The Emerald Coast refers to a 100-mile long stretch of the Florida Gulf Coast. The generally accepted borders are Pensacola and Port St. Joe. This portion of the panhandle in northwestern Florida is perhaps best known for the Emerald Coast beaches. Areas that were at one time tiny fishing villages have boomed into centers of tourist activity over the past few decades, and are increasingly growing. Panama City, Destin, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Walton Beach are just a few. The humid subtropical weather is conducive to year-round fishing and other water related activities, and summer may as well last from early May to mid-October in terms of actual days of sunshine and high temperatures. Emerald Coast vacation rentals are in high demand for very good reason. If you visit any one of the destinations on this beautiful coastline, you’ll see why many repeat visitors to the region claim that the Emerald Coast beaches are the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Of all of the millions of people who travel to the Emerald Coast every year, it is estimated that 4 million venture to Destin. Destin is sometimes referred to as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” a reference to the beautiful conditions, pristine beaches, and amazing fishing found here. It is also a reference back to the times when the town was little more than just that—a fishing village. There is still a lot of fishing, boating, and other such activities that draw so many to Destin. The Fishing Rodeo, which takes place during the entire month of October, is a perfect example of this. The annual event draws around 30,000 anglers from all over the world and gives out $100,000 in prize money. Crystal Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Rosemary Beach are amongst the most picturesque Emerald Coast beaches and can all be found in Destin and Okaloosa County. Destin also features a wide variety of accommodations, including luxury hotels, budget motels, Emerald Coast vacation rentals, as well as lots of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and family attractions.

Panama City is another popular vacation destination on the Emerald Coast, attracting everyone from retirees to spring breakers. It is also notable for having beautiful beaches, lots of seafood restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping, and nightlife. Panama City is widely known as a spring break destination, and it remains true that it is amongst the most popular such cities in the southern United States. People may not, however, realize that Panama City Beach is one of the most beautiful Emerald Coast beaches. Fort Walton Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Mexico Beach, Seagrove Beach, and Navarre Beach are all other spectacular destinations on the Emerald Coast of Florida.

Destin Map

If you are interested in Emerald Coast vacation rentals for use during the peak season travel months of May through September, especially in exceedingly popular places like Destin, be advised to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. There is no more popular time in Destin and other areas like Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, and Crab Island, than the summer. Emerald Coast vacation rentals provide a nice alternative to the usual hotels and you can be more accommodating when it comes to size, style, and location.