Destin, Florida, offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some popular things to do in Destin:
Beach Activities
Enjoy the stunning white sandy beaches of Destin, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and building sandcastles. Some popular beaches include Henderson Beach State Park, Okaloosa Island Pier, O’Steen Public Beach Access, Miramar Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore – Okaloosa Area, John Beasley Park and Shores at Crystal Beach Park.
- Henderson Beach State Park – 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-7550
- Okaloosa Island Pier – 1030 Miracle Strip PKWY SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 – (850) 244-1023
- O’Steen Public Beach Access – 320 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
- Miramar Beach Regional Access – 2396 Scenic Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Gulf Islands National Seashore – Okaloosa Area – 1 Gulf National Sea Shore Dr, Okaloosa Island, FL 32548
- John Beasley Park – 1550 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
- Shores at Crystal Beach Park – 2964 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Water Sports
Engage in various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Destin’s clear waters and abundant marine life make it an ideal destination for water activities.
- Miramar Beach Paddleboard Rentals – 2078 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 – (850) 585-0224
- Ultraviolet Water Sports Jet Ski Rentals – 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 200-6619
- Xtreme H20 Parasailing – 7 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 978-3060
- Destin Clear Kayak – 10 Harbor Blvd #66b, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-3000
- Flippers Snorkel Adventure – 500 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-0113
Fishing Charters
Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin offers excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities. Charter a fishing boat and head out into the Gulf of Mexico for a chance to catch marlin, snapper, grouper, and more.
- Boat Charter Destin – 4601 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 800-9276
- Charter Boat Lady Em – 538 US-98, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-6717
- Charter Boat Special K – 66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 259-5246
Dolphin Cruises
Take a dolphin cruise to see these playful marine mammals in their natural habitat. Many companies in Destin offer dolphin-watching tours, where you can observe dolphins jumping and playing alongside the boat.
- Crab Island Dolphin Tours – 314 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 803-5466
- Fair Winds Sailing Co – 66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 502-0664
- Southern Star Dolphin Cruise – 100 Harbor Blvd Unit A, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-7741
- Destin Harbor Cruises – 302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 710-2113
Golfing
Play a round of golf at one of Destin’s championship golf courses. Courses like Emerald Bay Golf Club, Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club, Kelly Plantation Golf Club, and The Links Golf Club offer scenic views and challenging holes. All open to the public.
- Emerald Bay Golf Club – 4781 Clubhouse Dr, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-5197
- Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club – 1 Country Club Dr E, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-6191
- Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club – 465 Regatta Bay Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 337-8080
Shopping
Explore Destin’s shopping destinations, including Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets. These shopping centers feature a wide range of stores, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Destin Commons – 4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 337-8700
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets – 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 – (850) 654-9771
Dining
Indulge in fresh seafood and other delicious cuisine at Destin’s many restaurants and eateries. From casual beachfront cafes to upscale dining establishments, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Pompano Joe’s – 2237 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin, FL 32550 – (850) 837-2224
- Crab Trap Destin – 3500 Scenic Hwy 98 E, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 654-2722
- LuLu’s – 4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 710-5858
- The Back Porch – 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-2022
- Harbor Docks – 538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-2506
- The Harbor Tavern – 306 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 842-2377
- Boathouse Oyster Bar – 288 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-3645
- Dewey Destin’s Harborside – 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-7525
- AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar – 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-1913
- Harry T’s Lighthouse – 46 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 654-4800
- The Gulf on Okaloosa Island – 1284 Marler Ave, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 – (850) 387-1300
HarborWalk Village
Visit HarborWalk Village, a bustling waterfront entertainment district with shops, restaurants, live music, and family-friendly attractions. Don’t miss the weekly fireworks shows during the summer months.
Nature and Wildlife
Explore the natural beauty of Destin by visiting places like the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Shores at Crystal Beach Park, and the Destin History and Fishing Museum. You can also take eco-tours to discover the area’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk – 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 683-3009
- Shores at Crystal Beach Park – 2964 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
- Destin History and Fishing Museum – 108 Stahlman Ave, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-6611
- Backwater Tours – eco-tours – 51 Ventana Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 – (850) 865-0420
Day Trips
Take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, the Emerald Coast Science Center, or the nearby towns of Seaside and Grayton Beach along scenic Highway 30A.
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – 1007 US-98, Destin, FL 32541 – (850) 837-8319
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park – 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 – (850) 243-9046
- Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone – 1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 – (850) 400-3300
- Emerald Coast Science Center – 31 Memorial Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 – (850) 664-1261
These are just a few of the many things to do in Destin, Florida, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience for you.