Attracting more than 4.5 million people to its beautiful beaches each year, Florida’s Emerald Coast is a top destination for sunseekers. The most popular spot along the Emerald Coast is Destin, Florida, attracting more than 80 percent of the visiting guests. Don’t hem yourself in, however – there is much to see and do along the whole Emerald Coast. Here’s a rundown of what to see, what to do, why it’s called the Emerald Coast and more.
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1. Where is the Emerald Coast in Florida?
The Emerald Coast runs for approximately 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico through Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Panama City.
The Emerald Coast runs for approximately 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico through Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Panama City.
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2. Why is it called the Emerald Coast?
The gorgeous Emerald Coast was given its name for, well, the emerald jewel-toned hues of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. At the mouth of the Mississippi River, which flows into the Gulf, the waters are muddy brown from sediment, but as that sediment dissipates, the water becomes crystal-clear and emerald in color – stunning! As for the beaches themselves, their soft, white sands have some people referring to it as the Sugar Coast.
The gorgeous Emerald Coast was given its name for, well, the emerald jewel-toned hues of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. At the mouth of the Mississippi River, which flows into the Gulf, the waters are muddy brown from sediment, but as that sediment dissipates, the water becomes crystal-clear and emerald in color – stunning! As for the beaches themselves, their soft, white sands have some people referring to it as the Sugar Coast.
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3. What beaches are on the Emerald Coast?
There are countless beaches along the Emerald Coast, especially throughout the popular Destin and Fort Walton areas.
The Destin area is known for its numerous white-and beaches, excellent golf courses and world-famous fishing (in fact, Destin is often referred to as the “world’s luckiest fishing village” for its plentiful and easy angling opportunities). There are many choices for accommodations, from upscale resorts to rental homes, and shopping and dining enough to keep you busy for days.
Fort Walton Beach, in the Destin area, is an Emerald Coast favorite, between Pensacola and Panama City. You’ll find toe-pleasing white-sand beaches, great golf, shopping, dining and more, as well as parks, museums and aquariums.
Okaloosa Island, the barrier between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is another popular beach spot on the Emerald Coast. There are several public beach accesses, a plethora of wildlife, a lively boardwalk scene, a marine wildlife park and more to keep you and the kiddos busy.
Jetty East Beach is popular for its scenic views and proximity to Norriego Point, a secluded spot for quiet snorkeling and sunbathing.
And don’t overlook Grayton Beach, past Miramar Beach and Topsail Hill Reserve State Park. Tucked away in this small town, you’ll find beach and nature activities, plus plenty of room on the sandy beach away from the crowds.
At the northern point of the Emerald Coast, the barrier island of Pensacola features sugar-white beaches, from busy life-guarded stretches of sand, to quieter, secluded beaches along the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
At the southern tip of the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach – ranked one of the top three beaches in the United States – boasts 27 miles of beach, two state parks, on- and off-road biking in conservation areas, a cypress swamp and more.
And in the middle of the Emerald Coast, between Pensacola and Destin, you’ll find quiet Navarre, with 12 miles of pristine, white-sand beach between the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Navarre Beach Marine Park.
There are countless beaches along the Emerald Coast, especially throughout the popular Destin and Fort Walton areas.
The Destin area is known for its numerous white-and beaches, excellent golf courses and world-famous fishing (in fact, Destin is often referred to as the “world’s luckiest fishing village” for its plentiful and easy angling opportunities). There are many choices for accommodations, from upscale resorts to rental homes, and shopping and dining enough to keep you busy for days.
Fort Walton Beach, in the Destin area, is an Emerald Coast favorite, between Pensacola and Panama City. You’ll find toe-pleasing white-sand beaches, great golf, shopping, dining and more, as well as parks, museums and aquariums.
Okaloosa Island, the barrier between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is another popular beach spot on the Emerald Coast. There are several public beach accesses, a plethora of wildlife, a lively boardwalk scene, a marine wildlife park and more to keep you and the kiddos busy.
Jetty East Beach is popular for its scenic views and proximity to Norriego Point, a secluded spot for quiet snorkeling and sunbathing.
And don’t overlook Grayton Beach, past Miramar Beach and Topsail Hill Reserve State Park. Tucked away in this small town, you’ll find beach and nature activities, plus plenty of room on the sandy beach away from the crowds.
At the northern point of the Emerald Coast, the barrier island of Pensacola features sugar-white beaches, from busy life-guarded stretches of sand, to quieter, secluded beaches along the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
At the southern tip of the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach – ranked one of the top three beaches in the United States – boasts 27 miles of beach, two state parks, on- and off-road biking in conservation areas, a cypress swamp and more.
And in the middle of the Emerald Coast, between Pensacola and Destin, you’ll find quiet Navarre, with 12 miles of pristine, white-sand beach between the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Navarre Beach Marine Park.
