Crab Island

Crab Island is situated just a few minutes boat ride from the Destin Harbor. This is an underwater Sandbar that can range between 2-10 feet deep when the tide goes out. With crystal clear water and white sand, this is one of the best spots to anchor your boat and have some fun in the sun with locals and tourists alike! If you do not have a boat (or paddle board) of your own to make it out to Crab Island, the area has plenty of different watercraft rentals to be able to meet your needs!

Fishing

Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” The area offers year-round freshwater and saltwater fishing. Within a half-hour of the Destin harbor, anglers can be in waters as deep as 60 feet! The best part about this town is that whatever your fishing expertise they have something for you. Many companies offer fishing charters to be able to help guide you to make the most of your fishing trip.

Snorkeling

The Destin Jetties are an extremely popular snorkeling spot. Most people choose to swim the east side of the Destin Pass at high tide since the clear ocean water is coming into the bay. On a good day you can have a 30-50 foot visibility and see a variety of sea life along the man made rocks. Don’t feel  comfortable going by yourself? Not a problem! The harbor has well over a handful of companies that will be able to accompany you and your family for a fun snorkeling tour of Destin.

Dolphins

While cruising the waterways you will have a really good chance to observe dolphins playing  and feeding in their natural habitat. It is an exciting experience to share with your entire family! If you don’t have a boat and do not want to rent one Destin offers many different dolphin cruises!

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy one of nature’s most breathtaking views each night as the sun sets over the Destin waterways. Journey across the harbor in your boat and you will see the sky come alive right in front of you. It is one of the best ways to end any day! We recommend the Sunset Dolphin Cruise on the Destin Harbor for those people without a boat to be able the catch the best of everything! Most boats will either offer complimentary beer and wine, or let you bring your own cooler on board for those passengers over 21!

Escape the fees and book from the Source!
Whether you are shopping for day to day things, or planning your next vacation rental, nobody likes to pay more than they have to. Here lately, people are doing just that and they don’t even know it! A little over a year ago VRBO & Homeaway, introduced a “service fee” that raises the total a traveler pays to an additional 4-10%, that can be an extra $500 added to your vacation.

I don’t know about you, but that extra $500 could be used for a lot of things to help my vacation more memorable. As most people know, we are the managers for those exact properties on VRBO or HomeAway that traveler’s like you, are dishing out the unnecessary premium on. As any reputable business in the area we welcome reservations from all channels such as these, and there is value to the services they offer for travelers and vacation rental agents alike. However, we feel you should know what hundreds if  not thousands of our repeat guests already know.

Our low-price guarantee!
Reserving directly with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals guarantees you are paying the absolute best price possible. Not only do you save money, (ask us about our 10% Repeat Guest Discount!) you get access to a talented group of locals who know and love the area. Of course, in this fast paced world, you can reserve online on our state-of-the-art website, but we also offer reservation specialist who can assist in finding you the perfect property for you and your family. Trusting locals to help you with your vacation only adds to the experience! Not only do they have immense knowledge on the properties they manage, but they understand the area as well. Need a good local recommendation for restaurants? They can help! What are the recommended golf courses in the area? They can help! Giving you the local insights that will just add to the essence of an amazing vacation, on top of the white sugar sand beaches of the Emerald Coast! Not only do they offer vast knowledge on accommodations, but they can help with restaurant recommendations, with planning excursions, and special locals only insight that will help you have truly authentic experiences.

Don’t they have more properties to choose from?
Yes these accumulated booking sites do have more properties, but that doesn’t mean they are better properties. Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals hand-selects the best properties in the area and we offer a wide range of options spanning from Destin to Santa Rosa Beach, including much sought locales like Frangista Beach and South Walton!

Get even more for your money!
So now that you know reserving direct will help you avoid the VRBO + HomeAway Booking Fee. Here at Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals we take added value seriously. Every guest who stays with us receives our Free Amenities Package! These include freebies and discounts all along the coast. including but not limited to a round of free golf daily, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling tours.

 
Things to do while staying at Old Florida Village !
If you are thinking about staying in Old Florida Village and coming to visit the white sugar-sand beaches of the Emerald Coast here are some of the local favorites to do during your vacation!
 

