Plan a Vacation in Destin, Florida

Greetings! As a long time local of Destin, FL (over 30 years) many of my clients ask me about places to go and things to do on the Emerald Coast. I have developed the perfect vacation week for "going local" on the Gulf Coast. It is a balance of beach time, shopping, and activities.

My first recommendation is a 10 day trip. Why? The reason is the weather. Florida is a tropical state and we have regular afternoon thunderstorms or rain. It usually doesn't rain all day. In fact if you are willing to drive, you can find another beach area that is sunny.

I want you to get the most "bang for your buck" during your beach vacation. In 10 days, I'm sure you will have enough beach time for the perfect tan.

My second (very important) recommendation is sunscreen and being mindful of the time you spend on the beach. Our beaches have some of the whitest sand in the world. It's also highly reflective and umbrellas do not offer complete protection. By the time you realize you are sunburned,it's too late. For the first couple of days of your trip spend only a couple hours in the morning and late afternoon on the beach. That way you will have a base tan. Be mindful to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet, your ears, hairline, and under your nose. If you do forget those spots...you will not forgot them next year.

My third recommendation. This is very important too. We do have a garden variety of thunderstorms that pop up along the Gulf Coast very quickly. Lighting is often associated with these storms. It can be deadly. More people die from lighting strikes then hurricanes and both are preventable. If you see a storm coming, leave the beach. It's not safe to be in the water or on the beach. Period. If you can hear thunder, you can be hit. Fortunately, most storms (unless it's a large front moving through) only last about an hour or two. Be safe. Don't take chances.

Are we ready to have fun now!

There are three major resort areas to choose from on the Gulf Coast: Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, and South Walton. There are within 45 minutes driving time from one end to the other. I will pick activates from all three so that you get familiar with the area.

Day 1. Arrive. Most hotel or condo check in times are after 3pm. I suggest just get settled in and relax. The sunset time during the summer months is between 6pm and 7:30pm. I recommend getting a couple of plastic glasses (no glass on the beach) and a beverage to to go out and enjoy the sunset with.

Day 2: Beach time! Sunrise is beautiful on the Gulf Coast if you are inclined to get up that early. The beach is empty and it's the perfect time to exercise. Enjoy the beach till about 10:30. Then go to Publix supermarket to get groceries. The lines are shorter during the day and it's not as crowed. Don't go after dinner... everyone thinks its a good idea... if you know what I mean.

Afternoon: Check out the Destin Commons. They have shops and an playground/water area for the kids.

Evening: Go out to dinner early...about 5pm. Then you will beat the dinner rush and lines. I recommend a restaurant along the Destin Harbor. The Lucky Snapper has a nice view and you'll be able to see the sunset. If you want to go out for drinks, there are places at the Harbor Walk.

Day 3: Enjoy the beach in the morning then schedule an afternoon sailing trip with one of the boats in the Destin Harbor: Southern Star, Silent Lady AJs sailing boat, and Nathaniel Bowditch. Normally you will see Dolphins. They also have sunset cruises. Sometimes they offer special cruises with wine and cheese. In the evening head over to Baytowne Warf. They have outdoor concerts and fun things for kids and adults.

Day 4: Relax on the beach (you should have a base tan by now). There are also several golf courses in the area to enjoy as well. Just Google Destin Golf courses. In front of the Surfside condo, their are beach vendors with jet ski rentals or again go back to the Destin harbor for boat or jet ski rentals.

Day 5: Take a break from the beach with a trip to the Spa at the Hilton Serenity by the sea NOT the Sandestin spa. It's still needs renovation. Then head down to South Walton for shopping and sightseeing. Stop by Grayton beach, Seaside and Water color. If you want to go farther down 30A check out Rosemary beach. Each township has interesting shops and cafes.

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Destination Florida Beach Weddings

Florida Beach Weddings
have been getting a lot of press in the news, there have been a lot of movie stars getting married on the beach in Florida. And all the young brides and grooms love seeing the Emerald coast waters as their backdrops for wonderful Wedding Photos.

