Sitting majestically along the coast of the Florida Panhandle, Destin is part of one of the most gorgeous stretches of beaches in the world. A relative newcomer among the popular vacation destinations of the Emerald Coast, this city is fast becoming one of the best places to go for sun, sand, and relaxation along the Gulf of Mexico. Make your way to Destin, Florida for your next vacation, and the multitude of golf courses, the beautiful beaches, and the abundance of water activities will keep you coming back year after year.

As a part of the Emerald Coast, Destin is blessed with the same attributes as the other cities that line the southwestern corner of the Florida Panhandle. The beaches have sugar white sand, whose color is caused by the Appalachian quartz that arrives at the coast from the mountains, that is perfect for a stroll along the water or for simply throwing down a towel and catching some sun. The most distinct feature, however, is the sparkling emerald-green water, which creates the area's namesake hue from the sugar white sand that lies beneath the crystal blue water. Whether you want to build a sandcastle, play in the water, or work on your suntan, the beaches of Destin can accommodate your needs and look amazing doing it.

One of the best places in Destin to swim and simply enjoy an all-around exciting day is Henderson Beach State Park. Located off the Emerald Coast Parkway, this park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and lays claim to over 6,000 feet of shoreline. While swimming is the most popular activity on the beautiful beach, visitors can also enjoy a nice picnic lunch in the afternoon or cast out a line on one of the docks. If you want to break up your day and experience more than the water, there are nature trails for hiking and wildlife viewing is not an uncommon activity as dolphins regularly emerge from the waters this area.

Since you are visiting some of the most breathtaking waters in the world, why not take advantage of the numerous water adventures and sports at your disposal. Snorkeling is a popular inshore option since the exceptional water quality makes it easy to catch sight of vibrant yellow angelfish, manta rays, and loggerhead sea turtles. If you want to venture offshore, rent a wave runner for some action-packed excitement on the water and to view the impeccable shoreline of Destin. For those looking for a more calm experience, rent a kayak and create your own adventure by paddling into the open waters and exploring different nooks and crannies.

The Destin area is home to some of the finest year round courses in the country, meaning the hardest part any golf enthusiast's vacation will be deciding which courses to play. While there are over ten courses in the area, there are two that stick out as both visually stunning and worth your best effort. The Emerald Bay Golf Club, designed by Bob Cupp, borders the Choctawhatchee Bay on the back nine and has a unique design that provides for an unrivaled experience. The Sandestin Raven Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and presents a difficult test of golf through marshes, wetlands, and pine trees. There are dramatic changes of color throughout the course and players will face a variety of shot options that will undoubtedly lead to an exciting round.

While enjoying the beach and the emerald-green water of the Gulf of Mexico is probably your top priority, you will need accommodations that make it easy to spend your time soaking up the sun on the sugar white sands. For easy access to the beach and everything this amazing city has to offer, look into Destin vacation rentals for your next trip to the Florida Panhandle. You will find a wide selection of waterfront homes that have all the amenities you need for a relaxing, water-filled vacation away from the stresses of everyday life. Begin your search for the perfect home or condo rental today, and learn what a difference it makes to have all the comfort of home at your fingertips during vacation.