Destin is a #1 choice for a beach vacation, and the beautiful white sandy beaches and emerald green waters are well worth the trip! Surf, sand, and sun are the main reason to come to this gorgeous part of the Gulf Coast. However, there are so many other things to do that make Destin a splendid choice for your vacation, even in addition to going to the Beach!
Are you excited to visit Destin but unsure where the best restaurants, shopping centers, and beaches are located? Read our vacation guide for all the great picks we have planned for your next visit!
Get Directions & Family Outing Ideas in the Guide
The Best Things to Do in Destin
Fishing & Diving in Destin
When you visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, you will notice all of the boats (big, small, and every size in between)
- Huntress Fishing Charters– Catch your dinner! They provide everything you need, just pack your lunch and drinks, and you’re all set!
- Olin Marler’s Charter Boat Service, Inc. Also offers dolphin cruises, which are a must-do, at least once!
- Destin Snorkel – You can charter several different boats to take you out and go snorkeling or visit Crab Island.
- Blue Crab Water Sports – A great place for renting a pontoon, jet ski, paddle boards, or chartering a Fishing Boat!
Golfing in Destin
Destin is a great place to go golfing
- Emerald Bay Golf Club
- Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
- Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club
- Kelly Plantation Golf Club
- The Golf Garden of Destin
- Baytowne Golf Club
Other Entertainment Options in the Area
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Sun Dogs Parasailing
- Big Kahuna’s Water Park
- AMC Theaters Destin Commons
- The Track Family Recreation Center
- Southern Star Glass Bottom Boat
- Gilligan’s Watersports
- Sea Blaster
- Bike and Paddle Board Rentals
Where Can You Go Shopping in Destin
Destin has a great outdoor mall, The Destin Commons! Offering top-name brand stores, a variety of eateries from casual to fine dining, a splash zone for kids, and a top-of-the-line kiddie choo choo! This is a place where you will not be bored! Something for everyone in the family, even a big-o Bass Pro! You must try Paula Deen’s Restaurant, WOW (World of Beer), or for a quick bit Smash Burger or Zoe’s are our favorites.
The Silver Sands Outlet Mall is another must-do for shopping fun! From Ann Taylor to Zale’s, this place has so many shops you could shop till you drop, but you don’t have to drop because this exquisite center offers an abundance of food everywhere you turn, or if you’re just in need of a caffeine jolt, drop in at Starbucks! Great deals at the Outlet Mall can be found year-round!
Best Places to Find Souvenirs in Destin
We have our share of souvenir shops, but if you’re looking for that unique beachy souvenir to take home for yourself or a gift for a friend, you may want to make some footprints over to “Footprints,” a great little gift shop just East of the Outlet Mall at 9818 US HWY 98West Destin, FL 32550. Also, drop by Banana Barts just across from the Donut Hole on HWY 98. They always are leading the pack in unique gift ideas. 620 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL, 32541.
The Candymaker is another unique little shop in Destin where you can go to get a special find to take back home. This is a great shop full of souvenirs, candy, and a coffee shop-all just across the road from the Gulf of Mexico!
Best Place to Stay in Destin
As you can tell, we have almost endless options for what to do and what to eat in this great beach town called Destin. These were just a drop in the bucket for our favorites, but sadly, we didn’t have time to write a novel about it, not just yet anyway. Come and try out some of our favorites along with yours and tap into the ever-growing fantastic ball of fun found on Florida’s Emerald Coast!
The Destin area is loaded with events to check out and vacation rentals to sleep in. There is something for everyone from condos along the historic 30A strip to vacation rentals in Destin, Florida. Book one of our vacation rentals today!