There is one area that is the hot spot for Beach Weddings and that is Destin, Florida. A lot of Couples will fly into the local airport and have a limo waiting to drive them to their Gulf Front beach house on the water, with the Sugar white sand on the beach, where a local Wedding Coordinator will meet with them to plan their Beachside Ceremony in Destin Fl. There are appx 10 thousand beach condo's for rent in Destin and another five thousand beach houses for rent in the Destin area, so finding a great Honeymoon spot is very easy.

All you have to get for a Destination Beach Wedding in Florida is a Marriage license and a Officiant or a Minister to perform the ceremony. And after your ceremony you can go shopping at the local mall that has over 100 dept stores or the outlet mall that is over 1 mile long, or go back to your condo or beach house rental to enjoy the peace that comes at the beach. Most condo and beach house rentals come with a private swimming pool and are right on the Gulf of Mexico waters for your romantic Pool side wedding or Beachside weddings in Destin.

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Apartment Rentals by the Beach - What to Ask For

Are you moving to the beach and looking for apartment rentals within walking distance to the sandy shores? If so, you may be tempted to apply for any location you find online that offers the promise of water views and a prime locale. Yet, there is more to the process than just this. Before you put time and energy into looking at the wrong destinations, know a few helpful tips that can make this experience even more successful.

It's All About the Wording

When selecting apartment rentals near the beach, real estate is prime and limited. Even in areas not considered a big tourist destination, properties on the water come at a premium. To lure people in, many complexes will use words that are a bit confusing in their ad descriptions. For example, they may advertise a location as having ocean views. That's great except it does not mean that you will be on the water. Even worse, buildings with "ocean access" or "water views" in their descriptions do not always mean your unit will offer this.

Ask for the Ideal Location

When touring apartments in a building, be sure to ask for the best views. If you ask for it, you may just get access to one of the better suites. Some will cost more but that may be well worth it to you if you want to wake up to the sunrise over the water. In addition, ask about the availability of larger units or those with better layouts for your needs. In some complexes, getting higher up can help to improve the view. 
It Is About Amenities

Another key element when searching for a rental is the availability of amenities. Onsite amenities may be important to you. This includes fitness centers, parking, washers and dryers and storage spaces. You may want a facility with a pool, spa, or other features, too. If it is not available onsite, you may want to find out if there is access to these features nearby to the facility. This may include shopping centers, restaurants, parks and other attractions. Even if you are planning just a short visit, having access to the things you want to do is very important.

Whether you are moving or just renting for a weekend, the right apartment rentals are a must to find. If you are unsure which areas to look in and you are coming in from a distance, ask for local recommendations. You may end up finding the perfect spot with everything you need to really enjoy the experience. Beyond the costs and the fees, there is much more to ask for to ensure you get the right place to call home.

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Condo Rentals Come With Colored Towels

Condo rentals are the very best of vacation values because they come fully equipped with all you need for your comfort - furniture, full kitchens, many extra amenities like sundecks, saunas, jacuzzis, pools and of course, multicolored towels. That's right, instead of the typical white towels found at every hotel and motel throughout the world, most condo rentals will be accompanied by linens that are more than likely similar to the ones you would use in your own home. Why? Well, the quick answer is that one of the attractive features using condo rentals for vacationing is bringing a "feeling of home" along with you. Not only will you have a comfortable homey towel experience, but there are other great advantages as well.

Spacious and Relaxing Comfort
Unlike renting the typical 400 foot hotel room - and needing a few if traveling with a family on vacation, a vacation rental can average around 1,100 square feet of comfortable space that is fully appointed with luxurious furnishings. Many will have unsurpassed amenities that, unlike a hotel, do not have to be shared with any of the facility's other guests like a pool, jacuzzi, sauna or other features like a work-out room or game room. Plus, there are many choices of one, two and three-bedroom vacation rentals in all the top destinations - even some of the most exotic locales in the world. And nary a white towel in sight.

