The name Okaloosa, the home county of Destin and the Sea Oats Motel, is a Choctaw Indian word that means ‘Blackwater’, after the pristine sand rivers that used to flow through much of northwest Florida.

Luckily for our guests, there is still ONE sand river left in the entire United States, and it calls Okaloosa county home too.

The Blackwater River is the ONLY pristine sand river left in the United States, so unique that the State of Florida purchased and designated it as a State Forest. This is a real treat when visiting Florida, and it is a part very few tourists take the time to see.

Canoeing down the Blackwater River is a great way to see old Florida, before the resorts and Palm trees.

You will be immersed in the stunning natural beauty of our river’s diverse flora and fauna, creating lasting memories that you will cherish for years.

On the river, the pros Blackwater Canoe offer complete round trip service. They will meet you at the end point of the river trip, park you, and transport you upstream to the launch point.

Toward the end of your trip you will encounter the Blackwater State Park. It offers large pavilions, restrooms and outdoor showers. You will end your trip back at your car. Simply beach your canoe, tube, or kayak.  It’s amazing.

Open year-round for your canoeing pleasure, Blackwater offers an exceptionally good group discount on the Blackwater River, including special rates for church groups, scout troops and other organizations.

Be sure to bring sunscreen, towels, litter bags, and a cooler full of drinks skiing with lots of food for a picnic on one of the white sand islands.

At the end of your day on the river, you’ll love returning to the beautiful Sea Oats Motel, which specializes in affordable beachfront luxury, right on the beach in sunny Destin, Florida, to relax and unwind.

Ideal for the more laidback traveler, the Sea Oats Motel is perfectly situated on Old Highway 98, away from the crowds, yet only a moment away from all the outstanding shopping, dining, and attractions that make our home so amazing.

Each of our suites are designed to be your home away from home while visiting our beautiful beaches. Fine furnishings, spacious living areas, sumptuous beds dressed in fresh linens, and large, modern bathrooms will ease your mind and your body.

Not only is the Sea Oats Motel conveniently located just steps from the beach or all the great dining, shopping and entertainment the city offers, but our amenities and service are so outstanding that you may never want to leave.

Your family will love lounging around our beautiful, heated pools, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and fragrant blooms, all overlooking endless stretches of private beaches. Our beach services are sure to delight everyone as we arrange time for your family to enjoy our jet skis, paddle boards and parasailing or simply set up some beach chairs with umbrellas and a good book recommendation.

At the Sea Oats Motel in sunny Destin Florida, there’s always something fun to do. So come spend the final carefree days of summer on the pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast, call today to learn more or to book your stay! .. 850-837-6655

photo credit: j.s. clark via photopin cc