Exploring the Emerald Coast
The Florida Emerald Coast makes up a roughly 100 mile stretch of beaches between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. The coastline is unique in that the sand is made up of powdery soft white quartz that originates from the Appalachian Mountains and has been washed ashore over thousands of years via the Apalachicola River. This white sand is the backdrop for the water in the Gulf which, during the summer months, gives off a gorgeous emerald hue.
The various towns of the Emerald Coast are all connected by US highway 98. To get here, most travel by car. The Coast is 5 hours or less driving time from 5 different surrounding states. The location truly makes it a fun filled destination for a family road trip. But there are also three major airports in the area – Panama City Airport (ECP), Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Pensacola Beach Airport (PNS) – so visitors are never more than 30 minutes from an airport.
In between Pensacola and Panama City Beach lie various beach towns that draw many tourists. More than 80% of the Emerald Coast’s 4.5 million yearly visitors travel to visit Destin, which is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” And while Destin started off as a fishing village it has grown into a fun filled beach town with a Harbor Walk, Crab Island, shopping, golfing, etc. It is the quintessential family friendly town filled with numerous recreational friendly activities. During the summer months there are Mardi Gras parades every Tuesday evening at the Harbor Walk and in October there is the annual fishing derby which draws in angles and spectators from all over the world.
There are two main beach roads off of US Highway 98: Scenic 98 and 30A. Both are golf cart friendly making your stay in these areas extra exciting. Scenic 98 runs through eastern Destin and Miramar Beach. There are many amazing restaurants and public beaches along this strip. To the east, there is Sandestin and Baytowne Wharf, a quant little village off of Choctawhatchee Bay.
Highway 30A in South Walton County has various charming small towns that stretch along its path. From Watercolor and Seaside to the elegant Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. Grayton Beach State Park boasts some of the most pristine coastline in the USA. Indeed the beaches of South Walton are certified as “Blue Wave” by the Clean Beaches Council (cleanbeaches.com).
Beneath the waves not far off the entire coastline of South Walton County you will find various man-made reefs which are home to numerous marine life. Each reef is uniquely shaped into a sea creature such as a turtle or dolphin. And to the diver’s delight, there is even the United States’ only Underwater Museum of Art. https://swarareefs.org/reefs/