Although Florida is one of Brazilians’ favorite destinations, there are still few who explore one of its best kept secrets: the Emerald Coast. Full of beaches that are the perfect description of paradise, this region in northwest Florida is a mix of rich southern culture and cuisine with idyllic postcards of turquoise sea, palm trees and white sand.
With an exuberant marine life and options for those who want to cool off by the sea, hike trails and play nature sports, the Emerald Coast surprises the unsuspecting and delights visitors, who are always left wanting more. Doubt? So check out our guide to the Emerald Coast’s main attractions and start dreaming about your trip!
Emerald Coast, Florida: Nice to meet you!
Closer to the states of Alabama and Georgia than the parks of Orlando and the hustle and bustle of Miami, the Emerald Coast, in Florida, is almost nothing like that part of the state that Brazilians are used to. There, the landscape is marked by extensive stretches of white sand, the calm emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the diverse fauna (both in the sea and in the skies) and the relaxed lifestyle that still dates back to ancient times. where everything was just a handful of fishing villages.
The region comprises the 160 kilometers of coastline connecting the cities of Pensacola and Panama City. Due to the geographic proximity, expect to find a culture there that is much more similar to the southern states than the rest of Florida: Texas, Mississippi and that entire part of the United States that we know for its strong accent, country music (and the blues , and jazz…) and good food.
There, some of the most interesting destinations for tourists are the cities of Destinwhich stands out for its resorts and fishing, and Panama City Beach (not to be confused with Panama City, another city next door, nor with Panama City, which is, well… in Panama) and Fort Walton Beach. All of them with a good hotel offer and close to airports, are good base options for exploring the region.
Photo: Andy Spinelli, Unmissable Destinations.
How to get to the Emerald Coast
By airplane
O aeroporto de Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS), just 17 miles from Destin, receives 50 daily flights to and from Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte and Huston, operated by Delta, United and American Airlines. American also has seasonal flights to and from Washington DC, while the American low cost Alliegant serves the airport with a variety of destinations, including New York (Newark), Washington DC and several southern capitals. An Uber ride to the port in Destin is around $30.
Already the international airport of Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP), located in Panama City Beach and 30 kilometers from the city center, receives flights from American Airlines, Delta, United and Southwest to and from Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Huston, Nashville and ST. Louis. Taking Uber to the center is also around US$30.
Leaving Orlando or Miami
The Emerald Coast is a six-hour drive from Orlando and nine from Miami. As renting a car is essential on any trip to the United States, this can be a good option for those who don’t mind spending a little time behind the wheel and want to extend their trip to the beaches. If this is your case, be sure to read our tips for driving in the United States. It is also worth remembering that Brazilians can drive in Florida just by showing their driver’s license. There is, therefore, no need to obtain a PID (International Driving Permit).
See here how to rent a car in the United States with the best cost/benefit
To search for bus routes in the United States, visit www.wanderu.com.
Emerald Coast Top Attractions
For more information on what to do on the Emerald Coast, see our Emerald Coast city guides
Beaches on the Emerald Coast, Florida
Let’s get straight to the point: like any coastal destination, the main attraction on the Emerald Coast are… the beaches! And there’s a beach there so no one can fault it, some of which are considered among the best in the United States. This is the case with Praia do St. Andrews State Park, close to Panama City Beach, voted number one by the Dr. Beach website. And the Okaloosa Island and its charming pier, which attracts swimmers and fishermen and is among the top choices near Destin.
A Crab Island It’s not a beach, much less an island, but this sandbar in the middle of the sea is one of Destin residents’ favorite spots. On weekends, it is common for the region to be full of boats with groups of friends who spend the afternoon there, drinking and diving in the waters that have that color that you already know. Already the Shell Island It is the very definition of a desert island. Uninhabited and beautiful, it is a boat or jet ski ride from the port of Panama City Beach and is among the region’s great hidden beauties.
Kayaking on Crab Island
Dolphin Watching
There are over 10,000 dolphins living on the Emerald Coast. With such a population, it is practically impossible to visit the region and leave without seeing at least one. Just sunbathing on the beach is very likely that you will catch two or three groups of them pirouetting close to the horizon. They also tend to show up on boat trips and like to accompany the boats for a while. And this goes for any tour, but if you want to be sure, there are a multitude of companies that offer two-hour cruises departing from the port of Destin and with the sole objective of observing these friendly cetaceans. The boats have a glass bottom, to guarantee a good viewing angle, and meeting them is guaranteed or you get your money back.
Panama City Beach
Water sports so no one can fault
Caique, stand up paddle, diving, snorkeling, jet sky and kite surfing. Whatever your favorite water sport, the Emerald Coast has a place for it. The calm and absurdly crystal clear waters of the place favor activities, which can be hired at companies in the ports of both Panama City Beach and Destin. And even surf fans will find space there. The Wall and Pier beaches in Pensacola, The Breakers in Fort Walton Beach, and Concrete Pier and St. Andrews Jetty, near Panama City Beach, are popular surfing spots in the region.
Florida State Parks – Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast, like the rest of Florida, is full of environmentally protected state parks, some of them with pristine beaches, like the Henderson Beach State Park and the aforementioned St. Andrews State Park. To learn more about them, visit the Florida State Parks website.
Culture and Gastronomy on the Emerald Coast
Gastronomy is one of the main cultural manifestations of a people and in the United States this is no different. It is in dishes rich in seafood, fish and with French, Spanish and African influence that the proximity of the Emerald Coast and other southern states becomes more evident. Leave the hamburger and fries for someone else and take the opportunity to indulge in prawns, local fish (try the grouper and snaper, two unmissable fish there) and condiments that are that special touch.
As an accompaniment, it is worth trying the grits, a cornmeal porridge very popular in Alabama, Lousiana and, of course, this part of Florida as well. For dessert, the Key Lime Pie, a pie made with a lemon native to the Florida Keys region, is almost ubiquitous in restaurants. And when you try it, you’ll understand why.
If you pass through Destin, a good place to try this delicacy is at Dewey Destins (9 Calhoun Avenue), a family restaurant whose Key Lime Pie recipe spans generations.
Key Lime Pie was one of the delicacies I tried on the Emerald Coast
In the field of music, singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffet is the face of Florida and the Emerald Coast is no different. He is known for his songs that celebrate a relaxed lifestyle and embrace good humor. “Margueritaville” e “Chesseburger in Paradise” These are some of his most famous songs and which later gave the name to the bars and restaurant chains he spread throughout Florida.
Where to Stay on the Emerald Coast
Destin
Beach in front of Resort Quest by Windham in Destin
HarborWalk Village is Destin’s gathering place. There are many leisure activities there, such as toys for children and teenagers, as well as bars and restaurants. This is also where sea tours in the region leave. Okaloosa Island and the pier and Miramar Beach complete the attractions within Destin, but there is still a lot to see, and this is a great base choice.
To get that taste of home, it’s worth checking out the ResortQuest by Windham, which has apartments with everything you need to enjoy your stay. Already Henderson Beach Resort & Spa It is a luxurious resort with amenities for the whole family.
Find hotels in Destin
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach Center
Panama City Beach often looks like something out of a cartoon or a Disney park. Its colorful and friendly shopping center is right in front of the pier and it is in this area that many of the city’s land attractions are concentrated, such as the SkyWheel ferris wheel.
On the same avenue there are a multitude of hotels and holiday apartments to choose from. The net Resort Quest by Windham offers seaside apartments for those traveling with the whole family. For those seeking tranquility, the Carrilon Beach Resort Inn has a private beach.
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