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Destin Vacations

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.

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.

Destin & Fort Walton Vacation Highlights

The U.S. Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base is a magnet for warplane enthusiasts. The exhibits trace aircraft development from World War II through the Korean and Vietnam Wars to recent Middle East conflicts. Reconnaissance, fighter, and bomber planes are some of the exhibits on display.

The Indian Temple Mound and Museum houses one of the largest ceremonial mounds ever discovered, dating  from A.D. 1200. The museum showcases the nation's largest collection of  artifacts from southeastern American Indian tribes. The Gulfarium in Destin is one of the original marine parks and features dolphins and sea lions plus a host of other exotic marine creatures.  The Eden State Gardens features the magnificent, lovingly restored Greek Revival-style Wesley Mansion dating from 1895.

It overlooks Choctawhatchee Bay and is framed by huge moss-covered oak trees and camellias, azaleas, and other Southern flowers. Try the beaches at Henderson Beach State Park, or James W. Lee Park on the way to nearby Sandestin. From Fort Walton Beach, visit the white sands of Okaloosa Island across Santa Rosa Sound. For a family outing visit the games arcades and picnic areas of The Boardwalk.

Pontoon boats are a popular way to explore the back bays. Enjoy a dolphin and/or sunset cruise which operate June through August, or maybe a spot of fishing in this anglers paradise that boasts more charter boats than anywhere else in Florida.  The region is home to a considerable number of top class golf courses catering to all skill levels. Then of course there is sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and all manner of water sports and vacation activities.

Other Regional Vacation Centers

Pensacola vacations::  Panama City Beach vacations ::  Apalichicola vacations


Destin Florida
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