Charters, piers and the new dock at Canal Park have drawn fishing buffs from across the country. Marquardt's Marina is a great place to drop anchor for those sailing to Mexico Beach, and it rents boats by the day or week. Fla. Destin offers some of the cleanest beaches. Its clear, calm waters are suitable for snorkeling and diving. The river runs into Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, combining salt and fresh water.
Mangrove trees mark spots where the waters collide.
Visitors can embark on canoeing or camping adventures and observe an eclectic mix of plants and animals. Hiking, fishing and biking are also popular. The Everglades was the first national park created to preserve an ecological system. Fla. St. Augustine is argued to be the nation's oldest city. Spanish influence abounds, from the city's architecture to its building names.