The origins of a fishing village were long in the past. But the relaxed beach atmosphere and the friendliness of its residents never left this friendly city. See now a complete guide on what to do in Destin, Florida!
Considered the main destination on the Emerald Coast, in the northwest of the state, Destin is a beautiful little city that gives taste and surrounded by beauty that nature has provided. There are kilometers of beaches with sand so white and fine that it looks like velvet and with clear waters, the kind we usually see on postcards.
Located about a 6-hour drive from Orlando, it is still being discovered by the thousands of Brazilians who arrive in Florida, but it is already an old acquaintance of local tourism. With an area of 21 square kilometers and a population of less than 14 thousand inhabitants, Destin receives 4.5 million visitors every year.
When to go to Destin, Florida?
Most tourists arrive there in the summer months, when the high season arrives, but Florida, with its mild winters, can be visited all year round. Between the months of June and September, temperatures rise a lot, so take the opportunity to splash around in the sea in the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy outdoor walks.
The beaches and the Harbourwalk, an open-air shopping center in the port, are the main attractions, and water sports are everywhere. See now more about what to do in Destin and surrounding areas!
Read too:
• Complete guide to planning your Emerald Coast trip
• What to do in Panama City Beach: best attractions
Is it worth renting a car in Destin and the Emerald Coast?
It’s definitely worth renting a car in Destin. With the convenience of a car, you will be able to make the most of your stay and get to know Destin’s main tourist attractions. There’s no need to be afraid: the traffic is calm, the roads are good and the cars are automatic. Another option, which may be worth it if you really don’t want to get behind the wheel, is to take an Uber or Lift. Read more about driving in the United States.
See here how to rent a car in the United States with the best cost/benefit
What to do in Destin: top attractions
HarborWalk Village
The city’s port ended up becoming a small open-air shopping mall that has several options for shopping and entertainment. Several restaurants, zip lines, escape rooms, free fall towers and food trucks are among the attractions that make Harbor Walk the social center of Destin. This is also where boat trips around the region leave, including dolphin cruises and kayak rentals.
Okaloosa Island
A narrow three-mile-long island that lies between Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Okaloosa Island is a favorite with locals, who spend the day playing volleyball in the nets on the public beaches or fishing from the pier. The structure that reaches almost 400 meters into the Gulf of Mexico (entrance fee US$2) is one of the island’s postcards and is always full of fishermen who, sometimes, supply local restaurants with fresh fish.
Although tourism today represents an important commercial activity and the city is now little more than a village, fishing is still an important activity there. This translates into the dishes full of fresh fish and seafood served daily in the restaurants and on the more than 150 boats docked in the port.
The island serves as a natural barrier between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and is home to hundreds of marine and bird species. Its waters are warm and the sand is white and soft. When you get hungry, our tip is to stop by one of the Boardwalk restaurants, where boat trips also leave.
Dolphin Watching in Destin
There are more than 10,000 dolphins living near Destin. This means that you will inevitably end up seeing one. It could be far away, on the beach, or right next to your boat on a tour, but if you want to guarantee it, there are cruises lasting two hours with the sole aim of showing you these pranksters.
The boats, with glass bottoms, take you around the bay for two hours and a dolphin encounter is guaranteed or you get your money back. Several companies sell the tour at Harborwalk Village. We did it through Southern Star (about $30).
Crab Island
Contrary to what the name suggests, Crab Island is not an island – it was, but ended up covered by the sea in recent decades –, but rather a sandbar with turquoise water that is a popular destination among residents of this region of Florida.
On weekends, the place is full of boats that anchor there. Groups of friends spend the day drinking and, when the sun shines, cooling off in that sea of impossible color. Several floating bars pass between the boats selling drinks and there is also a shop selling buoy rentals and water toys for children.
To get there, rent a clear-bottom boat or kayak (about $100 for a full day or $64 for four hours) at the Harbor Walk Village.
Stand Up Paddling em Destin
Of the things I liked doing most on the trip, Stand Up Paddle is the winner. Firstly because I had never done it before and I thought I wouldn’t even be able to stand on the board, but I did it and it gave me that dose of overcoming that only sports can give. You can book guided SUP tours through beautiful places, with exuberant nature.
Henderson Beach State Park
This protected region has one of the most beautiful beaches on the Emerald Coast. With white sands and warm water from the Gulf, the place is located within an environmental protection park with trails, campsites, picnic areas, a resort and lots of natural life, as well as infrastructure for water sports and space for events. Entry costs about $6 per car. Official site.
Where to Stay in Destin: Recommended Hotels
Henderson Park Inn facade
The port is Destin’s meeting place. There are many leisure activities there, such as toys for children and teenagers, as well as bars and restaurants. This is also where sea tours in the region leave. Okaloosa Island rounds out the attractions within Destin, but there is still a lot to see, and this is a great base choice.
To get that taste of home, it’s worth checking out the ResortQuest by Windham, which has apartments with everything you need to enjoy your stay and the privacy of having a place all to yourself. The various hotels in The Henderson group offer accommodation for all tastes within Henderson Beach Park: The Henderson Park Inn, a cozy inn on the beachfront, is the only adults only Of region. Already the Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, A luxurious resort, it offers amenities for the whole family.
Find hotels in Destin
Where to eat in Destin, Florida: recommended restaurants
Dewey Destin’s Bayside
(9 Calhoun Avenue) – link to Google Maps
This family restaurant has the laid-back style that only those who live by the sea can have. The place specializes in seafood and offers a daily selection of fresh fish found in the local market. The business was passed down from father to son and the recipe for Key Lime Pie – one of the best I’ve ever eaten – comes from the Dewey matriarch.
Margaritaville
(76 Harbor Boulevard)
This chain of restaurants that spreads throughout the country serves typical food from the North American coast and a cocktail menu that no one can miss. Perfect for dinners and happy hours, it hosts artists performing live music every night. It was there that I ate my favorite dish of the trip, crab with creamy cheese.
World of Beer Bar & Kitchen
(4287 Legendary Drive)
World of Beer serves around 50 different brands of draft beer, as well as hundreds of beers from different parts of the world and perfect food to accompany the most beloved drink on the planet. When in doubt about what to choose from so many options, ask the attendants who are ready to help you find the perfect beer. I went for barbecue ribs and a quadruple.
Local Market
(950 Gulf Shore Drive)
The cutest restaurant in town, with the feel of a local market. It’s known for its desserts, cakes, and pies, and it’s a great stop for breakfast. All bread is fresh, made every morning in Fort Walton Beach, and all other ingredients are – whenever possible – produced locally. Don’t forget to try the delicious fruit smoothies.
LuLu’s Restaurant
(4607 Legendary Marina Drive)
Beach restaurant with a foot in the sand. Serves the best of local cuisine in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. It has a cute souvenir shop and a playground that imitates a small beach.
Crab Trap
(3500 Scenic Hwy 98 East)
This beachfront restaurant is a great choice to end a day of sun and crystal-clear salt water on the Emerald Coast. Be sure to try the Hot Crab Dip and Seafood Gumbo.
Crackings
(979 Highway 98 E Suite 4)
This family-friendly restaurant is the local choice when it comes to breakfast and brunch. The menu offers a variety of omelets and scrambled eggs, as well as pancakes and waffles. If your religion allows drinking before 12pm, be sure to try the mimosas, blood marys, Scottish coffee and other drinks on the menu.
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