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A trip to
Destin is a great choice for a family vacation, couple's getaway, golf
outing or a shopping excursion! For years the
beautiful beaches, picturesque scenery, and great variety of
adventures and entertainment has been the area’s calling
card – bringing visitors back
year after year. Destin
vacation veterans have their favorite things to do and place to eat.
But for those new to the Destin experience, or even for those who may be
seeking new alternatives, here’s our guide to the some "essentials"
to a
Destin vacation!
Latest Vacation News
The Resorts Of Pelican Beach Is A Great Alternative To
Spending Valuable Vacation Time Behind The Steering Wheel Of
Your Car (3/2/11)
There are few other resort areas in the country where there
is so much to do in within such relatively close proximity.
For those staying at the Resorts of Pelican Beach in the
central Destin area, most everything you may desire in a
beach vacation is located right here or within just a few
miles radius. Onsite amenities like a tiki bar,
restaurant and fitness center ... right here. Major
attractions and entertainment ... just yards away.
Restaurants and grocery stores ... oh so close. Shopping ...
take your pick within a a few miles ... or less.
Compared to condominiums in some of beach hamlets between
Destin and Panama City Beach, there is very little
“windshield” time after your day on the beach when you
stay at Pelican Beach. The last thing anyone really
wants to do is spend a large portion of your vacation in the
car looking for things to do!
P.S. ... your kids will love you for it!
As Gas Prices Rise, Pelican Beach Management Adds More Value
To Your Vacation At The Resorts Of Pelican Beach! (3/2/11)
We've noticed the price at the gas pumps going up along with
everyone else and we're equally concerned. Pelican
Beach Management is working on everything we can do to help
assure your family can still enjoy making great summer BEACH
vacation memories with us here in Destin! What are we
doing?
-
The first thing we've done is to extend “low” discounts
for summer as we recognize the pressure gas prices are
placing on families as they plan their valuable summer
vacations. Make your reservation by March 21st and save
between $250-$350 on a weekly stay (amount depends on
unit type) and we're taking 20% off of regular rates on
four to six-night stays! We're talking real savings
which will more than make up for any rise in gas prices.
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We’re
offering extra value on your stay if you make your
reservation at the Resorts of Pelican Beach with Pelican
Beach Management this year! Pelican Beach Management
is offering all of their guests a
complementary $25 resort gift card for use in
Chan's Market Cafe or the Tiki Bar for stays occurring
from March 12 through Labor Day!
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We're upgrading the selection and value of the discounts
available in our Pelican Entertainment Passport
so you'll always get the best discounts on
Destin area attractions and entertainment! Summer 2011
will be an exciting year!
Pelican "Concierge" Guide
Family
Fun
Dining
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FudPuckers
- If you’ve never
experienced Fudpucker’s or haven't been to Destin lately you're
in for a big surprise.
As you arrive,
you’ll be greeted with an eclectic decor which will delight you
with a mixture of brilliant Caribbean style painted walls,
ornate mirrors, antique beer can collection, Sushi bar, six
TV’s, expanded dining area over-looking Club Key West and of
course a smorgasbord of Fud Junk. The big deck at Fudpucker's
in Destin has a whole new look - welcome to “Club Key West”.
Father Fud himself, being from the Key West area, designed Club
Key West as a reminder of Old Florida and I think you'll agree
he succeeded. Patrons will find majestic palm trees towering
over a wharf like atmosphere with old crab traps, whiskey
barrels, old bicycles and nautical stuff that looks like it just
washed ashore.
The music
format at Fudpucker's Club Key West is the music you come to
Florida to hear - good old beach music. Enjoy the sounds of
Jimmy Buffet, Van Morrison, Bob Marley and others performed by
recording artists like Chuck Lawson, Eric Stone and Gary Schmitz
as well as local sensations “The Buzz Monkeys” featuring Brian
Peet, Dan Collins and the incomparable David Pretlow. Live music
is the ticket at Fud’s all new Club Key West - 7 nights a week.
Late night on the weekends Fud’s breaks out of the beach music
mode and rocks your world with the best band in town, “Black
Eyed Blonde”. Dance your buns off to today’s hits as well as the
classic party music of the past.
