Escape to Destin for Caribbean Beauty on the Mainland

No longer the hidden jewel of the Florida Panhandle, Destin has evolved into a full-blown tourist destination with its golf courses, upscale restaurants, high-rise condos and, of course, pristine beaches. While you will not find seclusion and quiet along this little strip of paradise, do not let that deter from exploring its stunning natural features and exciting attractions.

Although the beaches of Destin have been written about up to the tiniest detail, and most people feel that they know exactly what to expect, to see the sugar white sand and the emerald-green water in person is quite different than reading about them in an article. The surprise factor may be long gone, but the one-and-a-half mile long stretch of sand at Henderson Beach State Park is indescribably breathtaking upon first glance and is sure to leave you slightly bewildered if you have never seen such a pristine beach before. The white sand is almost too bright as the sunlight reflects off its surface, while the Gulf of Mexico will make you feel as if you are on a Caribbean island with the most crystal clear water at your beck and call.

After you have gotten over the initial surprise of the beach’s untamed beauty, you can explore, laugh, and play to your heart’s content. Swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, and seabird watching are all popular activities in and around the water, but Henderson Beach State Park is more than just a place to work on your tan. Since you may get a little restless simply sitting on the beach for hours on end, you can head over to the nature trail to catch a glimpse of the area’s abundant wildlife and coastal dune ecosystem. The two large pavilions are also perfect for picnicking and grilling, meaning you don’t need to leave your sandy oasis should hunger strike.

While outdoor lovers can also retreat to the nearby James W. Lee Park, located between Destin and Sandestin, for even more waterfront excitement and great views, a round at one of Destin’s excellent golf courses is the perfect way to enjoy nature in a quieter setting. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which offers 72 holes spread out among four championship courses, features rolling fairways, undulating greens, countless water hazards, and challenging bunkers. Other courses to consider include the Emerald Bay Plantation Course at the Emerald Bay Golf Club and the Regatta Bay Course at the Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club.

Although the shopping in Destin is not exactly overwhelming, the Market at Sandestin, at the Sandestin Beach Resort, offers some excellent window-shopping and the perfect beginning to a new day. Whether you are looking to purchase or simply browsing, the boutiques feature expensive gifts and clothes that are certainly worth a look. After a morning in the shops and an afternoon at the beach, fill your nighttime itinerary with live entertainment such as the Irish tunes at McGuire's Irish Pub & Brewery, the reggae music at AJ's Club Bimini, or the collective reggae, dance, and sports bar excitement of Nightown.

Beyond the regular tourist draws, Destin is also home to a couple of must-see attractions that you can check out whenever you need a break from the great outdoors. Florida’s Gulfarium, the second oldest marine park in the country, offers dolphin encounters, interesting exhibits about underwater life, and numerous shows with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, penguins, and otters. Eden Gardens State Park is the place to catch a little history with its gorgeous 1895 Greek Revival-style Wesley Mansion, which overlooks the scenic Choctawhatchee Bay, and lovely gardens of camellias and azaleas.

Although Destin is brimming with opportunities for relaxation and entertainment, the centerpiece of any getaway is bound to be the breathtaking beaches. Rather than leaving the majestic beauty behind at the end of the day, stay along the banks of the splendid white sand and crystalline, emerald-green water in a Destin vacation rental. Breathtaking views and easy access to recreational pursuits are at your fingertips in Destin vacation rentals, meaning you can cast aside your worries and lose yourself in the scenic beauty of this prime waterfront destination. With the sound of the water as your alarm clock and a stunning sunset as your cap to a perfect day, the most relaxing vacation you could ever imagine is waiting for you in Destin.