. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Destin, FL – Jewel of the Gulf Coast

When most Americans imagine a Florida beach vacation, the bright lights of Miami immediately come into focus. While South Beach is certainly capable of providing an entertaining and glamorous break from the 9 to 5 grind, the well-informed traveler also considers the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Each of the Gulf Coast states boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, but the best are found on what is commonly known as Florida’s “Emerald Coast.” With significantly lower prices for food, activities, and lodging than Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the city of Destin offers a great vacation spot for your family.

Of the 4.5 million annual visitors to the Emerald Coast, approximately 80% flock to Destin. The city has seen tremendous tourism growth since the first condominiums were built in the 1970s. Visitors can stay in a wide range of hotels and motels, with options ranging from budget motels to high-profile resorts. Finally, during the high season, full-time residents rent houses to visitors, the perfect option for a large family.

Most travelers come during the spring, when the warm ocean waters and perfect temperatures create the optimal beach experience. The coast is widely known for its stunningly white sand, the result of finely ground quartz transported down the Apalachicola River from the Appalachian Mountains. The ocean maintains its emerald hue thanks to harmless microalgae suspended in the water. These two components combine to ensure that a Destin beach vacation is both picturesque and fun.

Another of Destin’s main attractions is its large fishing fleet, which residents claim is the largest in the state. The city’s nickname is actually “The Luckiest Fishing Town in the World”, a moniker that many tourists can personally attest to. This part of the Gulf Coast offers some of the best sport fishing in the country, with marlin and tuna boats going out daily. Experienced captains have honed their fish-finding skills to an art form, ensuring that the perfect catch is always just a boat away.

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, there are plenty of other opportunities for fun in Destin. Cleaning up the salty ocean water at Big Kahuna Water Park, located near the center of town, is a wonderful way to spend the day with your family. For those with a shopping bent, Destin Commons is a world-class mall, with nearly a hundred fashion, furniture, and specialty stores. For those scorching hot days, the air conditioning in the mall’s movie theater beckons. With twelve screens, every member of the family is sure to find the perfect movie.

After sunset, Destin transforms into a playground for adults. The town boasts a plethora of drinking establishments, along with a comedy club. Singles are sure to find ample opportunities to meet their counterpart at happy hour or at one of the city’s dance clubs.

The beautiful beaches of Destin, Florida are a great option for your next vacation. With all the options the city has to offer, your whole family is sure to have a great time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *