Vacationing in Crystal Beach

While Destin, Florida, was once a sleepy little fishing village, development has both rapidly expanded the population and been a lure for an ever-growing number of tourists. Vacationing in Crystal Beach is an ideal way to relax.

Destin Commons is an outdoor shopping area featuring nearly 100 stores and restaurants, AMC Theaters, and bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl. The complex offers holiday events to entertain you and your family while you meet your shopping and dining needs.

On the west end of Destin, you can visit Harbor Walk Village, which offers shops, restaurants, dolphin cruises, jet ski rentals, zip lines, live entertainment, and hotel accommodations.

Along US Highway 98, locally known as Emerald Coast Parkway, you can find a water park, go parasailing, enjoy paddleboarding, listen to live music at a dueling piano bar, ride go carts, take a plunge by way of bungee jumping, and dine on world-class cuisine.

If you want to take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of places to do so. There are 11 city-owned public beach access spots, and one county-owned location.

Henderson Beach State Park is a popular local beach, as it offers pavilions for grilling and picnicking, a playground, and nature trails. There are 60 campsites, and the park is pet friendly.

And don’t miss the Whaling Wall, a large outdoor mural by artist Robert Wyland entitled “Marine Life of the Gulf,” located at 690 Regatta Bay Drive just north of Destin Commons at the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge.

Crystal Beach: On the east side of the Destin, Crystal Beach is an idyllic development. This slice of paradise is a highly desirable neighborhood with verdant landscaping and maintained in immaculate condition. It is a cozy residential community situated closely to restaurants and entertainment in Destin. You can walk four minutes to the Emerald Coast’s sugar white beaches, or venture to nearby eateries and shopping complexes such as Destin Commons. If you are looking for a great vacation rental, look no further than Crystal Beach.

Gulf Terrace: This retreat is located in the very heart of Destin across the street from the Emerald Coast. It also overlooks the property’s fishing lake, offering a beautiful view of its own. Three pools and two tennis courts round out the 26-acre spot. You are also right next door to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park and just down the road from The Track. Laundry facilities are on site for your convenience.

Harbor Landing: This beautiful contemporary condo complex is on the east end of Destin Harbor and features stunning view of Holiday Isle. You can stroll along the boardwalk, take in the wildlife, take a dip in the pool, cook up the day’s fresh catch on a harbor-side grill, or hang out on the private beach to work on a vacation tan that will make all your friends jealous when you go back home.

Holiday Surf & Racquet Club: Located directly on the beach on Holiday Isle, a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, East Pass, and Destin Harbor. Visitors here can enjoy the heated pool, exercise rooms, and saunas. There are also two lighted tennis courts and shuffleboard. And for those with fresh seafood to cook up, using the on site barbecue grills will be a treat. If you need to stay connected to the outside world, be sure to use the free Wi-Fi in the lobby and pool areas. There is a coin-operated laundry facility on site as well for your convenience.

The Terrace at Pelican Beach: Offering 95 large condos, this retreat boasts spacious meeting facilities to help make your business meetings a success. During your down time, enjoy the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. Outdoor gas grills, tennis courts, and a video game room round out some of the offerings at The Terrace at Pelican Beach. And don’t forget The Pelican Tiki Bar, which is beachside, where you can request a beverage to take down to the beach or back to the pool. Chan’s Market Café serves up Starbucks Coffee and features breakfast sandwiches and pastries starting at 8 a.m. Later in the day, they offer salads, pizza, and an assortment of sandwiches.

Shoreline Towers: Kick back and enjoy your vacation in the heart of Destin, minutes from dining, shopping, fishing, golf, and water sports. On site, you can relax in the sauna, swim in the pool, play tennis or shuffleboard, maintain your fitness routine using the exercise room, use the outdoor barbecue grills, or picnic by the lake. If you need a gathering place for family or friends, try the club house. Shoreline Towers also offers security on the property at all times for guest safety.