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15 Can't Miss Things to Do in Destin

Published On : 17 Jul 2024

Situated in the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, this is also one of the most gorgeous places to visit with white sand beaches and lovely emerald green sea. Often called "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Harding has plenty of coastal sights and activities. Oh, what a wonderful spot to come; here are fifteen must-do things for your next Destin trip. Among the activities you may do while visiting Destin include charter fishing, water parks, dolphin tours, beachside shopping, and interesting dining venues.

1. Relax on the Beach

The city of Destin is known for its crystal clear waters and 24 miles of the coastline of emerald coast. Henderson Beach State Park offers white sandy beaches and emerald green, shallow waters for sun tanning and swimming while the crowded beaches nearer to HarborWalk Village offer that commercialized feel. Buy camping equipment, umbrellas, and other beach-related items from the shops that specialize in supplying beach-related commodities.

2. Charter a Fishing Trip

Considered the luckiest fishing village, Destin is indeed considered one of the best fishing grounds around the globe. You can hire a private charter for deep-sea fishing or go for a shared trip and possibly catch red snapper, grouper, mackerel, marlin, and much more. The experienced captains are well aware of where the fish are biting!

3. Look up the Water and Adventure Park of the Big Kahuna.

Beat the heat and enjoy this fair-weather attraction that is situated just a short drive from the Destin Harbor. To indulge in water rides, one can slide down the high-thrill water slides or simply relax and enjoy the water as they cruise through the lazy river. They also have a wave pool and a children’s play area together with a mini golf course and park rides.

4. Take a Dolphin Cruise

Going on a dolphin-watching trip is the coolest thing ever if you want several hours of fun on the water in Destin. See some friendly bottlenose dolphins playing in the ocean while enjoying a view of the port and coastlines using a guided boat trip on a catamaran or covered pontoon boat.

5. Go Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a fun and easy activity, that families Love and enjoy while in Destin. Take a board and ride near Crab Island or Henderson Beach State Park; It is one of the best ways to enjoy scenes of the coast while on a board. It is also possible to hire paddle boards for guided tours which are conducted by professional tour guides.

6. If you have not been to the HarborWalk Village, then you should visit the place to experience the energy.

The main focus of Destin is the scenic HarborWalk Village situated on the coastal waters extending 800 feet of the harbor. The project includes working eating establishments, shops, sights, and entertainment facilities. Kiss at the beach at sunset, go for a dinner date at the boardwalk, or find yourself a cheap trinket at a nearby store.

7. I went parasailing to get a tremendous bird’s eye view.

Ferris wheel: Go 400 feet atop the emerald green water for a spectacular view of the Destin, the beaches, and the Gulf of Mexico on the horizon. Parasailing trips are organized from the harbor, and the duration of the flight averages between 5 and 10 minutes. It will be a big plus for adventure lovers who love the feeling of an adrenaline rush!

8. Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: A Wonderful Place to Visit
Through animal displays, presentations, and events, this aquatic park will enable you to see or feel the Gulf Coast's marine life and ecosystem. Take in marine turtles, dolphins, sea lions, and much more. Visitors may also engage in many animal encounters including feeding and even stroking the stingrays.

9. Rent Jet Skis

With your rented jet skis, take a cruise ride along the sea and see the sandy white beaches from a vantage point on the water. All of the rental companies provide individuals with single and double jet skis for 30 minutes or more and escorted jet ski tours. The rentals take off directly from Crab Island or other access points on Lake Guntersville beaches and include helmets.

10. Helicopter tours are a popular way of viewing the landscape and attractions from the air.

To be more specific, a helicopter tour provides you with the best view of Destin, Crab Island, beaches, and the Emerald Coast. Standard sightseeing tours are approximately 10 to 15 minutes long and people are carried over major landmarks with the help of a guide who describes the places over headsets. If one wants to have a unique and personal experience, rent a private car for the trip.

11. Go Deep Sea Fishing

The city is famous for having some of the best fishing waters in the world where fishermen visit for deep-sea fishing. Rent a shared or private charter to go up to several miles out to deep sea fishing for great sport fish like tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and others. They also typically last 4-8 hours and include all the bait, equipment, and licenses necessary for the duration.

12. Enjoy Water Sports Rentals

Besides the jet skis and paddleboards, other water activities that vacationers can enjoy when renting boats on the beach of Destin include motorized boats, wave runners, kayaks, and canoes. Swimming or boating is one of the activities that visitors can engage in at Henderson Beach State Park, Crab Island, or the beach concessions where there are boats for rent for a few hours of cruising.

13. Playing golf on a beautiful and scenic course

Of course, the Destin region has several golf courses to test even the most talented golfer with its pure emerald green seas and amazing white dunes. They include up to 27-hole family-style executive courses for beginners, intermediates, and low handicappers, 9-hole championship courses, and full-service 18-hole championship courses.

14. SHOPPING AT SILVER SANDS FACTORY STORES

If anytime you want to buy, just a few minutes east of Destin to Silver Sands Factory Stores in Miramar Beach. Shopping for reduced designer and name-brand apparel is ideal at more than 100 outlet shops including some of the most well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. Sort anything from home accents and mementos to fashion items and clothes.

Conclusion

With crystal-clear water ranging from emerald green to clear blue, soft sandy beaches, and a plethora of activities to engage in on land and water, Destin is the perfect family-orientated sunshine resort irrespective of the season. From water skiing, parasailing, beach relaxing, shopping, and eating out to fantastic restaurants, and great shopping – it comes as no wonder that this fishing village turned into a resort town still attracts thousands of visitors year after year.

Next time you are planning your Florida visit, do not forget to include the beauty of the beaches, tourist attractions, and things that are in store for you in the city of Destin!

FAQ

What kind of activities are included in the 15 can't-miss things to do?

Destin is a popular beach vacation spot, so the list will likely focus on activities that take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and cater to a variety of interests. Here are some possibilities:

Are there any options for people who don't love spending all day at the beach?

Absolutely! Destin offers something for everyone. The list might include options like:

How much do these activities typically cost?

Costs will vary depending on the specific activity. The list likely won't provide exact prices, but some activities might be mentioned as budget-friendly, while others may involve entrance fees or rental costs (e.g., deep-sea fishing charters, jet ski rentals).

Is Destin a good place to visit year-round?

Destin enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The peak season is typically from spring to fall, when the weather is perfect for beach activities. However, the list might mention shoulder seasons (spring and fall) as offering pleasant weather and potentially lower prices.

We are interested in [specific interest, e.g., fishing, nightlife, relaxation]. Are there any activities related to this?

Destin offers something for most interests! Look for keywords in the descriptions that match your interests. Deep-sea fishing is a highlight for anglers, while Destin HarborWalk offers options for nightlife entertainment. The sugar-white sand beaches and calm waters are perfect for relaxation.