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Destin, FL
Activities
SHELL SCOURING TO AWESOME ANGLING
| BEACHING |
Miles
and miles of a pure, parched playground of Appalachian
Quartz sand for sun bronzing, sandcastle building, soul
searching and surrendering to sun-drenched solitude.
Sun worshippers are amused by sandpipers, snowy egrets,
playful dolphins, fishing fleets dotting the horizon and
daily dogfights (air shows compliments of Eglin).
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| SHELLING |
TOP
FIVE SHELLING DESTINATION IN WORLD
About a mile out, an aquarium of treasures is at your
toes, shells on the sugary white bottom, numerous reefs
and giant sand bars are reflected -- illuminated --
through the crystal-clear waters. Sand Dollar City, a pure
white sand bar, is rich with layers of circular "sea
money."
A ribboning reef of limestone (the pre-Ice Age
shoreline) captures thousands of beach bound, large
seashells -- often up to 20 inches (51cm) in length and
perfectly formed. Sunset-hued lion's paws and true tulips
to eight-pound (4kg) queen helmets and Florida's signature
shell -- horse conchs -- are discovered along the ledge a
mere three miles (5km) out.
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| DIVING
& SNORKELING |
RARITY
-- NO BOAT NECESSARY
Exceptional exploring close inshore as the 100 Fathom
curve draws closer to Destin * Fort Walton Beach *
Okaloosa Island than to any other spot on the Gulf.
Underwater shelling is world-renowned. Brilliant green
finger and four-foot (120cm) basket sponges flourish. Also
prevalent are aqua and purple sea whips, and reef clusters
of white star and ivory tree coral.
Deep water close inshore attracts one of the widest
arrays of marine species in Florida, from vibrant yellow
angelfish and playful dolphins to six-foot (180cm) manta
rays and 350-pound (158kg) loggerhead sea turtles. Lucky
divers are often "submerged" amidst schools of
migrating mackerel, amberjack and cigar minnows.
Timber Hole, a submerged petrified forest brimming with
lobsters, sponges and sea squirts, offers unique
explorations, as do sunken luxury liners, ships, barges,
railroad box cars -- even airplanes.
Nine dive shops offer theme excursions: spear fishing,
deep sea, shell and lobster with certification classes and
half-day "resort classes."
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| BOATING |
65-foot
(20m), gaff-rigged Tops'1 schooners to simple sunfish are
sailboats available for sunset wine cruises, moonlight
rendezvous, snorkeling trips, barrier island hopping and
dolphin or manatee expeditions.
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| WATER
SPORTS |
Pontoon
boating, parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and
additional adventures in the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay
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| SALTWATER
FISHING |
WORLD'S
LUCKIEST FISHING VILLAGE
Famous fruitful waters are internationally recognized.
The offshore shelf dips straight from Destin's East Pass
to 100-foot (30m) depths within 10 miles (16km) -- the
speediest deep-water access on the Gulf.
WIDEST VARIETY OF CATCHES IN FLORIDA GULF
Up to four times more than most destinations, 20
species of edible game fish are always in seasonal runs.
LARGEST CHARTER BOAT FLEET IN FLORIDA
Destin harbors more than 140 vessels from party boats
to private charters. All offer deep sea, inshore and
bottom fishing for as little as $25 a half-day. Free fish
cleaning for the day's catch provided by many charters.
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| OFFSHORE |
BILLFISH
CAPITAL OF THE GULF
More billfish are caught each year off the coast of
Destin * Fort Walton Beach * Okaloosa Island than all
other Gulf ports combined. Offshore trolling begins only
27 miles (43km) out. Prime months run April-October for
sailfish, white marlin, blue marlin, dolphin and wahoo.
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| BOTTOM |
Year-round
concentrations lure red snapper, grouper, warsaw,
amberjack, scamp and triggerfish.
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| INSHORE |
The
elusive cobia begins running in March. Lasting through
November, subsequent runs include Spanish mackerel,
bluefish, king mackerel, tarpon and blackfin tuna.
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WATER'S EDGE
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1,200-foot
(360m) Okaloosa Pier is lighted for night fishing and
known to shelter 100-pound (45kg) tarpons. Casting from
finger jetties, sandy shores and the 3,000-foot (900m)
Destin Bridge Catwalk hooks speckled trout, white snapper
and redfish.
