Year 2008
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Press Kit: Accommodations
DESTIN * FORT WALTON BEACH * OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. -- The Emerald Coast area, acclaimed as one of the top five "Favorite Family Vacation Destinations" by the readers of Southern Living for nine consecutive years, presents a priceless Florida beach vacation -- without being pricey in the pocket. From luxury to economy, Destin·Fort Walton Beach·Okaloosa Island on Florida's upper Gulf coast offer more than 18,000 Gulf-edged rooms for seaside savings in popular hotels, condominiums, private cottages and beach houses. Reasonable rates year-round, even during popular summer and spring seasons, guarantee more value -- and more fun -- for vacation dollars. In the slower fall and winter months, seashore solitude is a travel bargain with Emerald Coast rates dipping by one-third between Labor Day and mid-October, then delving even deeper October through February.The natural beauty of the 24-mile (38km) sweeping stretch of pure white sands and emerald waters knows no season, yet the character of the Emerald Coast experiences an intriguing transformation throughout the year. Although Southern charm provides an annual accent, the pace slows to a near motionless mosey as the hurried days of summer fade and miles of bare beaches expose the simple charisma of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." With a consistently enticing climate, the irresistible pleasures of the Emerald Coast rarely cease -- more than 400 spirited seaside celebrations, 1,080 holes of great golf, fishing from the largest charter boat fleet in Florida and delectable dining of the undeniably freshest seafood on the Gulf.
A collection of Gulf-edged condominiums spans the spectrum from small to sprawling with one, two and three-bedroom suites, villas and posh penthouses. Ideal for the family beach vacation or special romantic escape, designer interiors are complemented by creature comforts -- family rooms, dining areas, kitchens, washers and dryers and private Gulf balconies with spectacular views. Tennis courts, colorful beach cabanas, oceanfront pools and heated Jacuzzis are added highlights.
Relaxation is redefined for a truly memorable getaway at several resort-style condominiums and condo hotels. Wrapped within are acres of exceptional amenities including golf courses, tennis complexes, private marinas, hi-tech fitness centers, restaurants and lounges.
Several reputed hotels dot the Gulf of Mexico and waterways of the Emerald Coast including Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Four Points hotel by Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Sunspree and Holiday Inn Express, Country Inn & Suites, two Best Westerns, and three Hampton Inns. Great for weekend or week-long escapes, the retreats are surrounded by distinctive touches from lush seaside gardens and rock waterfalls to lattice gazebos and palm canopied cabanas. Amenities exceed expectations with Gulf-air cafes, elegant restaurants, tropical lounges, beachfront swimming pools, entertainment programs and tennis courts.
Offering the southern charm of old Florida, Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast, with five tranquil and relaxing suites, is reminiscent of an old Florida plantation home showcasing a column-line porch and ceiling-to-floor windows that allow the gulf breeze and sounds of the shore to stream throughout the house.
Secluded beach bungalows are found within an assortment of private vacation rentals from seaside cottages to spacious five-bedroom houses. Sun decks, sweeping balconies and salt-air porches border sugar quartz beaches and are only steps away from the tumbling surf. Creating the feeling of “owning” the beach for a weekend, week or month, numerous architectural styles from A-frame to Florida Cracker speckle the shores. The Water’s Edge, a tiny Victorian village, is comprised of sherbet-hued, gingerbread-adorned cottages.
For simple pleasures, go “au naturel” in one of the area’s five campground locations. Enjoy all the comforts of home in one of the area’s three RV Parks—Bayview RV Resort, Destin RV Resort, or Playground RV Park— or choose to “rough it” at the Henderson Beach State Park or the Destin Campground, both of which offer more traditional camping experiences. Whatever the choice, the Emerald Coast offers scenic alternatives with campgrounds and parks rimmed by Gulf waters, caressed by Choctawhatchee Bay breezes or cloaked within lush coastal hammocks.
Additional visitor information about these and other area accommodations, including a meeting planner's guide is available by calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131 or by visiting us at www.destin-fwb.com.