Outdoor Things To Do In Destin

Destin is in Florida’s panhandle, and is a paradise of white sands. The gorgeous stretch of land where Destin nestles has a reputation for expensive resorts. Public beaches and parks surround the luxurious strip, and it is perfect for vacationers of every budget. Visitors come to the Emerald Cost for marvelous outdoor activities, sandy shores, sunny skies and lots of biting fish.

 The emerald-green waters of Destin are known for incredible offshore fishing and Gulf fishing. You can even go shark fishing on the Emerald Coast, and Destin is referred to as The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. According to the city, their fishing fleet is the biggest in Florida.

 The beaches of Destin are filled with the whitest sand and stunning waters. The sugar sand is famous, and comes from the southern side of the Appalachians. The quartz content is extremely high, and the sand is so soft. Destin is famous for luxurious dining and shopping, and five million tourists visit every year.

 The Parks and Preserves

 Henderson Beach State Park is the most popular park in Destin. The park is in the city limits, and perfect for visitors enjoying downtown and the beach. The amenities at Henderson Beach State Park include pavilions for picnics, and playgrounds for visitors with small children. Visitors enjoy the light hiking on the boardwalk, and this state park is the place to enjoy Destin’s outdoor activities. Campers will enjoy the sixty campsites including electrical hookups, water, and air-conditioned bathhouses.

 For those interested in a secluded outdoor experience in Destin, go to the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The park is only a short drive, and the inland trails and beaches are spectacular. Destin offers a lot of fun outdoor activities on the three miles of beaches, and the inland trails are easily accessible. Bring or rent bikes and go cycling in the beautiful wilderness. The park enables both walking and hiking on inland trails, and for anyone not interested in the hike, beach goers enjoy a direct tram access.

 Another way to enjoy the Destin outdoors and experience nature is to head west. This is where the state preserves of Santa Rosa Island are located. John Beasley Park is an extremely popular small island preserve right on the Gulf between Fort Walton and Destin. The beach park is peaceful and quiet, and perfect for day hikers or bird-watchers interested in lovely scenic views. The John Beasley pavilions can be reserved, and this is Destin’s most handicap-accessible beach. The ramps for wheelchairs begin in the parking area and go right to the beach.

 The Local Trails of Destin

 One of the most popular outdoor activities in Destin is the Henderson Beach Nature Trail. This trail is nearly a mile long and in the very heart of Destin. The stroll is easy, flat, and goes through the coastal hammock of the area. The Henderson Beach Nature Trail is like St. Petersburg’s Fort De Soto Beach Park, and was built around one of the old military bunkers. This is an amazing site, so sit on one of the trails many benches, and enjoy a special view of the dunes or the Gulf.

 Just to the north of Destin is the largest military reservation in Florida. The reservation is located to the south of the Eglin Air Force Base. Hikers can get a permit and enjoy one of Destin’s challenging outdoor activities. It is important to remember the reservation is still being used for military operations so it’s not always open. The best plan is to call when still planning your hike. There are more than ninety miles of trails in the reservation, so bring a GPS device or a map for your hike. Permits to ensure safety are required for campers, so its best to acquire one prior to heading for the trails.

 Grayton Beach State Park offers an easier trail, and is the perfect place in Destin for low-key outdoor activities. There are several relaxing hikes available, and the beaches are superb. The trails are excellent, and go through the seaside forests. Experiencing the famous Emerald Coast dunes is one of the best parts about the Grayton Beach State Park trails.

 Sit on the Beach or Swim in the Bay

 There are two main choices for exploring the waters of Destin, Choctawhatchee Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. It is easy for visitors who stay on the beach to miss out on the treasure of the bay and the

grass flats. Some outdoor activities in Destin are not as well known, but they should not be missed including kayaking and fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay. From end to end, they Bay covers thirty miles in length, and some points are four miles wide. Fishing in Destin means you can find oysters, trout, redfish and mullet. If you are lucky you will even see the dolphins.

 A boat is not necessary to appreciate the stunning waters around Destin. You can enjoy the salt flats a lot of other ways. One of the best options to see Choctawhatchee Bay’s breathtaking views is Eden Gardens. There is a dock here that stretches over Tucker Bayou, and you will never find a better fishing spot. While visiting the site, you can explore the lovely butterfly and rose garden, or the Wesley homestead mansion dating back to 1897.

 It is amazing to realize more than sixty percent of the beaches in Destin are protected lands. Come visit between April and November to see the famous sea turtles who visit the beaches of Destin every year to nest. Mid-summer is the busiest time of year, but the white sand is never too crowded with all the options for getting to the beach. A lot of the surf area around Destin is a shallow slope right to the ocean, so everybody has fun, and enough room to really splash around. Finding the right place in the sand for your toes is easy in Destin.

