Vacationing in Destin, Florida

Sitting majestically along the coast of the Florida Panhandle, Destin is part of one of the most gorgeous stretches of beaches in the world. A relative newcomer among the popular vacation destinations of the Emerald Coast, this city is fast becoming one of the best places to go for sun, sand, and relaxation along the Gulf of Mexico. Make your way to Destin, Florida for your next vacation, and the multitude of golf courses, the beautiful beaches, and the abundance of water activities will keep you coming back year after year.

As a part of the Emerald Coast, Destin is blessed with the same attributes as the other cities that line the southwestern corner of the Florida Panhandle. The beaches have sugar white sand, whose color is caused by the Appalachian quartz that arrives at the coast from the mountains, that is perfect for a stroll along the water or for simply throwing down a towel and catching some sun. The most distinct feature, however, is the sparkling emerald-green water, which creates the area's namesake hue from the sugar white sand that lies beneath the crystal blue water. Whether you want to build a sandcastle, play in the water, or work on your suntan, the beaches of Destin can accommodate your needs and look amazing doing it.

One of the best places in Destin to swim and simply enjoy an all-around exciting day is Henderson Beach State Park. Located off the Emerald Coast Parkway, this park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and lays claim to over 6,000 feet of shoreline. While swimming is the most popular activity on the beautiful beach, visitors can also enjoy a nice picnic lunch in the afternoon or cast out a line on one of the docks. If you want to break up your day and experience more than the water, there are nature trails for hiking and wildlife viewing is not an uncommon activity as dolphins regularly emerge from the waters this area.

Since you are visiting some of the most breathtaking waters in the world, why not take advantage of the numerous water adventures and sports at your disposal. Snorkeling is a popular inshore option since the exceptional water quality makes it easy to catch sight of vibrant yellow angelfish, manta rays, and loggerhead sea turtles. If you want to venture offshore, rent a wave runner for some action-packed excitement on the water and to view the impeccable shoreline of Destin. For those looking for a more calm experience, rent a kayak and create your own adventure by paddling into the open waters and exploring different nooks and crannies.

The Destin area is home to some of the finest year round courses in the country, meaning the hardest part any golf enthusiast's vacation will be deciding which courses to play. While there are over ten courses in the area, there are two that stick out as both visually stunning and worth your best effort. The Emerald Bay Golf Club, designed by Bob Cupp, borders the Choctawhatchee Bay on the back nine and has a unique design that provides for an unrivaled experience. The Sandestin Raven Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and presents a difficult test of golf through marshes, wetlands, and pine trees. There are dramatic changes of color throughout the course and players will face a variety of shot options that will undoubtedly lead to an exciting round.

While enjoying the beach and the emerald-green water of the Gulf of Mexico is probably your top priority, you will need accommodations that make it easy to spend your time soaking up the sun on the sugar white sands. For easy access to the beach and everything this amazing city has to offer, look into Destin vacation rentals for your next trip to the Florida Panhandle. You will find a wide selection of waterfront homes that have all the amenities you need for a relaxing, water-filled vacation away from the stresses of everyday life. Begin your search for the perfect home or condo rental today, and learn what a difference it makes to have all the comfort of home at your fingertips during vacation.

Article Source: EzineArticles

Luxury Vacations in Destin Florida

Florida, the sunshine state, makes an exciting vacation destination, but deciding where to go can be a challenge with so many cities to choose from. With its white sand beaches, emerald green water and beautiful sunsets, its no wonder Destin is becoming a popular vacation destination. Besides enjoying the sand and surf, don't forget to pack your snorkeling gear, golf clubs and a little extra cash for an exciting dolphin and sunset cruise. Come experience all the attractions the welcoming city of Destin has to offer.

With the Gulf Coast comes an abundance of water adventures and sports. Take the family swimming, boogie boarding, snorkeling, parasailing or rent a wave runner. Create your own adventure by renting a kayak and paddle out into the open waters to explore the unbeaten path. For complete relaxation, grab your towel and soak up the warm sunshine while listening to the ocean waves gently roll onshore. Wander along miles of white sand beaches, occasionally stopping to gather sea shells and to take a dip into the cool, refreshing ocean water.

If the white sandy beaches and warm sunshine haven't sparked quite enough interest, a variety of enjoyable boat tours are sure to catch your eye. Take a deep sea adventure and hop onboard the 76 foot glass bottom boat of Southern Star Dolphin & Sunset Cruises. Spend the next two hours gliding over the ocean waves, listening to calming music and exploring a variety of sea life.

Take the kids on a more active adventure and head down to the docks to try deep sea fishing, trolling and billfishing. With over 20 different species of fish from mackerel, red snapper, amberjack and blue and white marlin, your experienced boat captain is sure to help you successfully bring in the big catch of the day.

Every golf enthusiast will be eager to hear the golf courses in Destin are open year round. Home to over ten golf courses with four exclusively designed by renown golf architect Tom Jackson, you are bound to find a course for every skill level. Grab your clubs and take part in a challenging 18 hole round of golf and enjoy the views of Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico at Baytowne Golf Club.

