Today, I’ll share my latest travel adventure in Destin, Florida, highlighting the top 10 things to do that will make your vacation truly adventurous. I’ll start with my childhood vacation experiences in Destin.
I still recall those happy days in Destine when my dad used to take my three siblings and me to the best fishing areas in Florida. He lived to turn everything into a competition and said, ‘Whoever catches the most fish, I’ll give them a prize for it.’ Destin was always his favorite place for fishing, and he stated that destin is regarded as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.
But as a traveler, when I explored Destin, I discovered that it is not just a fishing village; it is actually a hub of various activities such as golf, tennis, and water sports, including diving and snorkeling. Here are my top 10 things to do in Destin, Florida.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Destin Florida
Over the years I have visited Destin many times and I can confidently say that it is much more than just fishing. Below, I have listed my top 10 favorite things to do in Destin with the best of the beach, water adventures, attractions, and history.
1. Henderson Beach State Park
On my visit to Henderson Beach State Park, I was most impressed by the stunning one-mile stretch of beach with soft, white sand made from Appalachian quartz. It was the perfect place to sunbathe and relax, away from the noisy crowds.
The park also offers ample parking, clean restroom facilities, and easy access to the beach, making it convenient for families. This is one of the best days I have ever spent here, wandering through the nature trails, grilling a fabulous picnic, and swimming in the green water. The visit was quite memorable since the environment of the park was quiet.
2. Destin Dolphin Cruises
I also got to take a dolphin cruise around Destin, which is one of my favorite activities. I was able to watch free-roaming dolphins with companies such as IJ’s Water Adventures and Southern Star Dolphin Cruises. The cruises typically last about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the experience.
I also had the chance to do other activities such as sailing and snorkeling, and the tour was very fun. The guides made the experience better by sharing cool facts about the dolphins and the waters. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
3. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
During my visit to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, I was able to witness spectacular performances of not only dolphins but sea lions as well. Even though this park is smaller than SeaWorld, visitors get more personal and close-up encounters. The park offers interactive programs like swimming with dolphins or meeting penguins, which you can book in advance.
It was fun to be able to touch the marine animals, such as the stingrays and the dolphins, and I had a lot of fun exploring the various informative stands. It was wonderful because I had an opportunity to get closer to the sea life in Florida.
4. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
One of the things I really enjoyed was a walk at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. The quarter-mile stretch was stunning and provided great views of the harbor, ships, and the activities that took place along the waterfront. I went shopping, had lunch in a restaurant located on the water, and had fun on the water, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
The boardwalk also features live music and seasonal events, which add to the vibrant atmosphere. It is a rather lively place, with something that would appeal to anyone. Parking is available nearby, making it easy to access and explore this popular spot.
It’s important to add that during my trip to Destin, I stayed in three vacation rentals in Destin during my trip to make it memorable. However, Hampton Inn & Suites Destin stood out as the luxury vacation rental, providing a truly luxurious experience from entry to exit. I highly recommend staying at this hotel. The swimming pool stole my heart and was worth every penny.
5. Crab Island
That was a great day on the beach in Crab Island. This sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing, wading in the water, and playing with the rubber duck and other water equipment. Since it can only be accessed by boat, it had a very calm and peaceful atmosphere. The clear waters and gentle waves make it perfect for a lazy day under the sun.
I had my snacks and drinks because there were no selling stands, and it was a very relaxing day with my friends. Be sure to bring a cooler with all your essentials, including sunscreen and beach games, as there are no facilities on the island.
6. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
I particularly enjoyed my visit to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. There are more than 40 attractions such as thrilling slides, water rides, as well as a wave simulator. There is also an adventure park separately with mini-golf and other fun rides in the park. It is operational from mid-May to August, and the water rides are available from March to September, including Labor Day.
To ensure a smooth experience, I recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid any entry issues. The park is perfect for a busy day of family fun, with shaded areas and dining options to keep everyone comfortable and refreshed.
7. Destin Golf Courses
For golf lovers, Destin’s courses are something that one cannot afford to miss out on. It is my pleasure to have played at Kelly Plantation Golf Club and Emerald Bay, which are both fascinating and contain some tough par 4s. This place has some top golf courses for all skill levels, offering beautiful views and a relaxing game.
I enjoyed Kelly Plantation because it offers unique coastal terrain and breathtaking water views, making it a standout experience. I recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons. Consider using the course’s app for real-time updates and tee time management.
8. Destin Fishing
Destin is really the luckiest fishing village in the world; Recalling those childhood days of fishing competitions among members of my family, I was happy to discover there is much more to explore in Destin. I got to fish on the jetties and piers and even had a chance to do a fishing charter trip which gave me a better understanding of the fishing experience in Destin.
The annual festival such as the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October was fantastic since it attracted fishermen from different parts of the world. Whether you are a first-time fisherman or have been fishing for years, at Destin there are great fishing adventures that embrace the history of the place.
9. Gator Beach
During my visit to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, I visited Gator Beach, where I could see hundreds of alligators. It has amazing Gator shows and other wonderful educational shows. I even got a chance to feed and photograph these great animals with VIP tickets.
It was a memorable trip for anyone who wanted to see wildlife. I also enjoyed holding a baby alligator and learning about their habitat from the knowledgeable staff. Arrive early to get the best viewing spots and check the show schedule beforehand. Plus, don’t forget to explore the gift shop for unique gator-themed souvenirs.
10. Destin History and Fishing Museum
The visit to Destin History and Fishing Museum was really quite interesting. I got to know more about the history of the city and that it was once a hub for the fishing industry. Some of the topics that were exhibited included the origin of the white sand in Destin and marine animals among others.
Moreover, there are entertaining kids’ treasure hunts and knowledge-providing themed tours for adults. I also discovered that the museum offers rotating exhibits featuring local artifacts and maritime history, which provides a fresh perspective with each visit. Be sure to ask about their guided tours to enrich your experience even further.
Conclusion
I’ve shared my full journey to Destin with you. You can see that Destin isn’t just for fishing—it’s also great for adventure. Now it’s your turn to explore Destin. I hope my experience helps make your trip exciting. Please share your vacation stories with me. Just as I’ve shared mine, I’d love to hear about your time in Destin.
FAQs
Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing, and personal fishing gear if preferred. Charters usually provide equipment and bait.
Yes, Gator Beach is generally open year-round. Check for seasonal hours and special events before visiting.
Yes, bring your own water equipment and snacks, as Crab Island lacks vendors and rental services.
Yes, dolphin cruises are family-friendly and offer educational and entertaining experiences for children.
Destin offers fishing on jetties, piers, charter trips, and the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, which attracts global fishermen.
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