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travel / travel services / feature destinations
Emerald Coast/Okaloosa
Vacationers who visit the Emerald Coast — encompassing the southern sea towns of Destin,
Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island — bask in a destination offering a getaway that entices
the senses, relaxes the mind and sets the stage for the ideal retreat this fall. Voted the
“Number One Beach in the South” for 13 years in a row by the readers of Southern
Living, the Emerald Coast has something for everyone, from golfing on vibrant greens
and fishing the clear blue waters to browsing at the Destin Commons shopping center and dining
in open-air seafood restaurants.
Whether a fishing first-timer or a seasoned “old salt,” the Emerald Coast --
known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” -- is home to some of the
best fishing in the world, offering the speediest deep-water access on the coast of Florida.
This phenomenon makes the area one of the top five underwater shelling destinations in the
world and the “Billfish Capital of the World.”Other water adventures
to take advantage of include snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, parasailing and jet skiing.
The Emerald Coast offers more than 1,080 holes of golf from challenging links to panoramic
enticements at such renowned courses as Regatta Bay Golf &Country Club
— the area’s only Audubon registered course — and the Fred Couples and Gene Bates-designed
Kelly Plantation Golf Club, featuring 7,099-yards.
For a more relaxed excursion, Destin Commons is a premier outdoor lifestyle center for shoppers
on a mission. The 470,000 square foot shopping area is home to numerous high-end stores,
eight restaurants, a 14-screen Rave movie theatre, a soft-play kids playground and Bass Pro
Shop.
From rackety-shack oyster bars and salt-air cafes to upscale eateries, 300 easy-going eateries
are simple in atmosphere, yet spiced with character, serve to-die-for dishes and offer southern
hospitality. Fruitful fishing waters yield the freshest and second largest variety of seafood
in Florida with at least 20 tasty types of fish available for savoring during the different
seasons.
Florida’s Emerald Coast offers more than 15,900 Gulf-edged rooms including popular
hotels, spacious condominiums, a bed and breakfast inn, beach cottages and five-bedroom bungalows.
Seaside savings are year-round with exceptional bargains September through February.
With 24 miles of alluring sugar white sands and sparkling emerald waters, the Emerald Coast
boasts the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches. For additional visitor information about
the area call the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or
visit www.destin-fwb.com.
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