There’s
plenty of fun for the kids at the playground or in the newly
expanded game room featuring the hottest video games around and
a light and sound show that’ll shock the senses. The kids can
also express their artistic talents at the paint table where
they can create their own signs on colorful wood chips which are
displayed all over Club Key West. Now, if that’s not enough for
you to get excited about how about getting a temporary tattoo
from Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos. They’re located on the deck at
Club Key West overlooking Gator Beach. Again, it’s all about Fun
at Fudpucker’s.
Located below
Club Key West, is Gator Beach which gives patrons the chance to
see live alligators, up close and personal. But, you’ll not only
be able to see the gators, you'll be able to feed them as well.
That's right - you can feed the live alligators at Fudpucker’s
Gator Beach. It’s easy, it’s safe and above all it’s fun for the
entire family.
When you’re done, everyone will want to
stop by the Fudpucker Trading Company for some great souvenir
and gift shopping – no one leaves Destin without one of
Fudpucker’s famous T’s! Fudpucker’s is located about 3 miles
from the Resorts of Pelican Beach!
Harbor Docks –
Harbor Docks is a Destin hallmark with many reminders of
Destin’s fishing history. Back
in 1979, Harbor Docks was just a weather-beaten little cottage
with six picnic tables, one bathroom and an ancient old dog
named Raspberry who laid out on the porch all day thumping his
tail at the folks who wandered up for a few ice cold beers and
oysters on the half shell. Harbor Docks was nothing fancy back
then, and things haven't changed much. The owner of Harbor
Docks, has added on to the little cottage over the years. Now,
there's a Sushi bar and Hibachi grill and the deck sprawls along
the waterfront. Their service is warm and friendly and the food
is fresh ad tasty. Relax, enjoy the view and soak in the local
color...the local flavor of Harbor Docks!
Accessible by boat
or car, Harbor Docks is located in Destin, just a mile west of
the Resorts of Pelican Beach. Definitively a local’s
favorite.
Pompano Joe’s
– Pompano Joe’s is a great favorite of many Destin visitors and
locals alike. Pompano Joe's has become a destination restaurant
for tourists and a favorite among the locals. Caribbean flair
shines through in the food all the way to the brightly colored
window frames that line the walls of this open-air restaurant.
With an ideal location in on the Scenic Gulf Highway (just
about 4 miles from the Resorts of Pelican Beach), it is a
perfect dining option, especially on evenings which includes
Destin Commons or Silver Sands Factory Stores.
Pompano Joe’s
overlooks the beach and is ideal for early evening dining.
Plus, many families find this location opportunistic for
family or group photo sessions. There are probably thousands
of families with photos taken on the beach at sunset at Pompano
Joes. You’ll find the location so scenic - you’ll want a
family photo here, too!
Sweet Treats
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Donut Hole
– A special treat is a visit to the Donut Hole. A stop at the
Donut Hole is a mandatory and tasty part of any Destin trip.
Their Key Lime Pie is the standard by which all others are
measured (and all others fall short!) Donuts are out of this
world as is the food. An absolutely must visit!
The Donut Hole is located on US 98,
about a mile west of the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Twirl Frozen Yogurt --
Fro-Yo ("SoCal" surfer lingo) has come to the Emerald
Coast! For those not familiar, the yogurt is light and
tart (not your 80's childhood's TCBY) and, while you
have the option for candy-sweet toppings, there is
plenty of fresh fruit to choose from. It’s a dessert
that somehow makes you feel lighter after eating it. Twirl
Frozen Yogurt is located on US 98 in the Shoppes at
Paradise Isle across from Destin Commons,
about 4 miles east of the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Shakes Frozen
Custard -- Premium frozen custard in a
"yesteryear" feel setting. A favorite with tourists and
locals alike! A great treat on a budget! Twirl
Frozen Yogurt is located on US 98, just 400 yards east of the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Low Investment Fun
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Henderson Beach State Park - Pristine white sugar
sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic
shoreline border the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Natural features of the park include sand pines, scrub oaks, and
dune rosemary. Boardwalks provide access to the beach for
swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Two large pavilions allow for
picnicking and grilling. A playground is the first stop on our
nature trail and is sure to be a hit with the kids. The nature
trail provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune
ecosystem and abundant wildlife and is pet friendly. Camping at
Henderson Beach State Park provides 60 campsites that are
located in our secondary dune system. The sites include water
and electric hookups and access to air conditioned and heated
bathhouse facilities. A separate beach access boardwalk with
outdoor showers and a playground are included in our campground.
