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The beaches of the Emerald Coast have people coming back year after year. Miramar Beach is a top vacation destination and it’s obvious to see why. Most come for the miles of pristine beaches, the beautiful blue-green waters, and the sugar white sand. When you’re not relaxing at the beach, what else is there to do around here? Here are some of the top things to do outdoors this summer.
Experience the very best in Florida golf across Sandestin’s championship courses. Thanks to Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Rees Jones, and Tom Jackson, each of these courses has their own unique challenges, rewards, and characteristics. Before you tee off, consider some of the favorite courses Sandestin has to offer.
The Links
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is home to four award-winning golf courses including The Links Golf Club. The Links Golf Club opened in 1973 and is the oldest of the four courses at Sandestin. Renowned architect Tom Jackson designed this winding layout against the backdrop of the Baytowne Marina and the Choctawhatchee Bay with five bayside holes. It’s has been named one of the “Top Five Golf Courses in Northwest Florida” and one of the “Top 100 Courses in Florida” by Florida Golf News. The Links Course offers four sets of tees, making this course a must play for golfers of all skill levels during your stay.
The Golf Garden of Destin
Golf Garden of Destin is a family-friendly course, perfect for beginners and avid golfers. Swing by the driving range, or admire Florida’s fascinating wildlife from the executive course. This par 29, 9-hole golf course is excellent for all skill levels! If you’re a little rusty, don’t worry. Sharpen your skills on the practice greens, or try out the 18-hole putting course.
Emerald Bay Golf Club
Test your swing at the Emerald Bay Golf Club, situated between the South Walton beaches and Destin. In 2014 The Emerald Bay golf course underwent a complete renovation. The recently renovated Clubhouse features a full-service golf pro shop as well as The Grille which offers a delicious menu, full bar, indoor dining and an outdoor covered porch with fireplace overlooking the 18th green.
There’s always something going on in South Walton. Beyond the sugar-white sand beach and turquoise water, endless events await. In addition to the countless activities of Florida's Gulf Coast, Destin and 30A offers a year-round list of annual events and festivals to experience.
South Walton Beaches Food & Wine Festival
This South Walton festival features four days of unique events including a wide range of experiences from attending wine dinners with celebrity chefs, participating in preview events throughout the year, and taking part in wine tastings that showcase hundreds of wines. Wine novices are able to learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection in all varieties, styles, and price range.
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Taking place in one of the most productive fisheries in the United States, timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® (ECBC) has set the precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments.
This annual event offers something for everyone. Most importantly, for the angling teams, there are the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, red-hot billfish action, and cool green cash. While onshore, both tournament participants and their families can enjoy the wide variety of recreational activities offered at the Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The spectacular night time weigh-ins, held at the Baytowne Marina, are free and open to the public.
Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide; in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Natural areas range from coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf to freshwater wetlands and sand pine scrub along the lake. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The opportunities for outdoor recreation are unlimited at Camp Helen State Park. Wildlife viewing is extremely popular, as the three different water bodies have created a diverse habitat for wildlife that includes rare shorebirds and Bald Eagles.
Deer Lake State Park
Deer Lake is a change of pace from other beachfront state parks. Although there are developments around the park, it remains pristine and a delight to all who discover the park. With minimal amenities – picnic tables, bathrooms and hiking trails – the key to the enjoyment of the park is the solitude and the back-to-nature atmosphere. The hike, and it is a hike, from the parking lot to the beach on a unique boardwalk that soars over the incredible sand dunes to a view of the Gulf of Mexico is impressive to first timers and regular park visitors.
Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Florida, with massive dunes, winding trails, abundant wildlife, and shimmering 100-acre Western Lake, one of many coastal dune lakes gracing Scenic Highway 30A along Scenic 30A in South Walton (SoWal). Bring your bike or your favorite hiking shoes to Grayton Beach and enjoy a four mile off road trail through acres of natural communities or hop on Walton County’s 10-mile walking, biking path along Scenic Hwy 30-A which winds along the coastline through our picturesque beachside communities.
After you’ve gotten your daily dose of the Emerald Coast, unwind in one of our luxury Miramar Beach vacation rentals. Our unique rental homes are near the best Miramar Beach, Destin, and 30A attractions. Choose from stunning oceanfront properties along the Emerald Coast. Whether you’ve come with your spouse, your whole family, or your best friends, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime. Miramar Beach is the perfect place to be making them.