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| BAY
AND BAYOU |
Catch
sheepshead, white trout, channel bass, croaker, sailcat,
bluefish and buckets of blue crab all year.
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| FRESHWATER
FISHING |
Some of
the best fishing is found in Blackwater, Shoal and Yellow
rivers -- teeming with bass, bream and catfish.
An array of stocked ponds, such as the 350-acre (140ha)
Hurricane Lake in Blackwater River State Park, are filled
with channel catfish, large-mouth bass, bluegill and
shellcracker.
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| GOLF |
TOTAL
OF 1,080 HOLES
Links designed by world-renowned architects like Fazio,
Dye and Cupp capitalize on woods and wetlands, bays and
bayous for scenic, yet challenging play at reasonable
prices.
REGATTA BAY GOLF CLUB
18 holes
EMERALD BAY
18 holes
Top 50 Distinctive Development Course by Golfweek
KELLY PLANTATION GOLF COURSE
18 holes
SHALIMAR POINTE COUNTRY CLUB
18 holes
Two of the Hardest Emerald Coast Holes by Links
INDIAN BAYOU COUNTRY CLUB
27 holes
SHOAL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB
18 holes
FORT WALTON BEACH MUNICIPAL
36 holes
ISLAND GOLF CENTER
Nine par-3s and nine holes of pitch-and-putt Lighted for
night play
COURSES AVAILABLE WITH GOVERNMENT I.D.
EAGLE
Eglin Air Force Base 18 holes
FALCON
Eglin Air Force Base 18 holes
GATOR LAKES
Hurlburt Field 18 holes
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| TENNIS |
104
SMASHING COURTS
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| OTHER
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES |
Camping,
canoeing, tubing, hunting and hiking at two pristine
preservations:
EGLIN RESERVATION
BLACKWATER RIVER STATE PARK
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| AMUSEMENT
PARKS |
10
AMUSEMENT PARKS in the Area
For family fun: bumper boats, dune buggy races,
go-carts, open-air amphitheaters, water slides, putt-putt
golf, shooting range, batting cages and more.
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| HORSEBACK
RIDING |
Seaside Stables
We are the only Horse Trail Riding left in the area on
the beach side from Panama to Destin. We also offer very many other services such as
boarding, lessons,
training, and riding.
Trail rides are 50 to 75 dollars. Reservations
Preferred, however same day service may be available.
Riders must be 8 years and older.
*Don't leave your horse at home, bring them with you to
the beach*
613 S CO HWY 393,
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
850-622-2202
Nearly 200 acres (80ha) of winding trails and mirrored
lakes
Western Pleasure Riding Stables
Western Pleasure Riding Stables in Santa Rosa Beach offers
2 hour trail rides 7 days a week. weather permitting.
For children under 7 years old pony rides are available.
Trail rides are 35.00 a person. Pony rides are a donation. pricing subject to
change due to inflation. Pony Parties available in
Walton and Okaloosa Counties at your home. Call
850-267-3153 to set up riding times and pony rides.
Double D Ridding Stable
9731 Bearfoot Blvd., Panama City, 850-722-4156
Called 5/28/05 and confirmed their services. Please call them for reservations. Their stables are located 16 miles north of Panama City Beach mall.
Elk Dog Stables
7503 Littleton Road, Panama City, FL 32405, 850-873-6484
Called 5/25/05. They do not currently offer horseback ridding as a service. However, they have horses available for experience and inexperienced riders. No website. Please call them for current services.
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| Horse & Carriage Rides |
Destin Carriage
Offering Weddings and other Special Event carriage services.
613 S CO HWY 393,
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
850-622-2202
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| Pony Rides |
Peppermint Pony's
Offering Pony Parties and daily Pony Rides.
613 S CO HWY 393,
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
850-622-2202
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| SHOPPING |
Seaside
souvenirs prevail at "character" boutiques from
The Zoo and the Spunky Monkey to Banana Bart's. Several
mini-centers offer collections of specialty shops, antique
stores, art galleries discount malls and popular chain
stores. |
Some Content Courtesy
Emerald
Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau
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