Things To Do
in Destin
Destin, located in the state of Florida, is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is a popular vacation destination for families and beach lovers alike, offering various water sports such as snorkeling, fishing, and jet skiing. The city also boasts upscale shopping and dining options, as well as championship golf courses.
Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico and explore nearby attractions such as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing morning on the soft, white sand of Destin Beach. Enjoy the warm sunlight and the sound of the waves as you take a leisurely stroll or set up your beach chair.
After lunch, try your hand at some water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding. This is a great way to soak up the sun while having fun on the water.
As the sun sets, grab dinner at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood with a stunning view. Wind down with a leisurely walk along the shore as the day comes to a close.
Kick off your day with a thrilling parasailing adventure to get a bird’s-eye view of the coast. It’s a unique experience that gets your adrenaline pumping and offers stunning views.
Spend your afternoon at Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park for fun-filled water slides and relaxing lazy rivers. The park is perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
End your day by trying out some local nightlife or visiting a beach bonfire. Enjoy live music or simply relax under the stars with a refreshing drink in hand.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful white sand beaches and emerald green waters
- Pleasant weather year-round, ideal for outdoor activities
- Wide range of recreational activities including fishing, boating, and water sports
- Family-friendly environment with various attractions and entertainment options
- Abundant dining options, including fresh seafood
- Shopping opportunities with local boutiques and malls
- Easy access to national parks and nature reserves for hiking and exploration
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, leading to overpopulation and traffic issues
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Florida
- Limited public transportation options, making a car necessary
- Potential for hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during summer and fall
- Seasonal job market fluctuations, which may affect employment stability
- Some areas may lack diverse cultural experiences compared to larger cities
- Tourist-centric economy can lead to price hikes in accommodations and attractions
Best Activities in Destin
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball at Destin's beautiful white sandy beaches.
Explore the underwater world by snorkeling at various spots along the coast to see colorful fish and marine life.
Take a fishing charter to experience deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters of the bay, perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Join a guided boat tour to see dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying the scenic views of the coastline.
Explore the trails and scenic beauty of Grayton Beach State Park, featuring diverse ecosystems and stunning views.
Play a round of golf at one of Destin’s beautiful golf courses, offering challenging layouts and lovely scenery.
Take a bike ride along the picturesque Scenic Highway 98, which provides breathtaking views of the beach and ocean.
Experience the thrill of parasailing and enjoy aerial views of Destin’s coastline from high above.
Visit one of the local water parks for a fun-filled day with slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Tours
Uncover the best of Destin with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Destin
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful stretch of white sandy beach with scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for sunset photography and nature walks.
Offering picturesque views of the harbor, boats, and waterfront dining. Great for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Destin.
A serene area with stunning turquoise waters and soft white sands, ideal for beach photography and capturing family moments.
Features gulf-side views with picnic areas, nature trails, and beautiful sunsets, providing excellent photo opportunities.
A popular fishing spot that offers expansive views of the Gulf and the pass, perfect for capturing dramatic ocean sunsets.
In addition to marine life experiences, it provides unique photo opportunities with dolphins and various sea creatures.
Known for its pristine beaches, this location offers stunning sunset views and a relaxed beach atmosphere for photography.
Provides an excellent vantage point for capturing aerial views of the Destin Harbor and surrounding waterways, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Destin
Destin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This classic Southern dish features succulent Gulf shrimp served atop a bed of creamy stone-ground grits, often enhanced with savory gravy and a hint of spice. It can be savored at The Back Porch, a renowned local restaurant known for its seafood creations.
Must-Try!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of Key Lime Pie, a refreshing dessert made with zesty key lime juice and a crumbly graham cracker crust. The Dessert Dine is a great place to indulge in this iconic treat.
A popular Gulf Coast specialty, blackened mahi-mahi features the rich flavor of this firm white fish enhanced with a blend of Cajun-inspired spices. Local hotspot Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House serves up an exceptional rendition of this dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Destin better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the lively boardwalk, where you can sample an array of street food offerings, from freshly caught seafood to classic carnival snacks. The harbor area is home to numerous vendors and food stands, ensuring a diverse and vibrant street food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Destin, as in many parts of the United States, personal space is valued. It’s important to maintain a comfortable distance during conversations, especially with those you do not know well.