Things To Do In Destin

One of my family’s favorite places is the Emerald Coast. The beaches are amazing, and there is so much to do in Destin, Florida. We have gone twice in the last two years. We lazed around for three weeks when we were in Destin for a month, and we mostly enjoyed the pool and the beach. Destin is fantastic for playing in the water, going to the beach, and eating at the delicious restaurants. We have made a list of what we love to do in Destin.

 If you feel like being lazy, play in the sand, swim in the ocean and relax in the swimming pool. There really is no better way to enjoy a vacation with your family. When you don’t run around constantly, you can create an incredibly deep family bond. Just take everything slowly, and enjoy not being rushed. One of the many reasons I love the Emerald Coast is whether I am at a condo, resort, or beach RV park, it is so peaceful and quiet. Destin also has so many attractions.

 The Best Tips

 Stock something for breakfast so you won’t have to worry about the kids, and can relax in the morning. Relish in your coffee on the beach or your balcony. The kids can entertain themselves, and you can enjoy the view. Build sandcastles on the beach, just mix in a bit of water so the consistency is right. Then swim, hang out and play frisbee. Have a relaxing lunch, watch a movie, play cards or read a book. Take the kids to the beach or the pool, cook dinner as a family and eat outside. Watch the sunset, stroll on the beach, then do it all again tomorrow.

 Destin Attractions

 Spend a couple days on the beach and relax. Enjoy your family before you check out all the fabulous attractions in Destin, Florida. We have given you our recommendations.

 Pirate Cruise

 This cruise is sensational, and we had a great time. They entertained the kids the moment we stepped

onto the boat, and this continued until 90 minutes later when we docked. The kids had a blast with sword fights, squirt gun fights, and they swabbed the deck. The pulled a genuine treasure chest right from the ocean, face painted, and shot the cannon two times. I recommend it for any kids three or over. Go all out and dress up as pirates. My mom wore an incredible pirate costume, and everyone loved it. They nearly gave her a job.

 Dolphin Sunset Cruise

 Every time I saw a Dolphin Cruise Advertisement I wondered how they could possibly guarantee we would see dolphins. I had my doubts, and I was so wrong. There were a lot of dolphins, some were playing in the waves, and others were swimming right next to our boat. The experience was so cool, and the next time we took the two-hour boat. We brought drinks, treats and snacks because you can bring anything on the boat, even alcohol. They have a nice snack bar, and they brought food, so we fed the seagulls. It was amazing because they took the chips right from our hands. The boat has a glass bottom, but we didn’t see much. The kids were excited because they got to drive the boat. The dolphins were adorable, and the sunset magnificent. The kids had a fantastic day, and everyone enjoyed the snacks. This one has been permanently added to my list.

 Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

 This amazing park had sting rays, tortoises, dolphins, sharks, birds, alligators, and so much more.

You can hold starfish and pet hermit crabs at the touch tank, and you can pay if you like to swim with the sting rays and dolphins, and help with the animals. Watching the dolphin show was amazing, and since the facility is smaller we got really close seats. There are shows all day, and we stayed to see them all. The kids had fun in the sandbox area, and loved the obstacle course. We found a snack stand selling drinks, popcorn, and a lot more. We were right on the water and I couldn’t keep my eyes of the ocean.

 Uncle Bucks FishBowl and Grill

 This is an entirely new experience, underwater. We had dinner at the restaurant, and there were sharks hanging on the ceiling. You can eat while you are bowling too, and we had a hard time deciding. We felt like we were underwater when we were in the bowling area due to all the amazing sights and sounds. We had the best time, and the kids rolled the ball right down the bowling ramp. The bumpers made it easy for them. When we saw all the bowling balls were covered in sea creatures, we couldn’t stop grinning. The atmosphere is great, the drinks are awesome, and the food is good. When you want some time away from the sun in nice cool air conditioning, come to Uncle Bucks’. Its great at night after dark too when you want something fun to do.

 Destin Commons

 The Destin Commons is an outdoor mall, and the fresh air makes shopping a lot more enjoyable than just walking around inside. The holiday display and tree they have at Christmas are awesome. The kids like the outdoor play area, and always have fun. There are great restaurants and stores, so you can shop, eat, play and watch the people.

 Hiking

 Going on a hike in Florida may not be the same as a mountain in Yellowstone, but we always have a good time. There are a lot of parks you can go hiking in at the Emerald Coast including James Lee County State Park, Henderson Beach State Park and John Beasley Beach Park. Sometimes we just take a lovely stroll on the beach.

