Questioning what actions and points of interest you may’t miss within the Emerald Coast? Our information to the perfect issues to do in Destin is simply what you want!
Famously referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is filled with so many enjoyable issues to do for the entire household.
As a result of Destin is positioned completely close to the Continental Shelf, it marks the gathering place for large catches like grouper and blackfin tuna.
Destin is legendary for anglers from all over the world to check their luck in deep sea, saltwater, and freshwater fishing. And although fishing could also be an infinite attraction for these anglers, that’s not all Destin is touted for.
This hotspot fishing village is dwelling to a few of the greatest seashores in the USA. Destin seashores are well-known for his or her sugar white sand and refreshing turquoise water. Destin, Florida makes for an excellent tropical trip!
Along with beautiful white seashores and numerous marine life, Destin additionally has loads of dwell leisure, amusement parks, and kid-friendly points of interest. Go on a sundown cruise, stroll on one of many nature trails in state parks, or simply lounge in the summertime solar.
Destin, Florida has points of interest to go well with folks of all ages!
READ NEXT: For extra concepts within the Sunshine State, try our new information to the perfect issues to do in Florida!
The Finest Issues to Do in Destin, Florida
Searching for enjoyable issues to do in Destin? Then, it is advisable to try this listing!
We’ve mixed all the perfect actions on this standard seashore trip city into one epic listing. Dip into the emerald waters of Henderson Seaside State Park. Take an image holding a dwell alligator at Gator Seaside, or go on enjoyable banana boat excursions. You are able to do all of it in Destin, Florida!
1) Take The Household To Gulfarium Marine Journey Park
Established in 1955, Gulfarium Marine Journey Park is a wondrous marine-based park that is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Destin for households and youngsters.
The reveals listed below are dwelling to quite a few marine animals, together with sea turtles, alligators, otters, penguins, sea lions, and unique birds. Coach chats permit guests to study extra in regards to the fascinating animals up shut and private.
And if that isn’t sufficient, the out there animal encounters give visitors an opportunity to swim with stingrays and work together with sea lions and dolphins!
Proper subsequent to Gulfarium Marine Journey Park is the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, one of many family-friendly sizzling spots of Destin. It incorporates a vary of retailers, eating places, and a protracted seashore line to soak within the solar after exploring the Gulfarium Marine Journey Park.
- Deal with: 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Seaside, FL 32548, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm
- Price: $20.95
2) Solar Tan & Swim At Destin-Fort Walton Seaside
Located alongside the Panhandle, Destin-Fort Walton Seaside is a popping spot for these trying to take part in watersports or absorb the solar.
Providing beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, many active-goers discover the emerald waters by snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, or hitching a ship experience.
These trying to simmer within the solar and chill out on the seashore’s white sands will be discovered stretched out on towels or leaning again on seashore chairs.
Between exploring the waters and roasting within the solar, beachgoers will head to HarborWalk Village for refreshments, meals, and looking for neat finds and souvenirs.
That is additionally one of many many locations in Destin, FL the place you could find seashore sand sculptures!
READ NEXT: Take a look at our 2 Week Florida Street Journey Itinerary for extra concepts within the space.
3) Be part of The Crowd At Crab Island
What was as soon as a tiny island close to Choctawhatchee Bay is now a Destin-favorite sandbar named “Crab Island.”
Crab Island has shortly turn into top-of-the-line issues to do in Destin, welcoming swimmers, boaters, fishers, and paddlers from throughout. A preferred hangout spot, the sandbar is giant sufficient that wave runners, boats, and kayaks can financial institution for everybody to socialize.
As well as, it’s not unusual to seek out floating eating places and different marine-savvy distributors drawing in prospects for snacks and drinks.
The shallow water by Crab Island makes it an ideal spot for sporty setups like volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, floating on tubes and boogie boards, and hanging out whereas basking in nice vibes and excellent surroundings.
Discover extra data about enjoyable issues to do on Crab Island on their official web site!
4) Store & Dine Alongside Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Masking virtually a mile alongside the Destin Harbor, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk presents waterfront entry and beautiful surroundings.
Among the best issues to do in Destin, the boardwalk hosts quite a few actions, together with eating places, bars, seashores, and eclectic retailers.
There are additionally watersport rental choices to tackle Destin’s waters for a day of thrill and exploration. Whilst you’re at it, try HarborWalk Village. That is the place you could find ziplining, the well-known Emerald Grande condos, dwell music, and weekly fireworks reveals!
And if you happen to’re nonetheless craving extra exploration, go on a Destin academic scavenger hunt. Every problem guides you to noteworthy hidden gems and factors of curiosity as you uncover clues for a enjoyable and intriguing solution to study extra about Destin.
