Destin

Destin, often known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," has developed into one of the most well-liked tourist destinations on the Florida Panhandle. Prior to a bridge connecting the narrow peninsula with Florida's mainland, Destin, which was founded in the 1850s, was a peaceful fishing village. This community maintains a small-town feel despite its baseline population of 13,000 (which rises to 25,000+ during the summer). Every year, families from the Midwest and the South travel to Destin's beaches to enjoy the region's famed bright white shoreline, which is constructed entirely of Appalachian quartz. In addition to keeping cool in the summer heat, this special sand gives the water an emerald hue by reflecting sunlight. Golfers navigate bunkers along the coast as children play around at water parks. More daring tourists can go snorkeling and scuba diving near the coast or rent a boat to go deep sea fishing. After all, casting a line is an essential component of this paradise on the peninsula.

Destin is at its best between April and May when the weather is pleasant, the sun is out, and the water is warm (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). Any earlier and the temperature will be cooler and the water will be chilly. Summer vacation will place you in the thick of the crowds and at the highest cost. Even though you might think about going in the late summer or early fall, those times might be extremely hot and rainy. Summer highs are often in the high 80s, while winter temperatures range from the low 40s to the 60s. When prices are lower in the winter, some tourists do go, but they lose out on the best things to do in the region.

What about "gulf-to-table" restaurants? You've probably seen restaurants described or categorized as "farm-to-table." It shouldn't be a surprise that the mainstay of the city's culinary culture is Florida's marine life in a place dubbed the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." In fact, there are 20 different varieties of fish available at any given moment. But Destin also has you covered if you prefer land mammals and vegetables to aquatic life.

Location: Northwest Florida (Florida Panhandle), east of Pensacola but west of Panama City.

Ranking:

• #2 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
• #3 in Best Beaches in the U.S.
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in July
• #6 in Best Florida Beaches
• #7 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Florida
• #9 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
• #10 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.