The Emerald Coast
December 2023By Visit Florida Staff
Cooler weather does not freeze out opportunities for outdoor fun. Winter on the beach may conjure up images of brisk breezes and empty shores, but the reality of winter along Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast is warm, sunny days filled with a variety of sporting activities that keep 1’s toes in — or near — the sand.
Cast a Line — Yes, Even in January
Anytime is a great time to cast a line in Northwest Florida. Even in the chillier winter months, the lure of sport fishing draws anglers of all abilities. And Destin, known as “the world’s luckiest fishing village,” is the premier spot for casting a line in the winter.
For experienced anglers, renting a pontoon boat and heading just offshore is the way to go. In winter, the emerald waters of the Gulf are full of redfish. This time of year, the redfish juveniles — fish hatched in late fall — will be found inshore in shallow water, while the adults will be a bit farther out.
The most adventurous anglers will want to head out on a deep-sea trip for triggerfish, vermilion snapper, white snapper, grouper, and amberjack — all running in the cooler water during the winter months.
Take to the Water
While the water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico during the winter hovers around a refreshing 61 degrees, some folks are not inclined to get their toes wet. But there are plenty of ways to be on the water if not in it, from renting a boat and navigating the shoreline as you practice your skipper skills to kayaking and canoeing on the bay or 1 of the area’s rivers.
Heading out in a kayak or canoe can take the chill off, and there’s no prettier and more pristine river than the Blackwater. The crystal-clear Blackwater is 1 of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the country and a natural draw for paddlers.
Natural Wonders
No matter the season, a walk along the shore is an essential part of every trip to the Emerald Coast. The winter beach offers a serene setting for picnics, long walks or simply settling into a beach chair with a good book.
Those who are looking to do a bit more will find Henderson Beach State Park the place to be. The park offers nature lovers the chance to roam through evershifting coastal scrub forests on the nature trail or marvel at the grandeur of the dunes from atop the boardwalk. Picnic pavilions offer al fresco waterfront dining.
Warm up, Eat up!
Take off the chill of the approaching evening with a warm and creamy crab and spinach dip from The Back Porch, or indulge in the casual waterside eatery’s rich crab and seafood gumbo. For more formal fare, try Louisiana Lagniappe’s corn and crab bisque, hot shrimp salad or oysters Lagniappe to warm up.
Cozy Accommodations
The oceanfront Henderson Park Inn is a delight in winter, with its glittering view of the Gulf, quiet location just at the end of Henderson Beach State Park, and private terraces for every room. Be sure to request a fireplace room when booking this luxurious beachfront inn. There’s nothing better than the pounding of the emerald waters as the soundtrack for a cozy night in front of the fire.
