Destin

A JEWEL in the Panhandle along the Emerald Coast of northwest Florida is the city of Destin. For several years a large sign has stood at the western edge of the city welcoming travelers about to cross the Destin bridge to the "world's luckiest fishing village." However, what was once only a small seacoast hamlet is now a thriving city with a growing population - and an area which also attracts thousands of visitors throughout each and every year.

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Some folks choose Destin as a leisure destination - even if only for a day or a weekend. Many others stay for a week or longer during all seasons of the year. And, a huge number of retirees make Destin their winter home with stays ranging from one to four and a half months. Such is the case for my wife and me. For the past four years we have thoroughly enjoyed the sunny skies, palm trees, white sand beaches, emerald-green water of the ocean, and mild temperatures from the first of November through the middle of March.

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Destin, located on a narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, is about 50 miles east of Pensacola and 50 miles west of Panama City on U.S. Highway 98. Fort Walton Beach is only 6 miles west of Destin - the two cities separated by Okaloosa Island. Several airlines fly into Fort Walton Beach. The airport (Okaloosa Regional) is located northeast of the city near Valparaiso and Niceville. It is only about 15-20 minutes from the Mid-Bay Bridge at Destin's northern border.

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There's always something going on - or something to do - in Destin and the coastal areas close-by. Or, it's the perfect spot to just lay on the beach soaking up the sun. It's easy to be busy with a myriad of fun-filled activities. And, opportunities abound for rest, relaxation, and just doing nothing - all within a wonderful and beautiful environment.

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Walking, biking, fishing, boating, surfing, swimming, sunbathing, golfing, tennis, sightseeing, shopping, and eating-out are just a few of many popular activities available in Destin. In addition to all the regional and national chain restaurants and fast-food places, some lesser-known home town dining spots cater to locals and guests alike. These include A.J.'s, Back Porch, Busters, Captain Dave's, Crab Trap, Dewey Destin's, Harbor Docks, Lucky Snapper, Ocean Club, Pompano Joe's, and the Whale's Tail.

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Destin has hundreds of stores and places of business including three major shopping centers: the Destin Commons, the Grand Boulevard, and the Silver Sands Factory Stores. The city is also home to a library, a museum, numerous churches, amusement centers, a family fun center, movie theaters, putt-putt courses, gorgeous golf courses, and several parks - including Henderson Beach State Park. Dolphins can often be seen swimming in the Gulf and the Bay; and, several boat captains offer dolphin cruises. All of this - and more - helps to describe Destin. But, the beaches with sugar white sand are perhaps Destin's biggest draw when it comes to retaining residents and attracting visitors.

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Nearby towns and villages offer additional opportunities for sightseeing and leisure activities. Okaloosa-Walton College, located just across the Bay in Niceville, has a center for performing arts and features concerts and Broadway-type shows. And, the "Raiders" of OWC keep sports fans on the edge of their seats! Also, the beaches of south Walton county and the villages of Miramar Beach, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach are all only minutes from Destin.

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Housing accommodations are available for both short-term and long-term visitors to Destin. Of course the city has several hotels and motels. Plus, several property management companies assist visitors with arrangements for rentals of condos or houses.

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My wife and I are delighted to recommend Destin as a superior leisure destination. And, based on our own personal experiences, this recommendation is given without any reservation whatsoever.

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-- Destin Harbor is shown in the photograph above.