Posted on 4/1/2016By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
The word is out on our beautiful white sand beaches and emerald hued gulf waters. Breathtaking, seemingly unreal photos can be found everywhere on the internet. The most notable destinations in Northwest Florida have to be Destin and South Walton. Destin is a household name and has been for generations. Neighboring to the east, South Walton has rapidly gained awareness, and rightly so. Although these two prestigious destinations may seem similar as they merge together seamlessly, off the beach they are very different and unique, each in their own way.
Destin
South Walton
Shopping
Shopping is a big deal in Destin. There are several amazing retail centers that feature well-known national designers. Destin malls include Destin Commons and Grand Boulevard. Serious discount shopping is also available at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, one of the largest designer outlet centers in the nation.
South Walton features a different take on shopping. Here you will find an eclectic mix of boutiques and small shops. Clusters of unique stores can be found in Seaside and Rosemary Beach but every community here features a must-visit shop or two.
Dining
Destin moniker is "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and is home the largest charter fishing fleet on the Gulf of Mexico. Fresh and delicious seafood is abundant! Restaurants in Destin are primarily laid-back and casual with many choice destinations being located on the bustling harbor as well as the beach.
South Walton too has fresh seafood. However, many choice eateries pair it with local produce and craft unique dishes that are sure to appease serious foodies. Restaurants can be a little harder to find and with limited options, lines are common during peak times. Luckily, these delectable dishes are worth the wait.
Nature
Destin is beautiful and experiencing nature first-hand is at the forefront of any trip to the beach. Being in nature in Destin generally refers to spending time at the beach itself, the harbor, Crab Island, the jetties, the pass, or the bay. Nothing beats getting out on the gem hued open waters and embracing the warm salty breeze - you may even spot a dolphin or two!
In Walton county 40-percent of the land is dedicated to preservation. These protected natural habitats are diverse and varied. This wealth of nature is comprised of thousands of acres of forests with landscapes of unspoiled natural ecosystems, rare coastal dune lakes and some of the country's most rare and endangered bird species. You may even forget that the beach is just steps away!
Read more: 30A Beachfront Homes in Walton County
Accommodations
Currently there are no beachfront hotels in Destin. To stay on the beach you have to opt for a handful of beach homes or a variety of condominiums. Miramar Beach, which is technically in South Walton but is more prominently referred to as Destin is also a popular vacation destination. Here you will find a larger selection of beachfront accommodations and a variety of desirable places just off the beach as well.
Like Destin, hotels are few and far between in South Walton. Also like Destin there is a mix of beach homes and condominiums. However, this area strictly forbids high-rise structures – so in South Walton things can be a little more intimate. You'll enjoy a variety of communities to choose from, each focusing on their own rendition of the good life by the beach.
A special thanks to Sowal.com for these stunning Destin & South Walton photos.
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