 The Sunset

 The beautiful sunset is a free nightly attraction in Destin. I recommend grabbing the kids some juice

boxes, and the adults will enjoy a glass of wine. Then watch the sun as it sets over the water. Somehow, the sunset is different every night, and it is always amazing. You watch the sun setting and think it could not get any better than this, but the next night it does. While you are enjoying the Emerald Coast, do not miss the sunset every evening. Even with clouds, the colors in the sky are sensational, and you will never be disappointed.

 There were a lot of things in Destin, Florida we never got to do because we were lazy for three-weeks. We enjoyed it though, so we have no complaints. Check the schedule before you come, and remember the prime season in Destin is from May until September. There may be some things not open if you come during the off season, and there is a lot more you can do on the Emerald Coast.

 The Track Destin


 If you are interested in miniature golf, arcades, and having fun with go carts, this is where you need to be. Everyone has a blast when they ride the go carts, even mom and dad.



 Beach Helicopter

 If you are curious what Destin looks like from the sky, take a ride on a beach helicopter. The aerial view is sensational, and you can see the blue water and beaches of Destin.

 Parasailing

 Anyone who has never taken an adventure parasailing should give it a try. The kids love parasailing, and the view of the ocean and beach is completely different. The water in Destin is so clear, you may get to see some sting rays or dolphins from above.

 Boat Rentals

 You do not want to joke around when you take a boat onto the ocean. It is an excellent option if your group has someone experienced with driving a boat. I would recommend keeping close to the shore just to be safe.

 Indian Mound Museum

 If you are interested in the fascinating history of the area, make sure you stop by the Indian Mound Museum. You will learn the story of the Native Americans that once lived here, and there is an excellent variety of artifacts to see.

 Destin History and Fishing Museum

 This is where you learn how this big vacation destination was once a small fishing town. The story is more than worth the trip.

 The Places to Eat

 LuLu’s Destin

 It may seem strange to call a restaurant a nice activity to take the kids to in Destin, but you must tryLuLu’s. The kids have a place to play while the food is being cooked, and the meals are delicious. LuLu’s has it all. The beach and sand area are great, and there are two containers filled with sand toys for the kids. They have a palm tree to climb, hula hoops and a cornhole. We relaxed at our table, and enjoyed the live music while the kids had fun playing. The selection of food they offer is incredible, and food allergies are no problem. Destin is known for their seafood, so having a place where they understand food allergies give you some nice options. Once everyone has finished eating, its time for dessert. They have amazing choices like natural homemade popsicles and Krispie Kreme bread pudding. We all look forward to the sea salted caramel flavor and the root beer.


 Small Cakes of Destin

 The entire family loves sweets, and since we didn’t see a place for donuts, we decided we wanted cupcakes. Yummy does not even come close, and the kids were in love. There were so many great flavors to choose from, it was hard not to come back every day, so we could try all of them.

 Beach Restaurant – Surf Hut

 You have a nice selection of beach restaurants, and it depends on where you are staying. Look around your area because there is always something good. We love strolling down the beach, and stopping for appetizers, happy hour, lunch or dinner. The Surf Hut is one of our favorites, but I have been told the Back Porch is great. Next time we come, we are going to give it a try.

 When to Visit

 The Emerald Coast is the perfect place for a vacation. Somehow, we have never been from May through September, the prime time. I can’t speak from personal experience, but I have been told the weather is gorgeous although it gets very busy. We always vacation during the off season, and although we miss some of the activities we love the cooler weather. We enjoy the atmosphere being quieter and less busy. We have come to Destin in November and December, and the weather was usually gorgeous. The temperatures were generally in the 60’s, but it felt a lot warmer because of the sun.

 Where to Stay

 Camp Gulf RV Park

 This is one of my family’s favorite campgrounds anywhere in North America. Being really close to the beach is a cool experience. Our last RV spot was just twenty yards away from the beach. There is usually a row of RV’s parked in front of us but is never seems to matter. Since we have pets, we were unable to use those spaces. There are some rows of RV spaces really close to the beach, and this is where we stay. For those not as fascinated by the sand, you can easily get a space farther back, so you are not as close to the beach. You will be closer to the campground pools depending on the space you choose.

 There are two crystal clear pools, and when we go in November, the back pool has a big tent over it. This way even when its cold outside, we can still go swimming. It can get cold during the winter when you are in North Florida. When we opened the door every day, the fragrance of the surf was on the air, the ocean breeze was magnificent, and we walked onto the soft white sands. I will admit we had sand in our beds when we slept, and I have my doubts as to whether we will ever get it all out of our car, but we would not have changed a thing. Our wonderful vacation was worth it.