 
Catch the sunset at Bud & Alley’s
Bud & Alleys’ specialty is serving up a fresh take on the Southern coastal classics, and has become a trusted tradition for generation after generation for those seeking the unassuming upscale seaside restaurant with a sense of place.
As the sun sets locals and visitors alike gather at dusk on the Rooftop Bar at Bud & Alley’s to celebrate the end of another perfect day in paradise by sounding the vintage bell.
 

 
Stinky’s Fish Camp a 30A Favorite
As is said time and time again, with a name like Stinky’s, it better be good.  Stinky’s Fish Camp is a culinary staple in South Walton does not disappoint. This fun, cool and comfortable environment they have created makes you just not want to leave. They use only the freshest ingredients and local seafood are used to create classic dishes, with a well thought out wine list that is based on taste, not price, to round out the experience. Don’t forget to stop next door at Stinky’s Bait Shack for their selection of bay and surf fishing gear, and of course don’t forget about their selection of craft beers as you enjoy the view over Lake Allen.
 

 
Fish out of Water in Watercolor
Fish Out of Water is one of Santa Rosa Beach’s premier fine dining destinations. Executive Chef Todd Rogers and his culinary team provide guests with an unforgettable experience through a menu highlighted by fresh local fish and meats infused with Southern flavor.
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast as the rising sun sparkles across the Gulf. In the evening, the emerald waters provide a romantic backdrop perfectly enhanced by the extensive wine list. Before or after your meal, enjoy a cocktail in the casually chic lounge.
Reservations are recommended. Casual attire is acceptable.
 

 
Red Bar in Grayton Beach
A local institution that’s not to be missed, Grayton Beach’s Red Bar is quintessential 30A. Known for its fun and funky bohemian beach shack vibe, The Red Bar’s a great spot for food, cocktails and live music.
The simple but varied menu includes pasta with crawfish and shrimp, panné chicken and mashed potatoes, stuffed eggplant, crab cakes and fish of the day. Oh, and don’t forget about the salad – it is the best anywhere on the Emerald Coast! The Red Bar Jazz Band plays almost nightly during dinner. The party gets cranked up a notch after the dinner crowd thins, creating a more funky atmosphere. Don’t be surprised to spot celebrities here late at night. But please be cool, everybody just wants to chill at The Red Bar.
 

 
Gulf Place Town Center is shopping & then some!

Gulf Place is an eclectic collection of neighborhood shops and services, walking distance from Old Florida Village, and just across from the white, sugar-sand beaches of the Scenic 30-A Corridor.The nearby beach also offers plenty of inspiration for The Artists at Gulf Place, a collection of colorful huts here that showcase a variety of local talents. In addition to great meals and drinks, La Playa features live music on their open-air patio across from the Gulf many nights a week even in the cooler months when table-side fire pits help take the chill out of the air and offer up a pleasing ambiance for unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re here on a Sunday, try lunch at Pizza by the Sea, and then head over to Gulf Place’s green and join the locals for a few friendly games of kickball.
Shop, Eat, and enjoy the amazing things that Gulf Place has to offer!
 

 
Raw & Juicy
Located at the corner of County Highway 30A and Central Square in Seaside, Florida, you can’t miss this little charming airstream café.
The café serves fresh organic salads, cold-pressed organic juices, protein shakes, fresh prepared foods, and healthy snacks prepared fresh daily at The Kitchen.  Open 8am to 5pm daily.
 

 
Paddle Board!
30A has some of the best waterways on the Emerald Coast between Coastal Dune Lakes and all of the state parks there are just so many places to go, so grab your stand-up paddle board and get going!
YOLO rents inflatable stand-up paddle boards for half-day and daily rates, perfect for transporting them around town without strapping them to your car! If you haven’t tried it yet, it is truly one of the coolest ways to experience the Emerald Coast!
 

