Luxury Emerald Coast Florida Villas
Find and book award-winning, luxurious Emerald Coast vacation rentals in destinations in the Destin Area for unforgettable trips to Florida's panhandle region.
Emerald Coast vacation rentals
The Emerald Coast in Florida's 'panhandle' is a popular vacation destination known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundance of recreational activities It gets its name from the mystical rich green color if the sea water around the coast. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful area, take a look at our beautiful Emerald Coast vacation rentals, offering space, privacy, and flexibility. They are also equipped with amenities like private pools, outdoor grills, and fully equipped kitchens, making them an ideal choice for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Sleeping as many as 44 guests, our Emerald Coast vacation rentals can be found in top locations in the Destin Area, including Miramar Beach, Seacrest Beach, and Destin itself.
Popular Vacation Rentals
The Emerald Coast is a region located in the northwest part of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. It stretches for about 100 miles along the coast and includes popular beach destinations such as Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach.
The Emerald Coast is renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. While there are numerous beautiful beaches along the coast, here are some of the top beaches that are frequently regarded as the best:
Destin Beach: Located in the heart of Destin, this beach is known for its sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters. It offers a range of amenities, including beachfront parks, picnic areas, and convenient access to nearby restaurants and shops.
Grayton Beach State Park: Recognized as one of the most scenic beaches in the United States, Grayton Beach State Park features untouched natural beauty. The soft sand dunes, coastal forests, and clear waters make it a favorite among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Henderson Beach State Park: Situated in Destin, Henderson Beach State Park offers more than 6,000 feet of unspoiled beachfront. With its gentle surf and pristine sand, it's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The park also features nature trails and camping facilities.
Santa Rosa Beach: Stretching for miles along Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach is known for its picturesque beauty and relaxed atmosphere. It boasts powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and a charming beach town with boutique shops and restaurants.
Miramar Beach: Just east of Destin, Miramar Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers. Its wide shoreline, soft sand, and clear waters create an inviting setting for swimming, snorkeling, and beach activities. The area also offers beachfront resorts, golf courses, and entertainment options.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: This protected area encompasses several beach areas along the Emerald Coast, including Okaloosa Island, Navarre Beach, and Perdido Key. These beaches offer stunning natural landscapes, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
The Emerald Coast offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay along the Emerald Coast:
Destin: Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin is a popular destination with a variety of beachfront resorts, vacation rentals, and hotels. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, a range of dining options, and easy access to attractions such as HarborWalk Village and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Fort Walton Beach: Located just west of Destin, Fort Walton Beach offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. It boasts beautiful beaches, waterfront parks, and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. There are numerous beachfront resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals available.
Santa Rosa Beach: Situated along Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach offers a charming coastal community with upscale resorts, beachfront vacation rentals, and boutique hotels. It's a great choice for those seeking a quieter and more laid-back beach experience.
30A: 30A, also known as Scenic Highway 30A, is a picturesque and scenic coastal road that stretches for approximately 24 miles along the Emerald Coast of Florida. It is named after the highway that runs through the area, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and access to several charming beach towns. The communities along 30A are known for their unique character, upscale atmosphere, and commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area
The best time to visit the Emerald Coast
Fall (September through November) is widely regarded as the best time to visit the Emerald Coast, when the heat and humidity of summer have disippated and the crowds have thinned, but temperatures are still mild and pleasent, with plenty of festivals and events to enjoy.
Emerald Coast food and drink
The Emerald Coast, located along the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle, offers a variety of delicious food and drink options. Some popular local specialties include:
Seafood - With access to the Gulf of Mexico, the Emerald Coast is known for its fresh seafood. Some popular dishes include shrimp and grits, oysters Rockefeller, and grilled fish tacos.
Key Lime Pie - Made with tangy key lime juice, graham cracker crust, and topped with whipped cream, key lime pie is a staple dessert in the area.
Craft Beer - The Emerald Coast has a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Some popular breweries include Grayton Beer Company, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, and Destin Brewery.
Southern Cuisine - Southern cuisine is also prevalent in the Emerald Coast, with dishes like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and collard greens being popular options.
The nearest airport to the Emerald Coast in Florida is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), which is located in Panama City Beach, Florida. The airport is approximately a 30-45 minute drive from popular Emerald Coast destinations such as Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach. Alternatively, the Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is also a popular option for travelers to the Emerald Coast and is located about an hour and a half drive from the area.
Driving the Emerald Coast in Florida can be a beautiful and enjoyable experience. The Emerald Coast is known for its scenic drives along the Gulf of Mexico with its white sandy beaches, emerald green waters, and stunning sunsets. Some popular driving routes in the area include: ** Scenic Highway 30A** - A 24-mile stretch of road that runs along the Gulf of Mexico and passes through charming beach communities like Seaside, Watercolor, and Rosemary Beach. Along the way, you can stop at local restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.
Highway 98 - This is a major highway that runs parallel to the coast and provides access to many popular beach towns like Destin, Miramar Beach, and Fort Walton Beach.
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, this scenic drive takes you through a natural barrier island ecosystem with beautiful beaches, dunes, and historic sites.
Navarre Beach Causeway - This drive takes you across a bridge that connects the mainland to Navarre Beach, offering stunning views of the Santa Rosa Sound.
Overall, driving the Emerald Coast in Florida can be a wonderful way to explore the area's natural beauty, local culture, and beach communities. Just be sure to follow traffic laws and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
The primary public transportation system in the Emerald Coast is provided by the Emerald Coast Rider (ECR) bus service. ECR operates a network of fixed-route buses that serve various cities and towns along the coast, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa County. The bus service is designed to connect residents and visitors to key destinations, such as shopping centers, medical facilities, and entertainment venues.
The ECR buses run on designated routes and operate on a set schedule, providing a reliable and convenient way to get around. The routes cover major thoroughfares and popular areas, making it easier for you to explore the Emerald Coast without the need for a personal vehicle.
The fares for ECR buses are typically affordable, and discounts may be available for seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities. Passes can be purchased in advance or onboard the bus, allowing you to choose the option that suits your needs.
Wildlife watchingFlorida's Emerald Coast is home to a variety of wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a wide array of bird species, making it an ideal destination for wildlife watching and nature enthusiasts.
DestinDestin is a city in Florida's Emerald Coast, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, world-class fishing, golfing, and a plethora of dining and shopping options.
Emerald Coast Science CenterThe Emerald Coast Science Center is a non-profit organization in Fort Walton Beach, Florida that features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
GolfFlorida's Emerald Coast offers a variety of golf courses, including top-rated courses designed by legendary golfers. With beautiful views and challenging holes, golfers of all levels will enjoy playing in this scenic location.
Big Kahuna's Adventure and Water ParkBig Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a family-friendly amusement park in Destin, Florida. It features water attractions, thrill rides, mini-golf, and go-karts, providing endless fun for visitors of all ages.
BeachesEmerald Coast beaches are known for their sugary-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. With numerous beaches to choose from, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Emerald Coast Concierge
Take your Emerald Coast vacation to the next level, with our range of luxury Concierge Services. From private chefs to airport transfers, and car hire to attraction tickets, you can choose from countless optional services to customize your trip, and make it the best yet!
Emerald Coast condos
Our luxurious Emerald Coast condos offer an idyllic beachfront getaway along the stunning Gulf of Mexico. With their prime location and top-notch amenities, these condos provide a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and breathtaking views, and guarantee an unforgettable vacation in the Florida sunshine.
The Emerald Coast condo rentals boast spacious and beautifully designed interiors, featuring modern furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, and comfortable living areas. Many condos offer multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, making them ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a relaxing retreat.
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Pet friendly vacation rentals Emerald Coast Florida
Pet-friendly vacation rentals along the Emerald Coast of Florida offer the perfect opportunity to bring your furry friend along for a memorable beach getaway. These accommodations understand the importance of including your four-legged family members in your vacation plans and provide a welcoming environment for both you and your pet.
In addition to the pet-friendly features of the accommodations themselves, the Emerald Coast is home to several pet-friendly attractions and activities. Take your dog for long walks along the sandy beaches, where they can splash in the waves and enjoy the coastal breeze. Explore pet-friendly hiking trails or visit dog-friendly restaurants and cafes.
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Emerald Coast beachfront vacation rentals
Emerald Coast beachfront vacation rentals offer an unforgettable experience of sun, sand, and stunning ocean views. These beautiful villas and vacation homes provide the ultimate beach getaway, allowing you to step out of your door and onto the pristine white sands of the Gulf Coast. Emerald Coast beachfront vacation rentals offer direct access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, where you can spend your days lounging under the sun, swimming in the turquoise waters, or taking leisurely walks along the shoreline.
These beachfront rentals come in various sizes and styles, ranging from cozy beachfront condos to spacious beach houses. Many rentals also offer private balconies or patios where you can relax, soak up the views, and enjoy the soothing ocean breeze. The amenities of our beachfront vacation rentals along the Emerald Coast go beyond the breathtaking surroundings. You can find properties with private pools overlooking the beach, hot tubs for ultimate relaxation, and outdoor dining areas perfect for beachside barbecues.
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