Posted on 1/22/2016By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Do you speak Emerald Coast? Here are 42 useful terms that will help you next time you are down by the beach in Northwest Florida.
30A: A two lane road just east of Destin that runs along the coast starting in Dune Allen Beach, traveling through a handful of quaint "towns" and concluding in Rosemary Beach.
Alys Beach: A 158-acre resort town that is currently in development. Once complete it will feature 900 custom homes and villas. Its most notably recognized for its bright-white appearance and bold Bermudian influenced architecture.
Baytowne Wharf: (also known as the Village of Baytowne Wharf) Located in the heart of the Sandestin Resort, this walkable destination features an array of family attractions, restaurants, bars, seasonal entertainment, annual festivals, and a boardwalk located on the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Beachfront: Just like it sounds. Generally used when referring to accommodations that are directly on the beach with no roads to cross.
Big Kahunas: A popular Destin family fun and water park featuring over 40 water attractions, several thrill rides, and a miniature golf course.
Blue Mountain Beach: A quiet community located on West 30A that is home to an eclectic mix of cozy beach cottages and luxury homes.
Choctawhatchee Bay: A 129 square mile body of water that is crossed when entering the Emerald Coast. Fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating are popular pursuits on the bay.
Crab Island: Formerly an actual island, Crab Island is an underwater sand bar located adjacent to the Destin Bridge and is a popular destination for boaters.
Crystal Beach: One of the most sought vacation rental communities in Destin, Crystal Beach is home to a choice blend of beachfront condominium of vacation rental homes.
Destin Commons: Consistently voted "Best Place to Shop" by Emerald Coast Magazine, the Destin Commons is an upscale lifestyle center that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment destinations.
Destin Harbor: Home to the largest charter fishing fleet in the state, the Destin Harbor is one of the Emerald Coast's most visited attractions. Here you can enjoy fishing, watersports, nightlife, and dining.
Destin Track: A family recreation center that is home to many amusements including multiple go kart tracks, an arcade, miniature golf, thrill rides, and so much more.
Destiny: Four upscale gated communities situated on the eastern end of Destin and bordering Miramar Beach, including Destiny West, Destiny East, Destiny Shores, and Destiny by the Sea.
Dune Allen Beach: The most westerly community on 30A, Dune Allen Beach embraces nature, its nostalgic roots, as well as bold new interpretations on luxury vacation rentals.
Emerald Coast: A moniker for the coastal area located on the panhandle of Florida that stretches from Fort Walton Beach to Panama City Beach and includes both Destin and South Walton.
Fort Walton Beach: A friendly city to the west of Destin that ironically does not have a fort or a beach.
Frangista Beach: A master planned community located east of Destin in Miramar Beach. This development features the largest concentration of beachfront homes with private pools.
Grand Boulevard: Dubbed the "Town Center of Sandestin", this destination is an upscale outdoor mall that features national designers, well-known restaurants, and a state-of-the-art movie theater.
Grayton Beach: South Walton's original vacation destination, Grayton Beach embraces funky and features a mix of historic and modern vacation rentals.
Gulf Front: A term used to classify vacation homes and condominiums located on the Gulf of Mexico. Also see Beachfront.
Gulf Place: The most recent inductee to South Walton's list of communities, Gulf Place features a village center that includes an amphitheater, boutique shops, restaurants, and an artist colony.
Gulf View: A term used to classify accommodations that have a view of the beach but are not located directly on it. To be on the beach opt for Gulf Front of Beachfront.
HarborWalk Village: A modern development located on the western end of the Destin Harbor. HarborWalk Village is a popular destination for live events, dining, nightlife, and family amusements.
Henderson Beach State Park: A state park located in the center of Destin. This is a popular destination for tourists choosing hotel rooms as their choice of accommodations.
Holiday Isle: A small peninsula that is wedged between the Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. This is a popular destination for boaters.
Inlet Beach: The most easterly community in South Walton, Inlet Beach is an eclectic destination that adjoins the popular Rosemary Beach development.
Okaloosa Island: A barrier island located between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. It is surrounded by the Santa Rosa Sound, the Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Old Highway 98: A five mile road that runs along the beach in eastern Destin and western Miramar Beach. The west half of the road is now called Scenic Highway 98 and the east portion is known as Scenic Gulf Drive. This is a popular location for accommodations and beachside restaurants.
Panama City Beach: A popular tourist destination (east of Destin) that is home to large selection of beachfront condominiums, townhomes, hotels, and motels. Here you'll find a large selection of family amusements.
Pier Park: A sprawling 900,000+ square foot outdoor lifestyle center located in western Panama City Beach that is home to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Miramar Beach: The town that adjoins Destin to the east and begins South Walton. Miramar Beach is home to many top attractions and a variety of vacation rental accommodations.
Rosemary Beach: A neo-traditional master planned community located on the east end of 30A. Highlights include boutique shopping, congruent architecture, and choice eateries.
Sandestin: A 2,400-acre premier destination located in Miramar Beach and sited between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Attractions on the resort include Baytwone Wharf, Grand Boulevard, and 4 championship golf courses.
Santa Rosa Beach: An unincorporated community that houses many of the developments along 30A.
Scenic Gulf Drive: Miramar Beach's portion of a slow two lane road that stretches along the coast between Destin and Miramar Beach.
Seacrest: A South Walton community located between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. Visitors here will enjoy exploring mom and pop shops and a variety of charming vacation homes.
Seascape: A gated resort in Miramar Beach that includes popular condominiums like Majestic Sun, The Empress, and both Ariel Dunes I and Ariel Dunes II.
Seaside: A master planned community that has been accredited with the development of New Urbanism, a discipline devoted to walkable and livable communities. This community is also known as the unofficial capital of South Walton.
Seagrove Beach: Among the first destinations in South Walton, Seagrove Beach is purposely laid-back yet luxurious. Guests enjoy exploring casual cafes and charming shops.
Silver Sands: Among the largest designer outlet malls in the country, Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach's most notable attraction.
South Walton: 16 beach communities that grace the shores along 26 miles of pristine white sand beach and emerald green water.
WaterColor: A vibrant beach resort that embraces the natural surroundings and exudes Southern charm and grace.
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.
