Archive for August, 2010

White sand beaches, jasmine perfumed air and luminous green waters are what describe the Emerald Coast best.  Destin got its start in this stretch as a fishing village in the 19^th century to become a major hub of tourism, attracting vacationers who crave upscale restaurants and accommodations. Among the many attractions here are:

Emerald Coast Science Center with more than 250 hands-on exhibits allows visitors to learn about robotics, health, and the power and impact of hurricanes.

Boogies Watersports sits right on Destin Harbor and is a perfect jumping-off place for watersports and cruises of the area. From rented glass bottomed boats to wave runners, the company also arranges for parasailing adventures.

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises take a leisurely route along the coast, granting guests the chance to see dolphins frolic in the temperate waters; knowledgeable guides make the trip educational as well as entertaining.

Gulfarium established in 1955 this facility educates and entertains visitors while promoting the welfare of marine life. Performances by dolphins and sea lions; exhibit showcasing turtles, sharks, eels and other animals, penguins, otters, alligators and a touch pool make for a memorable visit.

Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is an entertainment complex with clubs and restaurants, but its beaches are expansive.

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is a 23-acre entertainment complex that boasts a water park and adventure park peppered with shipwrecks, palm trees and observation area.

Topsail Hill State Preserve totally undeveloped, this 1600-acre parcel of land encompasses some of the most beautiful terrain in the state. Freshwater lakes, pine forests, towering sand dunes, and a host of wildlife occupy the area.

Gulf Breeze Zoo & Botanical Gardens shelters hundreds of domestic and exotic animals. The wildlife preserve offers glimpses of Gorilla Island, rhinos, giraffes, bears and reptiles, White Bengal tigers, pygmy hippos and zebras.

Eden State Gardens built in 1897; the home a Greek revival mansion was refurbished in the 1960s with gardens that feature collections of azaleas, camellias and other flowering shrubs.

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area covers 1133 acres and first opened to the public in 1968. Swimming and fishing are the top recreational activities, but campsites are great for overnight stays, and an extensive nature trail directs hikers around dunes and through pine forests.

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