Destin Florida

Florida

Destin, Florida, is known as “the world’s luckiest fishing village,” but you’re sure to haul in all kinds of other sights, scenery and adventures, too. This charming and historic playground has two beautiful coasts. One gives you over 24 miles of powdery white sand and endless ocean views for boating, splashing, parasailing and of course…fishing. Then there are the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf – one of the few places in Florida where you can find excellent snorkeling right off the beach, or choose from dozens of other water sports including swimming, diving, sailing…and fishing!

Actually, imagine just about any relaxing activity, and you’ll find it here. Golf, tennis, arts and culture, music, festivals, shopping and dining – and did we mention fishing? Don’t let this one get away.

• The largest fishing fleet in Florida is located here, so you know that some of the more than 30 varieties, from amberjack to white trout, will be biting. Whether you charter a boat for deep sea fun or just reel them in from the shore or pier, it’s probably going to be your lucky day. Henderson Beach State Park features over 250 acres of park amenities including dune walkovers. Located on Destin’s east side. Grayton Beach Wayside Park includes 356 acres of outstanding scenery in South Walton County. Eden State Gardens and Mansions with country mansions and lush gardens will take you back to a lifestyle of long ago. Snorkelers will want to check out Destin Jetties and Crystal Beach for easy-to-reach fun with beautiful underwater scenes. There’s also boating, scuba diving, spear fishing, parasailing, lobster catching, shelling and just plain sunset watching. One of the nation’s largest designer outlet malls is here, with picnic areas, playgrounds and restaurants to help you take it all in. Almost a dozen championship golf courses – from 18 to 63 holes – to choose from, designed by such great as Rees Jones, Tom Fazio, Tom Jackson, Fred Couples and others. The Zoo in Gulf Breeze features over 500 animals, plus a petting zoo, botanical gardens and safari train line. Highlight the history of the city with vintage photographs. Historic and restored artifacts can be viewed at the Old Post Office Museum. The Air Force Armament Museum is the only facility in America dedicated to the Air Force’s mighty flying power. Historic planes including a WWII B-17, F-4 Phantom II jet and others. Big Kahuna water park has the largest man-made waterfall anywhere. Wave pool, lazy river ride, go-cart track and 54-hole miniature golf. At the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island you can get up close with the porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, tropical penguins, even alligators. The Living Sea exhibit has sharks, stingrays, eels and other fascinating sea life.

• Several festivals including May fest, held during the first week of that month, have a harbor-front setting filled with music, artists, games and other family fun. The Destin Seafood Festival, usually held in October, kicks off with the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Other annual events include gumbo cook offs, crawfish festival, wine tasting, Arts Quest, sailing regattas, fireworks displays, triathalons, Christmas parades and many others. Check local schedule for exact dates.