Are you planning a trip to the Emerald Coast? Maybe you’re a local looking for something different for your weekend activities. Either way, here are 11terrific things to do in Destin, Florida:
- Beachcombing
- Parasailing
- Boating
- Paddle Boarding
- Dolphin Cruises
- Jet skiing
- Golf cart cruising
- Scooter sightseeing
- Amusement parks
- Shopping
- Local parks
Beachcombing
The beaches of Destin are arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. With the powdery white sand (the kind of sand that squeaks under your feet) and the breath-takingly gorgeous blue-green waters, no wonder about 80% of the 4.5 million visitors going to the Emerald Coast visit the Destin area. (1)
If you’re renting space close to the beach, you’ll have parking where you’re staying, but, particularly during peak season, public parking along Scenic Gulf Drive can be competitive.
What you’ll want to bring to the beach really depends upon what you’re wanting to do, but you’ll always want to have ample sunscreen. The white beaches are reflective and can cause you to burn faster (much like the white snow on ski slopes.)
Most people will also want to bring some shade for the midday summer rays along with plenty of water to rehydrate.
Parasailing
Parasailing in Destin has really “taken off” in the last several decades. Today, if the weather permits it, you’re likely to see any number of large parachutes holding adventure seekers being pulled behind a boat just off the Destin and Fort Walton Beach coastline.
Parasailing uses a specially-rigged boat, which has a platform for the person parasailing to take off and land. Don’t worry! If you don’t want to go up solo, parasailing with a partner is also an option!
Boating
There are many different ways to get out on the waters of Destin. Of course, if you have your own, you either have your own dock or storage, or you probably already a few of your favorite boat ramps that you use.
If you’re visiting and want to rent a boat in Destin, pontoon rentals are very popular and are available through several companies located in Destin and surrounding towns. You’ll need a responsible driver; it’s best if this person knows the basic do’s and don’ts of boating and someone who can safely negotiate changing tides. (The tides in and around the Pass can change quickly and be very swift!)
Boating clubs are another way to get out on the water. Memberships in one of the many boating clubs is usually for those not wanting to own a boat, but wanting to get out on the water enough to make the up-front fee and monthly dues worthwhile.
Chartering is another option. There are captains that will help plan out your day and take you where time permits. These can be more pricy, but then again, private excursions usually cost more.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is a favorite pastime for both the locals and tourists. Ease of rentals in the area, along with easy access to the Gulf or the Bay and a low-level learning curve are some of the reasons. Of course, buying your own paddle board and all of the various accessories can get pricy, but just like in any sport, those who really get into it, really get into it!
Some like to just get out on the clear water and look for sea life. Some like the full – body exercise (especially the workout to the core!), and there are also those in the area who are quite competitive, attending the various races that are held frequently all over the Panhandle.
Dolphin Cruising
Dolphin cruises are another popular way to check out the area. They allow visitors to get out on the water without having the responsibility of negotiating the waters and trying to spot dolphins on your own. These cruises enable you to see the waterfront harbor and some of the beautiful homes and restaurants that line the water’s edge. If it’s later in the day, the tours might just combine the dolphin spotting with amazing sunset views!
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is another favorite activity for tourists and locals alike.
For the locals, launching a jet ski can be much easier and faster than putting a boat in, and it can be either a peaceful way to take in the sites, or can provide a great adrenaline rush!
For tourists wanting to rent jet skis, there are several watercraft rental companies right within the Destin Harbor. Renting jet skis is a great way to see the Destin Harbor from the water, Norriego Point (the sandy point of Holiday Isle which is directly across from the harbor’s marinas), visit Crab Island, or head out through the East Pass into the Gulf of Mexico.
Golf Cart Cruising
Taking a golf cart down the Scenic Gulf Drive is something you’ll find a lot of tourists doing. It can be a fun way to check out some of the home and landscaping designs that help make this road so intriguing.
Scooter Sightseeing / Bike Riding
Much like with the golf carts, seeing the homes and yards that line this drive by scooter or bike can be a fun way to spend a little time. Scooter and bike rental rates are usually quoted by half-day or full day.
