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Crab Island: Submerged Sandbar Is Destin Hot Spot

May 21 23
by S. Lynne

Beach Loving Music Fans From Around the Globe Converge on Panama City Beach for the 11th Annual Gulf Coast Jam Extravaganza

May 12 23
by Will Estell
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam lighted stage and audience

If you’re a fan of country music, and America’s favorite beach communities, then you probably already know about Gulf Coast Jam, and how what started as a medium size outdoor music festival has now grown into one of the top three country music festivals in the country. With attendance above the 30,000 mark for the […]

Birds of the Gulf Coast

May 4 23
by Alison Large Ketcham
Heron flying over the beach

Discover the hidden gem of birdwatching along the Gulf Coast — where turquoise waters and diverse wildlife provide the ideal setting for your next outdoor excursion! Learn more about some of the Gulf Coast birds you’ll see on your next vacation. The Gulf Coast’s emerald-blue surf, sparkling beaches, sunny skies, balmy temperatures, gentle ocean breezes, […]

Elevate Your Beach Trip

Mar 10 23
by Darcie Plowden
aerial of a charter yacht at Crab Island

Infuse your beach trip with luxury indulgences for incredible memories, less hassle and more time spent with family and friends. We can all agree a vacation to the Gulf Coast is a luxury in and of itself with time spent relaxing with family and friends surrounded by dazzling white sand and sparkling emerald waters. Vacations […]

Make Plans to Attend the Sandestin Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival

Feb 2 23
by Alison Large Ketcham

Since 1989, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival, in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, has welcomed a fun-loving crowd back year after year. And this year’s festival—set for February 24th and 25th will be no exception. Join in the fun Friday, February 24th at Hammerhead Bar & Grille’s Kick-Off Party. Live music begins at 4 p.m., with […]

Make a Splash!

Jan 20 23
by Will Estell

Welcome to some of the best resort pools on the Gulf Coast! Let’s face it, even though many of us take a beach vacation because of the beach, there’s a lot to be said for enjoying a long day lounging by a cool pool while sipping an even cooler drink, and watching the ones you […]

The 14th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival

Jan 3 23
by Will Estell
30a songwriter's lineup 2022

If you consider yourself a fan of great music and the talented songwriters who make the songs you love possible, you’ll definitely want to make plans to attend the 14th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival — coming to the beautiful beach communities of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast January 13th thru 16th, 2023.  The long winter weekend […]

Beach Essentials You Need For The Perfect Day

Dec 1 22
by Julia Sayers Gokhale
beach essentials list

What do you need for a perfect day at the beach? Well, outside of sun, sand, and ocean waves, there are a few essential items you should take along with you. You know you need towels, sunscreen, a beach chair, and a good book, but we’re here to suggest some fun upgrades of those items […]

Find the Best Beer at the Beach at these Gulf Coast Breweries

Oct 31 22
by Will Estell

If you’re a fan of great craft beer and beautiful beaches you’re definitely in luck when deciding to hit this strip of white sand and emerald waters, looking for either.  In addition to the remarkable views, hot summer nights, and great food and fun, this immensely popular destination is also home to an array of Gulf […]

Best Beach Bars on the Gulf Coast

Sep 24 22
by Julia Sayers Gokhale

Grab a cocktail or cold beer at one of these iconic and trendy beach bars on the Gulf Coast. Sun, sand, and a cocktail in hand…there’s a reason this phrase is on every beach tote and koozie. Nothing goes better together than the beach and a tropical cocktail. So, it only makes sense that the […]

Plan now for the 44th Annual Destin Seafood Festival!

Aug 9 22
by Celeste Bracewell

A long-time Emerald Coast tradition, the Destin Seafood Festival returns to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk this fall for three days jam-packed with food, artwork, fireworks, kids’ activities, and live entertainment. Locals and visitors alike eagerly await the festival’s return after 2 years of pandemic cancellations. And admission is free! Dates and hours for this year’s […]

Destin Fishing Rodeo Celebrates Seafood Every October

Aug 8 22
by S. Lynne
Children and Miss Destin standing on the dock with a giant tuna at the Destin Fishing Rodeo

Described as “the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages,” the Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place every day during the month of October, features more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, and attracts some 30,000 fishermen annually. Just about every kind of game fish is recognized with awards during the rodeo, so no […]

Escape to Waterscape!

Aug 7 22
by Julia Sayers Gokhale
Multiple pools and lazy river at Waterscape Resort

Imagine the sound of the crashing waves and the feel of warm sunshine on your skin. You take a deep breath and you’re intoxicated with the smell of coconut sunscreen and salt in the air. A gentle sea breeze washes over you as you sip a frozen pina colada. To your left, a sparkling pool […]

The 2022 Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

Jul 15 22
by Will Estell
Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival

Celebrating The Best Craft Beer on the Best Beaches for 14 Years SaIf you’re a fan of the resort life, the beach, and great beer you’ll definitely want to check out the 14th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, happening this October right in the heart of Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort near beautiful Destin, Florida. […]

Enjoy the Beach With a Bang!

