Dive Into Destin
The sun is out and the water is fine in Destin, one of the top destinations to visit in the summer months. This is the epitome of a waterfront vacation spot, featuring both the emerald waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the shimmering waters of the Destin Harbor. Boating, snorkeling, watersports and more are ready to keep you refreshed, and waterfront shops, dining, and entertainment keep you relaxed. Part of the dazzling Emerald Coast, Destin and the surrounding area are waiting for you to dive in!
Dive Into…the Water
The waves are calling, and you must answer! Spend your summer days immersed in the emerald waters for which this coast is named, zipping around in a boat or Jet Ski, or even catching your dinner!
Destin Harbor, at the heart of the Emerald Coast, is home to the largest for-hire fishing fleet in the U.S. Depending on the season, charters will fill your boat with amberjack, red snapper, triggerfish, cobia, grouper and many other fish indigenous to the area. Perhaps this abundance of fish, combined with beautiful water and breathtaking views, is what has earned Destin the title of “World’s Luckies Fishing Village” - because you’ll certainly feel luck to be here! At the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, you’ll find a plethora of fishing charters available, including options for group trips so that you and your family or friends can go out together. Each licensed captain is committed to finding you the best fishing spots, from in-shore fishing to offshore and even shark and bow fishing! If you’re feeling especially proud of your catch, the marina partners with a professional photographer to snap you with your snapper! One of the biggest perks to fishing in this area is that there are many available Gulf-to-Table restaurants, which will clean and cook your catch as you relax and enjoy a lovely dinner. Brotula’s is a beautiful waterside restaurant that overlooks the Destin Harbor, specializing in fresh, locally-sourced seafood, produce, and a wide array of steamed and boiled shellfish platters that are integrated into a fun and rustic, yet sophisticated Southern fish house that is also happy to cook up your catch, and choose your sides to go along with it.
destin-fishing-fleet.com
brotulas.com
Perhaps one of the most popular ways to spend your day on the water in Destin is to float in the warm Gulf waters while enjoying the sunshine. Crab Island is a popular spot for pontoon boats, due to its shallower and calm waters and beautiful backdrop of the city. There is even an inflatable waterpark that floats on water! Destin Vacation Rentals specializes in boat rentals; particularly, pontoon boats! This spacious style of boat is laid out perfectly for groups, and the pontoon boats offered by Destin Vacation Rentals are even available with slides - creating an instant waterpark that is especially popular with kids and teens.
destinvacationboatrentals.com
It’s not just life on the water that you can enjoy on the Emerald Coast - it’s life under the water, too! The 100-Fathom Curve draws nearer to Destin than to any other spot on the Gulf Coast, and with such deep waters comes the opportunity to see incredible marine life with snorkeling and diving. Dive among the artificial reefs, wrecks and a limestone shelf at depths of up to 90 feet. Snorkeling is another fantastic way to see fish and pick up pretty shells, and Destin Snorkel offers snorkeling along with SNUBA. SNUBA is a great way to enjoy the perks of scuba diving without being certified, and is suitable for healthy swimmers over the age of eight.
destinsnorkel.com
If you’re the type who likes to pack your vacation with as many once-in-a-lifetime experiences as possible, then Destin is your spot. Hop onto a Jet Ski and speed your way through the waves to see one of the most iconic and friendliest fish – dolphins! Xteme H2O can take you on all kinds of watersport adventures, but one of the most popular excursions is dolphin sightseeing tours via WaveRunners and Jet Skis. Xtreme prides themselves on creating a personalized, intimate experience for you to truly enjoy the dolphins in your own style, while also being careful to protect all creatures of the earth, sky, and seas.
xtremeh2o.net
In this waterfront vacation destination, it’s no surprise that even some of the attractions on land have to do with enjoying the water; so it is at Big Kahuna’s, the Emerald Coast’s largest waterpark! Combining the refreshment of a swimming pool with the thrills of a theme park, Big Kahuna’s offers heart-pounding fun on the 40-foot free-fall of Jumanji, the four-lane, heads-first race of the Kowabunga Racer, or the dizzy swirls of the Cobra Twister. There are over 40 rides to enjoy, including smaller and slower-paced rides for little tykes and a mini golf course to check out after you dry off.
bigkahunas.com
Dive Into…Emerald Experiences
If you can manage to pull yourselves away from the water, you will find that the Emerald Coast has so many exciting experiences to offer, from museums and a science center to a marine adventure park, and even boardwalk shopping and nature parks!
