August 17, 2021
Whether you’re planning a long weekend with family, a romantic beach escape, or a last-minute summer getaway with friends, Labor Day weekend is a prime time to visit the Emerald Coast, soak up the summer sun, and enjoy an extended stay in Destin with plenty of rest, relaxation, old-fashioned family fun and Labor Day celebrations.
The Emerald Coast has been a top trending travel destination throughout the summer months and, as Labor Day approaches signifying the end of summer, there’s nothing more tempting than one last summer getaway to the sugar-white sands, welcoming waters, and thrilling attractions that await in Destin, Florida.
Beach Day
Labor Day signifies the end of summer so be sure to plan one last trip to the beach to soak up the sun, swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters, build sandcastles and unwind with friends and family. Destin has 12 public beach access points with a stretch of sand perfect for each and every visitor.
Escape the crowds at Henderson Beach State Park, let the little ones play in the calm shallow waters of Crystal Beach, or get seriously social with the in-crowd at Crab Island, Destin’s famous sandbar. If your idea of a beach day involves extreme watersports, no worries! Glide above the gulf waters on a parasailing adventure, cruise the waters on a high-performance waverunner, or rent a double-decker pontoon for hours of fun at Crab Island.
Family Beach Days
A Destination for the Whole Family
Make a Splash at Big Kahuna’s!
To most kids, Labor Day means not only the end of summer but back to school! Spend the final weekend of summer enjoying the endless kid-friendly attractions and activities that make Destin a top destination for a family vacation.
Cool off at Big Kahuna’s Water Park with big thrill rides for the whole family, bungee jump and zipline at the Baytowne Adventure Zone, climb aboard the award-winning Buccaneer Pirate Cruise and enjoy an educational and exciting marine life experience at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. And … if you’re traveling with kids, there’s no need to lug all the gear, BabyQuip will deliver all you need, and more!
An Abundance of Outdoor Activities
Florida’s Emerald Coast lifestyle is all about enjoying the outdoors and Destin is surrounded by scenic state parks and a natural beauty that extends far beyond the beautiful beaches.
When you’re not beaching, playing in the gulf waters, and enjoying Destin’s top outdoor attractions, there are miles of picturesque trails through the spectacular dunes, coastal scrubs, and maritime forests to discover. Tee off for a breathtaking round of golf overlooking the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico on one of Golf Digest’s Top Places to Play in North America, rent a cruiser and ride the Timpoochee Trail or cruise along the water on Scenic Highway 98, or go birding at Henderson Beach State Park.
Explore the natural beauty of Destin
A beautiful sunset while fishing!
Destin is called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” with exceptional angling opportunities from deep-sea charters to jetties, fishing piers, and the bayside fishing at the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Fun, Festive Labor Day Events
Destin is known for its fabulous year-round events, live music concerts, weekly summer fireworks, and foodie festivals. Labor Day celebrations in Destin are fun, festive, free, and geared to the whole family.
See a spectacular display of fireworks!
Perfect Hues – Baytowne Art & Food Fest: Celebrate Labor Day at the pet-friendly Perfect Hues Baytowne Art & Food Fest in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, one of Destin’s top tourist attractions on Choctawhatchee Bay. Browse the exceptional artwork from local and regional artists, sample tasty treats from the food trucks, dine in the village restaurants enjoy a great lineup of live music each evening from 5-10 PM, and end your Labor Day weekend in Destin with a spectacular fireworks display over the lagoon.
Labor Day Concert Celebration: HaborWalk Village is another favorite for visitors to Destin with waterfront shopping and dining, exciting entertainment and attractions, tours and charters, and Destin’s top events! The Annual Labor Day Concert Celebration is a weekend of live music from local bands and a grand finale of spectacular fireworks over the gulf and bay waters at Destin Harbor, followed by a jaw-dropping fire spinning display.
Free Destin Activities & Attractions Every Day!
Our Xplorie partners offer the best places to stay in Destin and Florida’s Emerald Coast with free, family-friendly activities and attractions for each day of your stay, exceptional guest services, and value-added services that enhance every aspect of your vacation experience. Labor Day falls on Monday, September 6th this year, take advantage of our long weekend and end summer the right way with a tropical getaway on the Emerald Coast.