How to Plan a Trip Near Destin, Florida

A great blue heron watches a golf tournament in Destin, Florida.

Consider a summer trip to Florida and its beautiful west coast. The Panhandle has several locations in and around Destin that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. Some call it the Emerald Coast. Sugar white sands abound, and attractions will keep you busy when you are not beach bound.

Things You'll Need

• date for travel
• budget for lodging, travel, food and activities
• computer and Internet connection

Instructions

1. Select your Florida Panhandle vacation location. Fort Walton Beach is famous for its sugar-white sands and sparkling turquoise waters. A short drive from the Pensacola airport and less than 7 miles from Destin, Fort Walton Beach offers the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast with lodging prices that tend to be less expensive than its neighbors. Whether you are looking for a day of watersports and sunning or a cozy dinner served with Southern hospitality, you will find it in Fort Walton Beach.
   Destin, Florida, is often referred to as the jewel of the Emerald Coast. Whether diving or snorkeling on the natural reefs, wrecks and barges in Destin's emerald green waters, or playing golf at one of the area's golf courses, visitors will find Destin a recreational paradise. Promoted as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin is home to the largest fishing fleet in Florida. The area offers shopping from national outlets to exclusive specialty shops, many locally owned restaurants featuring fresh seafood, and a number of theme parks. Lodging choices are plentiful, with condos, hotels and beach rental houses to suit both the extravagant and budget conscious.

2. Decide when you are planning to go. For best choices, plan at least a month in advance, but last-minute condos usually are available.

3. Look online to price lodging and travel costs. Plan your budget. Overspending is easy to do on vacation. Planning ahead will help keep you in check.

4. Determine whether you prefer a condo to a hotel. Condos can save you money sometimes, because you can bring in food, and many have washers and dryers.

5. Consider the size of your group. Many one-bedroom condos have sleeper sofas along with bunk beds. One-bedroom, two-bathroom units generally can sleep as many as six.

6. If you are looking for kids' activities, a hotel may offer more for you.

7. Determine whether you are going to fly or drive.

8. Select your lodging and get it booked early. You'll have a deposit to pay immediately, but the remainder will be paid upon arrival. Then it's time to pack.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out area activities. One attraction, Big Kahuna's Water Park in Destin, features thrill rides for a day of family fun.

• Plan rain-day activities.

• Be aware there may be sharks. Swim in groups, and don't swim at dusk.

• Use sunscreen. The white sand and water are very reflective.

References

• Florida's Emerald Coast
• City of Destin, Florida
• Frommer's: Planning a Trip in Destin and Fort Walton Beach
• Big Kahuna's Water Park