Recreation and
Attractions
There are so many things to see and
do on the Emerald Coast both thrilling and relaxing.
Should you like more information, please see details below and click
on our advertisers' web sites in the column to the right.
Olin Marler’s Dolphin/Sunset
Cruises & Charter Fishing
102 Hwy. 98 E., Destin. 850-654-7113. Web site: olinmarlercharterboats.com.
Located 1/4 mile east of Destin Bridge
between AJ’s and Lucky Snapper. Open daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Children under
3 free, 4-12 half price. Enjoy an exciting deep-sea fishing excursion
or dolphin/sunset cruise with Olin Marler’s Fleet. We have private
charters or we place others with you to complete the trip. VISA, MC,
DISC, AMEX.
Destin Dockside
288 Hwy. 98 E., Destin. 850-428-3313. Located on Destin Harbor next to
the Boar House Restaurant. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Destin Watertoys is your
one-stop shop for a day of fun on the water. Rent a Pontoon Boat or
Waverunner, or join us on a Dolphin Cruise. Our marina carries coolers,
drinks, snacks and fishing supplies making your day on the water
complete. VISA, MC, DISC, AMEX.
ZOOWORLD, ZOOLOGICAL &
BOTANICAL CONSERVATORY
9008 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach. 850-230-4839. Located two
blocks east of Super Wal-Mart. Call for show times and dates. Special
rates for children and senior citizens. Children ages 3 and younger are
free. Over 250 exotic and many endangered animals reside within our
beautiful botanical gardens. Experience love between man and beast
during the heart-warming Bengal Tiger shows. Visit the Gentle Jungle
Petting Zoo, where you can hand-feed Sidney the friendly giraffe. AMEX,
DISC, MC, VISA.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Museum and Theater
9907 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. 850-230-6113. Web
site: ripleyspanamacitybeach.com.
Located two blocks from the beach on the corner of Front Beach and N.
Thomas Dr. Open daily year-round. Group discounts. The newest, weirdest
and most unusual entertainment complex looks like a three-story 1950s
luxury-cruise liner run aground. As seen on TV, it is all amazing and
true. The Theater is a high tech 4-D motion based simulation ride.
AMEX, VISA, MC.
Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure
Park
1007 Highway 98 East, Destin. 850-837-4061. Web site: Bigkahunas.com.
A paradise of fun for all ages, featuring over 40 water attractions,
two adrenaline pumping thrill rides, 54 holes of mini golf, go-carting
and the newest state of the art surfing ride. Located in the heart of
Destin between Gulf Shore Dr. and Airport Rd. Water park open daily
from May through Sept. Attraction park open daily from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Group discounts available. VISA MC, DISC, AMEX.
Dolphin Cruises/Southern Star
Hwy. 98 E., Destin. 888-424-7217, 850-837-7741. E-mail:
sstar@dolphin-sstar.com. Web site: dolphin-sstar.com. Located in
Harborwalk Village, 1/4 mile east of Destin Bridge, next to Lucky
Snapper. Call for schedule. Enjoy a 2-hour cruise aboard Destin’s
original 80’ glass-bottom boat, Southern Star, featuring a dolphin
experience, bird feeding and glass-bottom viewing. Climate-controlled
cabin, snack bar, restrooms. As seen on CNN. VISA, MC.
Sky Pirates Parasail
Six beach and dock locations serving over 50 hotels and resorts from
Crystal Beach to Sandestin. Operating daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. from March to
October. Call 850-837-5797 for reservations and locations. Web site: skypiratesparasail.com.
E-mail: skypirates@cox.net. Destin’s most
exciting watersport activity. Single and tandem rides. Up to 800-ft.
towlines. Group discounts for 12 or more. CASH, VISA, MC, AMEX.
Sea Blaster, Destin’s Original
Harborwalk Marina, Destin. 850-654-6888. E-mail:
info@seablasterdestin.com. Web site: seablasterdestin.com.
Located
behind the Lucky Snapper restaurant at the foot of the Destin Bridge.
While enjoying free beverages, cruise the beaches of Destin and Fort
Walton in search of dolphins. Snorkel-dolphin combo and sunset cruises
available daily. Call for reservations.
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Destin
Snorkel Tours, Kayak Rentals and Electric Boats
Located at the foot of the Destin Bridge in
Harborwalk Village. 850-269-2329. Hop aboard our snorkel boat Reef
Runner and explore some of the clearest water around for all sorts of
fish and other sea-life. You may also rent one of our kayaks for a solo
trip or take an eco tour of our local waters with a trained guide.
VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC.
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Air Boat Tours
Located off Hwy. 79 next to Boon Docks Restaurant, just north of Panama
City Beach. 850-234-1532. Web site: panamacityairboat.com.
Open year-round. Reservations suggested. Group rates. 1/2 hour, 1 hour
and sunset tours. Explore backwaters, marshes and creeks aboard the
airboat Wild Thang. Search for alligators, dolphins and birds of prey.
Our captains are U.S.C.G. masters with years of experience and
knowledge of the local waters & wildlife. Bring the family and your
camera. Fun for all. VISA, MC.
