If you’re placing collectively your trip itinerary and also you’re looking for enjoyable issues to do in Destin, Florida, you’ve come to the correct place!
Destin is an unbelievable trip vacation spot and the proper place to make fun-filled reminiscences with your loved ones or buddies. From boating and fishing to sunbathing on the white sandy seashores, there’s one thing everybody will love.
Plus, the crystal clear and colourful waters of the Emerald Coast are positive to go away you mesmerized. So come expertise the enjoyable and sweetness Destin has to supply. Here is only a small listing of the entire enjoyable issues you are able to do once you go to Destin, Florida.
27 Fun Things to do in Destin Florida
Here are 27 of the most effective actions and points of interest that can make your trip an unforgettable journey. From seashores to water parks and nice eating places, this listing has you coated.
1. Henderson Beach State Park
Visiting Henderson Beach State Park is an absolute should when in Destin. This Florida State Park gives a shocking 6,000 ft of pure scenic shoreline bordered by the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
With boardwalks offering entry to the seaside for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and even nature trails that wind by the sand dunes, it’s no shock that this seaside is a well-liked spot to go to. There are even campsites for anybody wanting to increase their go to to the park!
Pro-tip: Keep an eye fixed out as you discover as you may even spot a few of the wildlife that makes this spot their house!
2. HarborWalk Village – Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Visiting HarborWalk Village and the Destin Boardwalk is a should when visiting Destin, Florida. This quarter-of-a-mile boardwalk stretches alongside the gorgeous Destin Harbor and gives loads of enjoyable and pleasure.
Anything from parasailing, zip-lining, water sports activities leases, dwell music performances, weekly fireworks, buying, eating places, a mountaineering wall, a mini golf course, and escape rooms. Don’t miss out on enjoyable eating places like Margaritaville and Harry T’s positioned proper right here on the harbor. And don’t overlook to seize fudge on the Fudgery for a candy deal with!
With a lot to see and do, HarborWalk Village must be your first port of name when searching for enjoyable issues to do in Destin.
3. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Visiting HarborWalk Village in Destin shouldn’t be full with out an journey on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise! You will sail into the gorgeous waters of the Emerald Coast and discover undiscovered treasures.
Entertainment and interactive actions, comparable to pirate-themed enjoyable, witty banter, singing, dancing, and even sword preventing, water gun battles, and genuine cannon firing, will create an journey and pleasure for each the younger and previous.
With enjoyable actions throughout, Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is an effective way to make enjoyable reminiscences with your loved ones and buddies!
4. Visit Gator Beach – World’s Greatest Alligator Park
Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill is the last word enjoyable spot in Destin, Florida! This free park gives enjoyable and interactive experiences that make it a top-rated attraction. Visitors can stand up shut and private with alligators, an image of holding child gators, and even feeding them from lengthy fishing poles.
There are all ages of gators right here to watch and study, making it a enjoyable and academic expertise for everybody! And, with the repute of being the “World’s Greatest Alligator Park,” you received’t be disenchanted once you go to Gator Beach.
5. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is one in all Destin, Florida’s most iconic points of interest, and a must-do when visiting the realm. It initially opened in 1986 and gives enjoyable for the entire household with over 40 water points of interest, a number of thrilling rides, and a mini golf course.
From enjoyable slides just like the Adrenaline Rush to the mild float down the Amazon River Adventure Ride, there’s something for all ages and tastes. Big Kahuna’s even has its family enjoyable heart with an arcade and a snack bar.
6. Crab Island
Crab Island is a must-visit when visiting Destin, Florida. Located north of the Destin Bridge, this underwater sandbar is a enjoyable spot to discover and benefit from the beautiful blue-green waters. Whether you’re searching for enjoyable issues to do in Destin or only a day of enjoyable within the solar, Crab Island is a perfect spot for it.
At excessive tide, you’ll discover the picturesque waters that make Crab Island so fashionable. But there’s extra than simply wanting on the beautiful views – you may as well get pleasure from enjoyable actions like snorkeling, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and extra.
7. James Lee Park
James Lee Park, also referred to as the “Crab Trap Beach” is an absolute must-visit when in Destin. This massive white sand-covered seaside boasts a few of the most spectacular views within the space!
With well-maintained seaside services like restrooms, altering areas, playgrounds, pavilions, and picnic areas, you’ll by no means run out of enjoyable issues to do or facilities right here.
There are even a number of dune walkovers with views that can take your breath away! The crystal-clear emerald waters are nice for sunbathing and swimming, with lifeguards on obligation from Early March by the tip of October. The waves are additionally good for water sports activities, so be sure to convey your boogie board or kayak!
8. Enjoy Thrilling & Classic Rides at The Track
If you get pleasure from go-karts and mini-golf together with different thrilling amusement park rides, then the Track in Destin, Florida is a must-visit. Featuring a wide range of rides, from the Hurricane 360 and SkyFlyer to bumper boats and vehicles, there’s a bit one thing for everybody!
Pro-tip: If you need to keep away from the crowds and features, getting there early proper when the park opens is essential.
9. Enjoy Games at Fat Daddy’s Arcade
While the title is a bit humorous, it is a excellent place to go to for a bit enjoyable in Destin. Fat Daddy’s Arcade in Destin, Florida is the proper indoor leisure spot for all ages. With over 120 arcade video games, dueling basketball hoops, and interactive action-packed video games, guests can expertise infinite enjoyable whereas competing towards their family and friends to win thrilling prizes.
Plus, with snack bars, pizza, and different meals choices positioned close by, everybody will love visiting Fat Daddy’s Arcade. So come on over and be a part of the enjoyable!
10. Take a Dolphin Sighting Boat Tour
A dolphin cruise in Destin, Florida is an absolute should for anybody seeking to expertise a few of the Emerald Coast’s finest sights. With its heat waters and abundance of bottlenose dolphins, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a really distinctive and unforgettable expertise as you observe these majestic creatures of their pure habitat.
There are even a wide range of sundown cruises accessible as effectively so that you can take within the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and delight in a phenomenal Destin sundown.
11. Visit the Exciting Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is an effective way to spend a day and one of the enjoyable issues to do in Destin, Florida. Experience the ropes course, mini golf, 4D theater curler coaster, and extra.
Plus, its prehistoric dinosaur decor provides to the ambiance of the journey zone, and it’s a fan favourite amongst households and actually anybody searching for one thing enjoyable to do whereas visiting. Wild Willy’s is positioned in close by Fort Walton Beach (tremendous near Destin).
12. Enjoy a Workout on the Rock Out Climbing Gym
Rock Out Climbing Gym is the premier bouldering facility on the Emerald Coast, positioned only a stone’s throw from the Destin Boardwalk. Open rain or shine, it’s top-of-the-line methods to expertise some thrilling outdoor-style enjoyable in Destin!
Whether you’re a newbie or an skilled climber, Rock Out has one thing to supply. The pleasant employees makes it a top-notch bouldering expertise. Their personable and educated crew is all the time accessible that will help you with any questions you’ll have.
To prime off the good expertise, Rock Out Climbing Gym additionally has nitro chilly brew on faucet!
13. Adventure with Just Chute me! Parasail Destin
Just Chute Me! Parasail Destin is the proper option to expertise a singular journey in Destin. The firm’s pleasant, skilled, and enjoyable employees will ensure you have a tremendous time parasailing within the lovely inexperienced waters of the Gulf Coast.
You’ll get some nice pictures of your thrilling journey, have the possibility to identify dolphins, and even be taught some enjoyable info concerning the space out of your skilled guides.
If you’re new to this, don’t fear! This expertise is ideal for first-time parasailers because the trip over the water is fairly mild and enjoyable. So, whether or not you’re a veteran parasailer or simply making an attempt it out for the primary time, you’ll have an awesome expertise!
14. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is among the prime points of interest in Fort Walton Beach, proper across the nook from Destin. Open since 1955, this marine park options superb interactive experiences with dolphins, sharks, and different marine life.
Visitors can get pleasure from a wide range of dwell exhibits together with the favored sea lion present or the dolphin present, in addition to up-close animal encounters. There’s additionally an array of thrilling displays and actions that can present hours of leisure!
15. Bowl and Eat at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill is among the most unusual and enjoyable locations to go to in Destin, Florida. Not solely does it have a 16 lane bowling alley, however it gives a really distinctive ambiance with a big saltwater aquarium with lovely tropical fish.
