This post is all about things to do along the Emerald Coast.
Are you planning a trip to the emerald coast?
And by emerald coast, that means the areas that include Pensacola, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Panama City.
Of course, they aren’t just beaches but the beach is what these places are most known for.
If you’re having a hard time deciding what you should plan to do, look no further. Here are 10 things to do along the emerald coast.
This post is all about things to do along the Emerald Coast.
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only. Anything mentioned in this post is all my personal opinion. I am not affiliated with any of the places, businesses, or companies that are mentioned in this post. All the information that is presented on this site is to be read at the reader’s risk by the reader’s free will. Lily-Anne’s way will not be responsible or liable for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. It cannot be guaranteed that you will enjoy your time while pursuing these activities (though I do wish you are able to find some kind of joy in them).
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Let’s Begin.
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10 Really Fun Emerald Coast Activities To Do
1. The Beach
This one is a given because people mainly go to the emerald coast for the beach.
Our beaches have nice white HOT sand (not warm) and bright bluish-green water that may or may not have lots of algae. But that mainly happens after storms.
You could look up pictures of our emerald coast beaches and you’ll realize why we get so many tourists.
My favorite beach is Navarre Beach. It feels secluded to me despite how packed it can get with tourists.
2. Rent a Jet Ski/ Pontoon Boat
There is pretty much a rental area all along the emerald coast but you might want to try booking ahead of time because renting is very popular. ESPECIALLY if you plan on visiting in the summer.
I’ve personally never rented a jet ski or a pontoon boat before because we used to own a jet ski and currently have a pontoon boat, but I’m sure you will have no trouble finding the websites online.
I actually drove a jet ski for the very first time the other day (we borrowed a friend’s jet ski) and driving those things is a lot harder than it looks.
I don’t know if it was the jet ski itself or me but every time I tried to take even the slightest turn, it made me feel like I was going to flip over.
My younger brother and stepmom were on it with me too and it made it more difficult to drive. Afterward, I went on the jet ski with my dad and he was able to do sharp turns and go 30 MPH. He made it look so easy.
When I was driving with my brother and stepmom, I never exceeded 20 MPH. I was scared because the water was also very dark. I really did not want to flip over into it.
Later on in the day, I drove it alone and it was much much easier to drive. I was able to go 25-30 MPH comfortably.
I still wasn’t 100% comfortable with it but it was fun nonetheless.
Renting a jet ski or pontoon boat is an A+ for sure.
3. Crab Island
I decided to mention Crab Island right after mentioning renting a jet ski or pontoon because Crab Island can only be reached by jet ski or boat.
Crab Island is probably one of my favorite places to go along the emerald coast because of how clear the water is.
It’s not an island. It’s just a very large sand bar with water that can range from knee height to waist height.
Once you start trailing off the side of the sand bar then the water will continue to get deeper and deeper. And it gets deep fast so be careful.
So I would highly suggest not trying to swim to Crab Island because you will be swimming for a long time AND it’s very dangerous with currents and waves and whatnot.
I have definitely heard of people drowning on the news before from attempting to swim to it.
Other than that, Crab Island is a great place to spend hours hanging out with friends and family and have a little beach picnic on the boat.
My family and I normally pack fruit, sandwiches, eggrolls, and fish cakes (I think that’s what they are called).
My dad also loves karaoke so he would always have loud music playing on the pontoon boat to set the mood.
4. Shopping!
This is by far my favorite part of the summer (Even if I don’t actually buy anything, window shopping amirite).
Who doesn’t like shopping? Yes, shopping for food counts. If you love shopping for food, you love shopping!
I personally love going to different malls and outlets to see how large they are compared to others and how many store options there are.
There are 5 different shopping areas that I am aware of that I think will be worth your time:
- Cordova Mall in Pensacola, FL
- Destin Commons in Destin, FL
- This shopping area also has a little playground and water play area for the kids to hang out.
- Silver Sand Outlets in SanDestin, FL
- Pier Park in Panama City, FL
- This shopping area is right next to the beach so whenever you’re ready to take a break from swimming or take a break from shopping, you can jump from place to place within minutes. Who am I kidding. Almost all the places that I am listing are next to the beach. The only exception is the Cordova Mall.
- Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach, FL
- This one is a smaller shopping area but there is a playground for the kiddos and ice cream.
Of all of these places, Destin Commons is by far my favorite. It is mainly for the layout of the area and the stores that are available to shop in.
I also like that it’s an outlet-type shopping area. It feels much more vacation-like for me rather than an indoor one.
I just love nature in general. If you appreciate mother nature, she will be kind to you.
