Florida’s Emerald Coast: the Jewel of the Panhandle
Florida’s Panhandle does not get as much credit as the other bigger touristy towns of the state, like Orlando’s Disney Complex or Miami’s Nightlife and Beaches, but it does have its small town southern charms that will draw travelers over for a quick visit. Closer to Louisiana (4 hrs away from New Orleans) and Alabama than it is to Miami, the Panhandle has its own distinct charm, culture, and vibe that makes it feel different from the rest of Florida.
DESTINation: Beach
In the beach town of Destin, you can definitely feel a stronger city vibe compared to Fort Walton Beach. There is a bigger boardwalk entertainment area called Destin Harbor, which has a nice assortment of shops, restaurants, and bars, with a great view of the beach.
There is a nice local bakery called Donut Hole Bakery Café, where you can grab fresh donuts,
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Just find a street called Gulf Shore Drive and follow it to the end, and you will see a small beach access point from which you will walk for a few minutes past a big condo building and find the snorkel spot.
The water is fairly clear and not too murky, so you will see many fish (hundreds, if not thousands of them, actually), rocks, crabs, and sometimes perhaps encounter a turtle, a sting ray, and even a barracuda. The best time to go snorkeling is when the water is at high tide, so be sure to check the official website beforehand for the low-high tide information, so that you won’t be disappointed.
Luckily, nearby is a nice buffet place called Golden Corral, which is a well-known buffet chain, but always has a nice variety of food, from salads and soups to fish, chicken, rice, pasta, and delicious desserts. And you can have unlimited food there for less than $13 a