Gulf Coast Traveler, About Destin/Fort Walton Beach

About Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Famous for 24 miles of dazzling sugar white sands and brilliant green waters, the Southern sea towns of Destin and Fort Walton Beach present simple pleasures -- the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," spirited seaside celebrations, links of great golf, undeniably fresh seafood and some of the world's finest shelling -- all embraced within an unassuming charm. Although the preferred activity in Destin * Fort Walton Beach is "doing nothing," searching for eight-pound queen helmet shells in sunken forests, challenging 545 holes of famous golf, fishing from Florida's largest charter boat fleet for the elusive big blue, sailing along the emerald-flecked surf, tubing down meandering moss-draped rivers and sun bronzing on white powdered shores are all simple enticements. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than to any other spot in Florida -- creating the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. This phenomenon makes the area one of the top five shelling destinations in the world, the "Billfish Capital of the World" and a sensational seafood harbor offering over four times more types of fresh fish per season than any other Florida destination (except for Key West 14 hours away). To the east lies 18 individual beach communities known as The Beaches of South Walton. These beachfront communities stretch for some 26 miles. Pristine stretches of coastline surround beachside cottages, world class resorts, championship golf courses, fine restaurants, unique shops and more.