Looking to gain a unique perspective on the Emerald Coast? Don’t miss a day in Choctawhatchee Bay!
Florida’s Emerald Coast — spanning from Pensacola to Panama City Beach — is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take a day’s drive along the coastline, and you’ll find sandy beaches, rugged outcroppings, and the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay, located just east of Destin, Florida. This popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching, boating, and wildlife viewing is the perfect destination for a family-friendly adventure! While planning your next vacation to the Florida Panhandle, consider adding a trip to this beautiful slice of paradise.
Welcome to Choctawhatchee Bay
Spanning 27 miles in length and varying from 1-6 miles wide, Choctawhatchee Bay boasts an impressive surface area of approximately 129 square miles. As an estuary, it serves as a unique meeting point where freshwater from the Choctawhatchee River and its surrounding bayous converges with the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico through the East Pass.
The Choctawhatchee Bay System covers not only the bay itself but also the winding Choctawhatchee River and a network of picturesque bayous — which creates a pretty diverse and intricate aquatic ecosystem. This web of waterways provides a rich habitat for both wildlife and plant life, so there’s plenty to explore and see if you know what to look for!
A Natural Ecosystem Worth Protecting
With the immense natural beauty that draws visitors to the area, Choctawhatchee Bay is an invaluable economic, recreational, and aesthetic resource for the Destin region, with great opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and water sports. But with that fun comes the risk of overuse and pollution, which can harm the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Like many coastal areas, Choctawhatchee Bay faces challenges from stormwater runoff, pollution, and shoreline development. That’s why we must do all we can to protect this natural landscape — not leaving items or trash behind, adhering to protective signs, and being mindful of wildlife all around you — while still having a blast exploring!
Things to Do at Choctawhatchee Bay
Choctawhatchee Bay is more than just a premier fishing destination — it’s a veritable playground for boaters and water sports enthusiasts alike. With its prime location along the Emerald Coast and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, the bay offers an abundance of opportunities to get out on the water and make the most of your Florida vacation.
Rent Boats, Paddleboards, Kayaks & More!
Don’t have your own vessel for water play? No problem! The Choctawhatchee Bay area is well-equipped with rental options, like Mid-Bay Water Sports. From pontoon boats and kayaks to jet skis and stand-up paddleboards, you’ll have access to a variety of different watersport equipment.
Plus, many rental companies also offer lessons and guided tours to help you get the most out of your experience on the water. And places like Double Fun Pontoon Rentals offer double-decker pontoon boat rentals with slides!
Splash & Play with Water Sports
For those seeking a more thrilling experience, Choctawhatchee Bay’s waters create the perfect playground for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. The bay’s shallow depth and lack of waves make it an ideal spot for beginners to try their hand at high-speed water sports.
And for the more adventurous, options like parasailing and banana boat rides will have you soaring above the crystal-clear waters and laughing with excitement.
Fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay
The bay’s connection to the Gulf Coast through the East Pass, also known as the Destin Pass, is a particularly popular spot. Here, the changing tides and influx of baitfish from the Gulf create a feeding frenzy that attracts a wide range of gamefish, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and even the occasional shark or Spanish mackerel.
Try local fishing on your own or get the best experience alongside a skilled fishing captain with Destin fishing charters. Local captains and guides know the bay’s hotspots and the techniques required to target specific species.
Prized Catches — Redfish & Speckled Trout
The bay has plenty of fish to snag, but two stand out as the stars: redfish and speckled trout. These feisty and flavorful fish are highly prized among anglers, and many report they offer an unforgettable catch.
Redfish, also known as red drum, are particularly sought after for their size and strength. These powerful fish can be found lurking near shallow flats, oyster beds, and other structures throughout the bay. Anglers often target them using live bait, such as croakers or pinfish, or artificial lures, like spoons and topwater plugs.
Speckled trout can be found throughout the bay, often swimming in schools and congregating around grass beds, oyster bars, and other structures. Whether using live bait or casting artificial lures, the chances of hooking a speck are high in the bay!
Exploring the Bayous & Tributaries
While Choctawhatchee Bay is an excellent spot to spend the day, you can enjoy even more great bay adventures exploring its bayous and tributaries. These smaller waterways offer a unique experience with nature, as well as opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and scenic paddling.
Hogtown Bayou
With its meandering channels and lush vegetation, Hogtown Bayou is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing. Paddling through its tranquil waters, you’ll be immersed in a world of natural beauty, with opportunities to spot various bird species and, if you’re lucky, even the occasional alligator basking on the banks.
Garnier’s Bayou
Located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach, Garnier’s Bayou is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its clear waters and shaded banks make it an ideal spot for fishing, with anglers casting their lines in hopes of catching the elusive Gulf sturgeon.
Cinco Bayou
A narrow waterway that winds through residential areas, Cinco Bayou is a local favorite for its serene ambiance and abundant wildlife. Here, you can paddle quietly and observe the diverse array of birds, reptiles, and marine life that call this area home.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, many of the bayous offer opportunities for fishing from kayaks or canoes. Guided tours are available, with knowledgeable guides leading you to the best fishing spots and sharing insights into the local ecology and wildlife.
