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.