Great Vistas
You can find condo rentals overlooking the best beaches in the world. Perhaps you'd rather secure condo rentals in Manhattan where you can take in a fabulous Broadway show. Or maybe overlook the ski slopes in a Colorado mountain town just steps away from the comfort of your condo rentals choice. The selections from everywhere are diverse, luxurious and absolutely affordable making the choice of condo rentals a wise and prudent move when planning your next vacation away from home.

Comfortable Convenience
This is because you will find use of vacation rentals far more convenient than staying at a pricey hotel. Sure, there is considerable savings when you can opt to use a fully equipped kitchen for many of your on-vacation meals. But, vacation condo rentals provide creature comforts just like you would experience at home where family members can gather around a kitchen table for shared board games or cuddle up for watching a night-time movie with your own freshly-popped corn ready for the munching just like you might have at home.

No Shared Privacy
Although you may be quite the social creature and look forward to meeting new people on your vacation trip, vacation rentals also afford people a great deal of privacy not found renting a 400 square foot room. Renting a three-bedroom condo connects family members together sharing community space such as the kitchen/dining area, family or game room that is not shared with total strangers. After a full day vacationing seeing the sights, at the water's edge or walking through museum halls, returning to the complete privacy that only condo rentals can provide is a relaxing way for family togetherness during holiday time.

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Florida Vacation Rental Suggestions

Of all the places in there are to travel, Florida has always remained a hot spot for vacationers. Not only does the area provide extensive attractions, theme parks, and entertainment, but it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. With so many hot vacation spots, picking an area to visit is the hardest part about planning a trip to the Sunshine State. Once you have decided on the area you want stay in, try taking a difference approach to booking your accommodations. Rather than staying at a hotel or resort, explore the many vacation homes FL has to offer tourists. A rental home offers comfort, privacy, spacious living areas, and more.You can find a vacation rental in every top tourist area in Florida. Tampa, Naples, Miami, Palm Beach, Orlando, Destin, Panama City, and Pensacola are just a few of the cities that have rentals available. When searching for your vacation home you will have the choice between condos, villas, vacation homes, and beach houses. For a classic stay in FL, check out some beach homes in Naples. The area is full of county club fairways, boutiques, and beaches. There are vacation rentals available on golf courses in the area for a scenic and relaxing stay.

In order to find one of these homes, your best bet is to search online. There are trusted sites that allow homeowners to register their vacation homes online. A Florida vacation rental website will give you in depth information on the attractions, homes, and all the top areas there are to visit. For example, someone looking to stay in Orlando will be provided with lodging options and information on the different attractions and theme parks in the area like Disney and Universal Studios. Pictures, virtual tours, and amenities included with your rental will all be provided so that you can paint a clear picture of what you vacation rental will look like inside and out.

Planning a trip to Florida is an adventure in itself. With all the attractions and beaches, it is hard to go wrong when choosing a city to visit. Florida will have you enjoying the scenery, beaches, and warm weather during the day and experiencing the up beat night life when the sun goes down. The streets are busy and the vacation rentals are easy to find. With such accessible accommodations and tempting attractions, it is no wonder why Florida is one of the most popular tourist spots!

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Condos In Destin Beat All Destination

Why is Destin a preferred vacation getaway?
Destin, a city named after Captain Leonard Destin who was a settler in the Northwest Florida and was a pioneer in the fishing industry, is today regarded as the luckiest fishing village of the world. Destin is a relaxation getaway located along the region most commonly referred to as the Emerald Coast. Known for its brimming sunshine, the white sands, plenty of stunning waters and the splendor of its sugar-white sandy and long beaches, Destin is the exciting vacation and excursion destination which is surely miles beyond the ordinary.

One of the perfect ways to capture Destin's essence is by taking an excursion on a deep sea fishing expedition or charter boat tours where you would see fishing resorts that are world class. Destin is a city with premier vacation status, fantastic shopping, good and world class restaurants in abundance, and various other interesting attractions. Some of the great attracting sites in Destin include the Big Kahuna, Dolphin Cruises, Adventure Park, Water Park, art galleries, and the museums. The attracting events or festivals include Destin Fishing Rodeo and Destin Seafood Festival.