Nearby Hotspots to Visit
Had your fill with the bay? Luckily, you can visit several other nearby hotspots to continue your Emerald Coast adventure!
Okaloosa Island
A barrier island boasting miles of pristine shoreline perfect for sun, surf, and sand, Okaloosa Island is a top spot between Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Here, families can enjoy tons of beach activities, from sandcastles and swimming to volleyball and beach picnics.
Santa Rosa Beach
Another must-visit destination is Santa Rosa Beach, a charming coastal town that offers a more laid-back vibe. Its white-sand beaches are complemented by an array of seaside restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Nestled outside of Destin, it’s a great place to set up HQ for your Choctawhatchee Bay adventure.
Coastal Dune Lakes
Beyond idyllic beaches, the Destin area is home to a unique natural phenomenon: coastal dune lakes. These dune lakes are formed by a combination of freshwater from streams and rainfall plus saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico. These rare geological formations are found only in a handful of places around the world! Visitors can explore them through guided tours or kayaking excursions.
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is a true gem, featuring over a mile of pristine beach, nature trails, and a serene campground. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including coastal dunes, maritime forests, and wetlands while enjoying activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It’s a great way to see how the Emerald Coast offers more than just beach fun!
How to Get to Choctawhatchee Bay
Choctawhatchee Bay is easily accessible from several points along the Emerald Coast, making it a convenient destination for travelers exploring Northwest Florida.
By Car
For those driving, the bay can be reached via several major highways and roads. From Interstate 10, take Exit 85 and follow State Road 293 south towards Niceville and Valparaiso.
This route will bring you directly to the northern shores of the bay. Alternatively, travelers can take Interstate 98 or U.S. Highway 98 and follow the scenic coastal route along the Emerald Coast Parkway, which hugs the southern shoreline of the bay.
If you’re coming from the east or west, State Road 20 (John Sims Parkway) provides direct access to the area. This route connects to major cities like Pensacola and Panama City Beach, making it a convenient option for those exploring the broader region.
By Boat
For boaters and sailors, Choctawhatchee Bay is easily accessible through the East Pass, which connects the bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Several marinas and boat ramps are strategically located along the bay’s shoreline, allowing for easy water access.
Popular launch points include Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville, among others. Our top pick: The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin!
By Air
Those traveling by air can fly into the nearby Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City or the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Both airports offer rental car services, making it easy to embark on a short drive to the bay area.
Once you arrive in the Choctawhatchee Bay region, you’ll find plenty of places to set up a home base for your bay adventure — including great Destin vacation rentals that give you easy access to the bay as well as other popular attractions in the area.
Where to Eat Near Choctawhatchee Bay
After a long day of exploring the outdoors, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite. Good news — there are plenty of great places to grab a bite near Choctawhatchee Bay!
Sail-Up Dining
For those seeking a unique dining adventure, the bay’s waters provide access to several sail-up restaurants and bars, where you can dock your vessel and step right into a world of culinary delights while taking in stunning waterfront views.
- LuLu’s in Destin — Located behind the iconic whale mural and a popular spot for the yachting community, this lively establishment features dining halls, open-air bars, and a family-friendly beach area.
- The Bay — Perched on the southeast corner of the 331 Bridge is another sail-up gem with a wooden pontoon extending into the bay, where boaters can tie up and enjoy a range of Southern classics and sushi rolls.
Waterfront Eateries
Even if you don’t have your own boat, you can still indulge in the bay’s waterside dining experiences. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating areas with panoramic views of the bay, allowing you to savor delicious fare while basking in the bayside surroundings.
- Freeport’s Nick’s Seafood Restaurant — Tucked away on the banks of Basin Bayou since 1963, this casual eatery serves up fresh catches from the bay, including succulent blue crabs, shrimp, and mullet.
- Baytowne’s Marina Bar & Grill — For an upscale dining experience, this waterfront restaurant in a dedicated harbor offers a range of culinary options, from breakfast to dinner, accompanied by the friendly company of Mary Ann, the resident macaw!
Where to Stay Near Choctawhatchee Bay
At Florida CFY, we offer top vacation rentals near Choctawhatchee Bay in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Our rentals are in prime spots, with easy access to the bay and all its activities. Plus, our high-rise condos and luxury townhomes boast everything you need for a comfortable stay, including fully equipped kitchens, plush suites, TVs, private balconies, and community extras — like swimming pools, fitness centers, golf, tennis, free tram rides to the beach, and much more!
Choctawhatchee Bay is the perfect destination for those seeking a balance of nature and convenience — whether you’re a hiker who wants to get away from the city, a fisherman looking for the perfect catch, or a family needing some quality time together.
Browse our full list of available Florida beach rentals, book your stay, and make your next Emerald Coast getaway one to remember at Choctawhatchee Bay!
