Warm Gulf waters and sugar-white sand beaches make Destin and the surrounding area a popular site for family vacations as well as romantic get-aways. The beautiful waters of the Emerald Coast, which includes Destin, Fort Walton and Oskaloosa Island, are a paradise for sunbathers, snorkelers, and fishermen alike. Destin calls itself the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” with good reason as catches off the beach and jetties yield plenty of whiting, pompano and mackerel. Other outdoor activities in Destin include boating, sunbathing and swimming.

In Destin you can create the feeling of owning the beach for a weekend, a week or longer with an assortment of vacation rentals from secluded cottages to luxurious mansions, all right on the Emerald Coast beach. Even more economical beachfront hotels or motels have private, residents-only beaches for you to enjoy. Most accommodations in this area of the Emerald Coast offer additional amenities such as beachfront swimming pools, open-air cafes with views of the beach, Lay-Z-River pools, playgrounds and more. Be sure to check out our Accommodations page on this website!

Divers and snorkelers will find exceptional exploring so close to the shoreline that they don’t need the boat! Swim side-by-side with the dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays, and explore Timber Holes, a petrified forest on the sea floor of the Emerald Coast. Or, if you want a longer adventure, local dive shops offer themed trips to the deep with certification classes and half-day resort lessons.

The white sandy beaches and clear waters in Destin make this a prime vacation destination. But there’s more to Destin than just beaches! There are wonderful museums as well as Elgin Air Force Base and Destin’s exciting nightlife. Click on the tabs at the top of this page for more information on Destin, part of Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast.