There are so many things to do in Destin Florida, but it can be tough to choose which ones to prioritize. In this blog post, I’m sharing a list of unique and memorable things to do in Destin Florida to maximize your vacation! Keep reading to discover what makes this Florida panhandle town so great and get ideas for your trip.
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Everyone knows someone who loves Destin.
I have several friends and family members who vacation there time and time again, and for good reason! Destin is gorgeous, and a fun part of Florida to visit. One of my best friends told me recently that it’s her favorite beach she’s ever been to. And she’s traveled all over the world!
Living in the Florida panhandle, I’ve been lucky enough to explore the area at length and would love to share what I know to help you plan your trip. Let’s get right to it…
Things To Do in Destin
1. See Destin’s Coastline
Destin is practically surrounded by water! There’s the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north, the Gulf of Mexico to the South, and the Destin Harbor to the west. So if there’s one thing you have to do, it’s spend time near the coast.
One place you can do this is the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. It’s where you’ll find over 150 different fishing charter and recreational boats all in one place. Over the years the area has grown and now extends into HarborWalk Village, which is a food, shopping and entertainment hub in Destin. It’s a really fun place to enjoy the breeze off the water and enjoy some great food. (P.S. Aren’t this tiki cruises so cool?)
There’s also no shortage of white sand beaches to enjoy. You’ll definitely want to check out the Gulf Islands National Seashore on nearby Okaloosa Island for stunning white sand and a tranquil, non-crowded option. Other great beaches are along Holiday Isle on the peninsula south of the harbor, Norriego Point, and Crab Island (more on that down below!)
2. Explore The History Of Destin
If you’re craving something a little off-the-beaten path and are interested in history, check out the Destin History & Fishing Museum. It’s filled with unique treasures like antique fishing rods, the oldest seine fishing boat in existence, and this location is home to the original Destin post office. Entry is only $5 for adults and $3 for kids.
Another gem is the Heritage Park and Cultural Center in nearby Ft. Walton Beach. It encompasses the Indian Mound Museum, a historic schoolhouse and post office, and Civil War exhibits all in one location. And just 15 minutes north from Ft. Walton Beach you can visit the Air Force Armament Museum to see over 29 different aircraft with free admission.
3. Get Up Close With Wildlife
Destin Florida is home to dolphins, sea turtles, tons of fish (and yes, even alligators). There are plenty of ways that you can interact safely and respectfully with these creatures on your vacation.
First up is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where you can learn more about marine mammals and their habitats, experience animal encounters, and learn about conservation. It’s also fascinating to hear about the work they do to help stranded animals that wash up on local beaches. Definitely a must-see!
Destin is also a fantastic place to see bottlenose dolphins in the wild. Because the Gulf of Mexico has warm water year-round, dolphins love it here! If you really want to spot a dolphin your best chance is from May to August. One of my FAVORITE things I’ve done is to take a dolphin-watching boat tour. Here are two great options in Destin: Check out this sunset dolphin watching cruise or this dolphin watching speedboat cruise to see these beautiful creatures in action!
4. See The Crystal Clear Water
You already know Destin is surrounded by water, so what better way to truly appreciate it than by being on the ocean? If you only stay on land, you’re missing out!
There are SO many ways to see Destin from the Gulf, the first of which is a can’t miss – Crab Island is one of the best things to do in Destin! It’s not actually an island (more of a sandbar) but is a wonderful place to float, soak up the sun, and check out the floating restaurants and souvenir shops. Crab Island is only accessible by boat, but there are lots of options for getting there and back. If you’ll be traveling with a larger group, check out this Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Rental. For a little more adventure, you could try the island jet ski adventure for two!
Besides Crab Island, you have an endless array of water activities to choose from: dolphin tours, surfing lessons, banana boats, jet skis, sailing, paddleboarding, private fishing excursions… and the list goes on and on! Something I think would be extra memorable is this private catamaran and snorkeling tour.
Because of the geography of the waters off Destin, it’s a fisherman’s dream. Boats have access to shallow waters, coral reefs, and the deep waters in the Gulf. So if you love fishing (or just love to eat seafood!) you’ll be in heaven.
5. Get a Bird’s Eye View
If you thought this Florida town was pretty from the ground, for some wow factor try seeing it from above! Two really unique and memorable things to do in Destin are parasailing and helicopter tours. It’s particularly stunning late in the day as the sun is going down and is something you will never forget.
For another adventurous option, you can try out parasailing! I still remember the first time I went, I was with my mom and sister and we were in nearby Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was the perfect blend of adventure but also a very tranquil experience as well. Because the water is so clear in Destin, you have a great chance of spotting some sea creatures (and get some phenomenal photos too!)
6. Find the Quirky Spots
Looking for something totally different and maybe even a little odd and quirky? I’ve got a few ideas for you! The first is Uncle Buck’s FishBowl, a bowling experience like no other, where the fish are swimming beneath the lanes and custom art adorns the walls and ceiling.
