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Exploring Panama

Welcome to the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is a stunning stretch of white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle. It's known for its emerald-green waters, sugar-white sand, great fishing, and vibrant beach towns. The Emerald Coast is a paradise for beach lovers, boaters, and anglers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, upscale beach town (Santa Rosa Beach), a fun party scene (Crab Island), world-class fishing (East Pass), or a mix of it all (Destin & Panama City), this area has something for everyone. 

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Santa Rosa Beach & Destin Area

Santa Rosa Beach is a charming, upscale community along Scenic Highway 30A, part of South Walton County. It's known for:
  • Quiet, pristine beaches – Less crowded than Destin but just as beautiful.
  • Grayton Beach State Park – A top-rated beach for its untouched dunes and nature trails.
  • Seaside – A famous beach town with pastel-colored houses (featured in The Truman Show).
  • Great restaurants & breweries – The area has high-end seafood spots and casual beach bars.
Destin, a short drive west, is livelier and known as the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village" because of its deep waters and large fish populations. It's a hotspot for:
  • Charter fishing trips – The East Pass (more on that below) makes it easy to reach deep water.
  • Henderson Beach State Park – A protected stretch of beach with dunes and clear water.
  • HarborWalk Village – A waterfront area packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
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Crab Island

Crab Island is one of the most popular spots in Destin, but it's not actually an island! It’s a submerged sandbar near Destin’s East Pass, where boaters anchor in waist-deep, clear water. Highlights include:
  • Floating restaurants and bars – You can grab food and drinks right from the water.
  • Inflatable obstacle courses & paddleboarding – A great spot for families.
  • Party atmosphere – On busy weekends, it’s a lively scene with music, boats, and floating tiki bars.

You need a boat, jet ski, or kayak to get there, as there’s no land access.

 

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East Pass (Fishing Hotspot)

The East Pass connects the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay, making it a prime area for fishing. It's a deep-water channel where fish funnel through, including:
  • Red Snapper
  • Grouper
  • Amberjack
  • Mahi-mahi (seasonal)
  • King Mackerel
  • Tarpon (in summer)

The Destin Jetties at the pass are a great shore fishing spot. If you're on a boat, going just beyond the pass leads to deeper Gulf waters with even bigger catches.

 

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Panama City, St. Andrews & Beyond

About an hour east of Destin, Panama City Beach (PCB) has a mix of laid-back beaches and lively attractions. Highlights:
  • Pier Park – A massive shopping and dining district.
  • Shell Island – A remote, undeveloped barrier island perfect for shelling and snorkeling.
  • Spring Break hotspot – PCB is famous for its college crowd in March and April.

St. Andrews State Park is a more peaceful side of PCB:

  • Great fishing – The jetties attract a variety of fish.
  • Crystal-clear water – Popular for snorkeling.
  • Wildlife – You might see dolphins, deer, and migratory birds.

Ready to take the next step?

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Contact Details

COASTAL HERITAGE REALTY

(850) 867-0806

[email protected]



448 Harrison Ave Unit A
Panama City FL 32401