In the classic movie Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman ate 50 eggs. I think I might top that before the day is over. I just ordered two over easy at June's Dunes in Destin, Florida. The sun is barely up, and I'm already on my second breakfast.

Pardon me if I start to cackle. I love breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day when I'm traveling--maybe because there's time to enjoy it without having to rush to the office. Many other vacationers who come to Destin seem to feel the same way. This part of the Emerald Coast looks like breakfast heaven to me. Almost every street boasts a cafe, diner, or bakery that makes a big deal out of the day's first meal.

"Even though a lot of people stay in condos, it's amazing how many don't like to cook when they go to the beach," says Bill Chandler, who helps his son Brent run the Donut Hole, a popular bakery and cafe that draws crowds at locations in Destin and nearby Santa Rosa.

On a recent visit, I tried as many early-morning eateries as I could manage. Here are some I found that make meals worth waking up for.