Henderson Beach is A.D.A accessible and includes beach wheel
chair availability. Visitors can enjoy truly breathtaking
sunsets while relaxing by the warm crystal clear water of the
Gulf of Mexico. The park is located just east of Destin on
U.S. 98 – approx. 3 miles from the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
There is a daily admission fee of $4 for vehicles with up to
eight passengers.
Air Force Armament Museum - Experience the
aviation warfare armament from the early days of World War I
right through to today's high tech planes and bombs. Inside,
you'll find an extensive collection of weaponry and
interactive displays that will amaze and intrigue. Admission is
FREE and all are welcome!
Driving onto the grounds of the Air Force Armament Museum,
visitors first notice the array of numerous aircraft on display.
The fastest plane ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird is the
centerpiece flanked by numerous planes from the Korean, Vietnam
and Gulf War eras.
There is a lot to see and do at the Air Force Armament Museum.
Children young and old will find many interactive displays that
entertain as well as educate. Inside the museum are four
aircraft as well as a wide variety of bombs, missiles and
rockets. Including the AMRAAM and GBU-28 bunker buster developed
for use during Operation Desert Storm. There are over 25
different aircraft that have found a home at the Air Force
Armament Museum including an AC-130, B-17, B-25, B-52, P-51,
A-10, F-15, F-16, F-100, F-101, and many other aircraft from the
WWII era to the present. A 32-minute film on the history of
Eglin Air Force Base and its role in the development of armament
is shown continuously throughout the day.
The
Air Force Armament Museum is located on Highway 85 South, 7
miles north of Fort Walton Beach. The museum is open Monday
through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal
holidays) Tours are self-guided. Photography is permitted and
encouraged.
Destin History & Fishing Museum - The Destin
History & Fishing Museum provides a glimpse to the early
days of Destin and the fishing industry which has been a
significant part of it's history.
Visitors can:
-
Experience the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico
with award winning examples of fish caught in Destin.
This exhibit is displayed on a 100 feet of wall space
depicting the Gulf floor.
View a
large collection of antique fishing rods and reels, the
most unique is constructed of split bamboo with an
original Penn Reel, that belonged to Ernest Hemmingway.
Get an
idea of life in Destin before the arrival of electricity
in the 1930s.
Visit
the original Destin Post Office building located
adjacent to the property.
See the
oldest seine fishing boat still in existence, The
Primrose, built in 1925.
Enjoy
vintage photographs of early Destin settlers, boat
captains and their boats, beach scenes, businesses, and
much more.
Visit:
www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
or call
(850)
837-6611.
The Destin History & Fishing Museum is open Tuesday through
Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm (Monday through Saturday from
10:00am to 4:00pm in the Summer season). and is located in
Destin, FL, approximately 2 miles from the
Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Destin Attractions
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Big Kahuna’s Waterpark - No sand in your shorts,
no salt in your eyes, and over 40 water attractions to cool you
from the sun. Outrageous go-karts, tropical mini golf, untamed
thrill rides, no matter the type of fun, Big Kahuna’s has got
it. Best of all, Big Kahuna’s is located across the street
from our resort entrance. No need to load up the car – just
grab your towel and sun screen and head out your door - you’re
almost there!
Every year, Big Kahuna’s gets better – you’ll always find
something new! Test your skill on their newest attraction, The
Honolulu Half Pipe! Ride a 10 foot wave on a boogie board as
36,000 gallons of current flow beneath you. Big Kahuna’s
strives to improve and provide one of Destin’s favorite family
experiences, year after year!
Thrills, chills and spills await you and your family at Big
Kahuna’s, Florida’s lost paradise.
