The Emerald Coast is a great place to enjoy life. Here are a few places to go in the area.
This page was last updated on March 14, 2007.
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how to get there: There's a light at the entrance to Destin Commons on Hwy 98. Turn south at that light onto Crystal Beach Drive. When it dead-ends at Scenic Hwy 98, turn left. Soon you will see the Crab Trap restaurant on the right side of the road. why you should go: This is a great beach access because (1) there's plenty of parking, (2) there are public restrooms and showers, (3) the restaurant is available if you don't feel like packing a lunch, and (4) there are a bunch of covered picnic table areas. additional comments: The restaurant isn't all that great, but sometimes it's just easier to get lunch there rather than pack a picnic. Know what I mean? |
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how to get there: From Hwy 98, go south on Gulf Shore Drive (you'll see a Target at that intersection). Keep following that road around a couple turns until it dead-ends at a parking lot. Straight ahead you'll see Norriego Point. One side of it touches the harbor, the other side touches the Destin pass. why you should go: This beach access is rarely crowded. There's pretty good fishing in the harbor, and great snorkeling on the "pass" side of the Pointe. If you go there at night, you can hear the music from restaurants along the harbor. It's a great place to watch the sunset over the Destin bridge. additional comments: There are no public restrooms available, but there is a shower. |
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how to get there: Look for a place to park along 30A or Scenic Hwy 98. why you should go: Because we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Snow-white sand and emerald green waters... perfection. additional comments: I think you should try to build a sandcastle like THIS. |
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how to get there: Coming from the Silver Sands outlet mall, go east on Hwy 98. Turn left into the main gate of Sandestin and tell the guard you're going to Baytowne Wharf. Park in the first parking lot, walk down the dock, and take the boat shuttle over to the Village. If the boat shuttle isn't running, you can take the tram or just park in the parking garage by the Village's entrance. why you should go: The Village of Baytowne Wharf is probably one of the coolest places to go on the Emerald Coast. There are restaurants, shops, live music, a huge playground, beautiful architecture, and countless places to sit and people-watch. It's great! During the summer, they have fireworks every weekend. additional comments: I can't say enough good things about Baytowne. Go and bring your friends and family. You'll be glad you did. |
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how to get there: From Hwy 98, take 283 south. When you get to 30A, turn left. Soon you'll be driving right through the center of Watercolor. why you should go: You'll feel like you stepped back in time, yet everything is new and exciting. The architecture is beautiful and there are cool shops. Even the Publix and fire station have character! additional comments: Don't forget your camera! You'll want to take pictures of everything you see. If you want to really enjoy Watercolor, rent a bike and ride down every single street. |
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how to get there: From Hwy 98, go south on the east side of 30A (the side of 30A near Panama City Beach). Shortly after getting on 30A, you'll drive right through Rosemary Beach. why you should go: Rosemary Beach has some of the most stunning architecture in the area. You'll feel like you're in another world. There are great shops, too. additional comments: Don't forget your camera! You'll want to take pictures of everything you see. |
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how to get there: From Hwy 98, take 283 south. When you get to 30A, turn left. Drive through Watercolor and then you'll be in Seaside. why you should go: No trip to the Emerald Coast is complete without a visit to Seaside. Go just to say you've been. Cottages with white picket fences. Children laughing. Front porch swings. Just precious! additional comments: The movie "The Truman Show" was filmed in this picturesque village. (Ask the local business owners and someone can likely direct you to the house which belonged to Jim Carrey in the movie.) If you want art, Seaside is the place to go. Bring the kids to Quincy for some unique toys and crafts (ask for Dorothy and tell her you heard about Quincy from this web site). |
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how to get there: From Hwy 98, take 395 north. Follow the road until you see the entrance to the gardens on the left side of the road. why you should go: The mansion and surrounding gardens are incredible. The live oaks are amazing! additional comments: Bringing a camera is a must! |
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how to get there: Just before you go over the Destin bridge (east side), go north on Calhoun. Look for the park on the left side of the road. why you should go: At this park on the bay, the water is almost as pretty as the Gulf. However, there are some nice features this park offers that the beach doesn't... picnic tables, restrooms, a dock for fishing, a playground, a big parking lot, a place to pull up a jet ski, lots of shade, etc. additional comments: This is a nice park for a big group to have a picnic (such as a family reunion, etc). |
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how to get there: It's at the corner of Hwy 98 and Danny Wuerffel Way (the road that leads to the Mid-Bay Bridge). You can't miss it. It's huge. why you should go: There's great shopping and it's where everyone - and I do mean everyone - hangs out. There are plenty of places to sit and people-watch. There are a bunch of restaurants, cool stores, a movie theatre, a playground for the kids, and there's even a fountain the kids can run through in their swimsuits. It's great for people of all ages. additional comments: A non-denominational Christian church (shorelinechurch.net) meets at the Rave movie theatre Sunday mornings at 9:00. Yes, I'm serious. It's very cool. |
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how to get there: From Destin Commons, head east on Hwy 98. After about 5-10 minutes, you'll see the outlet mall on the left side of the road. It's huge. You can't miss it. why you should go: I've heard it's the largest outlet mall in the country, but I can't actually verify that. additional comments: It's a bit overwhelming, but you can find good deals. |