When interacting with locals, it’s customary to greet them with a friendly 'Hello' or 'How are you?' It shows respect and helps to foster a welcoming atmosphere.
Destin is known for its beach culture and outdoor activities. Be respectful of local customs, such as proper beach etiquette, and always follow rules regarding littering and noise levels to maintain the community’s natural beauty.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Destin with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Destin
Ensure a smooth experience
In Destin, United States, tipping practices are generally consistent with those found throughout the U.S. It is customary to tip service workers, such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers, typically between 15% to 20% of the total bill. In more casual dining settings, tips can vary, while higher-end restaurants often expect a larger tip for exemplary service. Tipping in tourist areas may also be influenced by local customs and the type of service provided.
Payment practices in Destin include the acceptance of various forms of payment, such as cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options. Most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and accommodations, accept major credit cards. Some may also offer contactless payment methods. It is advisable for visitors to check with individual businesses regarding their payment policies, especially in tourist areas where practices may vary.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Destin.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Destin. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s (°F). The beaches are less crowded compared to summer, and you can enjoy activities like fishing, golfing, and exploring the natural scenery. Expect blooming flowers and a vibrant atmosphere.
Summer is peak tourist season in Destin, with warm temperatures averaging in the high 80s to low 90s (°F). The beaches are crowded, and there's a lively vibe with numerous festivals and activities. Expect high humidity and occasional rain showers. This is the perfect time for water sports, swimming, and beach activities.
Fall is another excellent time to visit, particularly September through November. The crowds thin out after summer, and temperatures remain warm, ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s (°F). The water is still warm, making it ideal for swimming. The scenery is beautiful as the foliage changes color, and there are fewer visitors compared to summer.
Winter in Destin is the quietest season, with temperatures averaging from the mid-40s to mid-60s (°F). While it’s too cold for swimming for most, the area is serene and beautiful. You can expect lower accommodation prices and the opportunity to enjoy activities such as fishing and sightseeing without the crowds.
Destin at Night
Hiking in Destin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful coastal park featuring a beach and nature trails, offering scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
This park boasts pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a diverse ecosystem with beautiful scenery.
Known for its rare coastal dune lakes, this park offers hiking trails that meander through lush landscapes and sandy beaches.
This vast area features multiple hiking trails that provide a mix of forest and beach environments, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located a bit further out, this park offers hiking along the scenic river with opportunities for exploring unique wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Destin through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Destin by plane.
Located about 20 miles northwest of Destin, this airport serves as the primary airport for the area, offering domestic and some international flights.
Approximately 60 miles west of Destin, this airport provides commercial airline service and is the closest major airport serving the Pensacola area.
Located around 100 miles west of Destin, this airport serves Mobile, Alabama, and surrounding areas with several domestic flight options.
Situated about 120 miles southeast of Destin, this airport mainly offers flights to and from the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.
Approximately 180 miles east of Destin, this airport is the largest in its region and provides extensive domestic flight services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Caucasian population residing in Destin.
Individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, including various nationalities.
Residents identifying as Black or African American.
Individuals identifying as Asian, including various subgroups.
People identifying as Native American or of Alaska Native descent.
Individuals identifying with two or more racial categories.
The Soul of Destin
Discover the essence of Destin through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Destin is known as the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village' and offers sport fishing opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico.
Destin features several scenic golf courses that attract enthusiasts of all skill levels.
With beautiful sandy beaches, beach volleyball is a popular recreational activity for locals and visitors.
Activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing are widely popular in the coastal waters of Destin.
The clear waters around Destin offer excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling to explore marine life.
While not as common, surfing can be enjoyed in Destin during certain seasonal swells.
The area's scenic paths and trails are popular among runners and cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Destin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood takes center stage in Destin's culinary landscape, many eateries in the area offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as fresh salads, veggie wraps, and plant-based burgers. Notable establishments with such options include The Red Door Saloon and The Back Porch.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can savor gluten-free seafood specialties at various restaurants, including the gluten-free grouper tacos at Pompano Joe's and the flavorful gluten-free options at Marina Cafe.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Destin with these cultural adventures.
