On your Florida trip, spend some time with the locals - like wading birds, shore birds, migrating monarchs, dophins, and gopher turtles, just to name a few. There are many still-wild places in the Destin area. Here are a few of our favorites:
Henderson Beach State Park
This park - first of the Save Our Coast land conservation program - was established for the preservation and protection of the Destin area's natural features. Of course, it has a beautiful beach. But you will also love walking around this park!
Henderston Beach State Park has several board walks and a 3/4 mile hiking trail. Particularly striking are the thirty foot white sand dunes. While you are exploring the park, take part in their geocaching challenge. To learn more about the park, check out their website.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
This is a large park with a lot of trails and a lot to see. It has three miles of lovely emerald water beach. It also has rare coastal dune lakes (fishable!), forests of old-growth long leaf pines, a variety of wetlands, and lots of hiking trails.
Topsail HIll Preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park has several prime spots for viewing species like the red shouldered hawks, eastern bluebirds, and ospreys as well as threatened snowy plovers and piping plovers. The park is also home to carnivorous plants! The habitat boasts three varieties of pitcher plants.
The treasure is definately worth a visit! More info on their website.
Visit the wildlife in the water
Dolphins are a must-see! There are several good dophin cruises in the area. You can also try spotting them at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. You might see sea turtles there, too!
But don't stop with looking ON the water - go in it, too! Go snorkeling around the Destin jetties to see lots of fish and critters like puffer fish, flounder, hermit crabs, blue crabs, and octopus.
Do you want to rent a lovely condo close to Florida state and national parks? Take a look at ours!