Destin Beach, renowned for its white sand beachfront, is part of Florida's 24-mile long Emerald Coast in the panhandle. Florida's Emerald Coast includes Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. Nestled in northwest Florida between Panama City Beach and Pensacola, Destin averages 343 sunny days per year, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.
Beaches
Located on the Gulf of Mexico and in the northwest part of Florida, Destin Beach offers 24 miles of white sand beach. As of mid-June 2010, tar balls from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill were washing up on Destin Beach's shores, but beaches remained open. There are many activities available on Destin Beach, including stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is also open to walkers and joggers.
Activities
Just north of Destin Beach is Blackwater River State Park, which offers white sand beaches and river bottoms. Shaded by Atlantic white cedars, the 11-mile-long river is open for canoes, kayaks, swimming and tubing. Run along the white sand beaches in and around Destin, or participate in training runs with area running clubs. The Northwest Florida Track Club has training runs in Destin and the surrounding areas, and is a good source for running routes.
Events
Destin hosts several athletic events, including a monthly Stand Up and Paddle Jam that runs from the end of March through early September. Attendees can race for prizes or learn how to stand up and paddle. The Destin Crab Trap Triathlon, conducted by the Northwest Florida Track Club in early October, offers a 400-yard swim, 10-mile bike and 5K run competition. The Hog Trot 5K Run is hosted by the Hog's Breath Saloon in mid-November.
Dining
From fresh oysters to shrimp and 20 species of fish, Destin Beach restaurants are renowned for their fresh seafood. While there isn't a weekly farmers market in Destin Beach, there are open-air stands outside Destin that sell seasonal produce such as strawberries, tomatoes and citrus.
Day Trips
The Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach, just west of Destin, offers a great way to learn more about the life in the Gulf of Mexico. Daily shows feature sea lions, dolphins, alligators, stingrays and other ocean creatures. If you feel like going out on the water, you can rent a pontoon boat for a half-day or a full day and float in one of Destin's back bays. Or take a charter fishing trip aboard one of more than 140 charter boats from the north shore of Destin Harbor.
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