5) Be taught About The Metropolis’s Beginnings At Destin Historical past & Fishing Museum
Settled on the foot of Destin Bridge, Destin Historical past & Fishing Museum is a novel website we advocate to study extra in regards to the background of Destin.
The museum preserves and shares the historical past of what as soon as was a small fishing village within the 1830s. It properties a powerful assortment of vintage fishing rods and reels, considered one of which is the unique Penn Reel of the well-known American author Ernest Hemingway.
You can even discover the oldest preserved seine fishing boat, The Primrose, which was constructed in 1925. Discover classic pictures of a time earlier than electrical energy was invented, of captains and early Destin settlers.
- Deal with: 108 Stahlman Ave, Destin, FL 32541, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (Closed Sunday/Monday)
- Price: $5
6) Chill out & Unwind At Crystal Seaside
Thought-about one of the crucial lovely seashores within the nation, Crystal Seaside options crystal clear waters, snow-white sands, and pristine surroundings to spend a soothing day at.
In the event you’re extra inclined to be lively open air throughout your journey right here, lease a kayak or boat to journey the waters.
The encircling neighborhood is a captivating tropical group with pastel properties, palm timber, and cute picket fences. Guests should head by means of the dune walkovers or neighborhood seashore entry factors to achieve Crystal Seaside.
Biking is a well-liked exercise at Crystal Seaside, alongside the Scenic Gulf Drive, a surprising route that traverses amongst glittering waters, spectacular seashore homes and towering condos, and sandy seashores alongside the gulf.
Close by, head to Salamander Spa at The Henderson Seaside Resort for top-of-the-line spa remedies that includes sunlit leisure areas, a whirlpool tub, full-body massages with heat mineral stones, and chill out within the lavender room.
Then, reserve a seat at Beachwalk Cafe for a romantic dinner ambiance settled beachside with the sounds of the ocean’s waves and the wealthy scent of salt surrounding you.
7) Go to The World’s Biggest Alligator Park At Gator Seaside
Trying out Gator Seaside is among the greatest issues to do in Destin!
Jump over with family and friends to Gator Seaside to tour this intriguing attraction. The most important alligator park on the Emerald Coast, Gator Seaside permits guests to see these scaly reptiles up shut (however not too shut!).
Take an image holding a dwell alligator (you may inform the household you wrestled it, too!). Then, feed over 100 alligators with specifically formulated Gator Meals connected to one of many park’s cane poles. Watch because the gators swim up and attempt to snag a chunk!
Then, sit down for a free gator present that includes world-class Gator Handlers. Be taught extra about alligators from the well-trained and educated employees, or uncover extra on the reveals.
This is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Destin, Florida, particularly for animal lovers!
- Deal with: 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 8 pm
- Price: Free
READ NEXT: Searching for extra family-friendly locations in Florida? Right here is our listing of the perfect issues to do in Orlando.
8) Go to The Coastal City Of Miramar Seaside
A preferred trip spot close to Destin, Miramar Seaside is a refreshing coastal city. The tropical vibes are immaculate, with beachside resorts, surf retailers, sand-dusted seashore roads, and palm timber adorning the realm.
It’s not unusual to seek out folks parasailing or jet snowboarding within the waters, tanning within the white sand, or purchasing at Silver Sands Premium Retailers, one of many nation’s greatest designer outlet facilities.
Head to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for social and family-friendly enjoyable. The city heart is bustling with eating places, dwell leisure, and distinctive retailers.
Spherical up the youngsters and take them to the middle’s Baytowne Carousel and Journey Land Playground, the place there are exercise choices like ropes programs and ziplining, for a memorable household trip. In all places in Destin, FL has a family-friendly ambiance!
9) Fly By means of Destin’s Waters On A Banana Boat Journey
In the event you’re going to hit the water, journey in fashion (okay, it is probably not a yacht, nevertheless it’s enjoyable!).
Banana Boat Rides can match as much as six folks, ages 5 and up allowed, on these humorous boats. So in case you have your entire household, you may take pleasure in your individual non-public boat! Fly by means of the water and really feel the fun as you race throughout Destin’s crystal-clear waters.
The banana boat journeys add an exhilarating twist to the expertise, with thrill-inducing bouncing because the boat is pulled by means of the water by a jet ski. However, in fact, the large enjoyable of driving a banana boat is falling off and testing to see who lasts the longest!
10) Choose Your Alternative Of Themed Mini Golf Programs
Destin is dwelling to a few of the greatest themed mini golf programs, excellent for taking over with the household!
Including some pleasant competitors to your trip, surrounded by dinosaurs, waterfalls, and jungle animals will make your journey to Destin memorable. Massive Kahuna’s isn’t solely a water park. It has a tropical-themed miniature golf course with tiki heads, picket bridges, waterfalls, and three upgraded programs.
