Finding Adventure along the Emerald Coast

The Northwest Florida panhandle, also known as The Emerald Coast for it's stunning emerald green waters and sugar white sand beaches, has an abundance of fun activities and destinations to be experienced. While some visitors might be content to sunbathe on the beaches, there are those adventurers that crave activities like deep sea fishing, kayaking, hiking, parasailing, windsurfing and more. Luckily the Emerald Coast has something for everyone.

Starting in the eastern portion of the panhandle, at Port St. Joe visitors can tour St. Vincent Island, scallop in Saint Joseph's Bay or visit Cape San Blas and take a horseback ride on the beach. Panama City and the surrounding area offers pirate cruises, airboat rides and beautiful springs to explore along Holmes and Econfina Creeks. Destin, known as the World's Luckiest Fishing Village, offers dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling trips.

Moving westward visitors can explore Okaloosa Island and fish, kiteboard, snorkel or surf. On the bay side lies the vast Choctawhatchee Bay where countless adventure opportunities abound. At nearby Eglin AFB, 464,000 acres of wilderness have been preserved and approximately 280,000 acres are available for recreational use with the purchase of a low cost permit available from the Jackson Guard located at 107 Hwy 87N in Niceville, Fl.

Near Pensacola that are numerous kayaking trips that can be planned for Blackwater, Juniper, Coldwater and nearby Yellow River. There are also a number of Florida State Parks worth exploring in close proximity to Pensacola; Big Lagoon, Perdido Key, Tarklin Bayou, Yellow River Marsh and Blackwater River State Parks.

So stick around while I review the best of what the Emerald Coast has to offer. You won't be disappointed.