Planning a beach trip often comes down to one big choice: the East Coast's Atlantic waves or the unique beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. We believe the contest ends on the shores of Destin's Emerald Coast. Read why we think Destin is the clear winner for your next vacation, boasting unmatched sand, stunning water clarity, and superior accessibility.
1. Superior Sugar-White Sand
Destin's beaches are famously lined with pure Appalachian quartz crystal. This sand is incredibly soft, powdery, and much whiter than most East Coast beaches.
2. Crystal Clear Water
Destin's water is renowned for its striking emerald-green and turquoise color and crystal-clear visibility. This rare combination is created by light reflecting off the brilliant white quartz sand through the pristine water.
3. Wonderful Marine Life Visibility
The exceptional water clarity allows for better viewing of marine life near the shore. Visitors frequently spot playful Dolphins, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and can find beautifully preserved shells in the shallows.
4. Warmer, Calmer Water
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin's water is generally warmer and significantly calmer than the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and family activities without the constant high surf.
5. Direct Flight Accessibility via Allegiant Air
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is highly accessible due to Allegiant Air's vast network of direct, low-cost flights from numerous Midwest and Northeast cities (including New York/Newark, Boston, and Cincinnati), making travel quick and affordable.
6. The "Squeaky" Sand Phenomenon
Because the quartz sand is so fine and clean, it often makes a distinctive "squeaking" sound when you walk across it—a unique sensory experience not commonly found on East Coast beaches.
7. Unique Attraction: Crab Island
Destin is home to Crab Island, a famous, submerged sandbar where hundreds of boats gather in shallow, crystal-clear, waist-deep water. It's a unique floating playground that has no East Coast equivalent.
8. World-Class Deep-Sea Fishing Access
Destin is famously known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" due to easy access to a deep undersea canyon close to the shoreline, providing premier opportunities for deep-sea game fish.
9. Stunning Western Sunsets
Since Destin is on the Gulf Coast, visitors are treated to the spectacle of the sun directly setting over the water—a beautiful, scenic experience that the Atlantic-facing East Coast cannot offer.