Visit Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

When you deplane at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, you have your pick of visiting two of Florida’s fishing and resort destinations. Whether you want to cast off into the area’s famous green waters or get some rest and relaxation by digging your toes into the white sands of the area’s gorgeous beaches, there’s fun in the sun for everyone when you visit the Florida Panhandle.

You’ll notice that the sand of the area’s beaches is quite white—some of the whitest sand in the world. It makes its way to the coast from the Appalachian Mountains via the Apalachicola River and is comprised of quartz crystal, the reason it looks like mounds of glittering sugar. The beauty of the beaches is perhaps rivaled only by how lucky you’ll find yourself while fishing: the area boasts a booming fishing culture that is known for the frequency of big catches. Thanks to the Sunshine State’s weather, the area has fishing year-round. The annual Destin Fishing Rodeo is held every October, which is shortly followed by the Destin Seafood Festival. If your visit coincides with these events, they’re both can’t-miss excursions.

If you’re interested in exploring nearby communities, take a day trip to Seaside, a planned community that you’ll recognize from movies and TV shows. Planned based on the principles of New Urbanism, Seaside is environmentally friendly, walkable, and quite a sight to see for fans of architecture. There’s plenty to do around Destin, though, if a day trip isn’t your thing. Watersports beyond fishing abound, including jet skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

The Sunshine State is calling. Answer by booking a Southwest Airlines flight to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. And when you book with Southwest, know that you can book with confidence. Discover more about what makes the Southwest® Experience so unique and reserve your upcoming flight to Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

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Things to do in Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

White sand beaches and parks
  • Crystal Beach
  • James Lee Park
  • Wayside Park
Sunny state parks
  • Eden Gardens State Park
  • Grayton Beach State Park
  • Henderson Beach State Park
Can’t-miss museums
  • Emerald Coast Science Center
  • Indian Temple Mound Museum
  • Man in the Sea Museum

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