Heading to Destin for a week vacation. Any tips on good health clubs to jump on spin bike and a good pool to swim in?
I was there in February, but did not use any health clubs. I ran and swam. Had shipped my bike down, but never had time to build it, let alone ride it. Search the forum under “Destin” for a thread I started on it. There is also a local running group that you can hook up with.
In all seriousness, why do you need a pool? I swam right there in the Gulf.
If at all possible I would suggest taking a bike or renting one. Ride 30 A which is just of 98. Its a great ride with nice scenery and no hills. Not really sure on the pool situation, but if you get on the sound side of the peninsula you can find some really calm open water. I know that as you cross the bridge on 293 there were some good spots to swim at.
Not sure about Destin, but there’s a pool not far away in Panama City Beach. Check out: http://www.swiminparadise.com/. You really should try an open water swim while you’re there, though; Destin has some great beaches.
+1 on 30A. A round trip is good for about 36 miles. I love that ride when I’m back home for a visit.
+1 for 30A. That’s a great ride, and only a few people try to run you over.
There is a pool in Destin at the Destin Family YMCA. I know you can get a day pass, but I’m not sure about the cost. You can check with them at 850-837-8440. The pool is outdoors and in summer, with T-storms frequently in the area, it tends to get shut down fairly often. There is also an indoor pool at the Fort Walton Beach YMCA - depending on where you’re staying in Destin you can drive there in 30 minutes or less (well, depends on the traffic).
Destin Health and Fitness Club is a good option for the spin bikes and classes. Check their website at www.destinhealthandfitness.com for costs and class schedules. The health club and YMCA are located less than 1/2 mile apart on Commons Drive in Destin.
There are a couple of good bike shops in the area, Robins in Destin is good and they have group rides on Saturdays. The Emerald Coast Cycling Club has group rides on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons at the Ranger Road near Eglin AFB (need an Eglin outdoor recreation permit though) and the Northwest Florida Track Club has group runs a couple of times a week in Fort Walton Beach. You can check out running events with the local running store in Fort Walton, Run With It, 850-243-1007 or www.runwithitfl.com.
Hope you enjoy your trip. Be careful on Hwy 98!
Heading to Destin for a week vacation. Any tips on good health clubs to jump on spin bike and a good pool to swim in?
I’ve vacationed many times in Destin and have swum at the above mentioned Y. It’s a nice pool but check the hours before you go because some swim teams also use it.
I also got a week pass to Destin Health and Fitness one year which was a decent gym.
As for riding, it’s not so great IN Destin. This year we stayed in Watercolor and the riding was way better. 30A is OK but it’s narrow without much shoulder. I did the ride below several times while there (and not always early on Sunday mornings) and it was great. The couple of bigger roads had nice bike lanes and the loop part was desolate.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/328677013