by M.J. Holliday

Created on: August 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

New Year's in Destin? What a great idea! Winter is a perfect time to visit this vacation hotspot on Florida's Emerald Coast.

Summer crowds are gone, and the brilliant white beaches are yours for the taking. Most services, restaurants, and attractions are open during the winter season.

Why are the beaches pure white?

Destin sand squeaks under your feet. Each grain is perfectly oval, and began as a chunk of quartz in the Appalachian Mountains. Over millions of years, the quartz washed down to the Gulf of Mexico and settled along the Panhandle, to be further polished by the ocean. The Emerald Coast is famous for its soft, white sand.

New Year's Eve

The big blowout on New Year's is the fireworks display over the Gulf. Every community along the coast sets off a blaze of fireworks, lighting up the sky for miles. Take a New Year's boat cruise, hang out at an open-air oyster bar, or just lounge on the beach as the New Year goes off with a bang and a whistle.

Or, ring in the New Year at Baytowne Wharf. Music and holiday celebrations go all day and into the night, topped off with fireworks. Families are welcome! For a wintry fix, Baytowne Wharf has a skating rink.

Shop open-air at the Destin Commons. Every palm tree sparkles with lights, and a thirty-foot Christmas tree rises at the center of it all. Teens will love the sprawling mall. They'll disappear for the day, leaving you to stroll the festive streets in peace and joy. You can also ride the trolley for free, or jump aboard the Little Choo-Choo for three bucks.

Other Attractions

Sunset dolphin cruises, golfing and para sailing are just a few ways to have fun.

Check out Fudpucker's eatery for kids' and adult menus, and a weekly teen night. If the kids misbehave, threaten to feed them to the alligators. Fudpucker's is also home to Gator Beach, an alligator conservation site. Get close and personal with the big reptiles, learn about them and, yes, feed them.

Fishing

Destin, with its clear turquoise water, is also called the World's Luckiest Fishing Village. Charter a fishing boat, yacht or party boat and prepare to haul in amberjack, white trout, billfish and anything else that takes a hook. Destin has the quickest deep water access anywhere in the Gulf of Mexico.

Romance

Get married on the beach! Beach weddings are available year 'round. Tie the knot in tropical luxury, or renew your vows while the kids are at the mall.

You don't have to get married to enjoy a romantic evening at the beach. Destin has the most beautiful ocean sunsets this side of heaven.

Dogs

Many villas and condos are dog-friendly, but the beaches are not. The nearest dog-friendly beach is Grayton Beach, about ten miles east. Introduce your dog to a sea turtle, watch the shorebirds dabble, or hike a wilderness trail. Bring proof of rabies vaccination (for the dog).

Golf Carts

Save your feet! Golf carts are allowed, on streets with speed limits under 35mph. They must have seat belts and working lights. Rent a street-legal cart in town, and travel in style.

You'll find a wealth of things to do in Destin. Make your vacation a whirlwind of activity; or, just lounge on the beach and forget about life for a while.

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