Destin Travel Guide

"World's Luckiest Fishing Village" Destin is a small, fairly upscale resort town in the Florida Panhandle and is located between Panama City Beach and Pensacola. It is framed by the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Destin has a population of only about 11,000 people but due to the millions of visitors that flock to the beautiful sugar white sand beaches each year, the town is rather cosmopolitan and has much to offer visitors and locals alike. Many upscale condominiums, resorts, restaurants, and shopping options are some of the many reasons for the growth of Destin during the past 0-15 years. For families and vacationers on a budget, Destin also has plenty to offer and make your stay pleasurable. While Destin and it's neighbor Sandestin have plenty to offer vacationers, the surrounding area is just as much of a must see while visiting. Take a trip down scenic highway 30A and take in one of the prettiest drives you will find anywhere on the gulf coast. Grayton Beach State Park is a 2,000 acre park located between Panama City Beach and Destin. It boasts on of the most pristine, clean, family friendly beaches in the country as well offering water sports and overnight stay accommodations. The town of Seaside is a planned, town where the only cars that are permitted are the ones that belong to the residents. The town is full of stunning beach front homes, shops, art galleries, and home to a vibrant and eclectic community. Many local writers and artists live in the small community. You are more than welcome to drive through the town on 30A and if you choose to, you won't be disappointed. If you are not afraid of heights, take a trip over the Mid-Bay Bridge. The bridge is a 3.6 mile trip over scenic Choctawhatchee Bay and connects Destin to Niceville and those traveling to and from Interstate 10. The view from the bridge offers a beautiful panoramic view of some of Northwest Florida's prettiest areas. There is a small toll to travel across the bridge, but the drive is definitely worth it. Destin is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to take in the beauty that Northwest Florida has to offer. It is also a great family destination for those looking to avoid the crowd and atmosphere of the Panama City Beach area. Excellent deals can be found if you are traveling September through January. September and October are very enjoyable as the summer heat is less intense and the water temperature is still warm enough to enter. The spring break crowd is nowhere near as intense or plentiful as other areas but you will encounter them should you visit during this time. I highly recommend Destin as a top vacation spot when you visit Northwest Florida. The sugar white sand and emerald waters are inviting and the town has no shortage of things to do no matter what your travel situation may be. Once you visit, you will see why Destin is one of the jewels on the Emerald Coast.

Where to Go in Destin