DESTIN: THE CITY WITH SUGAR-LIKE BEACHES
INTRODUCTION : Nicknamed as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’, the Destin city is located in the heart of Okaloosa County, on Florida’s Emerald coast. The clean emerald green waters and the world’s whitest beaches, with extremely fine soft sand that looks like sugar, are Destin’s main tourist attractions.
The climate of Destin remains nice throughout the year, which, together with several local events throughout the year, makes it an all year round favorite tourist spot. Destin has something to offer to everyone. from relaxing and calming sunsets, to wildly energetic water sports, from enjoying building white sand castles with your kids to talking a walk alone, from trying your luck at deep sea fishing to sightseeing Dolphins, from diving or snorkeling to playing golf, and everything in between.
BEACHES: THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF DESTIN
Beaches have always been the biggest tourist attraction at Destin. You can go to the beaches through one of the 13 beach access points. The facilities at the access points can be different so please check about it before visiting. Below are top rated beach access points.
The Henderson beach state park: The Henderson beach state park is among the best beach access points that have all amenities such as a parking area, pavilion, picnic area, and a playground. Visitors can get rare glimpse of coastal dune ecosystem and rich wildlife. The secondary dune system has 60 campsites that include air-conditioned and heated bathhouse facilities.The park is open daily from 8 am until sundown.
James Lee Park: Owned and managed by the Okaloosa County, the James Lee Park is a great attraction for kids. It features 3 Pavilions, 41 Picnic tables, 9 dune walkovers and a playground. It also has changing rooms and washrooms for people to freshen up when leaving. This park is open every day from dusk to dawn.
The June White Decker Park: The June White Decker Park offers a super wide scenic view of the Gulf of Mexico that makes it loved by the thrill seekers and the lazy alike. It has safe beach swimming areas with public beach access. Many beach lovers choose to stay at the adjacent Silver Shells Condominiums to enjoy the view even at night. This beach opens daily at dusk and closes at dawn.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT DESTIN : Destin is much more than beaches. You can enjoy several activities and events. Few of the must-do things in Destin are:
Scuba diving and snorkeling: It does not matter if you are a certified scuba diver or if you have never even seen the scuba gear. Several businesses with highly trained and certified instructors offer scuba diving and snorkeling adventure for the entire family including children of age 10 years and above. Do not forget to ask for your underwater pictures, some of them give it free!
Dolphin and Whale watching: Imagine you and your family eagerly peering into the sea, when suddenly a Dolphin jumps out of the green emerald waters and splashes water on you as it again splashes into the sea. Yes, you can do this in Destin! And if it is your lucky day, then you might even see a whole bunch of Dolphins playing together.
Parasailing : Would you not want to see much more of the beautiful waters and beaches from few hundreds of feet above the waters and feeling the cool salty breeze, while sitting next to your loved one? People who do it remember it for life!
CUISINE-STOPS AT DESTIN : With so much to do in so little time, you are bound to get hungry very soon. And when you do, you have incredible choices for food joints as well as the cuisine that they bring to the table. Here are few:
The Acme Oyster house: Since it started in 1910, the Acme Oyster house is well known for offering the freshest Oysters directly from the Gulf of Mexico. The freshness and quality of the food, the ambiance, and the service makes people come here again and again.
The back porch: Situated right on the beach, this is among the restaurants that offer the best food with the best view. The design, colors and interiors give this restaurant a casual look. The specialties of this restaurant include stuffed lobster tails, stuffed shrimp casserole, char grilled amberjack, and grouper Florentine.
The Harbor Docks: Tourists love harbor docks for its fried crab cakes, marinated yellow fin tuna and the seafood platter made with the catch of the day. It also has a great sushi menu. The place is most popular during evenings with people relishing dinner and listening to a live band.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN AND AROUND DESTIN :
Fort Pickens: Fort Pickens is a pentagonal historic military fort on the Santa Rosa Island. Named after a veteran, Andrew Pickens, this fort has been serving since 1834. Many battles were fought here, only a few to unfold victorious. It is approximately 53 miles from Destin.
The Crab Island : Once an island, now an underwater sandbar. Cool, eh? Crab Island is a super fun way to wind off, enjoy the ‘water-time’, and praise the scenery. The water is clear and waist deep for adults, which makes it a safe family place. It is rated as of the top places to visit at Destin.
Fort Walton Mound : Adjudged as an archaeological site, Fort Walton is located right in Fort Walton Beach. This masterpiece was constructed in 850 CE, by the Pensacola culture, a tribe of the Mississippian culture. Because of its historical significance, the mound included among the historic landmarks in 1964. It is approximately 8 miles from Destin.
HOW TO REACH DESTIN : Air travelers have three convenient options to reach Destin. The Northwest Florida Regional airport (VPS) is the nearest airport that is located near the Choctawhatchee Bay. Other two options are the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) and the Pensacola International Airport. Destin is about 50 miles from these airports, so you will have to hire or rent a car.