The Track - The Track is an action-packed family
fun recreation center, with many amusements featuring the
ultimate in go kart tracks like The Wild Woody, a three – tiered
go kart / roller coaster hybrid. Race your kart around their
large figure eight style Track. Challenge your friends and
family to exciting themed miniature golf, splash ‘em on Blaster
Boats, and smash ‘em on Bumper Cars. Test your courage from the
top of our Bungee Jumping Tower, or enjoy the thrill of a
skydiving effect on The SkyFlyer! Visit Kids Country for your
kid’s activities, which feature the following: The Rio Grande
Train, The Carousel, The Red Baron Planes ride, The Spin Tops,
The Swing, The Ferris Wheel, and The Jungle Jumper! Also
featured are two smaller go kart tracks better known as The
Kiddie Karts and The Rookie Karts. The Track is opened
daily (seasonal) and is located less than one mile from the
Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Fun on the Water
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Boaters and sailors of all
abilities levels find area waters perfect for setting out in all varieties
of boats. Hundred of miles of scenic Gulf waters, bays, bayous, inlet and
lakes make exploring by boast a favorite pastime.
Choctawhatchee
Bay extends about 30 miles from east to west, one of the largest inland
bays in the country. Sailing enthusiasts from all over the world are
attracted to its beautiful waters.
If you don't
bring your own boat, crafts of all kinds are available for rent or
charter. Everything from windsurfers to sunfish to pontoon boats and
canoes can be rented by the hour or for extended times.
SeaBlaster - Climb aboard Destin's ORIGINAL Sea
Blaster for a fun and exciting cruise with Capt. Larry,
searching the Emerald Green waters of the Gulf of Mexico along
the sugar white sand beaches of Destin, Florida, for the most
playful dolphins. Their seventy-three foot passenger boat
carries up to 119 passengers, is the Gulf's largest speedboat,
and offers an array of fun for the entire family. The Sea
Blaster offers snorkeling and dolphin cruises, beach and dolphin
cruises, and relaxing sunset dolphin cruises. Our favorite is
the Snorkeling -Dolphin Combo Cruise! Over the course of three
hours patrons snorkel around the jetties and get a chance to
view a variety of sea life up close! Then, the SeaBlaster
cruises the coastline and dolphin viewing. Don’t be
surprised how close they come to the boat. There is
easy access into and out of water and a Lifeguard is on
duty. The SeaBlaster
departs from the Destin Harbor – less than two miles from the
Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Nature/Eco-Fun
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Nature plays a large role in
life on the Emerald Coast. The area is abundant with wildlife and a
variety of habitats and eco-systems.
FOCUS Center Science Museum -- Fort Walton Beach Enjoy a
unique and inspiring museum filled with more than 200 touchable, workable
exhibits, including optical illusions, a nature discovery room, and
interactive hurricane. (850) 664-1261
Gulfarium
-- Fort Walton Beach. Continuous shows everyday featuring dolphins,
sea lions, sharks, turtles, and more. (850)
243-9046
The Zoo -- Gulf Breeze
Catch the Safari Line Train and ride through a 30-acre wildlife preserve.
Or venture upon the elevated boardwalk that overlooks Gorilla Island.
More than 700 animals awaits you at The ZOO. (850) 932-2229
Dining In - More Fun Than Eating At
Home
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Destin
is renowned for it's
variety of dining venues. However, many of our guests love
to dine in a few times during their stay and we make if very
easy to do so ... not matter your taste in menus! In
addition to completely outfitted full kitchens within each
condominium, both the Pelican Beach Resort and The Terrace
offer gas grills for guest use. The grilling areas are
located adjacent to each pool area.
Now
that you have the layout ... you'll find a number of great
sources for your meal. In addition to grocery options (shown
below), many of our guests enjoy the bountiful options for
fresh fish located near the resort:
Destin Ice Seafood Market and Deli
-- 663 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850) 837-8333.
Destin Ice is conveniently
located in the heart of Destin, Florida. Stop in to pick up
everything you need for a fresh and delicious meal. We offer
a dazzling selection of fresh fish and seafood products, a
distinctive assortment of ready-to-eat or cook-at-home
prepared items, Buckhead meats, decadent deserts, and a wide
assortment of wines, cheeses, spices, sauces, seasonings,
mixes and accompaniments. Their knowledgeable staff can talk
you through portion planning and cooking techniques if
needed, and stand ready to answer any other questions you
have.Sexton's
Seafood is located approx.
1.2 miles east of Pelican Beach on US
98.
Sexton's Seafood --
601 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
(850) 837-3040
One of
the best seafood stores on the Gulf Coast. They only sell
fresh fish and
do not cook it. Specializing in all types of fish,
they are known for their shrimp. Will ice pack it to go.
