These Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast Come Alive in Spring
The Emerald Coast refers to a region along the northern Gulf Coast of the United States, particularly in the state of Florida. The term "Emerald Coast" originates from the region's stunning emerald-green waters, which are a result of the white quartz sand and clear Gulf waters. There are endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation on the Emerald Coast, from fishing trips in Destin to learning about nesting sea turtles in Navarre Beach. Each town has something distinct to offer. Enjoy the warmth of the season and discover the magic of the Emerald Coast this spring.
Destin
The longer days and earlier sunrises of April and May make spring the very best time to go fishing in Destin. Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," there’s no better way to welcome spring in Destin than chartering a fishing boat and setting out for a day in the deep waters of the Gulf Coast. Harborwalk Charters offers group and private fishing trips and provides everything visitors need to spend a day on the gulf, including tackle, license, and bait. They’ll even clean the fish and keep them on ice until the day’s end.
For landlubbers, there are plenty of piers, shorelines, and jetties that visitors can cast out from. A popular fishing spot is nearby from the Okaloosa Island Pier on the 1,262-foot-long pier that stretches out into the Gulf of Mexico, where visitors can rent everything from bait and tackle to rods and reels. In the clear waters, anglers can even watch what they catch—blackfin tuna, whiting, and Spanish mackerel. Al’s Beach Club is a popular spot for burgers and hand-cut fries washed down with a craft cocktail, frozen daiquiri, or a 32-ounce booze bucket.
From the shoreline, expect to catch redfish, pompano, bluefish, and ladyfish from the shore. Head to the slick rocks of the East Jetty to catch flounder. Before planning a spring fishing adventure, remember that valid Florida fishing licenses are required but are widely available for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Florida.
Fort Walton Beach
Spring in Fort Walton Beach means perfect weather for family-friendly pursuits like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding along the Gulf Islands National Seashore—a roughly 100-mile stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Power Up Watersports offers jet ski rentals, jet ski dolphin tours, and pontoon boat rentals. Destin Water Adventures has everything you need for SUP and kayak rentals for a seriously fun day.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park opened in 1955 as an aquarium, tourist attraction, and research center. It provides a range of activities focused on marine life, education, and entertainment. In spring 2024, the park held the grand opening of its brand new Dolphin Oasis—an immersive exhibit set on a backdrop of 2 acres of sandy dunes, palm trees, and emerald waters. The Gulfarium also offers diverse animal encounters so visitors can get up close and personal with dolphins, penguins, alligators, stingrays, sea lions, and more. Plan to spend the day at the park and grab lunch at the Dive-In Eatery.
Not just an entertainment center, the Gulfarium has been active in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation as part of its C.A.R.E. Center, which rehabilitates and releases sea turtles back into the wild. It also works with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) on conservation efforts.
Seaside
As a charming resort community with pastel-colored cottages with porches and white picket fences and a bustling town center, Seaside celebrates spring with the weekly outdoor Seaside Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music in a lively outdoor setting. The Seaside Repertory Theatre is where visitors can enjoy live performances, theatrical productions, and cultural events showcasing local talent.
Renting a bike is an eco-friendly way to sightsee around town, explore the scenic trails, dine al fresco at seaside cafes, or simply unwind on the iconic white sand beaches with a gourmet lunch-to-go from Modica Market. 30A Bike Rentals has hundreds of bikes to choose from, from road bikes to beach cruisers to tag-a-longs, and will also deliver bikes to vacation rentals if needed.
Any visit to Seaside requires a visit to Airstream Row, an area in Seaside that features a collection of retro-style Airstream trailers that serve as food trucks and boutique shops. For out-of-this-world gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, check out The Meltdown on 30A, grab a Wagyu hotdog at Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, or head over to Crêpes du Soleil for sweet and savory crêpes.
Grayton Beach
With an unofficial motto of “Nice Dogs, Strange People,” Grayton is the perfect bohemian springtime retreat for visitors who enjoy an unconventional vibe and unspoiled natural beauty. The Dog Wall pays homage to the local dogs of Grayton Beach who roamed free during the late 1990s. Called The Dogs of Grayton Beach, it became a symbol of the town and has a storied past. It now hangs at The Shops of Grayton alongside shops like Black Bear Bread Co., a Parisian-style café and bakery, Black Bear Bar Room serving dinner, a natural wine list, and local craft beers on tap.