 
Bike 30 A
Eighteen miles of bike paths along the beach and coastal dune lakes makes exercise a fun and interesting event.
If you are staying with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals Big Fish Bike Rentals  is included with the amenities package and is the best way to see 30A! Hop on the wonderful scenic bike path that stretches the entire 18 mile length of Highway 30A and enjoy the beautiful sights of Grayton State Park and views of the Gulf while peddling through iconic neighborhoods. You can rent bikes by the day, but if you’re staying somewhere along 30A you might want to rent them for the entire week. After one ride along the Timpoochee, your bike may become the preferred mode of transportation at the beach.
 

 
Trebeache’
Perfectly located in the heart of Blue Mountain Beach, Trebeaché boasts an elegant yet resort casual restaurant offering a menu featuring classic to contemporary fare with a variety of ethnic flares. In addition, Trebeaché offers an exquisite full service event venue that can accommodate up to 400 guests along with ample space for music entertainment.
For all of those brunch lovers out there they also offer $5 Bottomless Mimosas at brunch on Sundays!
Attire is casual!

credit to Old Florida Village Homes

It’s not always clear where the Emerald Coast ends and begins. But one thing is for certain – that long stretch of beaches along Okaloosa and Walton counties sure is pretty.

The Emerald Coast was ranked No. 10 as a top destination in the U.S. from the travel website Lonely Planet, named among popular travel spots such as Denver, Colorado, Asheville, North Carolina and The Adirondacks in New York.

The website describes the Emerald Coast as “a 100-mile stretch of sugar fine sand and beachfront towns” that play host to vacationing celebrities such as Sandra Bullock and football star Tony Romo giving mention to spots such as The Henderson Beach Resort and the town of Seaside.

The Emerald Coast is usually viewed as the stretch of beaches in Okaloosa County.
As the director of marketing for Walton County Tourism Development Council, Loughman said she never gets tired of seeing local beaches receive accolades.

“Never,” she added. “Bring them on.”

And when it comes to positive praise, Loughman said South Walton is happy to be a part of the Emerald Coast, even if it is a technicality.
“We are proud to be a part of the Emerald Coast,” Loughman said. “South Walton has special qualities with the acclaimed beach neighborhoods that provide different experiences and make repeat visits very unique. Our personality is also very unique with eco-friendly, eco-tourism that helps the community stand out.”
Okaloosa County TDC board member and owner of the Magnolia Grill, Tom Rice, said he has a hunch as to why the Emerald Coast is named dropped among top destinations.

“It’s not the pine trees or the palm trees,” he said. “It’s the white sand and the clear, emerald water. I recently visited St. Petersburg Beach and walked over the brown sand and thought ‘This is nice, but it’s not Destin.'”
Rice said the area has had many different monikers – the Playground Area and the Miracle Strip. Whatever the name may be, the views are still unbeatable. And families are coming in from all over to see it for themselves.
“I look at what people post on TripAdvisor and other sites and what I’m fascinated with is where people are coming from – it’s everywhere around the globe,” he said. “(In 2017) we’ll be continuing to tell the story of this place to remind people to come back or visit for the first time.”

Credit to: The Walton Sun

Flock to Destin for Fall Birdwatching and More
Temperatures are in the 80s and the sun is shining along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Now is the perfect time for you to schedule a trip and enjoy birdwatching and exploring nature in the great Florida outdoors. The area around Destin is home to several parks and nature preserves where you can observe native and migratory species in their natural habitats. Even butterflies travel the Emerald Coast during this time of year.
Destin sees over 225 days of sunshine every year and no snow. If you’re looking for a quick fall getaway or a place to spend the winter in comfort, Destin should definitely be on your list.
Here’s a look at some of the best ways to enjoy the temperate weather and sunny days here in Destin.

Watch Colorful Travelers Pass by on the Way to Mexico
Every year, Monarch butterflies from the Northern United States and Canada make their way south. Some will stay in Florida for the winter, while others will travel on across the Gulf of Mexico after a pit stop along Florida’s gulf coast. From August through November, you can expect to see a steady trickle of bright orange butterflies passing through Destin and other towns along the Emerald Coast. You may also see other butterfly species, such as the Gulf Fritillary. Programs such as Monarch Watch and e-butterfly.org help to track the paths these intrepid fliers take.