Great staff that aims to please. Great prices!
Sexton's Seafood is located approx.
1.5 miles west of Pelican Beach on US
98.
Let's Go Shopping!
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Destin
proudly boasts a wealth of sensational shopping to rival any big
city! Two of the area’s
favorites are located within 3-4 miles of the Resorts of Pelican
Beach!
Destin Commons -
Destin Commons is an exciting outdoor lifestyle center that has
brought an incredible variety of shops and restaurants to the
once sleepy fishing village of Destin! This elegant shopping
center boasts many famous names as well as a wide variety of
unique stores and numerous eateries. There's something for the
whole family at Destin Commons, come and see for yourself!
Destin Commons is located just four miles from Pelican Beach
at the intersection of US 98 and the Mid-Bay Bridge.
Silver Sands Factory Stores -
This sprawling outlet center, the nation's largest and loaded
with upscale vendors, is a shopper's paradise. A vacation unto
itself, Silver Sands Factory Stores offers choices galore and an
enjoyable setting just right for that shopping getaway. Coupled
with world famous beaches, Silver Sands Factory Stores makes the
Emerald Coast the complete vacation destination. Silver
Sands is located approx. seven miles from Pelican Beach on US
98.
Couples
Great Dining
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Fine dining in Destin does not require a coat and
tie. Casual is the rule -- and dress shorts are very acceptable in
all restaurants.
Zamperi’s
Harbor Grill
US 98, Destin (850) 650 3900
The finest in fine dining. www.zamperisharborgrille.com
Guglielmo's La Fiamma
529 E Highway 98, Destin (850) 654-9880
Great northern Italian. Reservations
suggested.
Criolla's Restaurant
170 E County Hwy 30A, Destin (850) 267-1267
Rated as one of the top-ten
restaurants in Florida. Reservations suggested.
Louisianna Lagniappe
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin (850) 837-0881
Good food and reservations are not accepted.
Get there early to avoid an hour wait.
Spa Treatment
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Edge of Paradise Day Spa
Vickie Edge – (850) 650-4569 –
www.dayspadestin.com
Let's Do Breakfast
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Another Broken Egg -- Over recent years, Another
Broken Egg has become a favorite of locals and tourists
alike!
Great food, friendly outgoing service, a charming French
country décor in an old
home setting and a menu that breakfast, brunch & lunch
lovers could not possibly resist.
Another Broken Egg is located on US 98,
about a 200 yards west of the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Donut Hole
– A special treat is a visit to the Donut Hole. A stop at the
Donut Hole is a mandatory and tasty part of any Destin trip.
Their Key Lime Pie is the standard by which all others are
measured (and all others fall short!) Donuts are out of this
world as is the food. An absolutely must visit!
The Donut Hole is located on US 98,
about a mile west of the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Golfers
Where To Play
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From challenging links
designed by world-renowned architects to panoramic enticements engineered
by Mother Nature, the golf courses on the Emerald Coast capitalize on
woods and wetlands for scenic contrasts. Within a 15 minute drive of
Pelican Beach are many of the area's finest golf courses: Bluewater
Bay, Regatta Bay, Kelly Plantation, Indian Bayou, and Emerald Bay! Additionally, Pelican Beach offers
customized
Destin golf packages which includes play
on many of these courses. Please inquire when making your reservation.
Insider Secrets
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Typically, the morning hours garner the highest greens fee
... usually before Noon. Most courses tier their rates with
the lowest being the twilight rates after 3:00pm. At some
courses, the twilight rate yields close to 50% off the
morning rates.
Essentials
Groceries
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The Fresh Market
4495 Commons Drive West, Destin - (850) 650-0989
The Fresh Market is located 2.6 miles east of the Resort
of Pelican Beach
Winn-Dixie
981 Highway 98 East, Destin - (850) 654-5353
Winn-Dixie is located 200 yards west of the Resort of
Pelican Beach
Publix Super Market
4425 Commons Drive East, Destin - (850) 837-9094
Publix is located 2.6 miles east of the Resort of Pelican
Beach
Walmart Supercenter
15017 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin - (850) 650-0341
The Walmart Supercenter is located 2.4 miles east of the
Resort of Pelican Beach
Please
note, all times, fees, etc. noted are subject to change without
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