Why are condos in Destin better alternatives to hotel rooms?
Condos in Destin are as exceptional as the city itself with all the amenities, comforts and luxuries of home away from home, private pool, spacious rooms, full kitchen, several television sets and DVD players and many more. These Destin Condos vacation rentals provide you with vacation fun adventure in continuation of all the fabulous attractions the city of Destin provides. Here are some cogent reasons why condo rentals in Destin are better alternatives to hotel rooms.

Condos provide you excellent choices and save you money:

Condominiums in Destin offer you the benefits of choices that are excellent. Besides, you have the opportunity of saving money and yet enjoy an incredible vacation. A condo is cheaper than a hotel room of comparable features and sizes which is why it is a wise and frugal step for you if you are planning your vacation on a budget. You can accommodate more people and increase your savings, cook your own meals especially in the evenings, and spend the savings made from renting vacation condos in Destin elsewhere.

If you make off-peak seasons your target and book your condo rentals way in advance, you will enjoy more flexible prices than a hotel room and you may even be able to find condo owners and get more discounts through better negotiation. Condos offer you the real living space: If you are looking for ways to spruce up your vacation or your family getaway, this is possibly the right time to look away from the traditional hotel rooms and settle for one of the best and spacious vacation accommodation that rental condos in Destin offers. Condominiums have the advantage of offering you the real living space which you will find to be more than just a place to take your deserved rest at night but rather, condos in Destin provides you a place to enjoy your vacation as well as your time with your family.

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Condos In Destin Are The Best Deal

There are justified reasons that Destin ranks top as one of the destinations tourists can visit on a budget. From the availability of many wonderful things you can do in Destin that cost little to no money to pay as service fee and the condos in Destin that are priced right for all types of tourists, Destin Florida is a vacation getaway that offer you the perfect combination of beach activities and a comfortable environment that provides you and your family the ideal relaxation. As one of the most preferred holiday destinations in the US, families and individuals alike love Destin's long stretch of sugar white beach sands, the emerald crystal clear sea water and the moderate weather it presents all day both in the spring and fall makes the Florida Panhandle a very good spot for year round cool vacationing.

Sites to visit in Destin: Once in Destin, fun and thrill seekers can visit such sites as the Big Kahuna that is right at the center of the city and the adventure and the water park which has something thrilling and fun filled for every category of tourists irrespective of age group. The park is noted for its water park rides which are seventeen in all, the adventure parks, and the tropical themed golf course. Tourists who love shopping won't like to miss the opportunity the Destin commons, which is an open air shopping arcade located at the east of the city, presents nor the Silver Sands Outlet Mail which prides itself as the center of the largest designer outlet.

If you are a lover of works of art, you would want to take a look at the showcase for the local artists at the Destin Harborwalk which is also a place where you can take a time out and eat in one of the realistically priced restaurants available.

How to get great and comfortable accommodations: Getting great and comfortable accommodations during your vacation in Destin is that easy though you are travelling within budget. If you decide to skip the traditional hotel rooms and settle for spacious rental condos in Destin, you will save some dollars and as well enjoy a great vacation in a more economical and yet comfortable vacation rental home. You can choose from the various Destin condos on the beach that offer you spacious rooms, full kitchen, television set in each room, DVD players, wireless internet and a lot more comfort you will find in these Destin condos than what a hotel room of comparable features can provide and yet they are reasonably priced.

If you are preparing your next vacation getaway to the beaches of Destin, ensure you do your online research to find the appropriate and the best Destin condos for your budget. Condos in Destin are usually the best form of accommodation that will give you the most comfortable and incredible experience on your vacation. However, the best deals of rental condos are found by making your reservation early and planning your vacation for the off peak season.

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Dream Vacations At Destin Florida Vacation Rentals

 Destin, with its pure white sugary sand and emerald green waters, is an ideal location for a perfect beach getaway. Vacation rentals offer the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful beach community. Read on to know more.

The pure white crystalline sand and vast expanse of emerald green water are what make Destin the picture of what many people have in mind when they think about the ideal beach vacation. The Emerald Coast in Destin is a beautiful stretch of land running along the Gulf of Mexico. Its breathtaking beauty makes it perfect for memorable vacations, whether it is a romantic honeymoon or a relaxed family getaway.

