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Destin, Florida, is the beach vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Located in the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. Destin brings the sparkle to the famed Emerald Coast’s white-sandy beaches.
But don’t just take our word for it. Over 4.5 million people visit the Florida panhandle every year, with Destin as the most popular stop. Families the world over descend on Destin not only for fun in the sun but for the endless things to do on and off the water.
In what’s known as “the world’s luckiest fishing village,” whether you’re a fisherman hoping to bring home some fish stories or your goal is to lay back and dig your toes in the sand, there’s truly something here for the whole family to enjoy.
We wanted to help make sure that your vacation is as sun-kissed and fun-filled as possible, so we’ve put together this guide to help you create the best Destin, Florida vacation itinerary possible.
To make it easy, we’ve broken this guide down into three categories:
- Watersports
- Attractions
- Destin Beaches
Let the planning begin!
WaterSports
Home to some of the best white sand beaches and world-renowned fishing, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in and on the emerald waters of the gulf coast. Here are some of the best Destin watersport opportunities that Destin has to offer.
Destin Snorkel Tours
Destin Snorkel tours are the number one choice for snorkelling, and for good reason. Conveniently located in the Harborwalk Village, Destin Snorkel tours offer adventure for the whole family with a wide array of boat tour options. From snorkelling tours that last for 3 hours, including shelling and snorkelling (where you’ll see small schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and even dolphins) to their sunset and nighttime firework cruises. We think there’s a high probability you may even want to book more than one tour. Famed for how friendly, fun and knowledgeable the captain and crew are, this will be one of the best memories you make all vacation. Just remember to book your tickets early because these tours sell out fast.
And definitely don’t forget your sunscreen, you’re going to need it.
Destin Kayak Rentals
One of the most exciting and invigorating ways to explore the emerald waters of the Florida panhandle is in a clear-bottom kayak. Not only is it peaceful, but you’ll definitely get a good workout in and earn those beachside cocktails.
Destin Kayak Rentals is the number one spot for clean, well-maintained kayaks in the area. They also have paddleboards and peddleboards for rent and offer free pickup and delivery anywhere in Destin. Make sure to check their site for current weather conditions, and don’t forget to ask them for tips on the best places to kayak. They’ll be more than happy to help.
Pompano Joe’s Parasailing
If you’ve wanted to scratch parasailing off your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. Locally owned and operated, this place prides itself on selling fun! What better way to view the beach and the breathtaking ocean than by soaring high above them.There’s even a chance you’ll see dolphins, manatees and stingrays on your flight. That’s not all. At Pompano Joe’s Parasailing, you can also book yourself in for a jet ski or take the family for banana boat rides where could pass by the dolphins. The fun here is literally endless. Mission Accomplished!
Conveniently located right behind Pompano Joe’s restaurant where you can plan to have a beachside snack and cold bevy once you’re back on solid ground.
Destin Dolphin Cruises
Voted the #1 Dolphin cruise; you won’t want to miss this. We recommend calling ahead and asking about their “wild dolphin tour,” where they share secrets with you about the area that only locals know. Your tour will take place out in the Gulf of Mexico, where you will see dolphins living and enjoying their lives in their natural habitat. The tour will finish off watching the dazzling sunset that Destin is world-famous for from the calm and crystal waters of Choctawhatchee Bay.
L4K Charters: Fishing Charters in Destin
Have you been dreaming of fishing in Destin? Then you might want to consider chartering your own fishing boat. We recommend L4K Charters, where you and your family will be in the very capable hands of Captain Rob. Certified with the US Coast Guard and with his extensive knowledge of the waters and fishing, you’ll be in for a real treat. Captain Rob is known for his attentive eye, ensuring that you’ll always have bait on the hook and a line in the water…no one comes home empty-handed. He’s in high demand, so make sure that you plan ahead and book early to avoid missing out.
Attractions
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
The kids will never forgive you if you don’t put Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park on the must-visit list while in Destin. With rides and a full water park, this will be an entire day of mind-blowing, adrenaline-pumping fun for the whole family.
In the adventure park, you will find three state-of-the-art mini-golf courses with 54 holes in total. The courses wind you through beautiful tropical flowers, waterfalls and authentic tiki huts.
Once the sun is at its hottest, you’ll want to head over to the water park, where you and the kids will have the choice of 40 different water play areas, water slides and rivers. To test your fear of heights, we recommend lining up for Jumanji, where you will free fall in pure darkness for over 70ft. Do you have what it takes?
Gator Beach – Outdoor Park
Ok, have you even been to Florida if you don’t see a gator? We think not. So next up on our guide to the most fun Destin things to do is heading over to Gator Beach, where you will not only have the opportunity to see alligators but to play with alligators. Yep. You heard us right! You get to play with the gators.
Gator Beach is attached to the very well-known Fudpuckers restaurant, and whether you decide to have a meal there or not, everyone is welcome to Gator Beach for free. The alligator handlers are super knowledgeable and always on hand to assist you and answer all your questions. Another amazing perk about this place is that all of the gators are rescues.
