Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Florida - The Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast

Destin is a city in Florida, located in the panhandle, in Okaloosa County. The Destin area may be more well known as part of the Crestview - Fort Walton Beach - Destin metropolitan area.

Destin/Fort Walton is a Emerald Coast gem known for white sandy beaches and emerald green waters. Over 4.5 million yearly visitors travel to the region to visit Destin, where they enjoy the beaches and charter fishing trips from the harbor. The area has been called the 'Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast' for its beaches and waters, but it has also been called the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village', a nod to its amazing fishing, considered some of the best in the world.

What To Do in Destin - 10 Best Bets

The Destin area is home to countless outdoor activities including golf, diving, snorkeling and fishing , as well as motorized watersports. Visitors will also enjoy numerous great restaurants, boardwalks and shopping.

If you're looking for the best the Destin area has to offer in beaches and beautiful gulf waters, there are a few you'll want to make sure you add to your list.

• Grayton Beach State Park - A short trip (23 miles) east of Destin, this state park offers one of the best day trips in the region. Beautiful white sand beaches and amazing waters offer a perfect spot for swimming, lounging, surf fishing and much more.
• Crystal Beach - Crystal clear waters and dreamy beaches that are a local favorite make Crystal Beach a perfect place to bask in the sun.
• Henderson Beach State Park - With 6,000 feet of beautiful shoreline made of sugary white Appalachian quartz sand and trademark emerald waters, this is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, a day swimming int he beautiful waters or an evening nature stroll.

Among the destinations for Destin area tourists are Harborwalk Village, with beautiful sunset views, live music, quaint boutiques and fantastic restaurants. Norriego Point / East Jetty is a top beach spot among locals, but is usually not super busy.

A short boat ride from Norriego Point is Crab Island, one of the largest Destin attractions. The shallow sandbar is a favorite landing for hundreds of boats on warm days with people swimming, floating and just enjoying the water and sun.

Baytowne Wharf is another hot spot, enjoyed by both adults and children. Known for nightlife, it is the location of great bars, food and an adventure park.

To get up close with gators, if that's something you've wanted to do, you can visit Gator Beach, known as the 'World's Greatest Alligator Park'. Visitors can watching the gators and shows, free of charge.

When the kids (and maybe even some of the adults) have had their fill of the beaches, fishing and other attractions, visitors can head to the Urban Air Adventure Park, where you'll find laser tag, climbing walls, rope courses, trampolines and much more.

Another great family idea is Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park, where kids will find one of the best water parks in the state (open mid-May through August for peak season).

While there are no shortage of boating excursions, dinner cruises, fishing tours and more to experience in the area, one of the most entertaining is the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. You'll sail aboard a 100 foot replica pirate ship and enjoy entertainment, sword fights and even a treasure hunt.

When to Visit Destin / Fort Walton Beach

Most travelers familiar with the area will tell you that the best time to visit is in April and May, when the shining sun complements the warm water and temperatures are a comfortable 70-80 degrees. During this time of year, crowds will also not yet have descended on the area.

Summer time is, as one might expect, the 'peak' time to visit - and crowds of people and high prices will confirm that truth. If you're looking to travel to the area when prices are lower, November through February are the less expensive or 'off-peak' months. During the slow season, prices are lower for all core travel costs (airfare, lodging, rental cars, etc.), but fishing, diving, snorkeling and other activities will also be considerably more affordable than in the peak summer months.

Real Estate Investing in Destin, Florida

With it's white sandy beaches and activities for everyone, Destin is a popular travel destination for families - which makes it a great location to own a vacation rental property that will see stable average occupancy and high daily rates year round.

If you are looking to buy a short term rental property in Destin, Florida, you will want to look for properties South of Highway 98 that runs through Destin. The most popular beaches in Destin lay on the gulf coast and the closer visitors can be to the beach, the better.

Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant recreational opportunities. It's no wonder that Destin is also a great market for real estate investing. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Strong tourism industry: Destin is a popular vacation destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. This creates a strong demand for vacation rentals, which can be a lucrative investment for real estate investors. In addition to its stunning beaches, Destin offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors, including golf courses, water sports, fishing charters, and dining and shopping options.
2. Affordability: Compared to other popular coastal destinations in Florida, Destin is relatively affordable, making it a good market for investors who are looking to enter the real estate market at a lower price point.
3. Strong rental demand: With a thriving tourism industry and a growing population, there is a high demand for rental properties in Destin. This can make it easier for investors to find tenants and generate a steady stream of passive income.
4. Potential for appreciation: The Destin real estate market has a history of appreciation, with property values increasing over time. This means that real estate investments in Destin have the potential to generate a good return on investment through both rental income and appreciation.
5. Diverse investment opportunities: The Destin real estate market offers a range of investment opportunities, including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. This allows investors to choose the type of property that best fits their investment goals and budget.

Destin is a great market for real estate investing due to its strong tourism industry, affordability, strong rental demand, potential for appreciation, and diverse investment opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, Destin is a market worth considering for your real estate portfolio. With its beautiful beaches and wide range of entertainment options, Destin is a destination that is sure to attract visitors year after year, making it a reliable and profitable market for real estate investors.