Exquisite white-sand beaches and family-friendly activities make Destin, Florida the perfect retreat - Photo courtesy of Jody Felder Photorgraphy
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Travel with Linden Wilson
Spring Break has come andbrgone, but thatbrcertainly doesn't mean you can't start planning another getaway — or at least dreambrabout it. This month, we're mesmerized by Destin, the Florida Panhandle's most sought-afterbrcity, situated in the northwest corner of the picturesque Emerald Coast. Itsbrworld-class golf courses, deluxe accommodations, endless variety of family-friendlybractivities, fresh seafood and exquisite white-sand beaches make it a popularbrretreat for Southlake residents looking to escape.
Get Outside
“The World's LuckiestbrFishing Village,” founded in the mid-1800s by fisherman Captain Leonard Destin,brhas grown from a small fishing community to one of the nation's premier resort townsbrthat still counts fishing as one of its leading tourist activities. The monthbrof April kicks off prime fishing season, so if catching king mackerel, bluefishbrand channel bass sounds like your idea of a good time, it's as easy as castingbryour rod over the edge of the beach piers. Have a more adventurous spirit? Charterbra boat for a half or whole day of deep-sea fishing — you're almost guaranteedbrto hook scamp and snapper. Nonresident fishing licenses are quite the bargain,brtoo: $17 for three days, $30 for seven and $47 for one year. Forbrcatch-and-release fun, check out SailAway Destin, which takes up to six peoplebrout on a private catamaran. “It's like a limousine but on the water,” says boatbrcaptain Brian Klein, who's lived in Destin since the '70s. “It's a verybrpersonalized trip.”
The whole family will alsobrenjoy a visit to the Gulfarium, where everyone can get up close and personalbrwith otters, seals, turtles and stingrays. Feed African penguins and take in abrspectacular dolphin show after you've learned a thing or two during educationalbrchats led by animal residents at the reptile and shark exhibits. The Track, a familybrrecreation center, will also keep the little ones entertained, whether they'rebrracing go-karts, scoring a hole-in-one at the minigolf course or playing bumperbrboats (the water version of bumper cars).
Don't forget about some ofbrthe best ways to get a thrill from the enticing turquoise waters: numerousbrwater-sports shops provide waverunners, canoes, inner tubes, kayaks and jetbrskis for hours of endless entertainment.
Take advantage of tee timebrat one of Destin's several acclaimed golf courses that accommodate both novicebrand expert players. The Regatta Bay Golf Course's 18 holes wind throughbrmarshes, lakes and woods packed with giant palm trees; add clubhouse finebrdining, luxurious locker rooms and even a private library, and you'll neverbrwant to leave. Enjoy sweeping views of Choctawhatchee Bay when you play at thebrKelly Plantation Golf Course, nestled on 225 acres of lush landscape. If you'rebrup for a challenge, be sure to visit the Indian Bayou Golf Club, where the newbrCreek Course's natural hazards will put your skills to the test.
If you'd rather spend yourbrdowntime indulging in a little retail therapy, you're in luck: Destin boastsbrsome of the best shopping on the Emerald Coast. Find everything from designerbrpieces at outlet prices to one-of-a-kind trinkets at boutiques located in scenicbropen-air shopping centers.
Good Eats
Your vacation won't bebrcomplete until you indulge in all of the incredible local flavor, specificallybrthe fish, oysters, crab, lobster and more, straight from the waters of the EmeraldbrCoast. Dewey Destin's Harborside Restaurant serves up scrumptious seafood like mahi-mahi,brgrouper, red snapper and flounder in a tranquil outdoor environment near CrabbrIsland, while Harbor Docks has been offering sushi and shellfish with a side ofbrwarm and friendly service since 1979. The legendary AJ's Seafood and Oyster Barbris a must-visit. You can even have your own catch prepared right at thebrrestaurant while you sip on an AJ's Bimini Bash (five different rums plus abrblend of tropical juices) and enjoy live music.
When the day is done
It's a no-brainer that whenbryou visit Destin, you'll want to spend every moment outdoors, but the next bestbrthing to all that fresh air and sunshine is ending the day in a comfortable,brrelaxing space. If you've come to town for a peaceful and romantic trip,brthere's no better place to stay than the Henderson Park Inn. This charming NewbrEngland–style bed and breakfast offers wine, grapes and flowers upon arrival (plusbra light snack of lemonade and cookies in the afternoons) and features breathtakingviews of the Gulf of Mexico from its spaciousbrrooms with private terraces. Its restaurant, the Beach Walk Café, is Destin'sbronly fine-dining spot located immediately on the water.
If your vacation includes thebrentire family, you'd probably prefer one of the many hotels that dot the coast.brThe Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village calls itself the “most family-friendlybrhotel in Destin,” and it's easy to see why. The outdoor pool, situated fourbrstories up in the air, offers panoramic scenes of the Gulf and Destin Harbor. Downton Abbey fans will appreciate the lavishbrFifth Annual WSRE Destin Wine and Food Classic gala held in the hotel ballroombron April 6. Don your mostbrformal Edwardian or roaring-’20s ensemble as you enjoy cocktails and horsbrd’oeuvres, dinner and good conversation throughout this elegant evening.
See: Allbrof the magnificent natural beauty that Destin has to offer, from the serene, emerald-greenbrwaters to dancing dolphins that congregate in shallow breeding grounds
Stay: Atbrthe Emerald Grande
Play: Withbrthe marine life at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park