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
Dog Friendly on the Emerald Coast
Where to Go When the Beach Says No
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
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.
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.
30A Farmers Markets and Events: What’s On This Season
30A runs on a weekly rhythm, and once you learn it, every trip gets better. Markets on the weekends, live music most evenings, festivals anchoring each season. Here's the recurring calendar locals actually keep.