Amusement Parks
There’s no shortage of amusement parks in Florida, so why should the Destin area be any different? Some of the amusement parks combine indoor arcades with outdoor activities like zip lines and putt-putt golf. Some provide outdoor adrenaline kicks through activities like go-cart racing and bumper boats. Others are splash parks with slides and a wave pool. Some feature marine life, like the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The Gulfarium is this area’s aquarium, but it offers much more. It provides its visitors with many opportunities to interact directly with marine life including dolphins, rays, snakes and seals.
Shopping
Heading to the outlet mall or one of the many boutiques in the area is definitely a favorite rainy-day activity of tourists, so if you decide to check out the shopping on a cloudy day in Destin during the summer be prepared for crowds and some waiting at traffic lights.
While many shops cater to the tourists looking for beachwear, there are many quaint boutiques and independently-owned shops, as well as nationally-known brands in the area.
Parks
There are several community parks in the area, as well as State-run parks. Since this site is about Destin and its surrounding area, I’ve included some parks which aren’t in Destin proper, but are close by. (This list isn’t exhaustive…)
Destin Parks
James Lee Park
You might not actually know that this is a park because it shares the same area as the Crab Trap restaurant. It has a kids’ playground area, showers and bathrooms, as well as a pavilion with picnic tables, all available for use by the public.
Henderson State Park
This park has several pavilions, showers and bathrooms and a lot of parking, which is in short supply in this area. Of course it has the same beautiful beaches, but it also has some nature trails which is nice for a little something different.
(Source of Park information)
Main Street Park – Destin
This is a small park located on Joe’s Bayou with picnic tables and a fishing pier.
Clement E. Taylor Park
This park is over 3 acres with a beach area that includes swimming, a pavilion, a kids’ playground, sand volleyball area, grills, restrooms, and a gazebo which looks out over the bay.(3) (picture)
Norriego Point Beach Access and Park
Located at the point of Holiday Isle, Norriego Point has public parking, beach access, and has gone through beach erosion restoration, including planting of new vegetation. (picture)
Dewey “Buck” Destin Park
This public park has sports courts to include both basketball and tennis, a kids’ playground area and a picnic area.
Mattie M. Kelly Park and Nature Walk
This park is mostly wetlands, which makes it a perfect place for a picnic and nature walk. It’s over 10 acres and has a pier overlooking Joe’s Bayou. (2)
Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is just down Hwy 98 from Destin. If you blink, you’re likely to think it’s all the same municipality.
Legion Park in Miramar Beach
Head East from Destin and you’ll find Legion Park, nestled on the bay side of Hwy 98. It has a great view of Choctawatchee Bay. It also has picnic spots, a play area for kids and restrooms, but it also has a basketball court and an boat launch.
Niceville
Niceville is just on the mainland side of the Midbay Bridge. The By-pass was built a few years ago to enable visitors to the area to circumvent going through Niceville; however, if you’re into parks, it has some “nice” ones!
Turkey Creek Park
This might be a great park to check out either on your way in to Destin, or on the way out. It has an expansive pier which winds through and over a briskly moving, (and even more briskly feeling) cold water creek. (It’s a favorite dipping spot of the locals, especially after a hot summer day.) Swimmer often drop their towels and one of the docks on the lower end of Turkey Creek and walk a distance up river to jump in at one of the many docks. The creek carries swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders down river to a final dock before the creek empties into Boggy Bayou.
This park also has a large pavilion with numerous picnic tables.
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville
The Rocky Bayou State Park is hidden away off of Hwy 20 in Niceville, just a short distance from the Midbay Bridge. It has a boat launch, camping area, canoe and kayak rentals, picnic spots, small beach areas, and nature trails.
Summary
While the gorgeous beaches are one of the main draws to the Destin area, there’s really so much more to do and see in this area of the Panhandle! The my list of the 11 Things to Do in Destin Florida covers a lot of possibilities, it still didn’t cover seasonal favorites like festivals and special events like those at that often take place at Baytowne Wharf!
If you’ve had a great experience doing something here in the Destin area, we’d love to hear from you! Other readers would appreciate you sharing your story with us all! Drop us a comment and let us know about it.