Destin is known as the world’s “luckiest fishing village,” and you’re about to find out why at the Destin History and Fishing Museum! See award-winning fish caught in Destin, the history of the American Indians who first lived in the area, artifacts from the past, and even the outdoor Museum Historic Park Complex including the historic seine boat “Primrose,” mullet boat "Lil Jimmy,” seine net reel, and the original Old Post Office as well as the "Footprints in the Sand" memorial walkway. If you enjoy a little friendly family competition, try experiencing the museum through a fun scavenger hunt tour!
destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
A fantastic family day trip destination is the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach. This interactive museum focuses on activities that explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Meet the collection of birds, reptiles, and small mammals, each one named after a famous scientist. Learn about ecology and the regional environment with The Emerald Coast Ecosystem Exhibit, where kids can engage in activities about climate and weather, local terrain, and wildlife and use a augmented reality sandbox, so you can make watershed models and conduct experiments with virtual rainfall. Parents and children will love these and so many more activities; it’s the perfect blend of learning and fun!
ecscience.org
Another great day trip for all ages is a visit to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island. This is a fun and exciting place to learn about the rich marine life of the Emerald Coast and other parts of the world, and to meet marine animals up close! Watch a thrilling dolphin show featuring playful bottlenose dolphins, and then meet the stars of the show themselves with a hands-on dockside encounter. Sweep your fingers over a sleek stingray at the touch tank, meet and hold juvenile alligators, and go behind the scenes on the Gulfarium’s long-term turtle rescue. You will also encounter penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and more!
gulfarium.com
Shopaholics will find plenty of places to pick up some treasures to take home, particularly after spending a day at Destin Commons. The Commons is a local favorite and has been voted “Best Shopping Center,” thanks to its refreshing open-air design that feels more like a village than a mall. Peruse 95 specialty stores including Belk, Bass Pro Shops, AMC 14 Theaters, H&M, and other popular brands. Enjoy restaurants and entertainment options with a little something for everyone, like Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill bowling alley and restaurant, Chipotle, and others. Children love the mini train, interactive water fountain and Pirate's Cove soft playground.
destincommons.com
Slip into your strappy summer sandals or easy-going loafers and prepare for the perfect summer day (and night!) on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Enjoy being out in the warm sunshine and feel the pleasant Gulf breeze as you walk along the Boardwalk’s many attractions. The shopping here is fabulous, whether you’re looking for resort wear, jewelry, destination apparel, or artwork. Of course, the many restaurants and pubs offer not only great eats, but also entertainment! The Hog’s Breath Saloon has been a local favorite since 1976, with great seafood and smoked BBQ that you can enjoy with a specialty drink and live music. Don’t forget to pick up a t-shirt! For a lively evening, head over to the Coyote Ugly Saloon made famous by the film, and enjoy this always-entertaining venue that features lots of story-inspiring events like Ladies Night (Wednesdays) and live DJs so you can get your coyote dance on.
destinboardwalk.com
hogsbreath.com
coyoteuglysaloon.com
When visiting this area of the Florida Panhandle, you should certainly visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is spread between the states of Alabama and Florida, connecting in the Panhandle. Florida’s section of this park is on the Emerald Coast’s Okaloosa Island, located along Choctawhatchee Bay. The calm waters on the Gulf side make it ideal for swimming, and the park offers public facilities, including showers. This is the perfect time of year to see the island’s beautiful and rare blooms, like Indian Blanket and Large-flowered Pink Marsh flowers. And, don’t miss the chance to look for dolphins!
