Mar 13, 2025 5 min read Americas

Best Things to Do in Destin, Florida

You're going to have a great time if you choose to go to the Emerald Coast! One of the United States' most stunning beach locations is Destin, Florida. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all love this charming city with its emerald-green waters, sugar-white sands, and plenty of interesting activities.

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Best month to go Destin is September and October

Destin has something for everyone, whether your goals are leisure, adventure, or spending time with loved ones. To help you get the most out of your trip, I'll take you through the top Destin activities in this guide!

#1 Relax on the Stunning Beaches

Let's begin with Destin's most well-known feature: its beaches! You'll be in heaven if you enjoy fine sand and glistening sea. With their beautiful white sand that feels like powdered sugar underfoot and the kind of crystal-clear blue water that entices you to jump right in, these beaches are like something out of a dream.

Henderson Beach State Park

For those who enjoy the beach, this is my first pick. With more than 6,000 feet of naturally beautiful shoreline, it's an idyllic haven that's perfect for anyone who enjoy quiet beach experiences. You can relax and let the calming sound of the waves take away your troubles, go for a stroll down the boardwalk, or have a picnic with your loved ones.

Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541

Henderson Beach State Park open 08:00 AM to until sun down 365 days

Crystal Beach fla

Crystal Beach is a fantastic place to relax if you like a more relaxed atmosphere. It feels like a picture-perfect vacation because to the charming beach villas that are close by. With lots of comfortable places to set up a beach umbrella and simply enjoy the sunshine, this beach is a local favorite.

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Considering many visitors Crystal Beach is the best area to stay in Destin, FL

James Lee Park

Want to enjoy delicious fish along with beach fun? James Lee Park features a café and picnic tables just on the beach! Families with children who enjoy splashing around will adore the shallow, clean water.

You will enjoy the sensation of the soft sand under your toes and the background sound of the waves breaking wherever you go. You might not want to leave, so remember to pack a beach blanket, sunscreen, and a nice book!

#2 Go on a Dolphin Cruise

One of the most amazing things you can do in Destin is to see dolphins in the wild! Take a dolphin journey to see these entertaining animals swim next to your vessel. Numerous tour companies provide sunset tours, which give stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico in addition to the chance to observe dolphins.

Imagine traveling over the serene, glistening waves with a little wind blowing across your face when all of a sudden you spot a group of dolphins gracefully jumping through the air. No matter how many times you see it, the sight never becomes old. Among the top tour choices are:

Southern Star Dolphin Cruise

A great option for families with children! The experience is both amusing and educational because of the captain's entertaining and instructive commentary.

Dolphin Watch & Destin History Cruise

For first-time visitors, this blend of history and environment is ideal. Along with seeing dolphins, you'll discover more about Destin's interesting history.

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Catamaran Adventures

Perfect for couples seeking a romantic adventure. Imagine yourself enjoying a refreshing beverage as you watch the sun set—pure joy.

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Cruises are a simple yet memorable addition to your trip, with most lasting between one and two hours.

#3 Visit Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk if you want to experience the local culture. This vibrant neighborhood is the center of Destin's social scene since it is packed with restaurants, shops, and venues for entertainment. Simply strolling down the beachfront, observing people, and admiring the breathtaking harbor views can occupy hours.

Here are some must-do activities at the boardwalk:

Enjoy fresh seafood at Dewey Destin’s or Harbor Docks

Fresh seafood is a specialty of Destin, and these restaurants offer some of the finest shrimp, crab legs, and fish tacos you'll ever taste.

Take a stroll along the water

and observe the boats as they pass. You might even see fishermen carrying in their daily catch if you're lucky.

Try thrilling activities like parasailing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding

You may quickly go from walking to speeding over the ocean thanks to the numerous rental stores near the beachfront!

Watch street performers or listen to live music at night

After dark, musicians, painters, and performers bring the boardwalk to life, resulting in a joyous and unique atmosphere.

#4 Go Fishing - “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”

Did you know that Destin is known as "The Luckiest Fishing Village in the World"? You're in the right place if you enjoy fishing or want to give it a try for the first time. Destin is a fantastic destination for fisherman of all skill levels since its waterways are alive with a variety of fish.

You can reserve a deep-sea fishing trip and catch large tuna, grouper, or red snapper. Everything you want, including gear and knowledgeable experts who will assist you in catching your ideal fish, is provided by fishing charters.

Top fishing charters include:

Destin Fishing Charters - Great for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Olin Marler’s Charter Fishing – A fantastic option for deep-sea adventures.

Swoop Deep Sea Fishing – A budget-friendly choice for groups.

Bring your fishing gear and a little perseverance, and you can fish directly off the Okaloosa Island Pier or the Destin Bridge without having to reserve a charter!

#5 Explore Crab Island

One of Destin's most unusual locations is Crab Island! It's a narrow sandbar where boats anchor for the day, creating a floating party scene, despite the name suggesting otherwise. With good reason, this is one of Destin's most visited attractions!

You’ll need a boat, kayak, or jet ski to reach it, but once you're there, you can:

Swim and relax in the clear, waist-deep water.

Enjoy floating restaurants serving delicious snacks and drinks.

Rent a floating tiki bar for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Try out paddleboarding or snorkeling in the shallow waters.

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Go in the morning when it's calmer if you don't want to deal with the party crowd. While the party crowd begins to arrive in the afternoon, families with children typically visit earlier in the day.

#6 Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

A great place to visit if you have children is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. You can get up close and personal with alligators, stingrays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Even hands-on experiences like feeding a penguin or touching a dolphin are available!

At the park, guests can learn about marine life while watching these amazing creatures interact with trainers and perform stunts during daily shows. Ideal for a family outing, it's entertaining and instructive.