Synonymous with Grayton Beach, The Red Bar is known for its eclectic decor, vibrant atmosphere, and live music. The bar serves lunch, dinner, and all-day appetizers, including seafood, pasta, and sandwiches, and has a full bar serving specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. Seven nights a week, The Red Bar comes alive with music performances, ranging from jazz and blues to rock and funk, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to unwind and socialize.
Explore the 2,000-acre Grayton Beach State Park's coastal dune lakes by canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak, go birdwatching along the Western Lake Trail, or enjoy a leisurely picnic on the shores of Western Lake. For overnight visitors to the park, 30 two-bedroom, one-bath cabins with screened-in porches and outdoor grills can comfortably accommodate four guests.
Santa Rosa Beach
Springtime in Santa Rosa Beach means blooming wildflowers, warm Gulf breezes, and teeing off at the championship 18-hole Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. Established in 1969, the golf course is the only one in the area with two holes that back up to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2021, the club added a 6-hole short course called “the Loop,” which is perfect for playing a quick round or a great way to get in some practice beforehand.
After a round of golf, head over to the scenic 30-A for a bite to eat at Gather Kitchen + Bar or the family-friendly Fish Out of Water, which serves locally sourced Southern-style cuisine on a first-come, first-served basis. The FOOWbar has a full on-site wine cellar, craft beer, and specialty cocktails with fun names like “Beach Hair Don’t Care” and “Puttin on the Spritz.”
Visit the historic 10.5-acre Wesley Mansion and Eden Gardens State Park's lush gardens. These feature beautiful azaleas, camellias, and ancient oak trees, providing a serene escape into nature and history. The mansion dates back to 1897 and still maintains its original heart pine siding, floors, and many glass windows. The original property owner has also filled the mansion with an impressive collection of antique furniture dating from the late 18th to 19th centuries.
Panama City Beach
The Emerald Coast town of Panama City Beach offers 27 miles of sugar-sand beach, making it the best place to spend a spring day with the family. The Shipwreck Island Waterpark is sure to be a hit with everyone with family slides and rides like the Zoom Flume, the Pirate’s Race, and the White Knuckle River. Take it slow on the Lazy River or enjoy the 3-foot waves every ten minutes in the Ocean Motion Wave Pool. Initially opened in 1959, the two 18-hole mini golf courses at Goofy Golf haven’t changed much, giving it a funky, retro vibe. Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure is an outdoor swamp-themed adventure park with amusement park-style rides and midway games.
After working up an appetite, wander over to Pier Park and visit Pampano Joe’s Seafood House for affordable Gulf seafood and frosty drinks on the patio. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville serves up classic crab cakes, BBQ combos, and key lime pie from decks overlooking the Gulf and is the perfect way to end the day with the family.
Navarre Beach
They don’t call Navarre Beach “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place” for nothing, so slow down and enjoy springtime surrounded by the area's natural beauty. With the longest fishing pier in Florida, the Navarre Beach Pier is perfect for strolling the 1,545-foot-long boards for a spectacular view at the end. Go fishing, wave-watch, or simply go with the flow over the clear turquoise waters of the Gulf.
For snorkeling or diving lovers, Navarre’s three artificial reefs are home to stingrays, coral, octopuses, and turtles. The Navarre Beach Marine Park is the perfect location to set off on an underwater adventure, with three near-shore reefs from which to snorkel and dive: East, West, and Gulf. Dive from sunrise to sunset for free, and the sites are close enough to shore to suit all skill levels. Several rental shops and tour operators in the area offer equipment and guided excursions.
To learn more about protecting endangered sea turtles, visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, open to the public and located on Navarre Beach. The center offers tours and programs for visitors to participate in, like “Painting Tortoise Tracks,” a 90-minute guide tour of the facility followed by a painting session during which participants entice a tortoise with a snack across a canvas spread with color at the end of the tour, participants get to take home their one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Summary
Explore Florida's Emerald Coast this spring for a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Dive into clear waters, charter a fishing boat, hike scenic trails and indulge in fresh seafood by the sea. Whether it’s family fun, a day on the links with friends, or solo, well-deserved me-time, this coastal paradise has something for everyone!