nps.gov/guis
Nature lovers cannot miss the fantastic Henderson Beach State Park, which features 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline dotted with beautiful dune rosemary and sand pines. Enjoy the boardwalks that wind through the dunes, and keep your eye out for the birds who live here. Camping, fishing and even geocaching are also available, and it’s pet-friendly! (Leashes, please.) Located just off U.S. Highway 98, it is not only easy to access the park, but also to find attractions and accommodations nearby.
floridastateparks.org
Dive Into…Accommodations
You might have a hard time choosing a Destin accommodation, because they’re all so awesome! Romantic inns, luxurious spa resorts, exciting hotels, and ready to send you into a state of ultimate relaxation.
Those who enjoy the serenity of the park will certainly find restfulness at the Henderson Park Inn, which is adjacent to the park on the Gulf-front. This luxurious, all-inclusive resort is an adults-only, New England-style retreat offers a romantic touch to your trip. Delight in elegant decor in each suite, each with different amenities like private balconies, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, picnic boxed lunch, cocktails at the Tiki Hut, complimentary wine, grapes and chocolates upon arrival, beach chairs and umbrellas, bicycles and more. There’s a reason this was voted the #1 most romantic hotel in North America!
hendersonparkinn.com
On the other side of Henderson State Park is a more family-oriented option, the Silver Sands Beach Resort and Spa. Their 31-acre beach borders the park, and they offer spacious condos that perfectly combine resort luxury with essential amenities like kitchens, dining areas, balconies, and more. Enjoy beach chair service, or lounge by the 7,500 square foot Lagoon Pool - the centerpiece of the resort. Visit The Sandbar tiki hut on the beach to cool off with a frozen cocktail, or enjoy a massage at the full-service spa. Parasail trips, Waverunners, sailboats, and kayaks can all be rented right from the beach. Indulge in a fantastic dinner at the onsite Ruth’s Chris Steak House of Destin, or take a short drive (or perhaps even a stroll in the pleasant evening air) to nearby restaurants and cafes.
silvershells.com
Visitors to Destin and the Emerald Coast have long chosen the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village for its incredible location, scenic views, and luxurious feel. Their location on the Destin Harbor offers expansive scenery, and their resort pool is probably where your family will be spending a lot of time. You could probably hang out in your room for a lot of time as well, as the Emerald Grande has beautiful and spacious suites that make it easy to relax. When you want to venture out, you can go shopping in the adjacent Harborwalk Village, a destination in and of itself that offers retail, dining, and entertainment choices. The Village also offers many aquatic rentals, outfitters, and dolphin tours! The best part of staying here is how easy it is to enjoy so many things as a family here and all in one place!
emeraldgrande.com
The hotels and resorts that are located on land are still only a short ways away from the surf and sands that surrounds the area. SunDestin Beach Resort, part of Wyndham Vacation Rentals, is located just near downtown Destin and overlooks the emerald Gulf waves for which this coast is named. Enjoy spacious condo units with private balconies featuring stunning views, as well as fantastic amenities like 3,000 ft. of event space, its own beach space, and beach rentals including beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and padddleboards for a day of adventure.
sundestinresort.com
The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center combines Emerald Coast elegance with a fun and friendly atmosphere. From their spacious rooms and suites in their stately towers, you have incredible views of the surrounding scenery. Cool off in their beautiful, palm-lined pool, or let the dedicated staff help you set up a watersport or sandcastle-sculpting adventure. Need to take your R&R to the next level? Book a session at Med-Spa for a relaxing facial or massage. The Conference Center contains 6,400 square feet of meeting and conference space, ideal for your large business function or wedding reception needs. PRIME’D at the Palms, the resort’s signature restaurant, is located within the conference center - so you’re never far from refreshments, thanks to their catering and bar service options.
palmsofdestin.com
