Outdoor temperatures in the mid 70s, beautiful beaches, and savings from on many of its 20,000 waterfront rooms this fall are just a few 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 located on Florida's upper Gulf of Mexico, allows visitors to slow down and enjoy life.
The Emerald Coast -- recently ranked as one of the top ten Best golf towns in America by Golf Digest -- tees up more than 1,080 holes of golf from challenging links to panoramic enticements. 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. Other adventures to take advantage of include snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, parasailing and jet skiing.
For visitors that are still in the mood to maximize their vacation delights, the spa at Silver Shell -- located in the heart of Destin -- relaxes, rejuvenates and refreshes the weary traveler with an array of options from massage therapy to seaweed body wraps. After an afternoon of pampering, Destin Commons is an ideal spot for shoppers on a mission. The new shopping area is home to numerous stores, restaurants, a Rave movie theatre, kids play area, Hard Rock Cafe and a Bass Pro Shop. Located on the corner of Highway 98 and the Mid Bay Bridge, the shopping center even has a Boys and Girls Kid Club that lets kids enjoy an array of events, performances and celebrations.
Famous for 24 miles of sugar white sand and emerald green waters, the Emerald Coast presents simple pleasures after a long day's play. Boasting spirited seaside celebrations, the largest charter boat fleet in Florida, undeniably fresh seafood and some of the world's finest underwater shelling, the Emerald Coast is the ideal fall getaway.
To experience the Emerald Coast this season, contact the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau.