Where is the emerald coast

Why do they call it the Emerald Coast?

Footprints in the Sand

It’s named Florida’s Emerald Coast for its clear, emerald-green water, but this part of Florida’s upper Gulf shoreline could just as well be called the “Sugar Coast” for its soft, sugar-white sands.

Is Gulf Shores part of the Emerald Coast?

Known for its sugary white sands and turquoise waters, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, comprise 32 miles of the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast, with Southern hospitality front and center. Perhaps surprisingly, Alabama manages the nation’s largest offshore artificial reef system (approximately 1,060 square miles).

What is the best beach on the Emerald Coast?

The Best Best Emerald Coast Beaches
  • Henderson Beach State Park. If you’re searching for the best Emerald Coast beaches, look no further than Henderson Beach State Park. …
  • Jetty East Beach. …
  • Okaloosa Island. …
  • James Lee Beach. …
  • Topsail Hill Reserve State Park. …
  • Grayton Beach.

What is the Emerald Coast known for?

The Emerald Coast is the coastal area along the Pensacola to Port St. Joe region of Florida in the Panhandle bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The area is well known for the pristine beaches, untouched sand dunes, parks, fishing, seafood and tranquility.

Where is the clearest water in Florida?

Destin
Why Destin has the clearest water beaches in Florida

Surveys for the clearest water in Florida consistently rate Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast as Number One. This esteemed title of clarity includes Destin, Miramar Beach, all the picturesque coastal villages along South Walton’s Scenic 30A, and Panama City Beach.

Which is better Destin or Gulf Shores?

Gulf Shores is very family oriented. Destin is a bit flashier, more upper class, a little more expensive, and as previously mentioned, more traffic and further from the river so clearer water often. Both have plenty of options for condos and houses right on the water.

Is Destin a nice beach?

The Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island area is cheerful and family-friendly. It’s famed for its fishing, but its beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. … Beaches and parks are listed from west to east.

What is the prettiest beach in Destin Florida?

The Top Rated Beaches in Destin, Florida According to Locals
  • Henderson Beach State Park. (17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy) …
  • Miramar Beach. (1481 Scenic Gulf Drive) …
  • Crystal Sands Beach. (2269 Scenic Gulf Drive) …
  • Destin Harbor. (500 Harbor Blvd.) …
  • Crab Island. …
  • James Lee Park.

What is the forgotten coast of Florida?

Franklin County Florida, also known as the Forgotten Coast, is nestled in the panhandle of the Sunshine State. This beautiful region has been dubbed the Forgotten Coast because it’s the last remaining stretch of unspoiled, pristine Gulf Coast beaches that haven’t been overrun by high rises and strip malls.

Why does Destin have white sand?

Origin of Destin’s Beautiful, White Sand

Consisting of small quartz particles, this sand came from a process involving the Appalachian Mountains and the Apalachicola River 20,000 years ago. … The sands today continually replenish and reach as far west as the Pensacola Pass, their final destination.

Is Destin or Panama City better?

Destin is more upscale and the shopping is much better. They have the silver sands outlet mall and Destin Commons which has all the nice stores. The stores in Pier Park just can’t compete in my opinion. However, Panama City Beaches are beautiful, clean, and there are lots of condos to choose from.

Why is Destin Florida so popular?

Snuggled against the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida, Destin is rightfully famed for its sugar-white sands and emerald-hued waters. And due to its plentiful and always hungry underwater population, Destin is widely known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village.”

Are there sharks in Destin Florida?

Are there sharks in Destin? Yes, of course there are sharks in Destin! We are situated along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, sharks’ natural habitat, and there are a wide variety of sharks that live in the Gulf, such as nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, and bull sharks.

What island has black sand beaches?

island of Hawaii
Have you ever seen a beach with black sand? Because of constant volcanic activity, you’ll find white sands and black sands on the island of Hawaii. Located on the southeastern Kau coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.

What is under the sand at the beach?

Sand is basically just finely ground up rock material – and under the sand, you will find the rocks of the shore. Usually the sand is similar because it comes from the same kinds of rocks nearby, but occasionally the sand is from somewhere else – but it still rests (ultimately) on the rocks.

Are there alligators in Destin Florida?

Today there are almost 1, 500,000 of them all over Florida. Most of them are in the southern part of the state in places like the Everglades. Here along the Emerald Coast, they are scarcely found in the vast wild nature preserves along Scenic 30A, but almost never in Destin or Miramar Beach.

Are there jellyfish in Destin Florida?

Jellyfish are among the most interesting marine life you will find in Destin. … They have four tentacles on its underbelly to capture small marine animals. The Cabbage Head Jellyfish can be seen November through April on the Destin shores. It can be distinguished by it’s large milky bell-shaped (or mushroom like) head.

What food is Destin Florida known for?

Fresh gulf seafood, Angus steaks, zesty corn & crab chowder, local Gulf seafood gumbo, cool salads, and five options from the oyster bar – raw, fried, and three types of baked oysters. You’ll love the food and the view overlooking Destin Harbor.

Are there snakes in Destin FL?

There are 6 species of venomous snakes in Florida including the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Copperhead, Water Moccasin, Coral Snake, and the Pigmy Rattlesnake.

Can you see whales in Destin?

Believe it or not, it is possible and although a very rare occurrence, some lucky guys in Seacrest Beach recently spotted one! It was a humongous Humpback Whale just a few hundred yards from the sugary shore in the swimming pool clear waters of the gulf.

How common are sharks in Destin?

When we say rare, we mean it. There have only ever been three shark attacks in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island since 1882, according to the University of Florida. And, there has never been a fatally resulting from a shark attack in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Do black mambas live in Florida?

The Eastern Coral Snake is the most venomous snake in Florida and is amongst the most venomous snakes in the world, the most venomous being the Black Mamba. … Non-venomous snakes in Florida include; Hognoses, hognose, Black Racers eastern indigo snake, Coachwhips, Red Bellies, Garter, Crowned, and Green Snakes.

Are there anacondas in Florida?

Regulatory Status. Green anacondas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife. … This species can be captured and humanely killed year-round and without a permit or hunting license on 25 public lands in south Florida.

Do snakes come out at night in Florida?

A lot of snakes are most active at night, but there can be exceptions. All snakes will want to find shelter from the heat during the day, so again, be careful when you walk around. … Florida has many types of snakes and they come out at night because they are nocturnal.

What state has the most poisonous snakes?

While plenty of states are host to a variety of poisonous creatures, the state with the largest number of venomous reptiles is Arizona.