Follow a Trail to Florida’s Native Birds and Migrating Species
Florida’s beautiful weather has made it a popular destination for eco-travelers and lovers of the great outdoors for many years. As a result, many of the best sites for viewing wildlife and birds have been memorialized in trail guides. Among these guides is the Great Florida Birding Trail. Sponsored by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, you can use this trail guide to help you find native and migratory species.
Henderson Beach State Park in Destin is just one of the wonderful parks and preserves featured in the Great Florida Birding Trail. This coastal park on the Emerald Coast Parkway is home to many species of beach-nesting birds. So watch your step!
Visitors to Henderson Beach State Park have reported seeing loons, pelicans, and bald eagles. Other birds you may see at the park include plovers, sandpipers, swifts, herons, hawks, and kingfishers. Diving ducks such as the red-breasted merganser also make their home there as well.

Have Big Fun Seeing Flora and Fauna on the Bayou 
Just north of Destin, the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park offers many species a safe haven among the old-growth pine trees. Some of the trees in the park are over 300 years old. An offshoot of the Choctawatchee Bay, Rocky Bayou is home to many species of freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and waterfowl. The water of the bayou is actually a blend of fresh and brackish water, making it home to some species that are found only in such habitats. Plant life in the park includes red pitcher plants, scrub holly, deer moss, and beautiful wildflowers.
Be sure to take your camera and an extra battery pack along with you for this trip. Visitors to the park have shared images of delicate luna moths, majestic ospreys, bright water lilies, and the stately gopher tortoise. Once you’ve discovered the beauty of this bayou, you’ll want to add your own finds to the collection.

The Perfect Weather for Everyone
Of course, the weather here in Destin is also great for other outdoor activities such as boating, biking, and golfing. Several area businesses offer rentals for whatever equipment you need. You can enjoy an existing hobby, or explore a new one all under our beautiful sunny skies. Whether your idea of outdoor fun is hitting the greens, hiking the trails, or sailing the seas—you’ll find everything you need here in Destin.
So, bring your camera, binoculars, or golf clubs, and prepare for a wonderful time. While you’re here, you can also take advantage of the live music, fine dining, and great shopping here in Destin and Ft. Walton Beach. No matter what the season, Destin is always a great vacation destination.

Fall is just around the corner and that means lots of fun fall festivals in Destin, Florida. If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Coast this fall, plan to enjoy fish and fashion, gaming and golf.

Here are Some of the Fun Events Taking Place in Destin this Fall:

Destin’s Famous Fish Rodeo
The seasonal celebrations kick off with Destin’s Fishing Rodeo. This event takes place daily for the entire month of October. The main event is the daily fishing weigh-ins. Participants in the fish rodeo will be bringing their best catches to be tallied every day from 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Spectators are admitted free to watch the daily weigh-ins behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar at Destin Harbor.
Saturdays during the fishing rodeo include the shark catch challenge and live music. On “Shark Saturdays” the largest shark caught earns the victorious angler a cash prize. Following the contest each Saturday night, everyone can enjoy live music and fireworks at HarborWalk Village.

A Seafood Feast
The first week of October is also the date for Destin’s Seafood Festival. This fun outdoor event is free of charge and open to the public. Vendors and activities will be placed along the length Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Shuttle services from several locations will be provided for the nearly 70,000 guests who are expected to attend this amazing event.
Destin’s Seafood Festival will take place Friday through Sunday, beginning September 30, 2016. In addition to the great food, the festival includes live music on several stages. Three separate kids’ zones will also be set up for family fun. Your children can enjoy everything from pony rides to rock climbing. They can even participate in the Mingo Toss on Sunday. (That’s a fish throwing contest!)

Fashion Week Comes to the Emerald Coast
Shortly after the seafood festival is the South Walton Beach Fashion Week (SWFW). This year’s fashion week runs October 5th through 9th at several locations in South Walton Beach, Florida. The week begins with a launch party on Wednesday, followed by three days of runway shows. Christian Siriano is this year’s featured designer and competition judge. Christian Siriano’s designs will be on display at a special trunk show at Alys Shoppe on October 7, 2016 and on the runway October 8th.
Other guest judges for South Walton Beach Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Competition include celebrity Becca Tilley and industry leaders Ashley Longshore, Carlo Pieroni, Carol Wilson, and Jenni Lubo. Costs to attend vary by event.

