I have such fond memories of my family going to the Destin, Florida area for spring break during my middle school and high schools years.
Many things have changed since my visits, but the white sandy beaches and emerald green water hasn’t.
I’ve been fortunate to come back and make new memories with family. Each visit to Destin, Florida, offers the perfect blend of relaxation, recharging and play.
I’m sharing more about things to do in the region you’ll want to add to your list.
Thanks again to Newman-Daily Resort Properties for hosting our vacation rental. All opinions are our own. This article contains affiliate links.
Where is Destin, Florida located?
Destin, Florida is located in Northwestern Florida on the Florida Panhandle of the Gulf of Mexico
Beautiful Beach Days in Destin
Vacationers are drawn to Destin for its emerald green water and white sand made from quartz particles.
A lesser known perk of visiting Destin in the fall is that you can enjoy warm weather without the crowds.
April after spring break and the month of May is also a good time to visit for nice temperatures.
Enjoy the Sunrise & Sunsets
No sunrise or sunset in Destin is the same so I recommend experiencing as many as possible during your visit.
There are even health benefits attached to watching the sunrise or sunset.
Did you know that watching a sunrise or sunset can boost your mood, help your body produce more vitamin D, lower stress, and realign your circadian rhythm?
If you visit Destin in the fall/winter you’ll even be able to sleep in a little longer before you wake up for sunrise pics.
Try Stand Up Paddleboarding
We brought our inflatable stand up paddleboards from home to enjoy during our beach days in Destin.
They were easy to pump up in the parking lot by our vehicle with a portable inflatable pump that monitors the PSI.
I spent hours on my stand up paddleboard each day. The water was calm with gentle waves.
I spent the majority of my time using my SUP like a kayak to paddle around which is a great option if you’re concerned about falling in the water.
My husband likes to relax and paddle on his stomach like a surf board.
If you’re newer to stand up paddleboarding you want to stand with your feet apart near the handle in the center of your board.
I’ve found it’s easier to start on all fours and then slowly start to stand up.
I keep my phone in a floating phone case because I like to have it with me so I can still take pictures and videos out on the water.
A dry bag attached to your board is also helpful if you want to keep water and sunscreen nearby.
Next trip, I’m bringing a folding portable anchor so that I can float in the same spot.
Stand Up Paddleboarding Rentals
You can find stand up paddleboard rentals at the following local SUP outfitters near Destin:
Eat And Drink Local
Destin has lots of great options for local dining or to grab a drink.
Here are a few local restaurant recommendations to get you started:
- The Donut Hole (Breakfast)
- The Pancakery (Breakfast)
- Ruby Slipper (Brunch)
- Louisiana Lagniappe (Dinner)
- Dewey Destin’s Harborside (Dinner)
- Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill (Lunch or Dinner)
- The Local Market (Lunch)
- McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin (Lunch or Dinner)
- Vinny McGuire’s (Pizza)
- Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano (Dinner)
Watch a Gator Show at Gator Beach
You can view alligators at Gator Beach before or after your meal at Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and grill. There are Gator Shows throughout the day for restaurant patrons.
Tours and VIP experiences are available for an additional fee.
Go on Sunset Dinner Cruise on a 125-foot Solaris Yacht
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway , Miramar Beach, FL
Enjoy a dinner cruise with live music with SunQuest Cruises on the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Book Your Sunset Dinner Cruise Here
Guests need to arrive 45 minutes prior to their cruise.
You’ll be greeted by the Captain as you enter the yacht, have your photo taken by staff, and then you are shown to your table by one of their staff members.
Once you’ve met your server, you’re free to explore the yacht.
The dinner cruise includes the following:
- Dinner is a 3-course, plated dinner (entree must be selected prior to the cruise)
- Coffee and/or Tea
- All Fees and Taxes
- Live, In-house Entertainment
- Gratuities
Alcohol on the Cruise
Appetizers and alcoholic drinks aren’t included in your cruise pricing. Guests can order appetizers up to 15 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time for an additional charge.
Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately during your cruise. If you plan on purchasing multiple drinks during your cruise you may want to consider the “Open Bar Package.”
The package includes unlimited beer, house wine, premium liquor, & frozen drinks while onboard SOLARIS (no drink sharing ) starting at boarding time and ending 15 minutes prior to the end of the cruise.
*The Open Bar Package must be purchased in advance of your cruise.
I’d recommend enjoying the views from the top deck for 360- panoramic view.
Guests can explore the yacht for about 30 minutes before it’s time for their three-course meal.
Seating on the Yacht
We opted for general seating but you can book a guaranteed table by the window for an additional fee.
General seating has “Cruise Style Seating” which means that you may be sat with other guests at the same table based on occupancy.
We lucked out and were seated at a private table for two.
The Meal on the Sunset Cruise
The chef prepares the meals fresh onboard and you’ll need to provide your entree selection 48 hours in advance of your cruise.
My husband ordered the “Gulf Shrimp & Grits” made with stoneground yellow cheese grits, andouille sausage, zesty creole cream sauce, & Gulf shrimp.
I ordered the “Baked Lump Crab Cakes” made with super lump crab cakes, white wine and lemon butter, wild rice, & seasonal vegetable.
We were both happy with our selections.
We enjoyed the seasonal dessert, cheesecake, and coffee to drink.
You can hear the live music from all three desks if you want to wander around the yacht after your meal. Many couples dance in the dining area or on the top deck.
The top deck can get chilly later in the evening so I’d bring a jacket just in case.
You can enjoy the beautiful views under the stars and even stop by the pilothouse to visit the captain.
This cruise is a great for a date night or evening out with friends or family.
Take a Scenic Bike Ride Along 30A
30A is a scenic highway between Destin and Panama City.
This is a popular stretch of highway because there are so many great beach towns along the way.
Scenic beach towns along the way include:
- Dune Allen
- Gulf Place
- Blue Mountain Beach
- Grayton Beach
- Watercolor
- Seaside
- Seagrove Beach
- Watersound
- Alys Beach
- Seacrest Beach
- Rosemary Beach
- Inlet Beach
- Carillon Beach
Each town along the way has it’s own distinct personality.
You may recognize Seaside as the filming location for the popular movie “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey.
The bike path along the highway weaves through different types of surfaces.
Be on the lookout for driveways and sections of narrower sidewalk if you’re biking with younger kids.
Where We Stopped Along 30A
We started near Blue Mountain Beach and rode to Carillon Beach and back which was over 25 miles!
In Seagrove and Alys Beach we rode around the side streets because the architecture was really charming.
I’d recommend bringing a bike lock if you plan on stopping at any spots along the way.
We did a bit of a reverse meal starting with Pecan Jacks Seagrove for ice cream on our way back to our vehicle.
Next we stopped at Grayton Beach State Park. There is a small admission fee for the state park even for pedestrians and cyclists.
The State Park has a mile long beach, hiking trails, camping, birding, paddling, fishing and more.
We finished our ride with a delicious meal and live music at Red Fish Taco. (2052 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
You can’t go wrong with their shrimp queso as an appetizer.
For tacos we tried their delicious Firecracker Shrimp and grilled Redfish.
Bike Shops Near Destin
My husband and I brought our foldable e-bikes with us from home.
When we stopped to put air in our tires we discovered that a critical part of our bike was accidentally left at home.
My son loaded the foldable e-bikes for us in the van and I was unaware that my husband had switched the seats with another bike and didn’t put one back.
This gave us an opportunity to check out some of the local bike shops in the area.
We debated renting e-bikes but that seemed silly given that we owned them and went to the effort to bring them with us.
Instead we went to Rideit to see if they had a bike seat we could purchase.
