Destin, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", is located on the Emerald coast of Florida. Florida's Department of Environmental Protection estimates that of the 4.5 million tourists that are attracted to the Emerald coast every year, over 80% visit Destin.

Undoubtedly, one of the many reasons why Destin draws so many tourists each year is down to its white sands and crystal clear, emerald waters. The sands has been described by plenty as white sugar and if you're the kind of person who is happy relaxing on a luxurious sun kissed beach, then this is sure to be a great option.

Luckily for those of you with children, a man made water and adventure park, Big Kahuna, can be found near the city center. Containing river rapids, twirling slides, lazy rivers and numerous speed slides, the park is a paradise for adrenaline-junkies and big kids alike! On the other hand, there are those who are not so fond of the thrills, just as well, because Big Kahuna also is home to various tropical mini golf courses and several waterfalls. It may be worth finding out about the regular shows and extra attractions that the park hosts before you go, including reality game shows, murder mysteries and Broadway shows!

If you wish to indulge in the Emerald Coasts specialty, come along to Okaloose Island Fishing Pier where you can fish without the need for a license!

If you are someone who can never get enough of shopping, then you may like to take advantage of the open air shopping mall, located in East Destin, containing many tenants, such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Belk, Banana Republic, and even a cinema! If you like designer brands, why no head off to the "Nations Largest Designer Outlet Center," Silver Sands Outlet Mall, slightly further east.

Attracting such vast numbers of tourists each year, you can be sure to find plenty of Motels, Hotels and condominiums around. The condos were first built in the 1970's but work still continues today to supply the demands for increasing populations.

Sandestin, close to Destin, is a popular beach and golf resort and is also near to the filming location of the 1998 film The Truman Show.

If you like sea life and are heading off to Destin, then you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of opportunities to take boating excursions, some of which include traveling in glass bottomed boats, enabling you to encounter dolphins, crabs and other inhibitors of the ocean. If snorkeling and scuba diving are more of interest, visit Emerald Coast Scuba, in Destin, where you can take tuition classes and boat trips. To see more animals up close, come along to The Zoo, Northwest Florida, home to orang-utans, otters, spider monkeys, gorillas, lemurs, lions and much more a perfect day out for the whole family, especially the young ones.

Located on the beautiful Emerald coast is Gator Beach a free attraction where visitors can take part in live alligator shows and even get involved in feeding and holding them what could get you more close to wildlife! If you are keen on learning about Destin's history, drop in at the Destin History and Fishing museum to see displays of award winning fish caught over the years in a 400 foot room replicating the Gulf floor. For the scientists amongst you, located in Fort Walton Beach is the Emerald Coast Science Center, where the imagination is stimulated through a vast array of exhibits including Vandergraph generators, Illuma storms and more!

As you can see, there's certainly no shortage of things to get up to in Destin, making it the perfect destination for any family holiday!

Learn more about this author, Ricky Trigg.
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