Stunning white beaches, superb golf courses, and world-famous fishing are just some of the things that define the Emerald Coast city of Destin. Located in northeast Florida around 400 miles from Orlando, Destin is far removed from the theme park capital but it offers a whole host of fun things to do.
Read on for our favorite ways to make the most of your Destin vacation.
Things to do in Destin
Have a beach day
The beach is Destin’s biggest playground, and there are many options along the 24-mile stretch of sand along the Emerald Coast. The beaches in Destin are renowned for the contrast between their bright white sand and the rich emerald-hued water which makes them some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state.
The best beaches for families are the protected state park beaches which offer restrooms, picnic pavilions, and other facilities. Henderson Beach State Park is probably the best known, boasting white-sand beaches, miles of dunes and nature trails, plus campsites and spots for grilling and picnicking. This area is located away from the resorts and it offers a welcome change of pace from the busier beaches. Admission fees are just a few dollars and the minimal entrance fee is well worth a day here, especially on weekends and bank holidays when Destin’s other beaches can get crowded.
Other great beaches in Destin include Wayside Park, which is home to a popular fishing pier, a playground, and beach volleyball facilities. There’s also the John C. Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island, where you’ll find plenty of things to do including sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and wildlife spotting.
The Crystal Beach area is another top spot to check out, but some of the main tourist resorts are here so the beaches can get busy, especially when school is out. Nearby Miramar Beach is a must-visit, too, with its bustling boulevard, colorful shops, and eclectic eateries; this beach is consistently voted as one of the longest and prettiest in Destin.
Go on a shopping spree
With so many fantastic shopping options, it’s no wonder retail therapy tops the list of things to do in Destin Florida. Whether you’re looking for unique boutiques, outlet malls, or sprawling open-air complexes, the Emerald Coast delivers.
The Destin Commons mall is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls with around 100 retail stores and dozens of entertainment options. It’s home to a variety of well-known names like H&M and Victoria’s Secret, as well as restaurants, a movie complex, and a bowling alley. Kids will love the interactive water fountain in the central courtyard, as well as other kiddie amenities including a mini train and a pirate-themed playground.
For big discounts on designer brands including Calvin Klein, Coach, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren you should head to the Silver Sands Premium outlets. The beautiful outdoor mall is one of the most popular spots for shopping in Destin Florida and features covered sidewalks, lush landscaping, and a children’s play area. There are also a variety of dining options including restaurants, coffee shops, and grab-and-go options such as Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.
Visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
If you’re after a wider variety of things to do then the Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a hub of activity both day and night. There’s a shopping area with dozens of retail shops and specialty boutiques, and there are an array of seafood restaurants and buzzing bars that line the waterfront. There are plenty of watersports rentals from the marina, as well as deep-sea fishing charters, ‘pirate ship’ excursions, and dolphin-spotting cruises.
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is home to a host of exciting annual events including the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the Destin Seafood Festival. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Destin at night, you can check out Destin Harbor’s ‘Fat Tuesday’ street parade, the Wednesday night concert series, and regular live entertainment events.
Play a round (or two) of golf
No list of things to do in Destin Florida would be complete without mentioning the golf courses. Since Destin is located on the Gulf Coast, much of the year is warm and sunny making it great for playing golf.
The Regatta Bay Golf Club is one of the top-ranked courses in northwest Florida and is suitable for players of all skill levels. The course is located in an exquisite setting among beautiful nature preserves along the Choctawhatchee Bay, and is open to the public all year round. Amenities include state-of-the-art golf carts, a clubhouse with a golf shop, a full-service restaurant, and on-course beverage carts.
Also located along the Choctawhatchee Bay is the renowned Kelly Plantation Golf Club, an 18-hole course built around a former turpentine plantation. The course offers a rich scenic appeal with large contoured greens, wide manicured fairways, and picturesque views of the bay. It also has a grand clubhouse which doubles as a venue for special events and weddings.
