Nonetheless, the luckiest fishing town beckons the vacationer, who prefers to sync travel with local events in the area. From January through February, Destin Florida vacation renters and visitors anticipate several auspicious occasions and events.

The   U.S News and World Reports ranks the Kelly Plantation Golf Club, Emerald Bay Golf Club, the Big Kahuna’s Water and Gator Beach and Henderson Beach State Park among the top things to do  in Destin Florida.

Over the month of January 2012, the Winter Concert Series presents a complimentary jazz showcase on Sundays at the Destin Harbor  in the afternoon with different artists. (Please visit the Emerald Coast  event calendar at http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/activities/destin-events/)

Duncan Baird and Cetin Oguz exhibit a duo of masterpieces cassetinas (“little boxes”) at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, the open is January 13 through Febraury 17.  | 100 College Boulevard |
Niceville, Florida 32578 | 850.729.5382

In Fort Walton Beach, a collection of more than 100 pieces of  Ansel Adams artworks transpires at the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Emerald Coast Convention Center on February 3, at 7: 30 Pm.  The momentous event also includes a concert of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, composed by Chris and Dave Brubeck, featuring conductor Demetrius Fuller. (Please call 850. 269,7229  for additional details).

Prepare to party like the French for a Mardi Gras Parade at the Destin Harbor Walk Village Stage. It all happens—beads, pitched by costumed performers, dancing on floats to live music, at Harbor Boulevard, February 4, 2012. Two clock p.m is when the festivities begin at Harbor Boulevard Stage 10 Harbor Blvd. |Destin, FL32541| 850.424.0600.

Then for President Day and the weekend of February 18-19,  the Sandestin Gumbo Festival celebrates its 22nd annual event at the the Village of Baytowne Wharf, where fun, seafood and live entertainment are in ample supply.  (Please visit the San Destin calendar for more details: http://www.sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin/SpecialEvents/GumboFestival.aspx?NCK=navis0634&etc=gumbo0634

• Unlike a Destin Vacation Florida rental, where guests have a washer and dryer, visitors can pass off dirty clothes to the maid service at this SunDestin in Florida.

Check in time at most hotels in Destin Florida is at 4 pm.

•  Swimming pools and hot tubs accentuate the majestic, tranquility of Destin Florida’s Gulf of Mexico

Consider resorts in Destin FL that are located on the beach. These types of accommodations generally provide beach furniture to recline.

• Some Destin Florida hotels extend complimentary parking. This represents at least a $10 day in value; however, this is not always the case of all Destin, Florida hotels. This is an area to compare prices when calculating per night costs.

As it turns, Destin Florida is home to thousands and would perhaps be superfluous without its viewpoint on nature.

• At the SunDestin, its onsite business facility eases the pangs of balancing business with relaxation and pleasure. This Destin FL hotel allows business travelers to multitask sun time with preparing for meetings. The business facility houses copier machines, computers and other tools germane to business administration.

 And when, all the meetings and frolicking in the sun are said and done, the SunDestin presents some self indulgent pampering.

Towards the end of October 2011, the Sun Destin is hosting a slew of Halloween themed events. This means that some resorts  will be promoting Destin Florida  vacation packages. 

• Visitors are drawn to Destin Florida for the ability to reserve a Destin beach rental,  where there’s space to park the boat, jet-ski and other water toys.
• Emerald colored water, accentuated by pure white sandy beaches characterizes the vista from most Destin beach rentals.

• Although all the lodging accommodations of the area are not Destin beach rentals, the Florida’s Emerald Coast Convention & Visitor’s Bureau reports some 13,000 “Gulf-edged” places to stay in Destin, Florida.

In “Boat” Magazine, Destin made the best 10-places to live and boat.

• The Jetty East Condominiums and Sea Crest Condominiums present some of the most affordable stay in Destin, Florida.  Starting from $85 to less than $200 per night, tourists discover a slew of hotels, condominiums and other Destin Fvacation rentals on Web sites such as TripAdvisor.
• Sunny, balmy weather is one of the most redeeming aspects of Florida’s Emerald Coast. The average climate during the summer is 89 with a low of 74.
• The vast majority of Destin beach rentals have more than two bedrooms.

• During the month of July, live music is a regular happening in Destin, Florida—aptly named “Rock the Docks.”   

• Although all Destin beach rentals are generally stocked with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, sink, etcetera), visitors have more than 200 dining options.