Golf on the Gulf Coast is in Full Swing
Don’t worry if fashion isn’t your thing. There’s always golf. Destin and Fort Walton Beach have plenty of golf courses to choose from. Several charity golf tournaments are scheduled for the fall. The Century 21 Blue Marlin 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place on October 7, 2016 at the Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club. The 9th Annual Sugar Stands Charity Golf Classic is slated for October 10, 2016 at the Kelly Plantation Golf Club.

Get Your Costumes Out Early
October 8, 2016 is the date for this year’s Emerald Coast Con all generation gaming convention! This event will take place at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on October 8th and 9th. Adults and children are welcome to join in retro and current gaming tournaments and cosplay contests. Exhibits at the Emerald Coast Con will celebrate pop culture favorites including sci-fi, anime, and comics.

Fall Festival Fun
While the City of Destin’s Fall Festival technically doesn’t start until Monday, October 17, 2016, the fun begins Sunday. On Sunday, October 16, from noon to 5 p.m. is the Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament. If you haven’t seen a cornhole tournament before, you’ll want to check this out. Cheer on your favorite team while enjoying an array of food and beverages in World of Beer’s Destin Beer Garden.

On Monday, it’s time for the real fall festival. Taking place at the Destin Community Center, this old-fashioned fall festival includes a cakewalk, games, and activities – including a costume contest! You can even enter a carved jack-o-lantern for judging. Just make sure to drop off your entry before 3 p.m.

Destin’s Beautiful Beaches – Always Here for You
With all the fun activities to do in Destin, it’s hard to believe you get to play on the beach too.  So pack your bags and plan your trip. We’ll be here for you and we guarantee you’ll find plenty to do!

Labor Day is approaching fast, signaling the end of summer. But the fun in Destin lasts all year long. The endless supply of activities and attractions make it easy to plan a Destin, Florida vacation that is sure to please everyone. From sunset walks on the beach to deep sea fishing, Destin has something for everyone. Your Destin vacation can be thrilling, relaxing, or both!

Destin and the surrounding community keep their calendars full of events and entertainment to make sure every visitor’s experience is the best. Just book a condo or beach rental nearby and get ready join in the fun.

If you want to plan a Destin, Florida vacation that is full of adrenaline-fueled fun, check out this list of thrill-seeker adventures:

Go for a banana boat ride. First, these aren’t what you would normally think of as a boat. No, the boat is what it towing your banana. You and your fellow passengers will be riding a banana-shaped pontoon through Destin Harbor. If that sounds a little wild, that’s because it is. Plan to hang on tight, go fast and get drenched!

Visit the Big Kahuna. Celebrating 30 years in business this year, Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is one of the largest parks of its kind. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park features water play areas, slides and pools. There are over 40 attractions, including a 5-story waterslide called Jumanji and the Sky Coaster ride that suspends you 100 feet in the air.

Big Kahuna’s is open daily through September 14 and for the last two weekends of September as well. After that, the Kahuna says “goodbye” until next summer. But, if you purchase a 2016 season pass now it is good for the 2017 season as well.

Take a cruise to Crab Island. Visitors and locals alike are attracted to Crab Island for its beautiful locale and community vibe. This sandbar can only be reached by boat and floating/parking space is limited. You can avoid the hassles of navigation by booking a Crab Island cruise with one of Destin’s local transport providers. Then get ready for an experience you literally can’t find anywhere else on earth. There’s only one Crab Island, and Destin has it.

Rock out at Rock the Docks. There’s still some time left to enjoy free rock concerts at Destin Harbor this season. Every Saturday through the end of August you’ll find a different band rocking on the main stage at HarborWalk Village. The music starts at 7 pm and the fun lasts late into the night.

