The Emerald Coast Journal
Stories from the coast
Field notes, itineraries, and the people behind the places — written by locals who know the Gulf shore by heart.
Latest stories
Bikini Coast International World Finals 2026 | Pensacola
Three days, four venues: contestants from across the country compete through Pensacola's beaches, bars, and a live fight card until one walks away as Miss Bikini Coast International 2026.
Destin Charity Wine Auction
Wine, Food, and Giving Back on the Emerald Coast
Dog Friendly on the Emerald Coast
Where to Go When the Beach Says No
The Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Sell Out.
A family-owned café in a Miramar Beach plaza bakes everything from scratch, pulls espresso on a sea-foam green La Marzocco, and closes at 2pm.
The Best Sushi on the Emerald Coast
Sushimoto has been quietly running a small family sushi bar on US 98 in Miramar Beach for years, entirely on its own terms. Show up early and behave.
Somebody Gets Murdered on the Destin Harbor Every Week
Happy Life Cruises runs an 80-foot paddlewheel riverboat as a floating dinner theater, karaoke bar, comedy club, and wedding venue. Sometimes all in the same week
Thirty Years on the Destin Harbor
Boathouse Oyster Bar shucks to order, pours cheap beer, plays live music seven days a week, and has been getting away with it for three decades
The Best Way to See Destin
Destin Dream Yachts runs private, fully captained charters to Crab Island, out into the Gulf, and back in under a sunset. Up to 13 guests, all inclusive, no boating license required.
Most Awarded Distillery in Florida
Timber Creek Distillery has been making spirits the slow way since 2014, one grain at a time, on 240 off-grid acres in Crestview.
State Parks & Natural Wonders of the Emerald Coast
From Gulf Islands National Seashore to the rare coastal dune lakes of South Walton, a west-to-east tour of the wild places behind the famous sand.
The Best Restaurants in Destin, FL: A Local’s Guide
The best restaurants in Destin FL, chosen by locals, waterfront seafood, and the spots worth the wait. No tourist traps.