Destin Florida
40 miles east of
Pensacola,
160 miles west of
Tallahassee Destin, with a population of approximately 12
000, is a popular vacation destination that sits adjacent the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay as it
enters the Gulf of Mexico. Destin is home to the largest fishing fleet
in Florida.
It's a fast developing, up market center, with
numerous high-rise condominiums, hotels and resort accommodation, inns, several top class golf
courses and some of the best restaurants and entertainment anywhere in
Florida.
Destin is renowned for its sugar white, powered sand beach. The emerald
green water has earned the region the title of The Emerald Coast.
Anglers of all kinds are drawn to Destin for the quality and variety of
the fishing opportunities in the local waters.
East
of Destin are the beaches of southern Walton County, still unspoiled
with picturesque cottages nestled among the rolling sand dunes. One of
America's finest beaches is to be found here in Grayton Beach State
Park.
The quaint Victorian village of Seaside is a popular
honeymoon destination in the area. Fort Walton Beach, current population of 23 000, is Destin's neighbor
and is an
established city with a broader based economy less driven by
tourism. One of Florida's oldest marine parks, The Gulfarium, is
located here.
Fort Walton Beach has its own
lovely white sand beaches on Okaloosa Island. The nearby Eglin Air
Force Base is the world's largest air base covering over 700 square
miles. Its Air Armaments Museum is a popular stop for those with an
interest in airforce history.
Getting
There & Getting Around
Okaloosa
Regional Airport uses the facilities of Eglin Air Force Base and
is served by Delta, Northwest and US
Airways. Shuttle van transportation is available to and
from the airport. The Amtrak
Sunset Limited transcontinental service stops at Crestview,
26 miles (42km) north of Fort Walton Beach.
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The Okaloosa County
Tourist Authority operate a free island shuttle service during summer
along Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island. It connects the island to
the Uptown Bus station on the mainland at Fort Walton Beach.
