of Southern pleasantries and warm-hearted hospitality accented with a "ya'll come back" character. This laid back slice of Florida's upper Gulf coast is actually closer in distance -- and demeanor -- to dear old Dixie than to its flashy Florida siblings. Not surprisingly, the perceived time warp is reality as Destin and Fort Walton Beach is in the Central time zone while the rest of the state rushes to Eastern Standard deadlines. Likewise, its seasons are pure Deep South -- sensational springs, sultry summer days and cool winter evenings -- for tempting temperatures year-round.
Many miracles of nature kiss Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than to any other spot in Florida -- creating the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. This phenomenon makes the area one of the top five shelling destinations in the world, the "Billfish Capital of the World" and a sensational seafood harbor offering over four times more types of fresh fish per season than any other Florida destination (except for Key West 14 hours away). Undoubtedly the most mesmerizing distraction on the Northern Gulf coast is the collaboration of sun-bleached, shocking white shores that stretch like 24 miles (38km) of ribboning white satin along the emerald-jeweled waters. More than 60 percent of the area's beaches will be preserved forever in sweeping, virgin purity. (Beware -- the reflection of the white sands makes sunglasses and substantial sunscreen a must.) Protecting its "prima donna," pockets of seaside parks with pavilions, gazebos and disadvantaged-accessible wooden dune overwalks peer over a gentle rise of sand dunes and sparsely scattered sea oats. The 208-acre (83ha) Henderson Beach State Park, Wayside (Boardwalk) County Park and James Lee County Park, a new salt-air bazaar with 300 feet (90m) of waterfront, are three of the five parks and twelve beach accessways along Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Sprawling, snowy white shores provide seating for performances by dancing dolphins and sandpipers, and postcard perfect sunrises and sunsets over the Gulf -- all compliments of Mother Nature. From peg-legged, patch-eyed pirates and kaleidoscope-colored sailing regattas to scrumptious seaside seafood festivals and awesome angling adventures in the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," more than 400 annual events guarantee a continuous calendar of festival fun. Beach town bashes range from the "Spring Splash" Billy Bowlegs Festival and the jazzy zest of Mayfest to the month-long October Destin Fishing Rodeo and annual Christmas Boat Parade on Okaloosa Island.
Fish tales from the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" are touted by tons (literally) of trophy catches at the Destin Fishing Museum. The Indian Temple Mound and Museum -- guarded by the largest ancient (1400 A.D.) mound by saltwater -- journeys through 10,000 years of over 20,000 ceramic artifacts from four prehistoric tribes, America's most extensive collection. For more whimsical fun, the Focus Center is a child's science fantasy, filled with interactional experiences and kids stuff enjoyable for any age. Active adventures begin at the beach with shell searching. Although the sugary shores are swept bare, about a mile out an aquarium of treasures is discovered at your toes from sea horses to bucketful's of cockles, clams and striped cowrides. Sand Dollar City, a pure white sand bar, is rich with layers of circular "sea-money." A bit further out, a ribboning reef of limestone (the pre-Ice Age shoreline) captures thousands of beach bound, large seashells -- often up to 20 inches (51cm) in length and perfectly formed. Sunset-hued lion's paws and true tulips to queen helmet shells and Florida's signature shell -- horse conchs-- are found along the ledge. Exceptional snorkeling and diving are possible close inshore -- a rarity -- as the 100 Fathom Curve draws closer to Destin and Fort Walton Beach Island than to any other spot on the Gulf. Reef clusters reveal immense shells, four-foot (120cm) basket sponges and purple sea whips while diving partners such as vibrant yellow angelfish, six-foot (180cm) manta rays and 350-pound (158kg) loggerhead sea turtles participate in discoveries. Timber Hole, a submerged petrified forest, brims with lobsters and sea squirts, as do sunken luxury liners, ships, railroad box cars -- even airplanes. Pontooning, parasailing, water-skiing, sailing and windsurfing are additional Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay water escapades. Hailed as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin's East Pass is only 10 miles (16km) from 100-foot (30m) depths. Harboring the largest and most elaborately equipped charter boat fleet in Florida, more billfish are caught each year on the Northern Gulf than all other Gulf ports combined. The game fish are also of the widest variety on the Gulf from cobia and scamp to triggerfish and king mackerel. Whether a fishing first-timer or a seasoned "old salt," numerous deep sea excursions -- offshore, bottom, inshore and others -- are available for as little as $25 a half-day. Catches can be cooked up for free at certain "fish-friendly" restaurants. Freshwater fishing throughout the area is plentiful, reeling in catfish, bass and bream.
Other outdoor pursuits are explored within two pristine wilderness preservations -- Blackwater State Park and Eglin Reservation -- offering tubing and canoeing down crystal-clear rivers, and camping and hiking amid acres of pine, canoeing down crystal-clear rivers, and camping and hiking amid acres of pine, hickory and maple. Horseback riding also showcases 200 acres (80ha) of lush landscape. Amusement parks are popular family fun with dune buggy races, bumper boats, batting cages, water slides and putt-putt golf. Dining diversions spotlight some of the freshest seafood in Florida. It's a justified claim, as there are always at least 20 tasty types of fish available straight off the docks from amberjack and red snapper to yellowfin tuna. Required "dress code" is flip-flops and beach tops as more than 400 culinary characters -- cedar seafood shacks, boardwalk oyster bars, gracious ante-bellum estates and Gulf-air cafes -- shrug off sophistication and showcase local seafood celebrities with pure unbridled zest. True to its Southern heritage, popular specialties feature tastes such as Louisiana Cajun crawfish gumbo, beer-battered fried mullet and cornbread hush puppies -- with salty boiled peanuts found roadside. Surprisingly, Destin and Fort Walton Beach accommodations provide priceless beach vacations without the price. More than 17,000 Gulf-edged rooms are available from popular hotels and spacious condominiums to a seashore bed and breakfast inn, beach cottages and five-bedroom bungalows. Seaside savings are year-round with exceptional bargains September through February. Nearby Pensacola Regional Airport and Okaloosa Regional Airport offer continuous service by 13 major airlines. Ground travel is easy along primary feeders: U.S. 98, Highways 331 and 85, and Interstate 10. 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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Unpretentious, uncomplicated and breathtakingly beautiful, the Emerald
Coast is simply irresistible. Famous for 24 miles (38km) of dazzling sugar white sands and
brilliant green waters, the Southern sea town of Destin and Fort Walton Beach present
simple pleasures -- the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," spirited seaside
celebrations, links of great golf, undeniably fresh seafood and some of the world's finest
shelling -- all embraced within an unassuming charm. 
Although the
preferred activity in Destin and Fort Walton Beach is "doing nothing," searching
for eight-pound queen helmet shells in sunken forests, challenging 1,080 holes of famous
golf, fishing from Florida's largest charter boat fleet for the elusive big blue, sailing
along the emerald-flecked surf, tubing down meandering moss-draped rivers and sun bronzing
on white powdered shores are all simple enticements. 
A collection
of area attractions celebrate simplicity with nothing fancy, just fun
"flip-flop" museums and amusements from marine to military. One of America's
originals (1955), the Gulfarium hosts 600-pound (270kg) grey seals to two-ounce (56g)
clown fish in 14 intriguing exhibits. Delilah the dolphin stars with 18-foot (540cm)
skyward leaps. Patriotic pleasure is found at the the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum.
Although somewhat riddled with bombs, it is one of only three American Museums dedicated
to the display of Air Force weaponry. It spans four wars with 25 planes -- including the
reconnaissance SR-71 "Blackbird" Spy Plane -- and 5,000 other items of interest.
Acclaimed for
its sporting collection of great golf escapes, the area touts an incredible 1,080 holes.
The courses, created by such world-renowned architects as Finger, Dye, Fazio and Cupp,
utilize surrounding waters -- bay, bayou, gulf and sound -- and natural contrasts from
woods and wetlands for scenic, yet challenging oppositions. To tantalize tennis tastes,
104 courts are dotted throughout the area. 
