Destin is a Beachgoers Paradise

March 30, 2021

Destin is perfectly situated on the Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida with miles of sandy white beaches, emerald green waters, and an abundance of attractions, activities, and excursions for all ages. Year-round sunny skies, secluded nature preserves, wild dunes, lush forests, and pristine coastal wilderness makes this charming fishing community the best destination for a beach vacation in Florida. Families and snowbirds flock to the Emerald Coast shores for fun activities, secluded outdoor adventures, wildlife and sea life encounters, and most of all …. the beautiful tropical beaches!

Destin’s #1 Attraction – The Beach

Destin is a beachgoers paradise with 13 beaches hugging the shorelines of the Gulf of Mexico. Florida’s beaches are open so why not book a beach vacation, swim in the warm emerald waters of the Gulf, build sandcastles on the beach and naturally isolate yourself on the tranquil shoreline of Destin. For scenery and seclusion, Henderson Beach State Park has a mile of sugar-white sands, a nature trail through the wild sand dunes, and an abundance of wildlife, birdlife, and frolicking dolphins. Crystal Beach and James Lee Beach offer an amazing stretch of sand with dune walkovers, picnic tables, beach rentals, and a playground for the kids. For a little fun in the sun take a boat, kayak, or waverunner to Crab Island, a party hot spot on a shallow sandbar near the Destin Bridge with floating vendors, water sports, beach activities, and a fun festive vibe.

Water Sports & Water Parks

Destin naturally boasts water sports for all ages with thrilling water parks that keep the kids entertained for hours. With an enhanced focus on social distancing, there are many individual watersports to avoid the crowds. Stand up paddle on the Bay, Gulf, or Sound, canoe or kayak at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, rent a private pontoon to fish in Choctawhatchee Bay or snorkel the Destin Jetties. Parasailing in Destin with Gilligan’s is the best way to enjoy views of the beautiful blue Emerald Coast and majestic sea life from the skies. For big thrills and lots of splashes ride the waterslides at Big Kahuna’s Water Park or book a Banana boat ride in the Gulf.

Wildlife & Sea Life Encounters

COVID-19 has left us all with a deeper appreciation for nature! If you’re looking for a wildlife or sea life encounter, Destin does not disappoint. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a top family-friendly Destin attraction that is educational, engaging, and entertaining for the whole family. Get up close for a personal interactive encounter with dolphins, stingrays, seals, sea lions turtles, snakes, gators, and even penguins. For reptile lovers, Destin is home to “The World’s Greatest Alligator Park”, Gator Beach, and the Gator Museum.

Take a Cruise

For a personal encounter with dolphins in their natural habitat, climb aboard Destin’s Original Sea Blaster for a sightseeing dolphin tour of the Emerald Coast. The Emerald Coast of Florida has constant warm waters and an abundance of seafood that allows for year-round dolphin viewing. If you’re looking for dolphins from the shoreline, the best viewing spots are Henderson Beach State Park, Eglin Beach Park, and the Okaloosa Island Pier. If you’ve got kids in tow, throw them in a fantasy world of swordplay, treasure hunts, water gun fights, singing, and dancing on a Pirate Cruise.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk stretches along the Destin Harbor and is the heart of Destin.  A hub of entertainment and activities, free things to do, restaurants and cafés with water views, a wide variety of shopping, and the best place for a Destin sunset. Set out on a fishing charter, eat fresh seafood, shop till you drop, and take advantage of all the free things to do in Destin. If you’re visiting in October, the Destin Seafood Festival and Destin Fishing Rodeo are fun events held on the boardwalk.

Adventure Zone & Arcades

Families love visiting Destin for the many arcades, amusements, and adventure zones that delight all ages (even the big kids!). The Baytowne Adventure Zone lies in the heart of the Village of Baytowne Wharf and is South Walton’s exclusive adventure zone. Zipline across the Baytowne Lagoon, test your skills on the ropes course, bounce and flip on the Euro Bungy or chip the birdie balls across the lagoon in the Baytowne Golf Challenge. When the adventures are over, you’ve got a great choice of eateries and shops to explore in the Village of Baytown Wharf.

Tee Off in Destin

Destin has some of the best golf courses in Florida with superior championship courses, breathtaking views over Choctawhatchee Bay, and more holes than you can count. Whether you’re a family looking for golfing fun, a beginner learning to putt, or a seasoned golfer, The Golf Garden of Destin welcomes golfers of all skill levels. The Golf Garden features a family-friendly nine-hole executive golf course, an 18 hole putting course, a driving range with target greens and practice greens for chipping and putting, and night play in the summer months. Golfing fun for the whole family in Destin.

Step Back in Time

Once a quiet fishing village, Destin is known as “the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, is home to one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in Florida, and has a rich maritime history to discover. The Destin History & Fishing Museum exhibits and artifacts take you back in time to the early Destin pioneers from the 1830s and the history of a once sleepy fishing village. For a further glimpse into the history of Destin, visit the Indian Temple Mount Museum loaded with artifacts dating back thousands of years.

Dining & Shopping

You truly are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and shopping in Destin. There are a number of entertainment complexes and lifestyle centers with upscale shopping, diverse restaurants, family activities, and fun entertainment. The open-air Destin Commons is in the heart of Destin, the Village of Baytowne Wharf lies on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, the upscale Market Shops in Miramar Beach, and HarborWalk Village perched on the edge of Destin Harbor. Across the bridge, the Fort Walton Beach Flea Market is great for vintage and antique shopping.

Destin Getaways

Destin is a beachgoers paradise for easy seclusion and natural isolation year round! Avoid the crowds and book direct with Destin Getaways for your next stay on the Emerald Coast. Your Emerald Coast vacation with Destin Getaways gives you exclusive access to a digital Family Fun Package with local discounts and free activities for your stay. Destin Getaways’ selection of vacation rentals ranges from budget-friendly condos on the shoreline to luxurious villas with outstanding resort amenities in the communities of Destin, South Walton, Crystal Beach, and Miramar Beach.