The Silver Sands Outlet and Pier Park are both also outdoor but there is something about Destin Commons that I never get tired of.
5. Bowling
Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking. Bowling can be done almost anywhere. BUT, I had to list bowling as its own activity because I just love bowling so much.
There is actually a bowling alley in Destin Commons! How cool is that? No wonder why I like Destin Commons so much.
There are plenty of other bowling alleys throughout the emerald coast so if you’ve got a large group or maybe even just your partner, bowling will always be an activity that won’t get old (Unless you’re getting the ball in the gutter then you might not have as much fun. Don’t worry, I used to be like that too).
I might need to plan a bowling date with my boo soon too.
6. Big Kahunas
The Big Kahuna’s waterpark is a must when you’re visiting the Destin area.
There are plenty of water slides and TWO lazy rivers. Not one, but TWO.
They aren’t technically both called the lazy river but I still refer to them both as lazy rivers. One of them actually has a quicker current and warmer water.
My favorite part about Big Kahunas is the Thunder River. I like it because it’s the ride that A LOT of people get stuck on. You kind of makes temporary acquaintances because eventually everyone is helping everyone out to move along the river slide.
When you go on the ride, you’ll know what I mean. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and flow right along nice and easy, but from my experience, that’s rare.
They also have Dippin’ Dots stands. One of my favorite summer desserts. A summer staple.
7. Dolphin Cruise
I know that there are Dolphin Cruises near both Pensacola Beach and Destin Beach. So if a dolphin cruise interests you, I’d check those two locations.
I actually haven’t been on a dolphin cruise in a very very long time (like elementary field trip long time) so I can’t really say much. Just that they exist and can be an activity to add to your itinerary along the emerald coast.
Since I have never booked a dolphin cruise before, I do not have any recommended locations so I would suggest you do some research and look for dolphin cruises along the emerald coast.
I have heard good things about the dolphin cruises in the Pensacola area. So maybe research there?
8. Pier Park
Yes yes, I already mentioned Pier Park when I was talking about shopping BUT I decided to talk about Pier Park as its own activity because there is more to this place than just shopping.
It’s a great place to hang out with friends AND a great place to bring your kids because they have Dave & Buster’s (and other reasons of course). But you can’t skip out on Dave & Buster’s. It is a bit pricey but you’re on vacation! You should’ve known you’d be spending money.
There is also a mirror maze at Pier Park which is my personal favorite. I prefer doing those types of activities with another person though because doing it alone gives me a dead empty feeling. It feels boring and pointless doing it alone. I want to laugh and get lost with someone else.
I’m pretty sure there is a movie theatre there too but every time I pass by it, it looks empty. But that’s probably because I have only been at Pier Park during the day rather than the evening.
The movie theatre normally did have movie titles being presented on walls so it’s probably real. I never tried but maybe whenever you visit you’ll decide to try and tell me all about it.
The area is also an aesthetically pleasing place to walk around so if you like walking in a beautiful area (with a bunch of other tourists) this is your place.
9. Laguna’s at Pensacola Beach
I have never been to Laguna’s before. I only recently found out about it.
However, when I did look it up, it looked like tons of fun.
They have a rope course and a zip rail that’s connected to the rope course. And a go-kart and other things but THE ROPE COURSE.
Obviously, this is only good for the people that do not have a fear of heights. I am currently still trying to overcome that fear so I do intend to do that rope course one day.
One day.
10. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone on Okaloosa Island
I listed this one right after Laguna’s because they also have a rope course.
I have been to Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone; however, I have not done the ropes course.
The last time I was there, I was a chicken and decided not to do it. It looked really high up there!
Also, what if it was only meant for kids and the course couldn’t hold up my weight. But then I saw adults doing it too so hehe I could’ve and didn’t wanna.
This location also has an arcade inside and a pretty decent brick-oven pizza place.
The two times I’ve gone, I went there for their pizza. There isn’t really anything special about the pizza. I just think it tastes good. It is also baked in a brick oven so that’s cool.
This Adventure Zone is heavily targeted towards the younger children but who said adults couldn’t have fun too!
Ending Note
Those are the 10 things that you could be doing along the emerald coast.
Honestly, there is definitely more than what I mentioned, but these were the ones that came to mind instantly.
These are also the 10 things and places I personally love to do along the emerald coast so I am hoping they are as much fun to you as they are to me.
Let me know if you plan on taking a trip along the emerald coast and please share what you intend to do when you get here.
If you happen to discover more activities that are not on this list, please let me know. I am always open to new ideas.
Have a good day!
This post is all about things to do along the Emerald Coast.
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