Destin vs Gulf Shores

Top Beach Towns in Florida & Alabama

Posted on 12/11/2015

A few of our Ocean Reef Resorts guests and those unfamiliar with Destin and/or Gulf Shores may be interested in knowing how the two compare. In our opinion, of course, there is no comparison, but in reality, there are similarities and differences. Both Destin and Gulf Shores are on the glorious Gulf of Mexico. Both locations are in the southeastern part of the nation. They are family vacation destinations that offer beachside condominiums and homes available as vacation rentals. There are restaurants, golf courses, shopping, and family amusement venues in both. However, there are definitely differences.

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is located in southern Alabama. Much of Gulf Shores is inland near the gulf, but not beside it. The actual beach itself is located on a narrow strip of land a short distance off the coast on a sandbar-like coastal barrier island. It is heavily developed due to its limited geographical size with mostly high-rise condominiums right beside one another all the way down the beach. Many of these are similar, and there are very few open areas or parks with vistas of the water since the towers block much of the view. The beach in Gulf Shores is whiter than those on the Atlantic Ocean, and the water has a slightly greenish hue. Deep-sea fishing is available by driving a few miles east to a small marina in Orange Beach where there is a pass out into the gulf. Although there is a small airport mostly for private planes in Gulf Shores, the nearest major airports serving this area are located in Pensacola and Mobile, each of which is over an hour away by car.

Destin

Destin is located in the northwestern "panhandle" of Florida on a long peninsula that is really a large offshore island three to five miles from the mainland. It is almost completely surrounded by water with the gorgeous gulf on its south side and the huge expanse of Choctawhatchee Bay towards the north. Destin encompasses over eight square miles running about nine miles from east to west and one to three miles from north to south. It also includes Miramar Beach, home to the spectacular Sandestin Resort, which has always been considered a part of Destin. This famous area is named "The Emerald Coast" due to the gorgeous jewel-toned waters that grace its shores. It is far from flowing tributaries, unlike Gulf Shores, which is near industrialized Mobile Bay and closer to the Mississippi River and creates a somewhat brackish hue. Destin's water is usually as clear as a swimming pool, and the shimmering white quartz crystal sand radiates toned emerald water that has an amazing glowing luminescence.

Destin has implemented pre-planned development over the years, with quite a bit of land set aside as open space for beachside parks. The National Seashore spans five miles across on its western boundary with simultaneous views of the beautiful bay and glistening gulf as you approach from the west. Destin's Henderson Beach State Park near the Silver Shells Resort comprises 208 acres with over a mile of sugary shoreline. Topsail State Park in the Miramar Beach portion of Destin has 1,643 acres of forested park that includes precious coastal dune lakes and miles of beautiful beach.

Destin also has almost a dozen championship award-winning golf courses. These nationally known courses are nestled either beside the bay or near the gulf at places like Sandestin, Regatta, Emerald Bay, Seascape, and Bluewater Bay. Ocean Reef Resorts guests receive free rounds of golf during your stay at some and special discounts at others. These fairways provide a number of park-like residential settings with multiple vistas of the sparkling water beyond.

Although Destin has quite a few luxury beachfront towers, it also has a number of unique, distinctive beachside residential neighborhoods and lovely resorts to choose from. Vacation rentals include everything from gulf front mansions to cozy cottages to luxurious condominiums and everything in between. Ocean Reef Resorts has been representing these fine privately owned vacation rentals for over thirty-eight years.

Destin's original claim to fame as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" is due to having the nation's closest proximity to deep-sea fishing on the entire Gulf of Mexico. The Destin Harbor sits beside the open water and Choctawhatchee Bay with a marina that docks the largest private charter fishing fleet anywhere along the gulf. Besides deep sea fishing adventures, Ocean Reef Resorts guests enjoy having access to a huge variety of water sport rentals with special discounts through our complimentary Reef Rewards program. Jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, and pontoon boats are rented out for excursions to places like Crab Island, which features a natural fantasy water park boat party. Special rates are also provided for delightful diversions that include snorkeling, dolphin trips, and sunset cruises.

Although Gulf Shores and Destin both offer restaurants and shopping venues, the latter has abundantly more. Besides popular nationally known restaurants Destin has a number of locally owned beachside restaurants, and friendly bars. The Destin Commons ranks Number One in area surveys for shopping, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach is America's largest Designer Discount Factory Outlet.

Although Destin is usually a "drive to" destination due to its proximity to Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville, it also has better airport access than Gulf Shores. Destin also has a small private airport but is only thirty minutes away from Destin - Fort Walton Beach Airport and less than an hour from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City Beach.

Enjoy taking some time to review our Ocean Reef Resorts Destin Vacation Rentals and get to know Destin better. Each one has full descriptions, multiple images, an aerial map, and a list of individual amenities available. See you soon!

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