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Classic Air Rides
Fly over Destin in an authentic World War II era figther plane. There
are at least five of these planes in our area, and you may see them
flying in formation during your visit. Call us and reserve your own
flight and look down on those who are watching you! 850-598-3926.
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Glass-Bottom Boat
Dolphin Cruises
2 Hwy. 98, Destin. 850-654-7787. E-mail: booogies@aol.com. Web site: boogieswatersports.com.
Located at the foot of the Destin Bridge
between Lucky Snapper and Harborwalk Marina. Open daily 8-7. Two-hour
cruise. Narrated trip: Destin Harbor, East Pass, Gulf of Mexico,
Choctawhatchee Bay, bird feeding, crab trap discovery, sightseeing,
dolphin encounters, shrimp net operation. VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC.
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Boogies Waverunner
Dolphin Excursions
2 Hwy. 98, Destin. 850-654-4497. E-mail: booogies@aol.com. Web site: boogieswatersports.com.
Located at the foot of the Destin Bridge
between Lucky Snapper and Harborwalk Marina. PC. Two-hour guided tour
on the Waverunner Dolphin Excursion. The most incredible way to visit
with dolphins. Enjoy gulf riding, explore the island chains, swim and
take pictures. VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC.
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Boogies Watersports
2 Hwy. 98, Destin. 850-654-4497. E-mail: booogies@aol.com. Web site: boogieswatersports.com.
Located at the foot of the Destin Bridge
between Lucky Snapper and Harborwalk Marina. Open daily 8-7. FA, GD,
SCD. PC. Full line of watersport toys featuring Waverunners,
parasailing, snorkeling, pontoon boats, dolphin excursions on
Waverunners, Glass-Bottom Boat Dolphin Cruises. VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC.
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Snorkeling with Pelican Adventures
Hwy. 98, on the Destin Harbor. 850-650-3825. Web site: pelicanadventures.net.
E-mail: pelicanadventures@cox.net. Located on
the Harbor, behind Fisherman’s Wharf, in downtown Destin. SCD, CD, MD.
Featuring snorkeling plus dolphin tours. Average of 20 passengers per
trip, snack bar aboard. Family owned and operated.
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Sunshine Pontoon Rentals
66 Harbor Blvd., Destin. 850-837-2299. Web site: Sunshine Pontoon Rentals
Located at Harborwalk Village behind the Emerald Grand. Open daily at 8
a.m. PC. Enjoy a day on the water exploring the area, watching
dolphins, fishing, snorkeling or relaxing at Crab Island. All fun in
one. VISA, MC, DISC.
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Bluewater Bay Resort
2000 Bluewater Blvd., Niceville, FL. 800-874-2128. Golf shop:
850-897-3241. Restaurant/bar: 897-2583. E-mail: golf@bwbresort.com. Web
site: bwbresort.com. Located
1/4 mile west of the Mid-Bay Bridge (Hwy.
293). Resort open 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; golf shop 7-5 (7-6 spring/summer).
Thirty-six championship holes designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate.
Special rates for tournaments and group outings. Restaurant/bar open
for breakfast and lunch daily. Dinner served on Friday and Saturday
evenings. PC. GD. VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC, DC.
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Emerald Coast Science Center
139 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. 850-664-1261. Fax: 664-6862. Web
site: ecscience.org. Located 1
block south of Hwy. 98, downtown. Open
Mon-Fri. 9-4, Sat.-Sun. 11-4. Enjoy a unique and inspiring museum
filled with more than 200 touchable, workable exhibits including a
nature discovery room, an air cannon, color and light exhibits and
holograms.
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Casino Trips
800-446-0886, 850-476-0046. Fax: 476-7637. Web site: goodtimetours.com.
Open seven days a week. Good Time Tours daily casino trips from Destin,
Fort Walton Beach and Navarre. Group and individual reservations
welcome. Passengers receive free slot play at the casino. Please call
for more information on our daily trips and special tours. Must be 21
years or older.
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Liquid Surf and Sail
170 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE., Fort Walton Beach. 888-818-9283,
850-664-5731. E-mail: info@liquidsurfandsail.com. Web site: LQD99.com.
Located on Hwy. 98, two blocks west of Brooks Bridge. The Gulf Coast’s
extreme watersports destination. Kite boarding, windsurfing, surfing
and kayaking. Full line of rentals, lessons and videos. The latest
styles of sandals, sunglasses and beachwear. VISA, MC.
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Snorkel & Dive with
Scubatech
301 Harbor Blvd., Destin. 850-837-2822. E-mail:
scubatech@scubatechnwfl.com. Web site: scubatechnwfl.com. Located
1/4
mi. east of Destin Bridge. Open daily 8-5. Full-service
scuba/snorkeling facility. Retail, rental, air, nitrox. All levels of
instruction. Sea Cobra dive boat to reefs and wrecks for certified
divers. Mongoose snorkel or Discover Scuba to jetties for non-certified
divers. VISA, MC, DIS
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The Track Recreation Center
1125 Hwy. 98 E., Destin. 850-654-4668. Fax: 654-5832. E-mail:
trackfl@aol.com. Web site: funatthetrack.com.