The white sand that makes Destin famous is made up of pure Appalachian quartz which gives it the sugary color and pleasant coolness even in the summer heat. The clear water reflects the sunlight to give a beautiful emerald green color to the water, thus the name Emerald Coast. The mesmerizing view looks seems to be pulled straight from a travel magazine. If you are looking to find a place which is close to paradise, you can find it at Destin in the Florida Panhandle.

Destin started out as a small village known for great fishing. Destin locals love to call it "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village". Today, Destin has become a very popular tourist destination with travelers from all over the world attracted by its amazing beaches. Even though many visitors come for the beaches, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy great fishing. Destin has the largest charter boat fleet in Florida and boasts the largest variety of edible fish in Florida. So, if you love ocean fishing, Destin is a great place to visit.

There is several thousand of vacation rentals located throughout Destin which cater to travelers looking for a perfect holiday experience. Destin offers luxurious vacation rental homes and condos on the beach which provide exquisite views of the emerald sea. You can find a huge variety of amenities in these vacation home rentals. Nearly all vacation rentals have amenities like a well equipped kitchen, high speed Internet, and washer/dryer. In addition, many Destin vacation rentals have more exotic amenities such as media rooms, bar areas, private pool and hot tub. These vacation rentals offer extra space and entertainment options compared to hotels, and are very well suited to make your vacation active and fun-filled.

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Vacation Rentals on the Beaches of Destin Florida

There is nothing like spending a vacation watching the soothing waters along the beach. Vacation rentals in Destin Florida offer the perfect combination of beach activities and a comfortable and relaxing environment for you and your family.

Experiencing coastal breeze along the beautiful beaches of Destin make it a favorite destination for many travelers. Destin is one of the most loved family holiday destinations in the United States because of its long stretch of sugar white sands and emerald water beaches. The adventurous water sports allow you to immerse yourself in the crystal clear water of the sea. Destin is the perfect location to make your vacation a special one. The moderate weather in the spring and fall are the best times to visit Destin.

Of course going for a beach vacation mostly involves lots of beach and ocean activities. Destin's beaches rival any in the world, and Destin offers much more than just beach activities. Playing golf, fishing and shopping are some other things you can do while visiting Destin. You can opt for a cruise, if you want to spend your time on water without getting in the water. You can choose a cruise that offers beautiful ocean views. These cruises include a variety of sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, dinner cruises and luncheon cruises. You can watch dolphins diving in and out of the water from a very close distance. These cruises also offer many activities like bird feeding and a variety of theme activities. Apart from watching dolphins you can also enjoy a great view of various sea birds, fish and other marine creatures.

Destin is quite famous for its great variety of fishing including off shore fishing, deep sea fishing, sports fishing, bay and light tackle fishing. Commonly caught fish include flounder, triple tail, marlin, sword fish and red fish. You can also go for fish feeding and experience the fish eating right out of your hands, just make sure you do that under the supervision of a professional instructor. You can find some of the best dining places with the enchanting views of Destin harbor as well as an exclusive collection of fine wines. A wide variety of traditionally cooked seafood is easy to find in Destin. Many restaurants offer delicacies like boat fresh seafood, steaks and grilled food.

A vacation rental on the beach is the best way to spend your vacation. You can choose from various condos, beach houses and beach cottages with spacious rooms allowing comfort throughout your trip. These rentals are located quite close to many tourist attractions, shopping, wining and dining. You can choose a condo that has classy furnishings and a stunning outdoor view including swimming pool, a tennis court, barbecue grills and a fitness center. These condos also offer a private beach along the beautiful coastline. Staying at a great place like these is the best way to unwind and relax during your vacation. You can also opt for a wonderful contemporary beach house with ample rooms and a private pool which is only a few yards away from the beach. A fabulous beach cottage with nicely furnished rooms along with a club house and a sun deck offers to make your trip more convenient. These rentals are fully equipped with TV and DVD player, wireless internet and outdoor speakers.

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