Five Attractions Worth the Drive on the Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast runs roughly 100 miles from Pensacola to Panama City Beach, and the water really is that color. Beyond the beach, there's a lot to explore: old-growth forests, a working marine park, a Civil War-era fort, and one of the few coastal dune lake systems on earth. These five are the ones guests ask about most.
Emerald Coast
Five Attractions to Know
Henderson Beach State Park
208 acres of old-growth scrub oak and sugar-white sand in the middle of Destin. The nature trail winds through rare coastal scrub habitat, and the beach here stays quieter than the public access points nearby.
Grayton Beach State Park
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the country. Western Lake sits just behind the dunes — a rare coastal dune lake where fresh and salt water mix. Rent a kayak and paddle it before the afternoon wind picks up.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Fort Walton Beach's working marine park has been open since 1955. Dolphin and sea lion shows, a living reef exhibit, and up-close encounters with stingrays and sharks. Good for a half-day, especially with kids.
Fort Pickens
A 19th-century masonry fort on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island, inside Gulf Islands National Seashore. Apache leader Geronimo was held here in 1886. The drive out along the island is worth it on its own.
Destin Harbor Boardwalk
The harbor is the busiest fishing port in Florida by volume. Walk the boardwalk in the evening when the charter boats come in, grab a table at one of the waterfront restaurants, and watch the pelicans work the docks.
Plan Your Visit
State Park
Henderson Beach State Park
Marine Park
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
State Park
Grayton Beach State Park
More than a place to stay
Loved by travelers and hosts
5.0
578 reviews
Myrna’s place was spotless and well decorated,it was also peaceful,We loved it!
Nicole
Stayed in August 2026
She was wonderful to work with! She responded quickly to any questions and checked in to make sure everything was going well. We really appreciated her attentiveness and hospitality!
Teri
Stayed in August 2026
Myrna’s place was beautiful and exactly as described. The kitchen was well stocked, the view was amazing and the apartment had everything you could need. Myrna went above and beyond to make sure my family were comfortable and the place suited our needs. She is a professional host, who listens to her guests and genuinely cares about their experience. I would be happy to stay at one of her places again any time!
Kelly
Stayed in August 2026
Myrna took care of everything from directions to the room to being available for questions even late at night. I have never felt so safe and secure as I did in at this place. She responded with my concerns in minutes. Myrna was amazing! We will definitely book with her again!
Linda
Stayed in August 2026