Located on the north side
of Hwy. 98, just before the fork at Old Scenic Hwy. 98. Open 9
a.m.-midnight. Off-season hours vary. FA, GD. Great family fun for all
ages. VISA, MC, DISC.
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Just Chute Me! Parasail Co.
404 Hwy. 98 E., Destin. 850-200-2260. Recorded info: 200-3617. E-mail: justchuteme@gmail.com. Web site: parasaildestin.com.
Located on Destin Harbor behind Marina Café. Open daily 8
a.m.-sunset. GD, MD. Experience Destin’s most exciting
watersports activity – Parasailing! Customize your ride: 400, 600
or 800 ft. Trips depart every hour and a half. All ages welcome. VISA,
MC, DISC, AMEX.
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Bayside Watersports
1310 Hwy. 98, Okaloosa Island. 850-302-0021. Web site:
bayside-watersports.com.
Located four miles west of the Destin Bridge
on Okaloosa Island. Open daily 8-5. Family fun on waverunners, pontoon
boats, and tour guided waverunner dolphin excursions. No Harbor Idle
Zones. Enjoy a ride or relax on our beach. VISA, MC. Map H-11. Ad page
14.
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Kitty Hawk Kites of Florida
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy. #1, Fort Walton Beach. 1-877-FLY-THIS,
850-796-0102. E-mail: kittyhawkkitesfl@earthlink.com. Web site:
kittyhawk.com. Located in the Boardwalk complex on Hwy. 98 on
Okaloosa
Island between the Ramada Inn and Gulfarium. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-10
p.m. daily. Winter hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Local and military
discounts. Area’s most unique selection of kites, kite-boarding gear,
toys and wind art. "Life is Good" clothing gear, Crocs and Teva brand
shoes. Kayak rentals.
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Windswept Dunes Golf Course
11 Clubhouse Dr., Freeport, FL. 850-835-1847. E-mail: wsdunes@aol.com.
Web site: windsweptdunes.com.
Located on Hwy. 20, 5 1/2 miles east of
Freeport, just minutes away from the Emerald Coast. Open daily
daylight-dark. A Doug O’Rourke Design. New course opened in August
2004. Six sets of tees, wide fairways and large greens. VISA, MC, DISC,
AMEX.
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BEACH INFORMATION:
Emerald
Coast Guide
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Recreation
and Attractions
Fishing
Dining
and Entertainment
Shopping
Accommodations
and
Real Estate
Tourist
Services
Magazine
Distribution
Locations
General
Information
Navarre Beach
Panama City
Beach
"Seeing is believing.
Actually participating is an entirely different experience."
Surfer, Jason Leigh
Recreation/Attractions
Web Sites
Airboat Tours
Bayside Watersports
Big Kahuna's
Bluewater Bay
Resort
Boogies Watersports
Destin
Snorkel
Dockside
Dolphin
Cruises/Southern
Star
Emerald Coast Science
Center
Gator Beach at Fudpucker's
Glass-Bottom Boat
Dolphin
Cruise
Good Time Tours
Just Chute Me
Kitty Hawk Kites
Kokomo Snorkeling
Liquid Surf and Sail
Olin Marler’s
Dolphin
Cruises
Plus Skate Shop
Pelican Adventures,
Snorkeling
Ripley's Believe It or Not
SeaBlaster. Destin’s
Original
Sky Pirates Parasail
Snorkel & Dive with
Scubatech
Sunshine Pontoon
Rentals
Sweet Jody Fishing
Charters
The Track
Windswept Dunes
ZooWorld
Fishing
Backcountry
Outfitters
Dockside Boat
Rentals
Olin Marler’s
Fishing
Charters
Pelican Adventures,
Fishing
Sweet Jody Fishing
Charters
Dining and Entertainment
Web Sites
The Black Pearl
Captain Dave's on the
Gulf
The Crab Trap Seafood
House
& Oyster Bar
Floyd’s
Shrimp House
Fudpucker’s
Beachside
Bar and
Grill
Grand Boulevard
Harbor Cigars
Howl at the Moon
Iron Skillet
Johnny O' Quigley's
Landry’s Seafood
The Love Shack
Nightown
Old
Bay Steamer
The Swamp
Shopping Web Sites
Art Street
Gallery
Build-A-Bear Workshop
The Eye
Gallery
Footprints
Fudpucker’s Trading
Company
Grand Boulevard
Hugs and Hissyfits
Little Bo Feet
Old Time Pottery
Pensacola Photo Supply
Red Velvet
Silver
Sands Factory Stores
Accommodations/Real Estate Web
Sites
Beach Colony Resort
Beach Rentals
of
South
Walton
Breakers of Fort Walton
Beach
Dale E Peterson
Vacations
Dune-Allen Realty, Inc.
Jetty East
Navarre Properties
Seagrove on the Beach
Tourist Services Web Sites
Emerald
Coast Urgent
Care
Dune Allen Realty
Gulf Coast Immediate
Care
Mid-Bay Bridge
Photocraft
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