Destin calls itself the World's Luckiest Fishing Village, and it's become one of the most popular vacation spots on the Florida Panhandle. Founded in the 1850s, it was a quiet fishing town until a bridge connected it to the mainland and nearby Eglin Air Force Base opened in the 1930s. About 13,000 people live here year-round, and the population swells in summer, yet it keeps a friendly, close-knit feel.

Families from across the South and Midwest come back year after year for Destin's famous beaches. The sand here is made of fine quartz washed down from the Appalachians, which keeps it bright white and cool underfoot, and it helps give the Gulf its gorgeous emerald color. Golfers play seaside courses, kids splash at water parks and the more adventurous snorkel, dive or head out on a deep-sea fishing charter. With one of the largest charter fishing fleets in Florida, casting a line here is practically a requirement.

I'll find you the right condo, beach house or resort and line up fishing charters, dolphin cruises and beach days for the whole family.