One other fun-themed mini golf course is TRex Island Journey Golf at Wild Willy’s Journey Zone on Okaloosa Island. The prehistoric-themed animatronic 18-hole miniature golf course options quite a few dinosaur species round each twist and switch. Don’t overlook to maintain rating, the winner will get free ice cream!
11) Catch A Massive One At Okaloosa Island
A narrow-shaped island stretching three miles in size, Okaloosa Island acts as a barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay.
A bit of the island belongs to the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore, which pulls in thousands and thousands of tourists wishing to see the glowing emerald waters and white seashores for themselves.
After an eight-dollar payment, the native fishing pier permits anglers to check their luck and expertise for catching fishing video games like redfish, tuna, jack crevalle, and tarpon. And if you happen to’re not trying to fish, the doorway payment is barely two {dollars} to walk alongside the pier and admire the spectacular views.
Between suntanning on the white sandy seashore and catching fish, fulfill your urge for food at a few of the eateries positioned on the boardwalk; from tacos and margaritas to Gulf Grouper and the catch of the day!
12) Schedule An Unforgettable Sundown Dolphin Cruise
Who desires to mix a sundown cruise and a dolphin tour? Everybody!
Dolphin cruises in Destin are a rare probability to catch sight of bottlenose dolphins flipping, enjoying, and leaping by means of the emerald waters. With the addition of excellent timing, you may see dolphins and Destin’s awe-inspiring sunsets on a cruise you’ll always remember.
These cruises finish with a picturesque sundown above shimmering waters. In the event you’re fortunate, dolphins will break water for a novel expertise in Destin!
READ NEXT: Tampa can also be a superb place to go to within the Florida Gulf. Take a look at our listing of the perfect issues to do if you get there!
13) Take The Children To A Water Park
Massive Kahuna’s Water Park presents over 40 water points of interest, thrill rides, and a miniature golf course for a day of inexplicable enjoyable!
A magical place teeming with pleasure and actions to partake in, Massive Kahuna’s Water Park welcomes all ages.
So hop on a boogie board and drop into the Honolulu Half Pipe wave stimulator to check how lengthy you may keep on. Chill out and float by means of the lazy river. Or scream to your coronary heart’s content material as you slide down the five-story Jumanji or the Maui Pipeline.
The park is at present closed for the winter however will reopen in summer season! Test the web site for the schedule and for a full listing of costs.
- Deal with: 1007 US-98, Destin, FL 32541, United States
14) Go to One Of The Finest Seashores On Earth At Santa Rosa Seaside
Well-known for its pure magnificence, Santa Rosa Seaside is a novel seashore city located alongside 26 miles of the Emerald Coast.
Boasting luxurious and artistry, the city options luxurious seashore homes and condos, an artist colony named Gulf Place, and advantageous eating. Gulf Place is a artistic group that properties many issues to do in Destin.
The Gulley Amphitheater hosts dwell music and concert events. The Artists of Gulf Place is the place small galleries and artists showcase their work for guests to look at and ponder over.
Santa Rosa Seaside just isn’t solely an opulent and artistic group. It additionally options top-of-the-line seashores on Earth. Its refreshing glowing emerald waters and clear sugared seashores make it a spot to recollect.
At Santa Rosa Seaside, you may expertise just a little little bit of all the pieces, from hitting the seashore and looking for native artwork to listening to dwell music and having a romantic upscale dinner.
15) Develop into A Pirate (For The Day) At Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Anybody in search of household enjoyable in Destin ought to contemplate a Buccaneer Pirate Cruise!
This one-of-a-kind family-friendly journey traverses by means of the Emerald Coast. As quickly as you step aboard the boat tour, you be part of within the quest as pirates surrounded by exhilarating performances and vigorous music–and pirate spirit, in fact!
The captains and mates will take the gang on a festive journey of dancing, singing, banter, and piracy (the enjoyable type). The cruise launches off at Destin Harbor and stays in protected waters. After non-public coaching and sea legs have been addressed, visitors will work with fellow mates to uncover hidden treasure!
16) Hike & Kayak At Grayton Seaside State Park
Ranked amongst essentially the most lovely seashores within the nation, Grayton Seaside State Park is among the greatest issues to do in Destin.
This park is good for browsing, freshwater and saltwater fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. And that’s not all! Guests additionally come right here to bike and hike the character path that stretches greater than 4 miles, winding by means of a coastal forest and salt-flavored winds.
Maintain the lively way of life coming by hitting the waters by kayak, paddleboard, or canoe as you journey the native salt ecosystem.
There can be found choices for in a single day nights at Grayton Seaside State Park. The complete-facility campground welcomes tents and RVs with the added selection of recent cabins out there to visitors.
- Deal with: 357 Essential Park Rd, Santa Rosa Seaside, FL 32459, United States
- Hours: 8 am till sunset
- Price: $5 per car
17) Hitch A Constitution For The Finest Deep Sea Fishing
As top-of-the-line fishing cities in the USA, Destin is the place to order a constitution for deep-sea fishing.
Generally referred to as the “Billfish Capital of the Gulf”, you may catch some impressively-sized billfish, Mahi Mahi, tuna, grouper, and extra.
Destin, Florida can also be referred to as the “Luckiest Fishing Village”. So those that like to fish can have a blast on their Destin trip.
Loads of fish scouring the emerald waters, and with a constitution for deep-sea fishing, you may get fortunate and catch an enormous one!
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18) Peer At 12,000 Years Of Native American Historical past At The Indian Temple Mound Museum
An archaeological website in Fort Walton Seaside close to Destin, the Indian Temple Mound Museum preserves a monumental historic website.
The big mound protected on the museum is estimated to have been established round 850 CE. This historic discover was constructed by the Pensacola tradition Indians who as soon as lived there.
The museum is the primary municipally owned and operated museum with greater than 1,000 artifact collections, reputed to be top-of-the-line in prehistoric ceramics within the Southeastern United States.
Different reveals on the museum embrace artifacts relationship again to early settlers and European explorers and tales of native pirates.
- Deal with: 139 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Seaside, FL 32548, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 3 pm (Closed Sunday/Monday)
- Price: $5
19) Take A Dip Into The Emerald Waters Of Henderson Seaside State Park
That includes 30-foot white sand dunes, crystalline emerald waters, and pristine white sand, Henderson Seaside State Park is the place to indulge in tropical vibes and refreshing views.
The park is protected on the Emerald Coast, preserving and defending Destin’s final pure coastal scrub.
Henderson Seaside State Park’s waters are dwelling to tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins that swim and soar as they go about their day. As a result of water’s putting attraction, swimming or renting out boogie boards to drift within the water is a favourite exercise at Henderson Seaside State Park.
Different standard actions on the park embrace fishing, exploring the close by nature path, and tenting out within the 60 out there campsites to dwell it up by the seashore.
- Deal with: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
- Price: $6 per car
20) Snag A Catch Of The Day At Dewey Destin’s Seafood
Ran by the household of the founding father of Destin, Dewey Destin’s Seafood honors its beloved hometown and its founder by serving up sustainable and recent seafood in family-owned eating places in six places.
Every location of Dewey Destin’s serves a particular menu, making visiting each location totally different and worthwhile. In the event you arrange on the authentic location, you’ll dine beside the water with a recent catch as your meal!
- Deal with: 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 3 pm
READ NEXT: For extra tropical locations in Florida, contemplate heading to Key West!
21) Browse By means of The Destin Commons
Situated in downtown Destin, this open-air purchasing and eating heart has all the pieces you could possibly want for the entire household.
After a day of lounging on white sand seashores or swimming within the emerald inexperienced waters of the Gulf Coast, pop over to Destin Commons to refuel.
There are over 85 shops right here, making it one of many high Destin points of interest. Seize some meals, store for souvenirs, or simply take pleasure in strolling round and people-watching at Destin Commons!
- Deal with: 4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States
- Hours: Hours differ based mostly on the store, however common occasions are round 10 am – 7 pm.
The place to Keep in Destin, Florida
Now that we all know the perfect issues to do in Destin let’s try the perfect locations to remain throughout your journey! Whether or not it’s your first household trip to Destin, FL, otherwise you’re on a romantic getaway or a pal’s journey, there are locations to remain for any price range.
Finest Low-cost Resort in Destin, Florida
For an inexpensive keep in Destin, reserve a room at Sandpiper Cove Seaside.
The proper condominium rental for the best journey, Sandpiper Cove Seaside is ft away from non-public beachfront entry. A keep at this cozy trip rental consists of entry to 6 tennis courts, a ship slip rental and launch, 5 swimming swimming pools, three sizzling tubs, and extra handy options!
Finest Mid-Vary Resort in Destin, Florida
Keep at Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Blvd for a handy location with all the perfect in Destin. The resort is mere steps away from Destin’s best eating, leisure, and purchasing. Throughout the resort, visitors have fascinating lodging like an on-site restaurant, a heated out of doors pool to chill out in, complimentary breakfast, and free parking.
Finest Luxurious Resort in Destin, Florida
Among the best lodges in Destin, Florida, Resort Effie Sandestin presents luxurious like no different. The brand new luxurious resort exudes class and refinement paired with fascinating lodging.
Schedule tee time on 4 championship programs at Sandestin Golf and Seaside Resort. Expertise stress-free bliss at Spa Lilliana with characteristic remedies from Biologique Recherche.
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