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4. What are the most family-friendly beaches on the Emerald Coast?
Fort Walton Beach ranks as one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Emerald Coast. There are 24 miles of sandy coastline and even if you’ve tired of the sun and surf (but we don’t think you will!), there are ample activities off the beach. Families can check out the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or head to the Emerald Coast Science Center for a little local education and time in the shade.
Another family favorite, James Lee Beach is a fun Emerald Coast beach for all ages. While Mom and Dad lounge with a book, the kids can play in the surf or kick around a soccer ball.
Active families will love Topsail Hill Reserve State Park, where the beach beckons but so, too, does the saltwater fishing, hiking, birding, biking, kayaking and wildlife viewing. It’s a nice diversion from the hustle and bustle of the Destin strip.
Fort Walton Beach ranks as one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Emerald Coast. There are 24 miles of sandy coastline and even if you’ve tired of the sun and surf (but we don’t think you will!), there are ample activities off the beach. Families can check out the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or head to the Emerald Coast Science Center for a little local education and time in the shade.
Another family favorite, James Lee Beach is a fun Emerald Coast beach for all ages. While Mom and Dad lounge with a book, the kids can play in the surf or kick around a soccer ball.
Active families will love Topsail Hill Reserve State Park, where the beach beckons but so, too, does the saltwater fishing, hiking, birding, biking, kayaking and wildlife viewing. It’s a nice diversion from the hustle and bustle of the Destin strip.
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5. When is the best time to visit Florida’s Emerald Coast?
If you can be flexible, the best time to visit the Destin area and the Emerald Coast is in April and May. This puts you ahead of the crowds and high-season prices, while the water is still warm and the temperature is a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees. Earlier than April may be a bit chilly. Late summer and early fall mean very high temperatures and more rainfall.
If you can be flexible, the best time to visit the Destin area and the Emerald Coast is in April and May. This puts you ahead of the crowds and high-season prices, while the water is still warm and the temperature is a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees. Earlier than April may be a bit chilly. Late summer and early fall mean very high temperatures and more rainfall.
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6. Are there sharks at Emerald Coast beaches?
Yes. Yes, there are. But before you jump to conclusions and conjure up Jaws scenarios, let’s look at this from the shark’s perspective. The seawater ecosystems around Destin, from sandbar shelves to oyster reefs and deep shipwrecks, make for a perfect shark habitat. This is their neighborhood, after all, and they deserve to be here. The native sharks are found in all shapes and sizes and range from populous to endangered. However, despite the number of shark attacks that do undoubtedly occur each year, most of these are what marine biologists call a “hit and run,” or a case of mistaken identity. The shark mistakes part of a swimmer or surfer’s body for a fish, resulting in a minor bite or nip.
The best way to stay safe is to exit the water calmly if you do see a shark. Don’t swim at night or dusk, when sharks are more active. Don’t wear reflective jewelry or brightly patterned swimwear. Avoid swimming in areas where people are fishing. Be on the lookout for sharks when swimming, snorkeling or diving near sandbars, reef edges and other dropoffs, where sharks normally hunt.
While we’re talking about marine wildlife, let’s think beyond the sharks for a moment and imagine all the fantastic sea life you will see – from dolphins and sea turtles to hermit crabs and rainbow-hued fish. Relish the opportunity to share the ocean with these magnificent creatures, use your shark smarts and you’ll have a fantastic beach visit.
Yes. Yes, there are. But before you jump to conclusions and conjure up Jaws scenarios, let’s look at this from the shark’s perspective. The seawater ecosystems around Destin, from sandbar shelves to oyster reefs and deep shipwrecks, make for a perfect shark habitat. This is their neighborhood, after all, and they deserve to be here. The native sharks are found in all shapes and sizes and range from populous to endangered. However, despite the number of shark attacks that do undoubtedly occur each year, most of these are what marine biologists call a “hit and run,” or a case of mistaken identity. The shark mistakes part of a swimmer or surfer’s body for a fish, resulting in a minor bite or nip.
The best way to stay safe is to exit the water calmly if you do see a shark. Don’t swim at night or dusk, when sharks are more active. Don’t wear reflective jewelry or brightly patterned swimwear. Avoid swimming in areas where people are fishing. Be on the lookout for sharks when swimming, snorkeling or diving near sandbars, reef edges and other dropoffs, where sharks normally hunt.
While we’re talking about marine wildlife, let’s think beyond the sharks for a moment and imagine all the fantastic sea life you will see – from dolphins and sea turtles to hermit crabs and rainbow-hued fish. Relish the opportunity to share the ocean with these magnificent creatures, use your shark smarts and you’ll have a fantastic beach visit.