While there’s no shortage of coastline in Florida, no stretch is more captivating than the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast located in the northwestern reaches of the state. Home to some of the world’s finest beaches and an enduring maritime culture, the destination offers legendary fishing and boating, fresh Gulf-to-Table seafood, endless water adventures, championship golf, nightlife, and numerous attractions and events to keep travelers of all ages returning year after year.

Three main coastal areas anchor the region. Destin, known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” traces its heritage to the 1835 arrival of Captain Leonard Destin, who pioneered the fishing industry that remains so vital to the present-day community. The harbor is home to the largest and most elaborately equipped commercial fishing fleet in the nation, and diving, snorkeling and sunset cruises await just beyond the shoreline. On land, the city offers a variety of outdoor activities from a state park to amusement parks to open-air shopping.

Fort Walton Beach is situated where the Santa Rosa Sound and the Choctawhatchee Bay meet. The city started as an army camp and is located close to Eglin Air Force Base, the largest Air Force base in the United States. The quaint seaside downtown is dotted with antique shops, unique boutiques, local restaurants, brew masters (coffee and beer) and more.

On the far side of the Intracoastal canal is Okaloosa Island, a narrow three-mile stretch of white sand between the cities of Fort Walton Beach and Destin. The island invites visitors to unwind and make memories on the beach with celebrated family attractions from the fishing pier to the boardwalk to dolphin shows and parasailing, there is no barrier to fun.

The Emerald Coast offers a local environment that is diverse in nature. The sugar white sand beaches and vibrant emerald-green waters have a history all their own. Appalachian quartz crystals, washed from rivers and tumbled by the tides over thousands of years, have formed the fine white powder sands that exist today. The sand remains cool to the touch, even in the heat of summer, and gives the water its trademark emerald color by reflecting sunlight through the surf.

Local restaurants serve the freshest Gulf-to-Table seafood. At any given time, there are more than 20 kinds of edible fish to be caught off the coast, and a fleet of 140-plus charter vessels with talented hands hauling in thousands of pounds of seafood daily. The abundance of catch has inspired the region’s chefs with “catch of the day” selections and menu items that include a unique mix of flavor profiles. There are options to please every palette with cuisine ranging from seafood specialties, to contemporary American fare, to regional dishes that are distinctly southern.

Whether it’s relaxing on the sand or reeling in the “big one,” there’s truly something for everyone in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island.