Places to Explore in Destin and the Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast encompasses the towns of Destin, Miramar Beach, Sandestin, Okaloosa Island, and Fort Walton Beach. Each year vacationers flock to the area for the beautiful beaches, undeniably fresh seafood, championship golf, and world-famous fishing. On the Emerald Coast, you can relax to your heart’s content or experience the many sites and attractions available for the entire family.
Visit Florida’s Gulfarium, the state’s oldest marine park that features sea turtles, seals, penguins, sharks, and a game of soccer courtesy of a playful team of dolphins. After watching frolicking sea critters, why not get drenched at Big Kahuna’s 25-acre water park? Plan a visit to The Track for a family fun time of go-karts, bumper cars, and a kid’s corner for the younger members of the family.
Ready to hit the water again? Rent jet skis, wave runners, and pontoon boats at Boogies Watersports. Want to view the dolphins up close? Olin Marler Dolphin Cruise offers narrated boat tours aboard Miss Florida. Little pirates, as well as moms and dads, will enjoy a sunset cruise with Daniel Webster Clements on a 72’ historic sailing schooner.
If you are serious about fishing, then you have come to the right place. Destin holds the title of “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” The offshore shelf dips straight from Destin’s East Pass down to 100 feet within 10 miles, giving you the quickest route to deep water anywhere on the gulf. Swoop offers half-day and full-day deep-sea fishing charters with two 65’ party boats.
Destin area golf courses offer more than quality golfing year after year. Some of the stunning links have been designed by renowned architects, while others are courtesy of Mother Nature herself. Emerald Bay will challenge and impress even the most seasoned golfer. The Shalimar Point Golf and Country Club has two of the hardest holes on the Emerald Coast; Regatta Bay has a labyrinth of marshes, woodland interiors, and flowing terrain; and Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a 225-acre course on prime bayside real estate.
You can go straight from the beach to a multitude of great shops, stores, and boutiques. You’ll find bargains at Silver Sands Factory Stores, the largest designer outlet center in the country. Destin Commons is a shopper’s paradise, with Bass Pro Shops as the anchor store. Here you will find shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, all in an outdoor mall. Visit Baytown Wharf for unique shopping and excellent restaurants.
Our location on the Gulf of Mexico means direct access to some of the best seafood in the world. Whether you are craving fresh seafood, succulent steaks, burgers, or our famous key lime pie, you are sure to find it at more than 400 restaurants, some right on the water.
Now that you have had a taste of our good life, you might be considering becoming a regular visitor or a full-time resident.
Contact Millie Lusco for rental information at Surfside Resort at
(225) 931-7828. If you would like to contact us using our online form, click here.