 Holiday Inn Fort Walton Beach

 If you are not going to be using an RV for your traveling, I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Fort Walton Beach. We took a grand tour of the hotel, and went swimming in the pool for the day. The hotel is lovely, it is comfortable, clean and quite new. Their kid’s room was a hit. The room has an Xbox and bunk beds. There is a terrific balcony in all the rooms, and you can see the sparkling ocean and the pool. The view is extraordinary.

 The kids adored the swimming pool. One end is zero-entry, and it was perfect for the little ones. There is a lazy river, an indoor pool and a hot tub. This is fantastic when the weather is a little cooler. One of the things we loved the most was walking out right to the beach. You can spend an exhilarating morning on the beach, have a delicious lunch at the restaurant, then spend the afternoon enjoying the pool. This is the perfect places for both couples and families to come for a vacation.

 We stayed in Miramar Beach at Camp Gulf. This campground is spectacular because the sites are incredibly close to the beach. This campground has turned us into complete beach fans, and you should look when you come. If you are not really a camper, stay in a terrific hotel like Fort Walton Beach’s Holiday Inn Resort.

***Re-written from Bryanna's Blog - Crazy Family Adventures

My Vacation to Destin

You might think that the best time to visit Destin, Florida is in the summer, when you can experience the full heat and sunshine. But I actually prefer October. In autumn, the weather is a bit milder, but still very sunny, so you can take advantage of everything Destin has to offer during the day. It starts to cool off a bit in the early evening, so you can stay out later without getting too hot. Plus, there aren't crowds of people, as there surely are in the high season, and it's much cheaper to visit as a vacation spot.
We often stop along the way to visit the Smoky Mountains; it's peaceful, with a wonderful array of colors and plenty to see when you go hiking. We particularly enjoy the white water rafting experience along the Pigeon River. And of course, staying in a genuine log cabin is practically a must if you want to get the authentic Smokey Mountain experience. If the Smokey Mountains are on your way to Destin, I highly recommend a quick stop there.

But the real jewels, as you might expect, are the lovely white sand beaches waiting in Destin. If you've never been to a white sand beach before, you might be in for a surprise; up close they are much different from their more common cousins. The vibrant colors also blend well and create some stunning effects as the sand and the water play off of one another. Deep sea fishing excursions are another reason to love Destin, as many locals refer to it as the “luckiest fishing village in the entire world”. When we stay, we prefer to use the condos like Hidden Dunes and Tennis Resort, as they provide the full resort experience and are quite near a lot of downtown attractions as well. We're also partial to Waterscape as it's right on the beach, providing some fantastic views and letting us get our swim on in no time in all their great pools, waterfalls and hot tubs. Also Beach Manor at TOPS’L located on the beach along with a couple pools and lots of amenities including great tennis courts are closer to various outlet malls and restaurants too. Just like Silver Shells or Sterling Shores.

We took advantage of Best Beach Getaways vacation rentals, because it was convenient and they are very thorough, taking care of all of the traveling plans and bookings so that we didn't have to worry. We've received some great deals for beach homes for rent with plenty of trees, sand, and various shops not too far away. It makes our trip so much easier knowing that the agency can place us in a variety of stunning properties, like Beach Manor, Hidden Dunes, Waterscape, Silver Shells and Sterling Shores -- and exploring each one is always a nice surprise that adds to the fun.

It's almost October, and that means it's almost time for another trip along the Emerald Coast. We like to change up our route from time to time, to make some new and exciting memories. This time our plan is to hit Panama City Beach, where we can check out all that the famous St. Andrew Park has to offer. But the ultimate goal is always a new adventure in sunny Destin!

My Top 5 Picks for Family Fun in Destin!

If you are planning a family vacation to Destin, there are so many things to fill your time, it’s not all about the beach! Here are my Top 5 picks for family activities to do while you are in town:

Big Kahuna's Water Park

This oversized waterpark is fun for the whole family. There are more than 40 water attractions at Big Kahuna’s. When you need a break from the water park, play some mini golf on one of the three tropical courses, or take a spin on the wild and fast go kart tracks.

The Track

The Track in Destin has everything you needed for hours of family fun. From go karts to bumper rides to mini golf, there is plenty to entertain everyone. There is also a "Kid's Country" area for the smaller ones to have a good time too.

Boogie's Water Sports

Boogies Watersports can handle all of your watersports needs with jet skis, pontoon boats, boogie boards. For a more relaxing experience, take a glass bottom boat tour and view the underwater ecosystem.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

At Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park you will see an array of marine animals. They have regularly scheduled dolphin and sea lion performances throughout the day. You can even snorkel with the stingrays and sharks!

Have a suggestion for things to do in Destin? 

This list is my Top 5 for family things to do in Destin. Feel free to add your suggestion in the comments below.