Families that vacation in Destin yearly and know about this place visit year after year because it’s such a hit.
If you’re vacationing with kids, this is a must-see attraction not to be missed!
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Located in Fort Walton Beach, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a top destination for every family member. With impressive dolphin and sea lion shows, you will be mesmerized by these playful and intelligent animals. There’s also the opportunity for you to spend time and interact with the dolphins where you can feed and even pet them. The trainers here clearly care very much for the animals and also have a CARE center where you can learn about the dangers that marine life faces.
If you plan to visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, make sure you wear clothes that can get wet because there’s a good chance you will get splashed.
Destin History & Fishing Museum
This charming little museum is a bit off the beaten path but its a great place to visit if you’re into local history. It’s also very kid-friendly with extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff that are excited to give you the full story on how Destin became Destin. Here you’ll learn the history of how a little Floridian fishing town became the thriving tourist destination that you see today. We recommend fitting in a visit here on days where it may be raining, or the weather isn’t quite cooperating with your planned outdoor activities.
Village of Baytowne Wharf
The village of Baytowne Wharf is located on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Too many tourists discover it too late in their vacation and wish they’d known about it earlier. This is the kind of place you’ll want to come in the late afternoon or early evening so that you can wander through the village in the cooler evening air and take in all that this cool vibey little hotspot has to offer. As you meander through the streets, you’ll be entertained by buskers and their magic tricks, live music and beckoned to by the unique boutique shops to find one-of-a-kind items that will always remind you of your trip to Destin. There’s also a wide array of dining experiences to be had. Perhaps plan a night here with the family and another one where you can escape the kids for a while and have a date night.
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Ahoy, Matey!! If you have a little one in your party interested in Pirates, you have to make sure you hit up the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. This tour is definitely for kids, but the adults in your group will get a kick out of all the fun your kids will be having aboard this pirate ship. There’s also a bar with cocktails and mocktails to hydrate in the hot Florida sun as you sail the seas.
The crew here is incredibly interactive and engaging. Be prepared to get wet and laugh…a lot.
HarborWalk Village
Pack up the family and head on down to HarborWalk Village, the undisputed entertainment district of Destin. Here you can enjoy a stroll down the boardwalk, spend time in the shops or participate in the overwhelming amount of water activities that there are to choose from. If you’re so inclined, you’ll be able to rent a jet ski, a pontoon boat, go parasailing, and book a sunset cruise all within steps from each other.
HarborWalk is also the home of the largest charter fishing fleet in America. There’s no better place than here to order the “catch of the day” for the freshest fish anywhere. If seafood’s not your thing, there’s also street food and the usual restaurants you’d expect, like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville that’s always a hit with the family.
The Track
Cloudy day in sunny Florida got you down? No worries! Pack up the family and head over to The Track, where you can ride the go-karts, bumper boats, play the mini-golf course and challenge the kids in the arcade. Don’t hesitate to add this to your itinerary. This family-friendly attraction is a great way to have some laughs as you try to lap each other on the track.
Destin Beaches
Okaloosa Island
People staying in Destin, Florida, come to Okaloosa Island because it is ranked one of the best beaches in the world. With its white sugar sands and incredible views of the Gulf, it’s all too easy to spend an entire day exploring this breathtaking little island. When you’re not on the beach, you can find yourself fishing from the pier, walking the boardwalk or taking advantage of all the little picnic areas. The boardwalk also has a wide variety of restaurants to settle in, appreciate the sunset and listen to the sounds of the waves as they roll in.
Don’t forget to send us a postcard! We’re already jealous.
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is highly recommended by the locals and people who know the area well. The name of this beach does not lie! This beach absolutely sparkles with its crystal clear water and sparkling white sand, and the water is warm. This truly is paradise found.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton is more than just a beach. Located adjacent to Okaloosa Island, you’ll find it between Pensacola Beach and Panama City. This is a great spot for beach activities, a hopping nightlife scene, shopping, and entertainment in the Fort Walton Beach area.
Panama City Beach
Did your dating profile say that you love long walks on the beach? Well, if so, then why haven’t you been to Panama City Beach?!? Named one of the top 3 beaches in the entire USA, it’s over 27 miles of world-famous white powder beaches. This is a beach not to be missed.
Final Thoughts
We sincerely hope you found this guide to the #1 most fun things to do in Destin, helpful. With so much to see and do planning your beach destination to this Floridian paradise, can be overwhelming. From fishing to renting a jet ski, partying with your closest friends on a pontoon boat or the thrill of parasailing over the emerald waters, Destin Florida is a place where you’ll create memories that’ll be talked about around the dinner table for years to come. One last thing, don’t put so much pressure on yourself to make the whole trip perfect; some of the best moments are had when you’re building a sandcastle or just watching the sunset in silence.
Happy Travels!
