12 Best Things To Do in Destin, Florida - Trips To Discover (2024)

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Enjoy the Outdoors at Henderson Beach State Park

What Is It? Made of Appalachian quartz, the sugar-white sand that lines Henderson Beach State Park is enough to put it on the top of the list.

Why Do It? One of the best things to do on Florida’s Emerald Coast, youcan embrace 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline, and bask in the sunshine with views of the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Good to Know:Perfect for a family day out, spend an afternoon swimming, grilling, or strolling the scenic nature trails.

Soak Up the Sunshine at Crystal Beach

What Is It? Another idyllic escape in Destin is Crystal Beach.

Why Do It? Lined with rainbow-colored beach cottages, you can sit under the shade of an umbrella, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and dig your toes in the sand as you listen to the peaceful sound of the tide rolling in.

Good to Know:This dreamy beach area is a favorite amongst the locals, as its quiet landscapes also offer easy access to pavilions and picnic tables.

Take a Stroll Along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk

What Is It? Stretching nearly a quarter of a mile along the Destin Harbor, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk provides easy access to the waterfront and features a range of local restaurants and gift shops.

Why Do It? Enjoy the beautiful photo opportunities or watch the fishing boats come in, as the area serves to preserve the harbor’s unique character.

Good to Know:It’s also where the annual Destin Seafood Festival and Destin Fishing Rodeo events are held.

Learn About Marine Life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

What Is It? Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has been delighting marine life enthusiasts since 1955, as it’s a historic aquarium that features a variety of unforgettable animal encounters.

Why Do It? You can watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from a submerged platform, feed an African penguin, or introduce yourself to gentle seals and spunky sea lions.

Good to Know:The little ones will delight in the Kids Reptile Safari, where they can come face-to-face with turtles, lizards, snakes and alligators.

Indulge in Fresh Seafood at Local Restaurants

What Is It? Destin is known for its range of enticing seafood joints, so much so that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one.

Why Do It? You’ll find some of the best seafood restaurants in Florida here. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is popular for its “hook and cook” cuisine with steamed and boiled shellfish platters, while Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House boasts “Gulf to Table Southern Cuisine” with beautiful views over the harbor.

Good to Know:Head to Dewey Destin’s to dine on fresh grouper, or dig into the Creole-style seafood dishes at Louisiana Lagniappe.

Explore The Village of Baytowne Wharf

What Is It? Sitting pretty on Choctawhatchee Bay, take a trip to the Village of Baytowne Wharf to enjoy a wide range of boutiques, eateries and nightlife venues.

Why Do It? It boasts a full calendar of family-friendly events, from movies under the stars and flyboard shows to free outdoor concerts.

Good to Know:The kids will delight in fishing in the lagoon or dropping quarters in the arcade, while adults can browse the collection of buzzing nightclubs when the sun goes down.

Cool off at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park

What Is It? A perfect respite from the heat, take the kids to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, one of the best waterparks in the state.

Why Do It? Loaded with over 40 attractions, hop on Kowabunga Racer with four of your friends and plunge down 300 feet in a race to the finish on a “speed mat” down a slide the length of a football field.

Good to Know:While the waterpark is open from mid-May to August, you can still enjoy the racetrack, park rides and mini-golf course year-round.

Take a Day Trip to Grayton Beach State Park

What Is It? Grayton Beach State Park is home to one of the state’s most pristine beaches for swimming, and its location 23 miles east of Destin makes it a hotspot for day trips.

Why Do It? In addition to experiencing one of the prettiest white-sand beaches in Florida, you can admire the quiet landscapes and Gulf of Mexico views, or spend your day swimming, surf fishing or hiking through the coastal forest nature trails.

Good to Know:Those who want to indulge in an overnight adventure can book one of the charming cabins available on site, while campgrounds are also available.

Enjoy a Family Adventure on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

What Is It? There’s a long list of boat excursions available in Destin, but none are as entertaining as the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise.

Why Do It? It’s an interactive family-friendly adventure, where you can hop aboard a 100-foot U.S. Coast Guard-approved motor vessel and participate in sword fights and water gun battles.

Good to Know:Enjoy plenty of stories, songs, and dances, and embark on a memorable adventure on a treasure hunt.

Cast a Line at Okaloosa Island Pier

What Is It? The Okaloosa Island Pier is a great place to slow down and appreciate the picture-perfect natural surroundings.

Why Do It? Spend your day watching fishermen reel in the day’s catch or rent rods and reels to join in on the fun yourself along the 1,261-foot-long fishing pier.

Good to Know: Located four miles west of the Destin Bridge, you can catch a wide variety of saltwater fish or simply spend some time enjoying the salty breeze.

Practice Your Swing at Kelly Plantation

What Is It? Home to a scenic golf course, those looking to improve their swing can head to Kelly Plantation Golf Club.

Why Do It? Constructed on the former site of a turpentine plantation, this visually impressive 18-hole course showcases miles of manicured grounds and waterfront landscapes, lined by bayous and magnolia and palmetto trees.

Good to Know:Set along the Choctawhatchee Bay, make sure to admire the 7.5-acre lake that surrounds holes 9 and 18.

Browse the Shops at Destin Commons

What Is It? A perfect excursion for when you’re in need of a souvenir, head to the outdoor retail shops in Destin Commons.

Why Do It? You’ll find a wide range of local and national brands selling anything from electronics and sporting goods to homewares and beauty products, with stores like Bass Pro Shops and H&M available.

Good to Know:After you’ve gotten your fill of browsing the window displays, take a break in the on-site movie theater or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants nearby.