The Indian Bayou Golf Club is another highly popular golf course in Destin, offering 3 different 9-hole courses. Recently renovated and updated, the club’s 27 holes feature wide-open fairways ideal for every skill level, as well as lush undulating greens, soaring pine forests, and picturesque lakes.
Dine out on Florida’s famous seafood
With its coastal location, Destin is perfectly primed to serve up an almost endless seafood selection. Whether you’re after casual fishy fare or fine seafood dining, Destin’s seafood restaurants are by far the best places to dine.
The tastiest seafood meals can be found at Dewey Destin’s, a casual dining restaurant that serves seafood standards from a converted bait shop overlooking Destin Harbor. Run by Dewey Destin, the great, great-grandson of Leonard Destin who founded the city in 1835, this place is one of the city’s most iconic seafood mainstays and is popular with tourists. Don’t let that put you off going though, as it wears the hubbub well with plenty of dining space inside and out, as well as excellent service.
Other top restaurants in Destin include the award-winning Beach Walk cafe, a fine-dining restaurant located directly on the beach near Henderson State Park. Serving a fusion of American, French, and Asian cuisine the food here will have your taste buds tingly and the stunning views will blow you away. You can reserve a table on the veranda overlooking the sea, or even on the beach with the VIP dining option.
For something a little different, the Shrimp Shack is one of the most picturesque places to eat in Destin. Set atop the rolling sand dunes at Santa Rosa Beach, any doubts you may have about dining in a ‘shack’ will be allayed when you arrive. You can enjoy the restaurant’s sumptuous seafood offerings inside the charming shack, or opt for a table out on the porch and enjoy stunning views over the dreamy beach. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a takeaway, you can order a pound of your favorite dish to go.
Family activities in Destin
The options for things to do in Destin Florida for kids are many and varied, so you’ll have no trouble keeping the little ones entertained. Aside from the beaches (which offer no end of entertainment), there are water parks, fishing trips, playgrounds, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and even sandcastle-building lessons.
To get started, you may want to head straight to Big Kahuna’s Water Park. This fun-filled splash park is one of Destin’s most popular places for family fun and features more than 40 attractions including speed slides, tube rides, wave pools, and toddler splash zones. There’s an on-site adventure park too with mini-golf, theme park rides, and a surf simulator.
For movies head to the AMC at Destin Commons. This mall is home to a bowling alley too, complete with a sealife-themed diner and 16 bowling lanes.
The best time to go
Destin boasts good weather pretty much all year round, however, there is some distinction between the hotter and cooler months. The best time to visit Destin is during the months of April and May when there is abundant sunshine and the water is warm. If you visit during the winter months the weather will be cooler and the water will be a little chilly, but you’ll reap the rewards of lower prices for flights and accommodation.
A Destin summer vacation will put you among the crowds and the peak season prices, however, the hours of sunshine and beach time far outweigh the costs. Note that Florida’s hurricane season runs from June to November each year, peaking between August and October. However, even if you visit during those months, there’s a very low risk that a hurricane will affect your vacation.
You can find out more about the best time to visit Florida in our simple month-by-month guide.
Tempted to book?
Whether you’re looking for a huge beach house for a big group or a budget-friendly condo for two, we offer all kinds of Destin vacation rentals. Many homes have private pools and scenic balconies. Some also have games rooms, private beach access, and complimentary beach buggies.
Looking for pet-friendly vacation rentals in Destin? No problem. Pets are considered at most of our villas in Destin, so you can bring your furry friends on vacation with you.
Booking one of our Destin vacation rentals is easy. Simply browse through our collection of Destin vacation rentals, then use the filters to select the number of bedrooms and any other amenities you’d like to add. Once you’ve found your perfect home, you can book online safely and securely. Alternatively, submit an inquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
Book one of our villas in Destin and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service and access to a wide range of travel extras such as car hire, a private chef or help with arranging a special occasion.
