10 Things to Do on Florida's Emerald Coast

The beaches along Florida's Emerald Coast are among the best in the world thanks to their stunning sugar-white sand. Plop your chair down on Crystal Sands Beach or settle in by the shoreline at John C. Beasley Park for a relaxing time.

Gorgeous sunsets, wildlife and natural habitat await visitors at Henderson Beach State Park. Be sure to take advantage of any one of the park's five dozen campsites, boardwalks, picnic pavilions and nature trails.

Head to HarborWalk Village in Destin for shopping, dining, entertainment and some stellar views of the Emerald Coast. The village hosts the annual Mardi Gras Parade along with the Emerald Coast Parrot Head Chili Cook-Off in February.

Looking to get your adrenaline pumping on the Gulf of Mexico? Go parasailing or take a Banana Boat ride. You won't have to travel far since Boogies Watersports is located at HarborWalk Village. Visitors can rent jet skis, pontoon boats and even schedule dolphin excursions.

The Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach are open seven days a week and are home to the some of the most popular shops and restaurants where visitors can take advantage of big-time savings year-round.

There is a slew of animal encounters to be had at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, including breakfast with dolphins and snorkeling with sharks and stingrays.

The Emerald Coast is one of the best spots in the country to cast a line. There are plenty of options for fishing whether you're on land or sea, but the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is a great place to start as visitors can conveniently rent rods and reels.

Families with young children will be hard-pressed to pass up a trip to Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park in Destin. The park's 40-plus attractions include water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and thrill rides like the Sky Coaster and Cyclone.

The Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base offers free admission six days a week and features a handful of intriguing exhibits showcasing the evolution of aviation warfare armament over the last century.

There are so many different ways visitors can experience the Gulf of Mexico on the Emerald Coast: Dolphin cruises, whale watching charters and airboat tours are certain to be a hit, as is the unique Buccaneer Pirate Cruise.