Other options are to hunt for treasure aboard the Bucanneer Pirate Cruise, take sandcastle-building lessons from a pro, or dive at the Underwater Museum of Art!
On a rainy day (or if you’re looking for an indoor activity), check out the Shard Shop in nearby Grayton Beach, where you can make your own art as a souvenir. A similar, but also unique experience is learning how to blow your own glass in this workshop.
7. Attend A Destin Festival
Destin is home to some amazing seasonal events! So be sure to check the calendar of events before your trip. Here are a few highlights:
- Spring: Sandestin Wine Festival, Mardi Gras Parade
- Summer: Memorial Day free concerts and fireworks, Smoke on the Coast BBQ Festival
- Fall: Destin Seafood Festival, Destin Fishing Rodeo
- Winter: Destin Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
8. Venture To Surrounding Areas
Did you know Destin is adjacent to the charming stretch of Florida known as 30A? I have an entire post dedicated to it… 30A Florida: Prettiest Beach Towns You’ve Never Heard Of. A drive along 30A (or at least the western portion of it) is totally worth it!
Okaloosa Island is also super easy to visit, it’s only a quick drive over the Destin Bridge. A few fun things to do in Okaloosa Island are stroll along the boardwalk, visit the pier, and go to the beach. There are lots of beach access points and a few small parks on Okaloosa Island.
9. Find The Perfect Destin Souvenir
If you want to do a bit of shopping, you won’t be disappointed in Destin! To find local food and goods, check out the Grand Boulevard Farmer’s Market in Sandestin. Florida 30A and Okaloosa Island also have their own farmer’s markets and aren’t too far away if you want to venture out a bit.
A few other great places to shop (and eat, take photos, bask in the sunshine) are Destin Commons – a nice outdoor mall, Baytowne Wharf – a resort community with an adorable shopping/dining/entertainment center (pictured above), and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin – an upscale lifestyle center.
10. Find Art Around Destin
Looking for street art, sculptures or murals? Destin has several good options to check out. The first is found at Destin Commons, an outdoor shopping center filled with murals by local artists. It’s where you can find the “Greetings From Destin” sign among many others!
Another interesting place to check out is the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, an outdoor, multi-use facility where you can find festivals, outdoor concerts, and some of the only public art installations in Destin. It’s a really cool place to visit to appreciate art.
11. Experience The Food
No vacation is complete without some amazing grub, am I right? If you love seafood, you’re definitely in luck because Destin is, at its heart, a small fishing village and there’s no shortage of great places to try! I myself don’t eat seafood, but a few beloved places to to check out are The Back Porch, Crab Trap and Shrimp Basket. For dessert, I’ve got you covered! Check out Parlor Doughnuts or The Yard Milkshake bar, they are both absolutely delicious.
For an even more memorable experience, you can book a private island sunset dinner on the beach or beach picnic. Here are a few local companies in Destin that do beach picnics:
12. Get Away From Everyone
Sometimes you’re just craving somewhere peaceful and away from the crowds, and you definitely have a few good options in Destin. Rather than hit up the main public beach access points, I recommend checking out a state parks – there are two in or near Destin.
Henderson Beach State Park is in Destin, and only costs $6 per vehicle for entry. They have a boardwalk, 6 different pavilions, picnic areas, playground for the kids, nature trails, and of course gorgeous (less crowded) beaches! As of March 2022, Henderson Beach will also be one of the first state parks in Florida to be staffed with lifeguards. Other bonuses are the outdoors showers near the beach and the camping sites.
Another less-crowded option is Grayton Beach State Park, located about 20 miles east of Destin, along the 30A coastline. It’s a quick, easy drive and only $5 per vehicle for entry. Some options here are walking/biking the 4.5 mile trail, boating in the crystal clear water, camping in one of the 59 camp sites, and of course fishing and swimming. It’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so if seclusion and wildlife is your thing you’ll love Grayton Beach State Park.
13. Camp At The Beach
If you want to stay somewhere with direct beachfront access, have you thought about camping? At Camping on the Gulf (also referred to as “Camp Gulf”, you can pull up your RV, stay in a cabin, or even go “glamping” in a tent. This family-owned business has even been named a Top RV Park by Travel Channel! It’s no surprise, because all their locations are directly adjacent to the beach and they have amenities like a pool, hot tub, and clean laundry facilities.
If camping isn’t your cup of tea, another option is a beach bonfire. In Destin, you’ll need a permit from the city that costs $100. To make the process easier, you can check out these groups that will set everything up for you:
14. Enjoy Destin Fireworks
Another memorable thing to do in Destin is watch the fireworks, which are set off over the harbor and are truly beautiful reflecting off the water. You can even catch the fireworks from the water relatively inexpensively on this tiki fireworks cruise! Another great viewing spot is the Destin Bridge -park at Harborwalk Village and walk up the sidewalk, because the harbor side of the bridge has a pedestrian walkway. Here are a few key dates when you can catch them:
- Summer: Every Thursday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Independence Day
- Fall: Halloween
- Winter: Following the Destin Harbor Boat Parade, New Year’s Eve
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