The restaurant itself is rustic and nautical-themed, with mermaids and sea creatures adorning the partitions and bowling alley itself. You’ll discover all kinds of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers and extra. Prices are barely excessive, however be sure you examine Groupon for any reductions or weekday specials.
16. Explore The Gulf Breeze Zoo
The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a enjoyable and thrilling place to go to whereas in Destin. With over 900 unique animals from all over the world – together with rhinos, hippos, gorillas and extra – you’ll discover loads of enjoyable issues to do whereas visiting.
Take a trip on the African safari practice, feed American alligators between April and October, or discover the fowl sanctuary! Despite its smaller dimension, the Gulf Breeze Zoo packs a number of enjoyable into its 50-acre property. If you’re searching for enjoyable issues to do in Destin, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is a should!
17. Learn concerning the Area at Destin History & Fishing Museum
Located close to the foot of the enduring Destin Bridge, this small museum showcases enjoyable info and attention-grabbing info on Destin’s wealthy fishing historical past. Learn enjoyable info comparable to how Jaws 2 was filmed right here and uncover various kinds of fish which have been caught within the space over time.
So, whether or not you’re keen on fishing or museums with enjoyable info, be sure to pay a go to to this charming vacation spot!
18. Shop at Destin Commons
This open-air buying heart boasts 85+ shops and eating places, together with the primary Southern Living Store. You’ll discover something from eating places like Smashburger to retail shops like Lucky, H&M, Bass Pro Shop, and even a movie show.
Not solely that however it’s additionally an awesome place to stroll round at evening with its enjoyable vibes. Whether you’re searching for a enjoyable day or evening exercise otherwise you simply need to get pleasure from some high quality time with family and friends, Destin Commons makes an awesome spot to hang around.
19. Eat on the Top Restaurants in Destin
When you go to Destin, you’ll be able to look forward to finding a few of the finest seafood dishes and drinks with gorgeous views of the sundown over the water. There are loads of eating places to attempt alongside the Destin Boardwalk (you could by no means depart!) and the encircling areas.
One of probably the most well-known on the HarborWalk is the well-known Margaritaville. Grab a margarita and benefit from the sundown on the Destin Harbor. Another favourite close by is The Back Porch, positioned on the seaside with nice seafood and loads of drink specials.
20. Go Golfing at Local Golf Courses
Florida is all the time an awesome place {for golfing} as there are all the time so many nice golf programs to select from. Destin is not any exception. Here yow will discover some actually unbelievable golf programs to get pleasure from a day trip on the inexperienced.
Some of the highest programs within the space embrace the Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club, the Kelly Plantation Golf Club, and the Regatta Bay Golf And Yacht Club. Book your tee time early to ensure you snag a spot!
21. Go Snorkeling with Destin Snorkel
While in Destin, it’s important that you simply go snorkeling within the lovely clear waters! Destin Snorkel is the chief in snorkeling enjoyable, providing two-stop snorkel excursions on the Emerald Coast.
With their 50-foot boat, the Reef Runner, you’ll have the chance to discover tropical fish and a wide range of different sea life on the Jetties. You’ll even have the possibility to gather shells on the seaside and discover the shallow water of the grassy flats within the bay.
22. Take a Helicopter Tour of Destin
Taking a helicopter tour of Destin, Florida is an absolute should for anybody visiting the realm and searching for a one-of-a-kind expertise with stellar views. The views of the Emerald Coast from Destin to Crystal Beach are actually breathtaking, and it’s an expertise you’ll always remember.
From the air, you’ll take within the unbelievable great thing about the clear water and the shoreline. You might even be fortunate sufficient to identify dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and rather more from above.
23. Get a Hole in One Playing Mini Golf
Nothing beats a great spherical of mini golf to finish the day after exploring round Destin. Whether you need to problem your folks or discover an awesome spot for a enjoyable date, there are a number of locations to get pleasure from a spherical of mini golf close by.
The prime picks for a sport of mini golf (or putt-putt) are T-Rex Island Adventure Golf at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone and the Surfin’ Safari Golf course positioned on the Track.
24. Wine Tasting at a Local Wine Cellar
Located in Destin, Emerald Coast Wine Cellars is a must-visit when exploring the realm. Not solely is it near the seaside, however it’s additionally the one vineyard within the space. At Emerald Coast Wine Cellars, you’ll be able to sip and pattern on a few of the most interesting southern muscadine wines produced at their sister retailer, Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery.