Make your escape at Escape Zone 60. Have you heard of escape rooms? You’re trapped inside and it is up to you and your team to find the clues to earn your way out before you run out of time. Feeling clever and brave?  Escape Zone 60 in Destin has three different rooms to choose from—Special Ops, The Crime Scene, and Zombie Apocalypse. Whether you make your escape before your sixty minutes expires or not, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

Hit the Track. The Track Family Recreation Center has it all. You and your crew can race Go-Karts on three different tracks, ride the sky flyer or hit the arcade. This center is open year round but availability for individual attractions varies. You can check The Track’s website for discounts and updates.

Take the helicopter. Helicopter rides are so much more fun when you aren’t riding on your way to some staid meeting or summit. You can have a VIP view without all those boring VIP responsibilities. Book a chartered helicopter flight and see Destin from new heights. You can choose from among several tours and tour providers in and around Destin. Area tour options include flights over Destin Harbor, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, or along the entire stretch of the Emerald Coast. You can also book a special dolphin sighting tour.

Skip the helicopter and use jets instead. Who needs a helicopter when you can just blast yourself into the air? Fly boards use water power to send you jetting straight up, over, and around. You may have seen videos of fly board stunts on YouTube. According to reviews, learning to fly board is easier than it looks. You too can become an aerial acrobat in minutes. After a little practice, it could be you posting the latest GoPro video of amazing fly board feats.

The end of summer definitely doesn’t mean the end of fun in Destin. Activities are scheduled throughout the year, including a celebration of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19 and the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo that begins on the first day of October. No matter when you plan your Destin, Florida vacation you can plan on finding plenty to do. Don’t forget to visit us here at the Destin Vacation blog. We’ll keep you updated on all the fun things to do in Destin on the gulf.

Florida’s Emerald Coast is known for its beautiful, crystal-clear waters and sparkling white beaches. A visit to Destin, Florida, guarantees you lots of fun as you enjoy our beaches, restaurants, water sports, fishing, fireworks, and live music performances. But what you may not know is that Florida’s Emerald Coast offers many nature exploration and ecotourism opportunities, as well.

Of course, when you visit, you’ll want to take advantage of the opportunity to experience the Gulf of Mexico’s beautiful marine life. Destin area boat tours or snorkeling adventures are a great way to see sea turtles, dolphins, and reef fish. But while you’re in Destin, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Florida’s diverse land habitats, too.

Here’s a list of wonderful ways to immerse yourself in Florida’s unique natural environment:

Explore nature in Florida’s state parks one geocache at a time- Did you know that there is a geocaching trail from Pensacola all the way to Key West that passes right through Walton County? The Operation Recreation GeoTour is sponsored by Florida’s State Parks. While you are looking for hidden treasure, you can observe and learn about many of the species found in Florida’s wildlands. In addition to the caches hidden for the Operation Recreation tour, there are nearly two hundred other geocaches hidden in and around Walton County. Just visit the geocaching.com website for details.

Visit the nightlife with a nature walk on the beach- The Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsors night-time educational beach walks every week during the summer, from May until October. During this guided walk, you’ll learn about Florida’s coastal plants and wildlife, and you may have an opportunity to view nesting sea turtles. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Tour guides determine the exact time and location of the walks after a sea turtle nest has been located. To find out when and where to go to participate in a nightlife wildlife walk during your visit, contact ECTurtleWatch@gmail.com.

Delve a little deeper into nature at Florida Caverns State Park- Florida Caverns State Park harbors 32 caves within its 1,300 acres of flora and fauna. Guided tours of the largest cavern are available throughout the week, except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visitors to the Florida Caverns State Park may also take advantage of the many trails throughout the park for bicycling, hiking, or horseback riding. Canoe rentals are available on the park grounds,

The drive to Florida Caverns will take approximately two hours, but it’s worth it: this location offers you the opportunity to see one of Florida’s truly unique geographic features. Within the park are many sinkholes, limestone bluffs, and floodplains. At one spot in the park, an entire river—the Chipola River—submerges ninety feet underground, and reappears above ground a half mile away!

Find more ecotourism experiences at Florida state parks and nature preserves- The area surrounding Destin and Walton Beach is filled with beautiful parks and preserves. Many of these parks have picnic areas and docks, so that you can arrive by land or sea and spend the day enjoying nature. Some of the parks are preserved in their natural state. Others include buildings and other artifacts of Florida’s past.