Jul 13 22
by Will Estell
Okaloosa Island Fireworks

Free Fireworks Every Wednesday Night on Okaloosa Island If you like the sight and sounds of fireworks over the water, you’ll definitely enjoy the weekly summer spectacle put on at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. This dazzling display takes place every single Wednesday night along the beautiful beaches of Okaloosa Island, and is a great […]

National Shrimp Festival Brings Fall Fun to Gulf Shores

Jun 29 22
by Will Estell
Grilled shrimp and vegetable kabobs at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

If you love the beach, and you love fresh-caught Gulf shrimp, you’re certain to have a great time combining the two. One of the most popular events on the Alabama Gulf returns in the fall of 2022, bringing lots of fun along with it. Scheduled for October 6-9, the 49th annual National Shrimp Festival is […]

These Dog-Friendly Beaches Welcome Your Furry Friends

Jun 5 22
by S. Lynne
Dog in sunglasses sitting on a beach chair at a dog-friendly beach

He or she may be your family’s best friend, but when it comes to including Fido or Fifi on your next jaunt to the beach, knowing where your pooch will be welcome takes a little extra planning. While it’s true that many Florida and Alabama beaches don’t allow dogs, there are still plenty of dog-friendly […]

Fast Boats, Food & Fun Await at Billy Bowlegs Poker Run

May 16 22
by Will Estell

If you’re anywhere near Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or the beaches of 30A this Saturday, May 21st it’s a great time to check out some fast boats and fun, during the annual Billy Bowlegs Poker Run. Legendary Marine hosts this speedboat spectacular each year, bringing in both locals, and boaters from around the country. This […]

Lionfish & Libations: HarborWalk Village Brings Another First to Destin

May 9 22
by Will Estell
Destin Lionfish

If you’re a fan of fish, beer and fun, along a beautiful coastal backdrop, you’ll love being a part of Destin’s first annual Lionfish & Libations Festival. This one-of-a-kind new festival for 2022 takes place Saturday May 14th from 12:00 – 4:00 at Destin’s HarborWalk Village, situated outside Emerald Grande Resort, right in the heart […]

The 15th Annual Digital Graffiti

May 8 22
by Bentley Caldwell
Digital Graffiti Alys Beach

Where Illuminative Art, Architecture and Sound Collide in a Feast of the Senses If you’re a fan of art, architecture, and the beach you’re certain to enjoy Digital Graffiti — one of the most popular of all events along the beaches of South Walton, just around the corner. This year’s spectacular 15th Annual Digital Graffiti […]

The Island Resort Fort Walton

May 6 22
by Laura Hussey Estell
The Island Resort Fort Walton Beach FL

What makes a magical beach getaway? Well, for starters how about sugary sun-drenched sand, just steps away from your resort room? Then add picture-postcard views of emerald water and beach umbrellas, and a lush garden courtyard nestling a jewel of a pool. How about a waterfall-cloaked grotto, where you can swim up to the bar […]

Fishing is King in Destin!

Apr 16 22
by Charlie Peay
Destin fishing boat going out through the East Pass to the Gulf of Mexico

Destin is not known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for nothing! The fishing action in Destin can be hot and heavy inshore, offshore, and from beach piers and jetties. All of you do-it-yourselfers will be happy to know that you don’t need a boat to enjoy an excellent day of fishing in Destin. Many […]

Gulf Coast RV Parks

Feb 21 22
by Julia Sayers Gokhale

Traveling by RV is one of the most fun ways to travel — especially if you’re heading to the beach. Imagine driving your home-on-wheels right onto sugar white sand and waking up each morning with a view of bright blue water. At many of the Gulf Coast’s RV parks, you can do that and more. […]

Things To Do in Gulf Shores

Dec 18 21
by Amber Garrett

With more than 32 miles of sugar-white beaches and rolling sand dunes, it’s no wonder Gulf Shores is one of the South’s best vacation spots. The main attraction is the beach, but many more family-friendly options await. Spend the day at Gulf State Park, where you can visit the second largest pier on the Gulf […]

Top Things To Do in Panama City Beach

Jul 27 21
by Lisa Milberger Moore
Beach and dunes at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach

Pull out your swimsuit and practice your pirate talk! It’s time to start planning your next big adventure in Panama City Beach, Florida. Nestled along 27 pristine miles of white-sand beaches, Panama City Beach is a favorite go-to for vacationers who want to have it all. Soak up the sun, soar over the ocean, search […]

Beach Wedding Venues

Jun 23 21
by Renee Taliaferro
beach wedding couple

We can’t think of a more perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding than the pristine white sands and sparkling waters of the Florida or Alabama Gulf Coast. To get you started with your beach wedding plans, we’ve compiled a list of stunning venues to ensure that your special day is perfect and worry-free. While some […]

10 Fun Things To Do in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Jun 19 21
by S. Lynne
10 fun things to do in fort walton beach, florida

There’s no doubt that a stay in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, can be great for recharging the batteries. However, while spending a few days relaxing in a beach chair with the world-famous sugar-white sands between your toes is a great way to pass your time, there are many other family-friendly and couples’ activities to be […]

Emerald Coast Poker Run: Playing Cards for a Cause

Jun 18 21
by S. Lynne

You don’t have to own a boat to find plenty of fun during the Emerald Coast Poker Run. The annual boating event, presented by the Emerald Coast Foundation as part of Boat Week, has been around for more than 25 years and sets sail once again August 13-14, 2021. It’s the largest summer poker run […]

Plan-Ahead Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

Jun 10 21
by Alison Large Ketcham
Black-and-white French bulldog sitting on a white-sand beach

Your dog is excited to see you each and every day. His or her enthusiasm lifts you when you’re down. Your dog is your best friend. And now you want to thank your pet for such love and loyalty with a BFF beach vacation. But what are the realities of taking Fido or Fifi to […]

Subtropical Climate Makes a Getaway to Panama City Beach a Year-Round Event

Jun 9 21
by Chris Chatelain
Panama City Beach, Florida

While Northwest Florida might be best known for the most beautiful sugar-white sand in the world, it is the fantastic weather of places like Panama City Beach that make it a wonderland spot to visit just about any time of year. As part of the “Sunshine State,” there are plenty of the golden rays to […]