A Revitalized Destin!
Destin, FL -The Emerald Coast... located on Florida's upper Gulf Coast and encompassing the southern sea towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the island of Okaloosa, boasts the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches even after the string of Florida hurricanes. To ensure that guests' experience a safe and enjoyable visit, the Emerald Coast has tested the water, cleaned the beaches of any debris and ensured that all roads are damage free. As for cosmetic measures brought on by Hurricane Ivan, the dune system is currently being replaced with additional sea oats, landscaping is being pruned and signage is getting touched-up.
Along with the oustanding and beautiful beaches come tempting outdoor temperatures in the mid 70's and "out of season" savings on many of the 18,000 water front rooms...just a few of the very real reasons to visit the Emerald Coast -- voted "Best Beach in the South" by the readers of Southern Living for nine years in a row! From golfing on vibrant greens and fishing the clear blue waters to shopping at the new Destin Commons shopping center and beach side sunbathing on the sugary sands, the Emerald Coast, encompassing Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island allows visitors to slow down and enjoy life.
When Hurricane Opal
impacted Northwest Florida almost a decade ago,
the area put several precautions into place for
future storms such as new building codes and
enhanced sand dune systems. With current building
codes in place, inland buildings are able to
withstand 110 mph wind loads and Gulf front buildings
can withstand even higher wind loads.
Destin and the Emerald Coast was recently ranked as one of the top ten "Best golf towns in America" by Golf Digest -- with more than 1,080 holes of golf from challenging links to panoramic enticements. Kelly Plantation Golf Club, a 225-acre course delicately placed along the Choctawhatchee Bay, was created by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. The course provides the perfect harmony between nature and humanity -- whether novice or master golfer. The area's only Audubon certified course, Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, is perfect for players of every skill. Located in Destin, the course is nestled in nearly 120 acres of protected, pristine woodlands, wetlands and 28 acres of lakes that support an abundance of Florida wildlife.
Players perfect their swing at Emerald Bay...the 6,802-yard masterpiece crafted by nationally-recognized architect Robert Cupp, the former chief designer for Jack Nicklaus. Acclaimed by Golfweek as one of the "50 Most Distinctive Development Courses in the Southeast, it presents gentle, undulating greens and towering pine-lined fairways in a medley of short and long holes all affected by the ever-changing whim of surrounding bay-breezes.
For deep sea adventures, the destination -- known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" -- is home to some of the best fishing due to the offshore shelf dipping straight from Destin's East Pass to 100-foot depths within 10 miles. As a direct result of Hurricane Ivan, Destin has actually experienced an increase in fishing success due to the ocean carrying the fish further inshore to this destination. Other adventures in and around the aquaqmarine water include snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, parasailing and jet skiing.
If you're a hard core "Land Lover" and a shopping fanatic, Destin Commons is THE place for shoppers on a mission. The new shopping area is home to numerous stores, restaurants, a Rave movie theatre, kids play area, Hard Rock Café and a Bass Pro Shop. Located on the corner of Highway 98 and the Mid Bay Bridge, the shopping center even has as a Boys and Girls Kid Club that lets kids enjoy an array of events, performances and celebrations.
When Hurricane Opal impacted Northwest Florida almost a decade ago, the area put several precautions into place for future storms such as new building codes and enhanced sand dune systems. With current building codes in place, inland buildings are able to withstand 110 mph wind loads and Gulf front buildings can withstand even higher wind loads. Destin sustained fairly minimal damage due to Hurricane Ivan and much of this is a direct result of preventative measures.
Famous for its 24 miles of sugar white
sands and emerald green waters, The Emerald Coast has bounced back from
storms in the past and this one has proved to be no different! A revitalized
Destin is waiting for you and its better than ever! For some odd reason,
summer is considered to be "season" on the Emerald Coast and
the prices reflect that thinking. Odds are that you'll find winter in
Destin to be the perfect place to be. It's seldom cold and more often
than not, it's ideal...at night you may wear a sweater but the beach
is perfect in the daytime and you can find a spot all to yourself and
sit back, relax and take in the natural beauty found only on the Emerald
Coast! Try it on for size and see how it fits...you may just find that
you're revitalized, too! 