Among the many state parks and nature preserves near Destin are the Coffeen Nature Preserve and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The Coffeen Nature Preserve was once the home of the U.S. Army and Air Corps testing site for the JB-2 missile. Tours at Coffeen are available by reservation only, but Topsail Hill is open to the public and is a great location for birdwatching, hiking, or boating.

Another site with a military background is the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, located in Niceville, Florida. This area was a testing and training ground during World War II. The park is positioned on an arm of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Some of the pine trees in this old-growth forest are over 300 years old.

North of Destin in Milton, Florida, is the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site. An outdoor walkway at the site is ADA-compliant, and includes interpretive signage. Additional nature trails and a Discovery Pavilion are present at the site as well.

Closer to Destin, you can visit Henderson Beach State Park, Mattie Kelly Park, Eden Garden State Park, or Point Washington State Forest.

With so many ecotourism opportunities along the Emerald Coast, you should find plenty of ways to spend a little time in the shade and enjoy Florida’s nature.

One of the best things about booking a vacation rental for your visit to Destin is that you will have a home away from home base for your entire stay. You can unpack and relax and really take your time exploring all the Destin, Florida area has to offer. There is so much to do in and around Destin that you’ll want to come back year after year, creating great new memories each time. One way to make the most of your vacation and make some great memories is to schedule a day trip or two during your visit. The Destin coastal area is packed with interesting places to visit and explore. So leave your luggage behind, pack light and discover these fabulous do-in-a-day adventures!

Learn about Florida’s Wildlife at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia CenterThis environmental education center located in East Freeport, Florida is less than an hour away from Destin. The center houses an exhibit hall filled with displays about Florida’s native wildlife. Your family can learn about, and encounter live and up close, the reptiles, birds, and wildcats that call Florida home. Remember to plan in advance, though. The center is only open to the public during the months of June and July, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

 See a Wild Ride at the National Naval Aviation Museum When the Blue Angels are home at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, they practice twice a week in the open skies. On most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings all summer long the public is free to view their acrobatic feats. The trip to the Naval Air Station from Destin is a lovely coastal drive of about 2 hours. If you plan to view the action from the Naval Aviation Museum’s flight line, bring ID for everyone in your party who is over the age of 16. You’ll also want to bring your sunscreen and hearing protection- the Blue Angels fly loud and proud.

If you can’t make it to the practice session, there’s still plenty to see and do at the National Naval Aviation Museum. The exhibit hall holds a full fleet of Blue Angel jets plus many other restored and one-of-a-kind aircraft. If you’ve never been up close to a fighter jet before, you don’t want to miss the opportunity. Even stationary, these masterfully designed aircraft resonate with power. Your family will love the giant screen theater and flight simulators too. There’s an on-site café to keep the hungries away during this power-packed day trip.  The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. (Note: There is a small fee to view Blue Angel practice sessions from inside the flight line.)

Something for Every Interest at the Gulf Islands National SeashoreLocated along the length of the coast west of Destin, the National Park Services Gulf Island National Seashore reaches all the way from Florida to Mississippi. This national recreational and historic park has something for everyone to discover and explore. Visitors can enjoy traditional beach activities such as snorkeling, swimming and picnics or tour historic forts and archaeological sites.

This national seashore is just one of ten that exist in the United States. The National Park Services maintains the Gulf Island National Seashore for man and nature alike. Eight miles of undeveloped beachfront are preserved along this stretch of the gulf. This undisturbed land is a habitat for migratory and marine birds, native plants and nesting sea turtles. Four different species of threatened or endangered sea turtles are known to nest in the area.

Sail the Sea
Several different companies are at the ready to take your crew aboard to sail the gulf coast seas. From speed boats to catamarans, you can choose your speed. Many friendly captains will even let your children take a spin at the wheel. From short tours to full day trips, you can select the experience you want to have. You can even take an excursion on a pirate ship, argh! The Buccaneer’s family friendly pirate captain has installed bathrooms on his ship and serves smoothies and hot dogs for the kids or beer and wine for mom and dad.