Best of all, wine tastings are free! Plus, you’ll be able to browse the boutique gadgets upstairs and on the principle flooring of the vineyard. Whether you’re seeking to discover enjoyable issues to do in Destin or simply need to discover the realm’s scrumptious wines, this cellar is a prime spot to go to!
25. Head out on a Fishing Trip
Visiting Destin is a should for fishing lovers and people searching for enjoyable issues to do. Dubbed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, it gives a few of the finest fishing alternatives within the US.
From deep sea fishing to offshore sport fishing and nice inshore & bay fishing, the fishing right here is infinite. You can anticipate to catch a few of the finest fish round – from redfish and snook to trout, tarpon, wahoo, and snapper. Whether you’re a newbie or an skilled angler, it’s a must-experience.
26. Take a Sandcastle Lesson
A sandcastle lesson is a singular option to create reminiscences whereas vacationing in Destin. In simply two hours, you’ll be taught the fundamentals of how one can construct a sandcastle, from getting the muse excellent to including enjoyable particulars and private touches.
Whether you might be searching for enjoyable issues to do with the youngsters or simply need to be taught a brand new talent, a sandcastle lesson will ship enjoyable and lasting reminiscences for everybody concerned – and you could be shocked to seek out the adults having extra enjoyable than the youngsters!
27. Visit the Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a should when exploring Destin, and is positioned about 20 minutes away. This is actually a hub the place enjoyable and leisure come collectively, providing a various assortment of shops, eating places, artwork galleries, and even nightlife.
You can get pleasure from enjoyable actions like ziplining, using a carousel, and buying within the vibrant rows of colourful boutiques and outlet outlets. For nice meals that additionally serves as a enjoyable dockside hangout spot (and has nice sundown views) attempt the Marina Bar & Grill.
Where is Destin Florida Located?
Destin, Florida is a phenomenal seaside city positioned in Northwest Florida (the Florida Panhandle). It is located east of Pensacola Beach and west of Panama City. Destin is a part of Okaloosa County and is close by town of Fort Walton Beach.
For these planning a go to to Destin, driving to get there’s probably the most most popular methodology as you’ll usually want a automotive to get round.
If you’re flying in, the closest airports are Pensacola International Airport (PNS), about 1.5 hours away, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) which is a few 30-minute drive.
FAQ on Fun issues to do in Destin Florida
If you’re contemplating a visit to Destin, Florida and the entire enjoyable actions that include it, listed below are solutions to a few of your most urgent questions.
What is Destin Florida finest recognized for?
Destin, Florida is understood for its white sandy seashores, emerald inexperienced waters, and a few of the finest fishing on the earth! It’s no shock Destin is named each the “Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast” and the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Destin has a singular geography and is ideal for catching something from blackfin tuna to grouper and king mackerel!
Does Destin have a nightlife?
Yes, Destin has a nightlife scene! The enjoyable by no means stops on this vibrant coastal city. From golf equipment and bars to eating places and concert events, Destin is a superb place to spend a night out. A few the extra fashionable bars on the town embrace AJ’s Club Bimibi (large dancefloor) and the extra low-key Tailfins Seafood and Oyster Bar proper on Destin Harbor.
What’s the most effective time of yr to go to Destin?
The finest time of yr to go to Destin is dependent upon what you’re after! If you need to get pleasure from loads of sunshine outdoor, you’ll need to plan your journey from April by June. The climate is heat and there are tons of actions each on and off the water. Fall has fewer crowds with temperatures nonetheless considerably excessive and costs a bit decrease. The low season is November by February which shall be lots cheaper (however colder) to go to.
The Wrap-Up: Fun Things to do in Destin Florida
Destin, Florida is a well-liked trip spot for vacationers from throughout. With miles of white-sand seashores and enjoyable water actions like kayaking, dolphin cruises, and fishing charters, it’s the best seaside trip. You’ll get pleasure from out of doors journey, buying, nightlife, and rather more whereas exploring this lovely coastal metropolis.
There are so many enjoyable issues to do in Destin, Florida it’s really fairly troublesome to be bored right here!
So, whether or not you’re searching for a household getaway, a romantic seaside escape, or simply a while to calm down and unwind within the solar, Destin is a superb place for it. Enjoy the gorgeous Emerald Coast!
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