Plan a Vacation in Destin, Florida

Your perfect 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.

Day 6: Deep sea fishing in the morning. You will have to get up early for this. There are also back water fishing tours as well. For the ladies I would stop by Silver Sands outlet mall and the Grand Blvd at Sandestin.

Day 7: Enjoy the beach all day.. you deserve it.

Day 8: Rain day... there will be only one or none.. if you are really lucky. At the Destin Commons they have the RAVE theatre. There are also a couple of paint n place stores for the kids to do their own pottery: Fired up in Seaside. There is a Barnes and Noble and Books a Million close to the Destin Commons. Just kick back, rent a movie and relax at the condo.

Day 9: Enjoy the beach one last time or take a canoe trip through the coastal dune lakes in South Walton. Rent a bike and take a ride along 30A. Head over to Ft. Walton beach and enjoy the shops and excellent restaurants just over the Brooks bridge in Historic FWB.

Day 10. Time to leave. Hopefully it won't be too sunny this day.. that makes it harder to go. But don't worry we will still be here next year and we look forward to welcoming you back.

I hope you have enjoyed your vacation to Northwest Florida. Be sure to come back down and see us. The door is always open.
 

Article Source: EzineArticles