Traveling To Destin

So, quite a few people have reached out to us, wanting some information about traveling in Destin. So, if you're curious about the same thing and you want to know more about traveling in and around Destin, this is the video for you because I do have quite a few things to say about that. So, hang tight.

So, traveling in Destin. Well, one thing I need to make sure I point out because Destin is a little confusing is that, the main route in Destin is Highway 98, but it also has some other names. That can be the confusing part when you're punching an addresses or trying to find certain areas, and you're thinking that you're going to be in a whole another location when you're actually not. Highway 98 is broken up to a couple different names. So, in West Destin, it's generally called Harbor Boulevard. So, if you're looking for the HarborWalk or restaurants like Boshamps or Harbor Docks, you are going to find them on Harbor Boulevard. Again, it's right there in West Destin. You're also going to, once you head east of Airport Road is going to become Emerald Coast Parkway. And, that's going to actually take you straight through Miramar Beach. But, if you head south on Matthew Boulevard, you're going to head straight into Scenic Highway 98. And it's also known as Scenic Gulf Drive. Again, that could be confusing too especially when I'm speaking on addresses or condos, and I'm about to see how I get those names mixed up. But, because they're generally the same road, they just have different names to them. So again, that can be a little confusing when you're talking about a certain area. So, Scenic Highway 98 and Scenic Gulf Drive, pretty much the same thing. And, that's the area where you're going to find tons and tons of vacation rentals. You'll find the beautiful, beautiful homes. You'll find townhomes and condos. Some are beachfront and some are just across the little two lane road across the street. But, you'll still have a lot of properties that do have the Gulf view.

There is also lots of  public parking areas for you to park at. But, of course, a lot of the properties do come with deeded access to the beach. Now, if you continue to head east on Scenic Highway 98 or Scenic Gulf Drive, you're going to run right into Highway 98 again, and you're going to be right across the street from the Silver Sands Premier Outlets mall in Miramar Beach.

Now, golf carts are a common mode of transportation to the beach in the area south of Highway 98 such as Sacenic Gulf Drive. And, also in golf communities that are north of Highway 98, such as Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay and Emerald Bay.

Now, some areas are also walkable in Destin. There are a lot of stores and restaurants that are within a walking distance. So, a lot of the short term rentals just to make it more convenient for visitors or people that do live full time in condos or that general area where you find a lot of the tourist at. And, there's some stores available too in the area like, Winn-Dixie and Publix and Walmart. But, if you are getting a bunch of groceries that might be too much to walk with and carry back to your, wherever it is that you're staying. But, just know that there are some places that are walkable that's very important to some people that generally don't like to drive or maybe they don't have vehicles. Just want to make sure that they are in an area where they can easily walk to a store or restaurant if they needed to.

There is also public transportation available. Okaloosa county does have a transit system that the bus fare is $2 per ride. Or, you can get a 15 day or a 31 day pass to save a little bit of money. They do have reduced rates available if you're eligible. I know those buses run Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM. But, they do not offer services on the 7 major holidays. And at Christmas Eve, I know they do run, but I think they stop around two o'clock. But, other than that, 7 major holidays, they are shut down. But, just make sure that you check out ecrider.org for the schedule and more information on that.

As far as parking goes, there are several public parking areas in Destin with Pay To Park. So, make sure you pay attention to the signs, read them carefully. There's also a lot of areas, especially when there's an event going on. There's going to be a lack of parkings. So, just make sure if you are trying to find parking, you are looking at the signs in the surrounding areas. Because you don't want to end up blocked in or parking in a restricted area or blocking areas when it's just for emergency vehicles only or maybe delivery trucks or handicap parking. I know some people don't care about that and disregard that. But just, you know, to remain respectful, just make sure you watch out for the signs and only park where your designated public parking is. Or, you're going to see a lot of areas too where they'll have the signs where, yes, it's parking, but it's just for that establishment's customers only. But again, there are several places to park, especially when you have a large activity, especially at the Harbor Walk. Lots of things going on out there throughout the year. But there are a couple of parking places, especially at north 98 from the Harborwalk. So, don't feel like you have to stick on that side of the road to be able to find parking.

Now traffic, during peak season is pretty rough. Again, Highway 98 is the main road throughout town. Now, if you're in West Destin, there are some back streets that you can maneuver through if you're familiar with the area, but that can only get you so far. And there are times where you just cannot avoid getting on Highway 98, unfortunately. But peak season is generally probably around the end of March through September. So, spring break through after Labor Day weekend, it's pretty crowded. It does come down up for September, October. So traffic isn't as bad. We did have issues with lots of road construction, but that seemed to have gotten better lately. It just seemed like road construction would just go on for years when it felt like. But again, that has gotten a lot better for those of you that may have came a couple years ago and just the road construction made things a whole lot worse. But, not too much of an issue these days. So, thank goodness for that. Now, if you're visiting the area or if you, you know, don't have a car or you just want to have a fun time out and about tonight on town with the friends and want to have a few drinks, the Uber and Lyft drivers will definitely be your best friends to get you around. It's not that expensive for an Uber ride, so that's definitely another option as far as transportation around Destin.

Well, that's some of the general information I have as far as traveling in and around Destin. If you have any questions,  please feel free to call/text us at 850.320.7757 or email us at Admin@WhittemoreGroupRE.com

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