Located east of Destin on US 98, Henderson Beach State Park is home to 6,000 miles of protected shoreline. Grab your towels and head across the boardwalks which will lead you right to the beach, an excellent spot for dolphin watching. Take a hike along the ¾ mile nature walk and discover countless wildlife, costal dune ecosystem and a variety of plant life including sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. At the end of your visit, leave the sand at the beach by rinsing off in the convenient outdoor showers.

While the focus of your vacation is around the beach, make sure to enjoy the Silver Sands Factory outlet, one of the largest. Shopping fanatics will love the great deals they find at the 120 plus stores.

After a fun day in the sun, you'll be glad to know Destin is home to the regions best dining. From Seafood, American, Italian, Cajun and French you're bound to find a restaurant with the cuisine you've been craving. For the family or group dinner, try Fudpuckers for some delicious seafood. After desert head downstairs and feed the live gators and get your picture taken! Whether it's a romantic dinner for two, an energetic group gathering or the desire for a casual low key evening, there are restaurants to accommodate.

Before leaving town to fulfill the vacation dreams you are longing for, you will need to look into accommodations that will allow you to fully enjoy your vacation. Try staying in a Destin Vacation Rental. Enjoy the benefits of a home or condo in close proximity to the beach, golf courses, shopping, restaurants and more.

Article Source: EzineArticles

Luxury Condo rentals in Destin Florida

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.

Destin is vacation destination that travelers visit again and again. When you are not on the beach or out on the ocean, there are numerous golf courses, great shopping, and many restaurants to keep you entertained. A popular activity is a visit to the Gulfarium Marine Park. Whatever you choose to do, Destin's incredible beach, countless entertainment options, and comfortable accommodations will keep you in high spirits.

Article Source: EzineArticles

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

Destin Florida Vacation Rentals - Luxurious Yet Affordable

Many families have enjoyed a trip to the Sunshine State by staying in one of the comfortable Florida vacation rentals. People can choose from a wide variety of properties based on their budget and the size of their family. They can select secluded cottages and cabins, beach front villas, houses and condos. The best thing about vacation rentals in Florida is that the holiday can work out incredibly cheap especially if you share costs with another family. Most rentals are equipped with amenities like a well-fitted kitchen, BBQ, hot tub/Jacuzzi, swimming pool, wireless internet connection; phone, cable TV, Flat Screen TV, DVD, stereo, washer, dryer and fresh linen.

More Space Than In Cramped Hotel Rooms
People seem to prefer to stay in Florida vacation rentals than in hotel rooms on account of many factors in favor of the rentals. They are more luxurious than hotel rooms and more spacious. Families can build bonds and memories by staying in a home away from their home. They get to select the kind of view and locale they wish to spend some time together in. Families with small children will definitely appreciate being able to take care of the mounting pile of dirty clothes without any hassles. People can dine in and save money or opt to eat at the many restaurants that are just a few minutes drive from away.
Many couples have hired Florida vacation home rentals to have the perfect beach wedding and reception. It is also a great place to enjoy romantic getaways with your loved one. There are several family destinations too that can make it a very enjoyable and memorable occasion. Children love trips to the fabulous Disney World, Disney Animal Kingdom, and Sea World. Tourists will never get enough of the Discovery Cove, Orlando, which can be a most enjoyable excursion swimming with dolphins and snorkeling through the coral reefs. Beach side fun such as surfing, jet skiing, scuba diving, para sailing, boat excursions can keep your days busy while the nightlife is equally tempting and enjoyable.
Florida beach vacation rentals are available too, with ocean fronted properties being much in demand. Some of them are offered along with water crafts and most of them are located within easy driving distance from the shopping and entertainment areas. You could enjoy casino cruises, dinner cruises, sunset and themed cruises. If you are a history buff, you might love visiting the Heritage Village and St. Augustine. If you are a nature buff and love outdoor sports you might want to visit one of Florida's Natural Forests; Apalachicola, Ocala or Osceola. Hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, biking, boating, water skiing and picnicking with family and friends in the Natural Forest is an experience not to be missed.
Children will love staying in Florida vacation rentals and visiting the many water parks while the women may enjoy shopping at the malls and Downtown areas. The golfers may have a fabulous time at one of the beautiful courses while the ladies will definitely want to pamper themselves at the day spas. With just so many things to see and do you will definitely appreciate coming back to a cozy condo or a warm house instead of an impersonal and cramped hotel room. You can double the fun and even extend the trip if you share accommodation and costs with another family.

Article Source: EzineArticles

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.
If you are planning a vacation on the beaches of Destin, make sure you do your research to find the best possible accommodation for your vacation. Destin vacation rentals are often the best accommodation option for experiencing an incredible time.

This article has been written by an expert associated with Perfect Places, a company specializing in vacation rentals to make your vacation memorable.

Article Source: EzineArticles

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.

Destin is vacation destination that travelers visit again and again. When you are not on the beach or out on the ocean, there are numerous golf courses, great shopping, and many restaurants to keep you entertained. A popular activity is a visit to the Gulfarium Marine Park. Whatever you choose to do, Destin's incredible beach, countless entertainment options, and comfortable accommodations will keep you in high spirits.

This article has been written by an expert, working with forGetaway.com, a leading vacation home rental site offering Destin vacation rentals, vacation home rentals and vacation rentals at many other destinations.

Article Source:EzineArticles