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Destin, FLDestin Florida is a beautiful beach village located in the north west Florida pan handle on the Gulf of Mexico with water so clear and blue you forget you are in the United States. It's one of our new favorite places that is becoming not so secret. Destin is known for its Emerald Coast, white sand beaches and claims to be the “Luckiest Fishing Village” in Florida. We cannot wait to go back.

Destin was originally inhabited by the American Indians but discovered by the Spanish with the oldest map going back to 1693. Captain Leonard Destin pioneered the fishing industry which we now know as the 100 Fathom Curve and from Destin you have closer access to the deep waters faster than from any other city.

You'll need a vehicle to drive around, and Destin is close enough to drive from Texas. Or fly into Pensacola and drive the scenic route on Highway 399. It is only an hour and half to downtown Destin. Choose to stay in a full-service resort or condo close to Harbor Village Boardwalk or venture out and rent a house for more privacy as there is no shortage of luxury beach houses and

still a few smaller communities that won’t break the bank. Miramar Beach is about a 15 minute drive to downtown and is less populated. Newman-Dailey Resort Rentals is who we chose and was fantastic. If you are a veteran or in the military you can stay at the Destin Army Recreation Area and save some serious cash. Staying a little further east is best as beach-front spots tend fill up daily and are reserved for some rentals. The finely ground quartz crystal sand under your feet feels like sugar and never gets too hot. You can rent bikes, scooters, or just walk, as it is very pedestrian friendly with rinse stations and amenities.

You will cross over “Crab Island” which isn’t really an island at all but during low tide is an underwater sandbar and a must when visiting Destin. Accessible only by water, spend the day wading in 1-4 foot aqua waters chasing turtles, stand up paddle boarding, or playing volleyball. You can snorkel, jet ski, or just chill as they have floating restaurants and even a stage on the weekends during the season from March through

story and photos by Laura Sandoval

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October. Both family friendly and a party scene, there is something for everyone. The inflatable obstacle course is harder than it looks! This unique spot is in the pass of the Choctawhatchee Bay and is one of the coolest places we have been. You can even grab a cool treat from the mini, motor-boat ice cream vendor! Rent a pontoon boat or hire a captain to take you there and spend the day in the sun! You are allowed to BYOB but always have a designated driver.

You will not find a shortage of chain and local restaurants either. Dining options can be overwhelming but stick to the local spots for fresh and amazing dishes. Harbor Village Boardwalk has many options, shopping, and activities for both adults and families. You can charter a boat there, site see, or even do one of the haunted escape rooms. The Crab Trap is usually busy and has two locations. There is always a wait but you can grab a drink, walk around and play beach games at the Miramar Beach location while you take in a pink and blue cotton candy sunset. The Back Porch is another favorite to get a bucket of rum and fresh caught seafood.

For night life or happy hour stop in at McGuire’s Irish Pub to see the millions of dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, but be careful when choosing your restroom as it is not quite clear and many have walked

in on the opposite sex unaware. They have letters from Air Force veterans from all over the country framed in the lobby sharing in the love for our country. Be patient, plan ahead, and walk down the beach rather than parking as traffic during the season is nerve bending. Destin only has around 13,000 permanent residents but attracts millions of people each year during their tourist season. If you go in October, the whole month is the Annual Fishing Rodeo where it is free to weigh in and win some great prizes, not to mention it has been going on for 70 years!

Destin is a great location to start the rest of your lives and come back year after year. The clear, blue-green waters can melt the stress from your wedding day away, take you to a place that seems far, far away, but Destin is just across the Gulf from us here in the south coast of Texas!

Charter/Rent a boat ahead of time, reservations fill up

Bring your own snorkel gear from home as rentals can be quite expensive

Pack lite! It's a total beach town and you won’t want to leave the beach!

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