We didn’t find a match but we experienced great customer service and a referral to another bike shop nearby.
Big Daddy’s Bike Shop ended up finding a seat that could work with my bike for the win.
Plan a Little Adventure With Your Family
My son an I have previously enjoyed a catamaran boat as part of the Little Adventures to choose from.
You can select your little adventure activity by recommended age, price, and duration to fit your families needs, interests, and budget. Many of these little adventures are also great for multi-gen families.
Little Adventure Activities to choose from include:
- Charter Fishing
- Diving
- Mermaiding
- Snorkeling
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Surf Lessons
- Surf Fishing
- Sailing Lessons
- Sand Sculpture Lessons
- E-foil lessons
The site has online scouts that are local moms who can give you advice for the best adventure for your family.
Get In Or On the Water
My son and I got another vantage point of the area while parasailing.
Here are additional tours and cruises to get you on or in the water.
- Sky High Parasailing From Marina Cafe
- Dolphin and Sunset Cruise
- Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Cruise
- TAILFINS TIKIS Destin @ Crab Island Sandbar(3 hours)
- Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter
Explore the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
Destin Harbor Boardwalk offers shopping, restaurants, zipling, 150+ fishing charters and tours.
Thrill seekers can race on the dual zipline, rock climb and free fall with a special combo package.
Destin Fishing Rodeo
If you visit during the month of October you’ll want to check out the Destin Fishing Rodeo that takes place October 1-31.
This fishing tournament has daily weigh ins of the fish on the docks at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 AM- 7 PM.
There are bleachers nearby if you want to stay for a while and grab a drink from the bar.
Check Out the Murals at Destin Commons
4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL
The open air shopping mall has 85+ restaurants and stores and 9 murals to explore.
There is also a movie theater, splash pad and unique playground nearby too.
Underwater- Themed Bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill
4251 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill is a fun bowling adventure for all ages.
The underwater theme gives you a one of a kind bowling experience. The murals and three dimensional sea life really immerse you into an underwater world.
Weekend are very popular so try to plan your visit midweek if possible.
The bowling price is per lane with up to 6-8 people on a lane. Rental bowling shoes are available and socks for purchase.
Save on your visit and bring socks for your family if you’re in flip flop mode.
Plan Your Stay in the Destin, Florida Area
We stayed in a Newman-Dailey vacation rental in Destin. Our condo was in the Jade East Towers in unit 410.
Our unit was conveniently located close to many attractions and restaurants.
The 3 bedroom, 3 full bath unit had ample space.
We didn’t cook a lot during our stay but the kitchen had all the basic cookware and appliances to make meals.
The primary bathroom in the condo was very nice with a double sink vanity, soaking tub and large shower.
Perks of Booking Through Newman-Dailey Rentals
Newman-Dailey Rentals specializes in vacation rentals in the following areas along the Florida Panhandle:
- Destin
- Miramar Beach
- Okaloosa Island
- South Walton
- 30A
Their vacation specialists can help you find the best property for your needs based on your budget, accommodation preference, vacation style, location preferences, and number of guests and/or pets traveling with you.
They specialize in vacation properties along 30A which means they have comprehensive first hand knowledge of the area to best suite your needs.
Their direct prices are lower than vacation rental listings for the same units and they will match third party sites.
Guests at Newman-Dailey Rentals have discounts with local outfitters. When you book with Newman-Dailey Rentals you can enjoy one free ticket to top activities in the area for each day of your stay.
Many Newman-Dailey vacation rental homes and condominiums also include complimentary seasonal beach service for stays from March through October.
Another perk is that you’re part of their loyalty club earning you a 10% discount on future stays between September – February as part of their Many Happy Returns program.
What is the Closest Airport to Destin, Florida?
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) – 19 miles from Destin
- Panama City Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) -49 miles from Destin
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) – 54 miles from Destin
Save on your rental car at the airport here.
Are You Ready for a Destin Vacation?
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