Lori McKenna

Thousands of tourists flock annually to Destin every summer to enjoy the powder white sand and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” has become a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and a world-class vacation destination brimming with activity. From water sports, fishing, and golf, to the many festivals, events, and attractions in Destin, this little piece of paradise offers something for everyone. So why wait for summer when you can take advantage of all the area has to offer before the crowds arrive?

With 60 miles of diverse shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, a tidal shore bordering bays, rivers, and bayous extending another 600 miles, and an endless array of artificial reefs, the Alabama Coast is, simply put, an anglers paradise. Abundant inland waterways, sandy reefs and shallows, and back bays and lagoons dot the landscape with picturesque beauty and a bounty of marine life waiting to be discovered. Whether you prefer inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing, you’ll find it all year-round in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Locals get out as much as possible, and tourists flock from all over to cast a line in these popular fishing destinations. 

We love a quick getaway, but it can be challenging when trying to pack everything you want to see in a short trip, particularly to Destin or 30A. With tons of family-friendly attractions, excellent shopping and dining, and miles of beach to explore, a weekend trip can sometimes leave you begging for more. Why not stay longer and really sink your feet into the sand and culture of Destin and 30A?

We know how it is when traveling to a new area with little information to go on. You scour the internet, pour through reviews, and try to make the best decisions based on the information available. Cumbersome and time-consuming (and sometimes disappointing if the destination’s high points don’t live up to expectations), you’re left wondering how to ensure you hit the highlights of the area.

People come to Destin for all sorts of reasons, whether for the many local attractions, numerous outdoor eateries, endless shopping, or the miles of pristine coastline that borders the Gulf of Mexico. The emerald waters and sandy shores are undoubtedly breathtaking, but a trip to Destin wouldn’t be complete without catching a sunset or two. While it can be tricky to determine the best vantage point depending upon what time of year you visit, we’ve got the scoop on where the locals go to catch amazing sunsets.

If you’ve never been to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, you might think the beaches are the only draw. True, the 32 miles of pristine coastline bordering the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico is the main attraction, but that’s only the beginning. Water activities, hiking and biking trails, fresh seafood, and southern hospitality make it an irresistible vacation spot for the whole family. The icing on the cake? When you attend one of the area’s concerts, attractions, or events that occur year-round.

Welcome to Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton County, Florida! Here the residents are noticeably passionate about food, art, entertainment, and time spent outdoors. The “30A lifestyle” is more than just an attitude. It’s a culture that extends through the many small communities dotted along the 26-mile stretch of white sand beaches bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Each town unique, each equally inviting, and all full of Southern hospitality.

Plan your escape to Destin, Florida with Scenic Stays. Named the #1 Best Florida Beach by U.S. News thanks to the area’s pristine coastline and sugar-white Appalachian quartz sands, we couldn’t agree more.

Whether planning a couple’s vacation, a girls’ trip, or a family reunion, we have accommodations for groups of all sizes and access to limitless activities in and around the Destin area. Celebrate your Northwest Florida getaway your way, doing as much or as little as you like!

Welcome to Ocean Edge, an idyllic Gulf-front community resting peacefully along the Alabama Gulf Coast is the perfect destination for your next getaway. Ocean Edge, located in the center of Orange Beach and nestled along 300 feet of private sugar-sand beach, offers newly-constructed, custom-built cottage style homes carefully curated with classic elegance and superior finishes.