Posted on 8/21/2015By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Florida has nearly 1200 miles of coastline and over 97 million visitors head to the sunshine state each year for vacation. There are seemingly endless options for a beach retreat, but you probably already know that. What you may not know is that all the beaches in Florida are not created equal. There's a special part of the state that has pristine white sand beaches and vibrant emerald hued waters, prettier than the Bahamas and friendlier too. Rightly so, this destination has been dubbed the Emerald Coast.
The sand found along the shores of the Emerald Coast is shimmering white crystal quartz. During the last Ice Age it was pushed down from the Appalachian Mountains. Over time constant tidal action ground the rock into the crystalline powder that now makes these beaches uniquely beautiful. The sand found in this part of the state is cool to touch and highly reflective, explaining the unreal colors of the gulf waters.
Where is the Emerald Coast?
You won't find the Emerald Coast on a map. So where is it? It's located in Northwest Florida, fronting the Gulf of Mexico. Technically it stretches through 5 counties, from Pensacola to Panama City Beach. There's a handful of destinations dotting the shores that are worth a visit. However, a few standout a little more than the others and make up our list of 3 Must-Visit Beach Towns in Florida.
Destin: The crown jewel of the Emerald Coast and "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" is Destin, Florida. The largest private charter fishing fleet in the state calls Destin home. So why are there so many fishing boats here? Destin has some unique underwater topography. Within minutes relatively shallow gulf water drops off to about 600 feet in depth. This is where the big fish like to congregate. Deep Sea Fishing is only one draw. Of course phenomenal seafood can be found all over town. In addition to dining out, other Destin pastimes include watersports, golfing, shopping, and family fun. Destin vacation rentals include mid and high-rise condominiums and beach homes.
South Walton: In between Destin and Panama City Beach is a winding stretch of road known as Scenic 30A. Sprinkled along this thoroughfare is a collection of individual beach communities that all offer their own rendition of the perfect beach town. All the communities share a slower pace of life that is intertwined with arts, culture, and casual sophistication. Much of the land surrounding the communities is protected nature preserves and the scenic beauty is unrivaled. Off the beach adventures in South Walton include hiking, biking, horseback-riding, boutique shopping, and gallery strolling. Like Destin, dining out is a must and South Walton offers a handful of remarkable places that focus on local produce and fresh seafood. Vacation Rentals in South Walton are primarily beach homes and low-rise condominiums.
Panama City Beach: Panama City Beach is home to some serious fun in the sun. Action packed adventures abound in this family-friendly destination. Home to the most attractions on the Emerald Coast, here there is a little something for everyone. Serious shopping can be found at Pier Park, a massive outdoor lifestyle center anchored by a fishing pier. PCB also host Wonderworks, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Gulf World Marine Park, Shipwreck Island Water Park, and so much more. Panama City Beach vacation rentals are primarily high-rise condominiums and a few beach homes.
Read more: 15 Most Popular Northwest Florida Beach Towns
So there you have it. Desitn, South Walton, and Panama City Beach are our 3 Must-Visit beach towns in Florida. Coincidently we offer a wide selection of vacation rentals in all three areas. Want to see these towns for yourself? Start your vacation rentals search here online or give us a call at 800.782.8736.
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.
