Top 20 Reasons To Love The Emerald Coast
FOOD AND FUN:
 20: “SUNSET CELEBRATION” at ANGLER’S BEACHSIDE GRILL
Angler’s on Okaloosa Island puts a punctuation mark on the evening by firing off a cannon as the sun goes down each day. While you enjoy the view, the kids can play on the beach playground.
19: “PERUSING THE MEMORABILIA AT MAGNOLIA GRILL”
This historic Fort Walton Beach restaurant is part museum, part dining establishment. The walls are covered with pieces of local history; a library of yearbooks from local high schools dates back decades. Don’t get so caught up in a blast from the past that you forget to eat!
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
18: “OUR RESIDENT ARTISTS”
Artists thrive along the Emerald Coast, and we art lovers are the beneficiaries. From the artistic spirit of Seaside to the lasting legacy of Mattie Kelly to the non-stop performances at the Arts Center at Okaloosa-Walton, our region supports and encourages file arts of which we can be proud.
17: “THE 49-HEAD POP FOUNTAIN AT DESTIN COMMONS
Children, clad in swimsuits or – to their mothers’ dismay – in their best shopping outfits, flock to this cool attraction throughout the heat of the summertime. Part playground – part water-art, this unique feature draws admirers of all ages.
16: “CHAUTAUQUA FESTIVAL”
Before the days of TV and radio programs, in the late 1800s the Chautauqua Assembly traveled the country, bringing religious, scientific, and cultural programs to the masses, including a stop in DeFuniak Springs. The Chautauque Festival still remembers and celebrates this colorful DeFuniak history every spring.
15: “CONCERTS IN THE PARK”
Tunes carried on a mild summer breeze are a favorite tradition along the Emerald Coast, from symphonic sounds sponsored by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, to jazz in the Village at Sandestin, to the eclectic free concerts at Pier Park and McKenzie Park in Panama City. Pack a picnic and savor the sound of music.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
14: “CRUISING ON THE SOLARIS”
What better way to enjoy the natural beauty of our little corner of heaven than aboard a cruise? The Solaris, debarking from the Baytowne Marina, offers up dinner and dancing under the stars, wine and cheese at sunset, or even weddings on the top deck.
13: “CATCHING THE SUNRISE OVER MID-BAY BRIDGE
Commuters coming into Destin from out of town are privy to a treat that makes the drive worthwhile. As one commuter put it: “The world is waking up and the colors across the Bay are absolutely beautiful.”
12: “STROLLING THE BOARDWALK AT TURKEY CREEK”
This Niceville nature park is a great place to relax, unwind and get up close and personal with native flora and fauna. The ¾ mile boardwalk winds through the swampy bayou, giving you plenty of time for quiet reflection.
 11: “SURF-FISHING IN TOPSAIL HILL STATE PARK”
Less than a mile’s walk down the beach from Sandestin, this beautiful, deserted park is like another world. It’s easy to imagine what the landscape looked like before condos and multi-million dollar homes. Where else can you enjoy so much serenity for a mere $2?
10: “WEDDINGS ON THE BEACH”
Hardly a day goes by that you can’t find some happy couple taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast to say their “I Dos.” From small, intimate ceremonies to huge, tented gales, we love beach weddings. And just think how great the photos will look.
WILD KINGDOM
9: “FEEDING GATORS AT GATOR BEACH”
Located at Fudpucker’s on U.S. Highway 98, Gator Beach is a donor to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and home to Mellow Yellow, a rare yellow alligator. Patrons are invited to feed the animals, or even have their picture taken with them. But sorry, no swimming!
8: “BILLY BOWLEGS”
Capt. Billy’s “invasion” of Fort Walton Beach is a spectacle anticipated each summer by the entire community. The notorious pirate travels to area schools to enlist members for his Motley Krewe, and then launches his attack of Fort Walton Landing during the annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival.
7: “GOING TO THE ZOO”
There are more than 900 animals at The Zoo in Gulf Breeze, including a pair of loving hippos, a new baby camel called “Paddy”, and “Ivan”, a six foot long Komodo Dragon. The Zoo’s impressive man-made habitats have even been featured on Animal Planet.
6: “SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPHINS”
Both the Gulfarium in Destin and Gulf World in Panama City offer the life-changing experience of meeting these amazing creatures up close and personally.
TOASTING THE COAST
5: “LOCAL WINERIES”
Northwest Florida wineries like Chautauqua in Defuniak Springs, Three Oaks in Vernon, and SeaBreeze in Panama City specialize in sweet muscadine wines made from the homegrown grapes that thrive in the area. Cheers!
FALL AND WINTER WONDERLAND
4: “SNOW ….SORT OF”
A favorite is the holiday tradition at Destin Commons of dropping snow on the Center Plaza every evening during December. It might be hot enough outside for shorts, but thanks to Destin Commons, we still get a light dusting of holiday spirit.
3: “THE NUTCRACKER”
Feel like a kid on Christmas morning by taking in this annual treat from the Northwest Florida Ballet. Performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at the Arts Center at Okaloosa Walton College, “The Nutcracker” is a celebration of sight and sound.
 GET TOGETHER TO GIVE BACK
2: “EMERALD COAST FOUNDATION POKER RUN”
The Emerald Coast Foundation has invested over half a million dollars in local youth through fun fundraising events like this boating extravaganza. After all, what could be better than combining boating and poker?
AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON
WE LOVE THE EMERALD COAST
1: “OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM”
We’ve never been prouder to be the hometown of so many heroes. Local military bases – Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field – support more than 60,000 active military, civil service and military dependents. We Salute You!!!
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