Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin and Fort Walton Beach attract millions of visitors each year. With 24 miles of pristine white sand beaches and emerald green water, this area has something for everyone. Destin is approximately eight miles east of Fort Walton Beach, 50 miles east of Pensacola, and 50 miles west of Panama City. There are four airports servicing the area.
Okaloosa County Airport (VPS) is the main airport and the gateway to Florida's east coast. It is situated eight miles north of the Destin and Fort Walton area on Elgin Air Force Base in Valparaiso, Florida. It is approximately a 45 minute drive to the beaches from there. The airport is serviced by some of the major carriers: Delta, Continental and American Airlines.
Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS) is located 60 miles west of Destin and Panama City Bay International Airport (PFN) is located 60 miles east of Destin. The Destin Airport is the closest, located right in the heart of the city. It's a small, general aviation airport with two air charter services, Wings Air and Destin Air Charters. Wings Air provides direct service from Atlanta's Gwinnett Airport to the Destin Airport
So once you fly here, then what? Luckily for you, there are many transportation choices available to and from the Okaloosa County Airport.
There are five major rental car companies at the airport: Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Alamo, and Thrifty is located in nearby Niceville. If you don't need a car for the vacation, just a lift to your holiday home, there are over 50 shuttle companies offering 24 hour shuttle service. Prices range from $25-$110 depending on your destination. Special assistance is available but requires pre-arrangement. Limo services are available as well.
Or you can ride like the locals and take The Wave, a local bus service equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair lifts. Be prepared to have the exact fare ready because they don't make change! (50 cents /25 cents for seniors and handicapped) The Okaloosa Island and Destin Shuttles, provide transportation to Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. The Destin Shuttle offers west and east services. .
Taxis are available but can be extremely expensive, especially in the height of the tourist season, late May through late September.
If you want some alternatives and a little exercise (read: an excuse to eat more crab), rent a bike. There are many bicycle shops available in the area and it's a great way to see and be seen. If you are in the mood, and don't have far to go, walk and avoid the congestion.
If you're driving, the fastest way to the beaches of Destin and Fort Walton Beach is The Choctawhatchee Mid-Bay Bridge. ($2.00 toll) Known as the scenic route, Hwy 98 travels along the Emerald coast for breath-taking views. Many of the major attractions and resorts are located along this route.
Get packing, get going, and get playing in Destin!
This guide to the planes, trains, and automobiles of the Emerald Cost was brought to you by Linda Sledge.
There are so many options for getting around Destin. Our favorite? Walking to the beach. Right outside your door. RIGHT OUTSIDE your door. Because you are staying in a beach front home. (And if you are worried about people thinking you are too lazy to bike to the beach, tell them you are reducing your carbon footprint or something.)