Emerald Coast Makes Lonely Planet’s Top 10 U.S. Destinations

Lonely Planet is the largest travel guide book publisher in the world. Their experts travel the world to tell us what we might be missing. Each year, they also travel the United States in search of underrated or off-the-radar spots that need more recognition. For the 2017 Best in the U.S. destinations you need to see, our favorite beaches made the list. Among beautiful places like California’s Low Desert and the Adirondacks in New York, our beloved Emerald Coast sneaks in at number 10.

The top location listed is Asheville, North Carolina. This eclectic city has something to offer everyone from art (so much art) in the River Arts District, America’s largest home: the Biltmore Estate, hiking and biking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a bustling music scene where musicians stop frequently for intimate shows. Asheville is pretty amazing, we agree. But it’s no Destin. Highlighting the “secret beaches” of the coast like Shell Island in Panama City Beach and Grayton Beach State Park, Lonely Planet recognizes the somewhat hidden treasures we have. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Eden Gardens State Park may not be on the itinerary for visitors but they would be missing out. Eden Gardens has Spanish Moss shading the area on huge oak trees around the restored Wesley House among 163 acres of historic land. The soft white sand of the beach and emerald water have a tendency to draw you in. It’s not uncommon to overhear friends come back from a Caribbean vacation saying it was beautiful but…our beaches are just hard to top!

Along with stunning beaches, fine dining, and several state parks, the Emerald Coast has year-round festivals that attract people from all over the country. From a pirate festival (Billy Bowlegs) to a number of beer, wine, and spirits festivals to the upcoming 30A Songwriters Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Destin has grown quite a bit in recent years and our love for it continues to grow as well. That’s why we live here! While we wouldn’t mind keeping the beach crowds and traffic at a minimum, the beauty of the Emerald Coast is something that has to be shared. Everyone needs to see for themselves what makes it a top destination.

Published on Friday, January 6, 2017