Destin, Florida

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park gives visitors access to over 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline bordering the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to its white sandy beaches, the park features a three-quarter mile nature trail, outdoor showers, and a playground.

Boardwalks provide beach access for those who wish to swim, sunbathe, and fish, while several pavilions make a great space for grilling, lounging, and picnicking. Beach access isn't limited to the daytime; there are a number of campsites available that include water and electric hookups as well as access to temperature-controlled bathhouse facilities.

Henderson Beach State Park, 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-837-7550

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Stretching nearly a quarter of a mile along the beautiful Destin Harbor, Destin Harbor Boardwalk provides extensive access to the waterfront and helps preserve the harbor’s unique character. The boardwalk features beautiful landscaping, lighting, and seating, as well as a number of local restaurants and rental businesses.

Every October, the harbor becomes a bustling hub of activity when it hosts both the annual Destin Seafood Festival and the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Four public parking lots are situated within a 5-10 minute stroll of the boardwalk, and all are free of charge.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk, 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541

Destin Commons & Crystal Beach

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Crystal Beach is known for its adorable, rainbow-colored beach cottages, and a large number of vacation rentals are available for visitors to enjoy. Located just off of Highway 98, the Shores at Crystal Beach Park is a family-friendly space that features a pavilion, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Limited parking is available, and the park is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk, free of charge.

This portion of Destin is also the home of Destin Commons, an outdoor lifestyle center with restaurants, boutiques, a movie theater, and a Bass Pro Shop. Destin Commons & Crystal Beach Map

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Located on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the gathering place for everyone visiting, living, or working along the Emerald Coast. It's always open to the public and is home to a wide range of boutiques, eateries, and nightlife.

The wharf also offers a busy schedule of festivals and special events for the entire family, including movies under the stars, flyboard shows, and free concerts. The Village is a pet-friendly venue, and guests are welcome to enjoy catch and release fishing in the lagoon. Public and valet parking are both available.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 244 Fisherman's Cove, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550, Phone: 850-267-8000

HarborWalk Marina

Located in the Destin Harbor, the HarborWalk Marina is a great starting point for a day on the water. The Crab Island Convenience Store sells drinks, snacks, fuel, bait, and fishing equipment, and it offers clean restroom facilities and fishing licenses.

Those in search of souvenirs can stop at the Nautical Treasures gift store to pick up giftware, including T-shirts, sunglasses, beach apparel, and jewelry. The marina also hosts the Destin Cobia Tournament every spring, and is home to SWOOP Deep Sea Fishing Charters, a company that offers deep sea fishing tours to people of all ages and abilities.

HarborWalk Marina, 66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-650-2400

Destin History & Fishing Museum

The Destin History & Fishing Museum contains a number of exhibits depicting the history of the town and the fishing industry in the area. Visitors can admire vintage photographs of early Destin settlers and get a sense of what it’s like to swim in the Gulf of Mexico thanks to a 100-foot long display of fish caught in the area.

Other highlights include a large collection of antique fishing rods and reels, one of which belonged to Ernest Hemingway, and a seine fishing boat built in 1925 that is the oldest still in existence. Guests can explore the museum either on their own or with a guide.

Destin History & Fishing Museum, 108 Stahlman Ave, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-837-6611

SandCastle Lessons with Beach Sand Sculptures

Run by former architect Rick Mungeam and his wife Capri, Beach Sand Sculptures creates one-of-a-kind sculptures for any occasion imaginable. They provide sand sculptures to enhance and promote various events and activities, including festivals, holiday displays, and grand openings.

They will also travel to any beach in the Destin area to provide corporate team building exercises, romantic marriage proposal sand sculptures, or sandcastle lessons in which participants learn the proper technique to build 3 1/2 foot tall sand sculptures. The lessons usually last two hours, and they are suitable for all ages and can be given to groups of any size.

James Lee Park Public Beach

James Lee Park is a county-owned park located on the beach near the border of Okaloosa and Walton counties. Visitors have access to a beautiful stretch of sand where they can swim and fish in the Gulf of Mexico, and the park features a number of pavilions, picnic tables, and dune walkovers. If desired, beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented at the park for a small fee.

A beachside playground is available for families with children, and large, well-maintained restrooms with changing facilities can be found on-site. Public parking is offered, and use of the beach is free of charge.

James Lee Park Public Beach, 3510 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-689-5772

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Based out of HarborWalk Village, Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is an interactive family-friendly adventure that takes place aboard a 100-foot U.S. Coast Guard approved motor vessel. Younger passengers are entertained with interactive sword fights, water gun battles, stories, songs, dances, and treasure hunts, and adults can choose to either join in the fun or relax and take in the scenery.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on-board, and the company recommends arriving one hour prior to departure time to allow for parking and picking up tickets. Cruises last two hours, and boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure.

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, 100 Harbor Blvd, Suite B Destin Florida 32541, Phone: 850-269-0896

Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park

Opened in 1986, the Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is the Emerald Coast's largest water park and a fantastic family destination during the hot summer months. There is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping water slides to enjoy at Big Kahuna's like the Kowabunga Racer, which promises insane speeds, the Hammerhead, twin slides that begin at the top of the park's Temple of Doom, and the 360-turning Monkey River Slide. Other water slides to enjoy at the park include the Cobra Twister, the Jumanji, and the Maui Pipeline Slides. Meanwhile, other exciting features of the park are the Honolulu Half Pipe, the Mini-Golf Course, and several more amusement park rides.

Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park , 1007 US-98 East, Destin, Florida 23541, Phone: 850-837-8319

Sailaway Destin

Sailaway Destin caters to those who wish to have private party excursions by providing a thirty-foot long catamaran that can hold up to six people. Tours are completely personalized and can last between two and eight hours. Captain Bryan Klein is happy to take guests sailing as far as five miles out into the gulf.

Popular activities include dolphin watching, snorkeling, and light tackle trolling, but many people choose to do “free-sailing” and cover as much water as possible while exploring the beautiful surroundings. The boat is well equipped, featuring a stereo system, restroom facilities, and a freshwater shower.

Sail Away - Destin Florida Sailing, 404 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-376-4757

Destin Snorkel

Destin Snorkel offers a wide range of tours on their Coast Guard approved passenger boats, and they have options that are suitable for all ages and abilities. Personalized trips are available, or guests can choose one of the pre-planned snorkeling, dolphin-watching, or sunset tours on offer. For those who want a little more excitement, the company also offers SNUBA adventures.

This unique technology allows participants to dive up to 20 feet, stay underwater for up to half an hour, and explore areas not accessible by snorkeling. All the required equipment is supplied, and free soda and bottled water are provided on all tours. Reservations are recommended.

Destin Snorkel, HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-269-2329

Intracoastal Experience, Destin, Florida

Intracoastal Experience specializes in inshore and near-shore fishing charters for clients of all skill levels. The warm, abundant waters off the shore of Destin are home to a wide variety of fish species, and the area is one of the most bountiful in all of Florida.

Charters typically last 4-6 hours and are guided by highly accomplished tournament angler Captain LW Burroughs. Bait, tackle, ice, Florida Fishing licenses, and fish cleaning/bagging are provided, but it's suggested that customers bring their own drinks, snacks, and a small ice chest for fish filets. Trips must be booked in advance.

Intracoastal Experience, 314 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-585-7173

The Track

The Track family recreation center offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages, including two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper cars, bumper boats, and kiddie rides. The center also features five separate go-kart tracks of varying difficulty and an arcade filled with state-of-the-art video games.

Thrill seekers can take a spin on the giant Hurricane360 ride or try out the SkyFlyer, which simulates the experience of skydiving. Hours and available attractions vary depending on the season, weather, and business levels, so it's wise to call ahead. Discounts are offered for seniors, locals, and bulk purchases.

The Track , 1125 US-98, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-654-4668

Mobile Sports

Mobile Sports specializes in personalized boat tours for groups of six people or fewer. Popular options include banana boat rides, dolphin watching, and sunset tours, but the company will accommodate any special requests to the best of their ability. A professional photographer is present on board for each trip, and personalized photo packages are made available for purchase.

Participants of all ages are welcome on the tours, but children must be at least 5 years of age to ride on the banana boat. Tours typically last one hour, and guests are asked to arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

Mobile Sports, Phone: 850-687-1626

The Market Shops

The Market Shops is an upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment center in Miramar Beach, located along the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. More than 15 merchants are housed within the center, including lovely boutiques such as Favori, and Wren's Village Boutique. Coastal French cuisine is served at Bijoux, while casual fare is offered at regional chain Pizza by the Sea. Families can enjoy ice cream at Ben and Jerry's or try their hand at an escape room challenge at Escapology. Live music is presented throughout the winter and spring months. Each year, the shops also host the annual Bloody Mary Festival.

The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, Phone: (850) 837-3077

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has four unique courses: Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, The Links Golf Club, and the exclusive and private Burnt Pine Club. Each course has its own special challenges and rewards, and together they make up a total of 72 holes spanning from the beach to the bay.

The resort has received a number of prestigious awards, and it regularly hosts events and competitions such as the Champions Tour during the NCAA National Championships. Proper golf attire is required on the courses, including the practice facilities. Collared shirts and spikeless shoes are permitted, but denim and women’s halter tops are not.

Golf Sandestin, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550, Phone: 850-267-8000

Mid-Bay Bridge

Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has been the primary transportation link between the communities of Niceville and Destin. The 3.6-mile two-lane toll bridge spans Choctawhatchee Bay, and it is the quickest way to reach the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton.

Together with the newly opened Spence Parkway, the route contains two separate toll points. For the sake of convenience, those who routinely use the system are advised to sign up for a pre-paid Sunpass account, which can be used for both toll points on the bridge as well as for many other Florida toll roads.

Mid-Bay Bridge , Mid-Bay Bridge Rd, Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-897-1428

AJ's Water Adventures

AJ's Water Adventures provides Destin visitors with dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, and snorkeling tours. Moonlit firework cruises are also available on occasion, and reservations are recommended for these. The company has two boats to choose from: a 53-foot speedboat called the "Sea Quest" and a 74-foot custom built schooner named the "Daniel Webster Clements."

Excursions last between one and three hours depending on the option chosen, and all cruises come with complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water. The tours are all family-friendly, and children are given the opportunity to take charge and "captain" the vessel.

AJ's Water Adventures, 116 Harbor Blvd., Destin, Florida 32541, Phone: 850-837-2222