Florida's Emerald Coast offers a number of great attractions near Destin vacation rentals. The Emerald Coast is one of the top vacation destinations in Florida, and the area around Destin is an example of why this is so. Some of the nicest beaches in Florida are located in this area. Below, you find a list of some of the top attractions that make Destin a great place to visit.
Beautiful Beaches
Emerald Coast beaches feature soft white sand and clean, clear water. The weather is warm all year, making it easy to enjoy the great beaches. Many Destin vacation homes are located on or adjacent to the beaches, making it possible to literally step out your front door and onto the beach. The beaches are known for their great sunset views. The water's great visibility makes it ideal for snorkelers.
Premier Golf Resorts
Golfers will want to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by the area's weather. More than a dozen golf resorts are located in the Emerald Coast area, and easily reached from Destin rentals. The Ft. Walton Beach Golf Club is one of the most popular private golf resorts in Florida. Two 18-hole courses are offered, as well as a driving range. A snack bar and pro shop are located on the premises. The Emerald Bay Golf Club is another popular 18-hole championship course that also has a driving range and snack bar.
Great Fishing Opportunities
If you like to fish, you'll find an abundance of fish, including mackerel. Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin has several bayous that allow fishermen to catch plenty of fish. Many of the beaches have piers and jetties open for fishing. If deep sea fishing is more to your liking, several charter boats are available. Offshore trolling is also a fun, rewarding experience, and you can find an ideal location for this about 27 miles from Destin. Non-resident fishing licenses are easy to obtain.
Good Recreational Areas
Several recreational areas are set aside for those who want to enjoy watersports to the fullest. Grayton Beach State Recreational Area is home to Western Lake and has several nature trails. The saltwater marshes are great places to see lots of wildlife. Henderson Beach State Recreational Area is an excellent fishing spot. Some of the other sights you might get to see on the way to or from these recreational areas are The Track Recreation Center, a fun amusement park for all ages; Pleasure Island Waterpark, located across from the Fort Walton Beach; and Eden State Gardens and Mansion, a beautiful old Southern home.
Good Things to Eat
You'll find no shortage of great things to eat when visiting the Emerald Coast. Fresh seafood is the main attraction, but you'll also have other great options to choose from. AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar on the Destin bridge is one of the best destinations for good food. Basmati's in Blue Mountain Beach offers Asian cuisine, seafood and sushi.
For family dining, you won't want to miss The Back Porch in Destin, which has one of the best selections of seafood available. Captain Kidd's at the Destin bridge boasts an impressive 75 buffet selections, with a special kids' section.
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