If you’d like to really get your hands wet, try a day or two of sailing school. Sailing classes are available for all levels of experience. Introduce your children to art of seafaring or learn about it yourself. Set sail with your experienced instructors and find out what “learning the ropes” really means.

Destin is the perfect destination for your next vacation. No matter what your ideal vacation includes, from days spent lounging on the beach to discovering Florida’s rich history, you can make it happen in Destin. Unpack and relax, then get to know this wonderful region. The white sand and emerald waters of the gulf coast are waiting.

Vacationing in Destin, Florida this July? Here’s where to go for the Fireworks Show!

You won’t need to worry about being away from home on the Fourth of July if you are vacationing near Destin, Florida. The residents and businesses of Destin and Fort Walton Beach love a good fireworks show. In fact, fireworks are so popular here that the cities of the Emerald Coast put on  fireworks shows every week all summer long! But the Fourth of July is special, and so are the Fourth of July celebrations.
Below are just a few of the scheduled festivities taking place in and around Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida during the Fourth of July weekend.

Friday, July 1, 2016:
Destin—This year, the celebration kicks off on July 1 with the Annual Family Independence Day Celebration and Bike Parade. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Children age 14 and under are welcome to decorate their scooter, wagon, or bike, and participate in the parade. The parade is followed by a live music performance. The Annual Family Independence Day Celebration includes face painting, a bounce house, games and lots of other activities too. You can find more details about this fun family event at the City of Destin Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Saturday-Sunday, July 2-3, 2016:
Destin – Destin’s Independence Day celebrations continue with live music at HarborWalk Village on Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3. Also on July 3, the area hosts Smoke on the Coast at Destin Commons. For just $1 per sample, try Destin’s best grilled cuisine and vote for your favorite. The proceeds go to charity and the evening will end with—you guessed it, fireworks!

Monday, July 4, 2016:
Destin—If Sunday’s fireworks display didn’t supply enough squeals, booms, and pop-pop-pops for you, the Destin Fourth of July Celebration fireworks show will take place over Destin Harbor on Monday night. This event will feature more live music and a fire spinning performance by Just Add Fire on the HarborWalk main stage. For an extra special Fourth of July celebration, you can view the fireworks from the harbor by taking a Fourth of July fireworks cruise.
Fort Walton Beach—You can find a musical celebration of the Fourth of July at the Fort Walton Beach Landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach. The action begins at 4 p.m. with the FWB Kids Got Talent Showcase followed by opening ceremonies and the Emerald Coast Sing-Off Finalists’ Showcase. Following the showcases will be live music performed by the Jacob Mohr Band and, finally, the fireworks at the Landing beginning at 8:45.
Admission to both the Fort Walton Beach and Destin fireworks shows is free. With live music, fireworks, food, and fun, you definitely won’t miss a thing by celebrating the Fourth of July on the Emerald Coast.

But wait, what if you aren’t going to be in Destin on Independence Day?
Remember, the folks in Destin and Fort Walton Beach love fireworks! So even if you miss the big Fourth of July celebration, you can still see fireworks on your vacation. Every Thursday during June, July and the first two weeks of August, Destin welcomes visitors and residents alike to the Red White and Blue Celebration. This two-hour program honors the United States’ military history with a presentation of colors by the Eglin Air Force Honor Guard, a vintage aircraft air show, live music and more. The evening is capped by a fireworks show over the harbor and fire dancing on the HarborWalk Village main stage.
The show is free for land-lubbers, or you can view the show from the water by booking a Destin Harbor fireworks cruise. If you need still more fireworks on your vacation, Okaloosa Island puts on a weekly fireworks show, too! Every Wednesday at 9 p.m, you can watch a fireworks show at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.

No matter when you decide to visit Destin or Fort Walton Beach, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy. Along with the fireworks, the area’s summer events calendar is packed full of other interesting events and diversions including the Fishing for a Cause charity tournament at the Okaloosa Island Pier and weekly musical performances at Rock the Docks.
Many other special happenings are scheduled throughout the year. From a winter holiday lights cruise on the harbor to the fall’s fishing rodeo, there’s never a dull moment in Destin.