Your perfect vacation in Destin, Florida.

Regards! As a long time resident of Destin, FL (over 30 years), many of my clients ask me about places to go and things to do on the Emerald Coast. I’ve developed the perfect “going local” vacation week on the Gulf Coast. It’s a balance of beach time, shopping and activities.

My first recommendation is a 10-day trip. Why? The reason is the weather. Florida is a tropical state and we have regular thunderstorms or rain in the afternoon. It doesn’t usually rain all day. In fact, if you’re willing to drive, you can find another sunny beach area.

I want you to get the most bang for your buck during your beach vacation. In 10 days, I’m sure you’ll have enough beach time for a perfect tan.

My second (very important) recommendation is sunscreen and take into account the time you spend at the beach. Our beaches have some of the whitest sand in the world. It is also very reflective and umbrellas do not offer complete protection. By the time you realize you’re sunburned, it’s already too late. For the first few days of your trip, spend only a couple of hours in the morning and late afternoon on the beach. This will give you a basic tan. Be careful to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet, ears, hairline, and under your nose. If you forget those places… you won’t forget them next year.

My third recommendation. This is very important too. We have a wide variety of thunderstorms coming up along the Gulf Coast very quickly. Lighting is often associated with these storms. It can be deadly. More people die from lightning than from hurricanes, and both are preventable. If you see a storm coming, get off the beach. It is not safe to be in the water or on the beach. Period. If you can hear thunder, you may be hit. Fortunately, most storms (unless it’s a big moving front) only last an hour or two. Take care of yourself. Don’t risk it.

Are we ready to have fun now?

There are three main resort areas to choose from on the Gulf Coast: Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, and South Walton. There is a 45 minute drive time from one end to the other. I’ll choose activations of all three to familiarize you with the area.

Day 1. Arrival. Most hotel or condo check-in times are after 3:00 pm I suggest just settling in and relaxing. Sunset time during the summer months is between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm I recommend getting a couple of plastic cups (no glass on the beach) and a drink to go out and enjoy the sunset.

Day 2: Beach time! Sunrise is beautiful on the Gulf Coast if you’re inclined to get up that early. The beach is empty and it is the perfect time to exercise. Enjoy the beach until 10:30. Then go to the Publix supermarket to buy groceries. The lines are shorter during the day and there aren’t as many people. Don’t go after dinner…everyone thinks it’s a good idea…if you know what I mean.

Afternoon: Check out the Destin Commons. They have shops and a playground/water area for the kids.

Evening: Go out for an early dinner…around 5:00 pm Then you’ll beat the lines and rush of dinner. I recommend a restaurant along the Destin Harbor. The Lucky Snapper has a nice view and you will be able to watch the sunset. If you want to go out for a drink, there are places on the Paseo del Puerto.

Day 3 – Enjoy the beach in the morning, then schedule an afternoon sailing trip with one of the ships in Destin Harbor: Southern Star, AJs Silent Lady Sailboat, and Nathaniel Bowditch. You will usually see dolphins. They also have sunset cruises. Sometimes they offer special wine and cheese cruises. In the evening head to Baytowne Warf. They have outdoor concerts and fun stuff for kids and adults.

Day 4: Relax on the beach (you should have a base tan by now). There are also several golf courses in the area to enjoy. Google Destin Golf courses only. In front of the Surfside condo there are beach vendors with jet ski rentals or they return to the Destin Harbor for boat or jet ski rentals.

Day 5: Take a break from the beach with a trip to the Spa at the Hilton Serenity by the sea, NOT the Sandestin Spa. It still needs renovation. Then head to South Walton for shopping and sightseeing. Stop by Grayton Beach, Seaside, and Water color. If you want to go further down 30A, check out Rosemary Beach. Each municipality has interesting shops and cafes.

Day 6: Deep-sea fishing in the morning. You will have to get up early for this. There are also fishing tours on the water. For the ladies, I would stop at the Silver Sands Mall and on Grand Blvd in Sandestin.

Day 7: Enjoy the beach all day… you deserve it.

Day 8: Rainy day… there will be only one or none… if you are very lucky. At Destin Commons they have the RAVE theater. There are also a couple of paint shops and a place for kids to make their own pottery: Fired up in Seaside. There is a Barnes and Noble and Books a Million near the Destin Commons. Just kick back, rent a movie, and relax in the condo.

Day 9 – Enjoy the beach one last time or take a canoe trip on the coastal dune lakes in South Walton. Rent a bike and take a ride on 30A. Head to the Ft. Walton beach and enjoy the shops and great restaurants just across the Brooks Bridge at Historic FWB.

Day 10. Time to leave. Let’s hope it’s not too sunny today…that makes it harder to go. But don’t worry, we’ll still be here next year and look forward to welcoming you back.

I hope you enjoyed your Northwest Florida vacation. Be sure to come back down and see us. The door is always open.