• Online, a valuable resource for Destin beach rentals is the Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast  Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at visit www.emeraldcoastfl.com
• Unlike many other cities in Florida, where people under 25 are not allowed to rent condos, Destin beach rentals are available to this demographic of vacationers. 

At DestinGetaways.com, travelers search Destin Florida vacation rentals by selecting between a home or condominium. Other Destin Florida rentals options include: the number of bedrooms; location, check in date and the number of night’s stay.  At travel information search site also promotes special discounts and family packages.

On a vacation Web site, Destin-ation.com, travel information includes Destin Florida, tropical spots, nearby (Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, and Okaloosa Island).  On this site, vacationers find travel information about area restaurants, golf packages, nightlife bands, and other things to do. Bargain shoppers may cost compare Destin Florida hotels to Destin, Florida rentals.

A subsidiary of the Wyndham Vacation Rentals, just as other travel information sites, offer special packages, Resort Destin Vacations provides current event details published by month. The Destin Florida vacation rental resource allows vacationers to select amenities such as  a pool, inclusive beach service.  This  Destin Florida travel site  even touts townhouse rentals with a private tennis village.

Destin Florida Rentals or (DestinFLrentals.com) markets its travel information for Destin Florida rentals as the pet-friendly resource. Presenting cottages, Gulf-view condominiums, beach front condos and properties of various condo associations,  the site provides a short biography with availability and weekly to monthly rates.  (These Destin Florida vacation rentals accompany a 3-day minimum stay policy)

• Use Destin Florida resort incentives to extend the vacation without spending more.

• At the Sun Destin Beach by Resort Quest, travelers get the fifth night free with any four-day reservation. This promotion attains the best savings on departing and arrival flights  during the weekday, when airfare is cheaper (i.e. Thursday through Monday).

Note that in order to find the lowest airfare for  flights to Destin Florida layovers and transfers warrant the cheapest flights, meaning more travel time.

• When considering travel packages where airfare is inclusive, remember to evaluate if the extra time changing planes or layovers is worth the extra savings.

• Review the cancellation policy, as it differs from Destin Florida resort to hotel.

• Check the age requirements. Some Destin Florida resorts have persnickety age requirements for young adults (25 and under).

• Be prepared for a tax recovery charge, other fees and surcharges when booking online through third party websites such as Travelocity, Expedia, and Hotels.com.

• Some Destin Florida resorts like the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort charge 12 percent per night. That fee is based on a net room rate. Generally, the additional fees are paid during check in.

Be sure to compare each Destin Florida resort’s amenities, paying close attention to which activities are complimentary.

Since some Destin Florida resorts charge for certain services and others don’t. Be sure to compare all resorts, reviewing the following costs:

• Bike rental
• Canoes
• Kayaks
• Shuttle Service
• Tennis

• Depending on the Destin, Florida resort—not all staff onsite housekeepers; instead, guests have to remit a cleaning fee.

• Most Destin Florida resorts charge extra for ocean front rooms, while ocean view rooms are the standard rate.

Prior to booking stay via third party websites, compare  the actual Destin Florida resort’s website. Quite often, the hotel property will offer other packages that add up to a better savings. 

Destin Vacation Resources and  Attractions

• City of Destin

The City of Destin’s Web site features a cornucopia of information pertaining to the best beaches in Destin, recreation and other municipal matters in and surrounding Destin Florida. www.cityofdestin.com/

• Destin Area Chamber of Commerce

For those visitors, who are planning a Destin vacation, convention or team getaway, needing beach, water recreation and other vacation information, review the latest details.The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes visitors with a slew of hotel, resort and event details on vacationing in the Northwest Florida’s Gulf. www.destinchamber.com/

• Destin History and Fishing Museum

At the Destin History and Fishing Museum, an anthology of Destin’s earliest settlers is on exhibit along with antique fishing rods / reels and other related museum displays. Please visit their Web site for hours of operations, www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org/

• National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola

Pilot, aviation and water enthusiasts have an assortment of things to see, do and remember at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. | 1750 Radford Blvd., |Suite B | NAS Pensacola |  FL 32508 850.452.3604   | www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

Documenting Northwest Florida’s progress and advancement, the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is a work in progress, featuring a preservation of memorabilia and digitized renderings. eritage Museum of Northwest Florida | 115 Westview Avenue | Valparaiso, FL 32580 | www.heritage-museum.org 

• Destin Florida Vacation Rentals

Find the Destin Florida rental  vacation of your dreams at Crye and Lieke Rental properties. Choose from more than a 100 places to book stay for the Destin vacation based on budget and location.   http://www.destingetaways.com/

Other Destin vaction resources include the following links:

• http://www.FLORIDAAIRPORT.NET
• http://www.FLORIDABEACHRESORTS.ORG
• http://www.FLORIDAKEY.ORG
• http://www.FLORIDAPINELLAS.COM
• http://www.FLORIDARESORT.ORG
• http://www.HOLIDAYSFLORIDA.NET

Types of Destin Vacation Rentals

• Beach Villas
• Condominiums
• Hotels
• Inns
• Resorts

• Most Destin Florida vacation rentals include laundry machines, a grill, balcony or a gazebo or exterior space for entertainment.

To be directly on the beach, the average Destin Florida vacation rental is approximately $250 a night or $1600 a week. 

Since many beach villas are just steps from the Gulf, few have onsite swimming pools. However, some Destin vacation beach rentals feature an up close and private view of the ocean.

Destin Florida Vacation Rentals Savings Tip

Save an extra three hundred dollars by considering properties that are across the street from the beach.  Another destin florida vacation savings tactic entails booking stay and splitting the cost of a townhouse or beach villa with two other couples. A Destin vacation rental divided among three couples is $500 for a weeks stay.

• Research Destin vacation rentals. Look for sites featuring current, interior photos.
• To avoid any vacation disasters, conduct a quick search on Trip Advisor, and Expedia for any overwhelming negative feedback.

Hotels/Inns/Resorts

• When comparing hotels, motels and inn prices, remember to evaluate the amenities. Remember a pool is ideal for those days that it’s too windy to bask in the sun on the beach.

• Beach, villas, resorts and condominiums usually afford a week’s stay in private, luxurious accommodations.

• For those who do not plan to rent a car, search for Destin Florida Vacation Rentals that a walking distance to restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

Destin Florida History

According to the Floridian history, American Indians once occupied the city in the 7th century A.D. Rumor has it, that these natives—who lived on the Panhandle, were adept fishermen.

It was not until 1538, that Spanish explorers stumbled upon Destin, Florida.

When Don Francisco Tapia was assigned to survey the Florida, his rendering was the East’s first acknowledged map in 1693.

Unsurprisingly, Destin Florida was named after a captain turned pioneer of the fishing industry.

It was approximately in 1845 that Captain Leonard Destin relocated to the area from New London, Connecticut. The Captain is renowned for having his hand in Destin Florida’s reputation as a fishing attraction.

Throughout the years, the small town known to be a fishing village gained overwhelming popularity, turning the unincorporated area into a resort town.

In 1984 – after a much needed municipal infrastructure, Destin was chartered a city under the State of Florida.

Dubbed as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, today fisherman find the most expansive and technically advanced, fishing fleet docked along the harbor of Destin Florida.

Despite Destin Florida’s charter date, the community chronicles 150 years of being a fisherman’s paradise, per se.

And besides the towns fishing past and present, Destin Florida remains a premier resort destination, featuring other water-sports and attractions.

For more about Destin Florida, visit the city’s Web site: http://www.cityofdestin.com/

Booking a Destin Florida vacation rental warrants four favorable perks:

• Economize on food. Rather than having to dine out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the vast majority of Destin Florida vacation rentals have a built in kitchen, stocked with a refrigerator, electric stove and even a few cooking utensils. Save on dining costs when you stock the fridge with your favorite snacks and beverages such as, fruits, cheeses, water and other healthy provisions.  Not to mention, it alleviates the chance of caloric overindulgence.

• Complimentary parking. Unlike many hotels, which can charge an additional daily parking fee, several Destin Florida Vacation rentals have free parking. That’s equivalent to a minimum savings of $10/per day.

• Centrally located for convenience. A wealth of Destin Florida vacation rentals is in close proximity to the beach, restaurants and nightlife. Save more money by not renting a car and booking a shuttle to and from the airport to the apartment or condo unit.

• Luxury for less. Depending on the Destin Florida vacation rental, many apartment and condos are bedecked in extravagant textiles and furnishings.  With a Jacuzzi tub, ample living space, media to play movies, and the backdrop of the Gulf, why pay more for less perks?