You’ve finally decided on Destin, Florida for your upcoming vacation, but now comes the tough part – narrowing down exactly how to spend your precious time in this sun-soaked paradise.
With charter fishing, dolphin cruises, beachcombing, boutique shopping, and mouthwatering seafood all calling your name, where do you even begin?
As a part-time Destin local, let me help you maximize every moment of your upcoming escape. So, let’s get into the topic of things to do in Destin FL.
Sunrise Serenity – Beach Yoga at Henderson Beach State Park
Your days start with sunrise beach yoga to ground and energize before the adventures ahead. Grab a mat and meet your instructor on Henderson Beach State Park’s sandy shores.
Time your downward dogs and tree poses between the rhythmic lapping of crystal blue waves, inhaling the salty aroma of the Gulf as the orange hue of daybreak kisses the horizon.
Dolphin Delight – Captivating Adventures at Captain Anderson’s Marina
Next, trade toe-numbing sunrise sands for the heated comfort of Somethin’s Cookin’ blueberry pancake breakfast.
Linger over hot coffee and the fluffiest flapjacks doused in whipped butter and syrup before gearing up for a destined-to-delight dolphin cruise.
Captain Anderson’s Marina hosts daily tours where playful bottlenose dolphins show off alongside flying fish and laughing gulls. Don’t forget your camera! And, I hope this is one of the best things to do in Destin FL that you must enjoy.
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Beachside Retreat – Henderson Beach State Park’s Mid-Day Warmth
By now the morning chill fades to Destin’s signature mid-day warmth, beckoning you to the beach.
Henderson Beach State Park offers convenient parking and picnic facilities along its peaceful shoreline. This is also one of the fun things to do in Destin.
So, pack a cooler, umbrella, and towels to camp out on the powder-soft sands. Let the rhythm of the surf and the warmth of the sun melt worries away for a while.
Catch a nap under swaying palms or dive into that page-turner you never have time to read back home.
Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
After your share of relaxation, grab the kids or the whole crew for an afternoon of adventure at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. To be honest, this is one of the most exciting and adventurous things to do in Destin Florida with kids.
From lazier types tubing along the Honolulu Halfpipe to daredevils plunging down Paradise Falls, these 20 acres deliver water slides and rides galore.
Multi-story obstacle courses challenge your inner ninja warrior high above or try your luck on the ropes course. Refuel with nachos, hot dogs, and frozen drinks before heading back out.
Sunset Spectacle – HarborWalk Village Overlooking Destin Harbor
As the sun drifts lower, make your way to HarborWalk Village overlooking Destin Harbor for a snapshot-worthy sunset.
Grab a seat at a waterfront restaurant like Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer and toast the day with a Sea Witch sangria or one of 30 regional craft brews on tap. Their Grouper Pontchartrain with buttery crabmeat stuffing makes fine fare for your last meal of the day.
Nighttime Magic – Bioluminescent Dolphin Cruise
Nighttime ushers in street performers, live music, and carnival rides across HarborWalk Village, but first you have a date for a dolphin cruise of a different kind.
Many boats like Southern Star Dolphin Cruise offer evening options to witness the breathtaking sparking bioluminescence occurring when microscopic plankton light up as dolphins dart through dark waters.
This natural light show resembles gliding under galaxies of stars – a memory not soon forgotten.
Morning Charm – The Beach House on 30A and Coastal Exploration
If sparkling seas still dance in your dreams, fuel up on coffee and beignets at The Beach House on 30A come morning. Their oceanview patio provides front-row seating to sunrise shells and even sea turtle hatching season!
Work off the powdered sugar buzz beachcombing along coastal dune lake-dotted Grayton Beach State Park just minutes away.
Active Pursuits – Paddling and Exploring with Wheel Fun Rentals
Prefer paddling over walking? Okay, Seaside has you covered. Grab a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or bike from Wheel Fun Rentals to explore the lush Tupelo-Cypress forested coastline of Western Lake or splash alongside dancing waterfalls cascading into Boogie Bayou.
Reward your athletic endeavors with pizza and sweet tea from Great Southern Cafe or salted caramel gelato from Seaside Scoops.
Boutique Bliss: Shop Hopping at Seaside’s Central Square
If boutique shop hopping sparks joy, then meander down brick-lined Central Square checking out everything from upscale art galleries to beachy-chic clothing and home décor shops featuring work by local artisans.
Beyond boutiques, a spectrum of family fun awaits at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club like bumper cars, laser tag, simulator golf, and old-fashioned arcade games long into the evening.
Family Fun Things To Do In Destin Florida With Kids
From marine animal encounters to amusement parks, there are many family-friendly things to do in Destin Florida with kids.
1. Indian Creek Zoo
This small zoo allows visitors to feed rainbow lorikeets by hand and features endangered and rescued animals like lemurs, snakes, and birds of prey.
2. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
With water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones, this massive water park is perfect for families looking to cool off.
3. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Get up close with seals, sea lions, dolphins, and otters at this marine animal park’s educational shows and exhibits. Behind-the-scenes animal encounters are available.
4. Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill
Kids can bowl in underwater lanes with ocean-themed decor at this indoor attraction with arcade games and casual dining options.
Insider Tips For Things To Do In Destin FL
As a frequent Destin visitor, I’ve gathered some insider tips for the fun things to do in Destin FL to help maximize your time during your trip.
- Avoid parking headaches by staying at a resort offering shuttle services or vacation rentals within walking distance of attractions.
- Sign up for loyalty programs at popular restaurants to receive discounts and perks.
- Grab breakfast tacos from local favorite Another Broken Egg Cafe to eat on the beach.
- Join a free fishing seminar at the marina and learn tricks from the locals.
- Photograph the colorful graffiti walls around the Crystal Beach neighborhood.
