Destin Off The Beaten Path

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Eden Gardens State Park, located near Point Washington FL about 24 miles east of Destin.

The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley house inspires visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. The park is part of the estate owned in the 1800s by the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida timber family. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States.

We visited the park on a Tuesday and wouldn't you know it, it was one of the days that the house wasn't being shown. *sigh*

The grounds are absolutely beautiful though so we still enjoyed our time there and it's well worth the drive out from Destin. Not only that but you can stop at Pompano Joe's either coming or going. :-) The park is loaded with just a TON of magnolia and huge oak trees. The rose garden was nice but not as magnificent as they boast of on the parks website. But still nice enough.

Eden State Gardens Hours
Eden Gardens State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown daily.
The house is open for hourly guided tours from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Eden State Gardens Admission Fees
$3.00 per vehicle
$1.00 for Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit,
Members of Organized Groups

Eden Gardens State Park Tour Prices
Adults: $3.00 per day
Children: $1.00 per day

This place looks like a fun waterpark. I've always wanted to go, but can never seem to convince my family it's a good idea. I guess they figure we're right near the ocean & there's a pool at the condo, so why pay to go to this place. I think younger children would really like it. Aside from the waterpark, they also have miniature golf.

a nice side trip from destin is to grayton beach state park. grayton beach is considered one of the best beaches in the state of florida. grayton beach state park offers fishing, canoeing, nature trails, and camping. for more information on this beautiful area of northwest florida see my grayton beach pages.
from destin take US 98 20 miles east to CR 30A. take CR 30A southeast 5 miles to the park.

a very nice side trip from destin is to the charming village of seaside. seaside is a community of replica victorian and northeastern beach homes. seaside offers a number of excellent restaurants and a beautiful gulf beach. for more information on this beautiful area of northwest florida see my grayton beach pages.

from destin take US 98 east about 20 miles to CR 30A. then take CR 30A southeast about 8 miles to seaside.

I love to sunbathe and I prefer calm, tranquil waters to violent ocean waves. Therefore, my favorite place to lay out is on Holiday Isle, on the Bay side. There are no hotels on this beach, making it less crowded. While many boats will anchor on it's shore, it still remains a very secluded spot even at the height of tourist season.

I like it mainly because it's free of tourists, but the water is also beautiful. Its very calm, making it perfect for a quick dip on order to cool off. The water is usually crystal clear and you can see fish swimming all around you.

This beach is located on Holiday Isle, on the bay side near the small jetty. If you want specific directions, just email me!

There are murals of whales painted on the side of the bayside marina in Destin. This marina is located at the end of the mid-bay bridge. You must see this up close to appreciate the grand scale of the mural.

Dont go without stopping in Seaside !
The gentle blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico cascading over a glorious white sand beach set the pace for Seaside, a resort town that takes relaxing seriously. Why drive when you can saunter down the brick-lined streets? Who needs a mall when you can browse through the open-air market — modeled after a Mediterranean bazaar — and buy jewelry, clothes, even local artwork.
Seaside is a small-town America from another, simpler time. Case in point? White picket fences are mandatory for each of the 60-plus pastel wood-frame cottages available for rent.

The Emerald Coast ubfurls in a 24-mile ribbon of shimmering, white-sand beaches, reaching from Fort Walton Beach in the west to the fishing village of Destin.
Destin regularly plays host to fishing tournaments and an annual Seafood Festival in October.

Beaches of the Emerald Coast. The beauty of its sunny shores is matched only by the charm of its seaside communities. Inland you'll find family amusements, museums, historic tresures, fun souvenir and special shops, and exquite waterfront dining with view that will leave you brethless.
Destin is one of Florida's best-kept secrets, a small fishing village that has blossomed into a lovely piece of paradise replete with sparkling green waters and pristine beaches.