Welcome to the traveler's guide for Destin, Florida! Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," this small city on the Emerald Coast is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With its crystal-clear waters, sugar-white sand beaches, and a plethora of outdoor activities, it's no wonder that travelers flock to Destin year-round. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to this beautiful Gulf Coast city.
The guide will provide suggestions on various aspects such as:
• Accommodation options
• Indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy
• Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and guided tours
• Dining recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts
• Access to public beaches
• Transportation options
• Tips for saving money and other useful information
• Price guides to plan your budget
• Top spots for collecting seashells
• Safety precautions to ensure a secure experience.
This guide caters to different budgets with options ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range and high-end.
Village of Baytowne Wharf is situated within a gated community. Visitors can obtain a free pass at the gate. Since parking can be challenging, it's recommended to use the parking garage.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located in Fort Walton Beach and requires a General Adult admission fee of $25.95. It's just a brief 7-minute drive from the Harbor Boardwalk.
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park offers General Admission tickets for $53.99.
Gilligan's Watersports provides rentals for boats, wave runners, dolphin tours by wave runner, cruises, and parasailing. Prices start at $10, and you can contact them at 850-424-5125.
Mobile Sports Banana Boat Experience is available starting at $55, and you can reach them at 850-687-1626.
Cruisin Tikis offers Tiki Cruises aboard a vintage-inspired tiki boat, and it's BYOB. Prices start at $59, and you can contact them at 850-200-0573.
Here are some notable attractions in Destin:
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl: A restaurant that features underwater-themed bowling lanes.Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade: A venue that offers laser tag and an arcade.
Rock Out Climbing Gym: A climbing gym for enthusiasts of all levels.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park: A trampoline park with various attractions.
Mr. E's Escape Rooms: An escape room experience located in the Escape Zone 60 complex in Sandestin.
The MAXIMUM MAGIC Show: A family-friendly magic show that is sure to entertain all ages.
AMC Destin Commons 14: A movie theater showing the latest blockbusters.
Boulevard 10 at Grand Boulevard: A movie theater with luxurious amenities.
Wild Willy's: An indoor arcade featuring two mini-golf courses, a movie theater, and more.
Rainforest Black Light Mini-Golf & Arcade: A fun-filled miniature golf course and arcade with a rainforest theme.
Destin History & Fishing Museum: A museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Destin, with a focus on fishing.
Emerald Coast Science Center: A science center that offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Indian Temple Mound: A historic site that features a Native American temple mound and museum.
Fired Up Paint Your Own Pottery Studio: A pottery studio where visitors can paint their own ceramic pieces.
Mary Hong's Shard Shop: A unique art studio that offers classes and supplies for making artwork out of recycled glass shards.
Reefs at Henderson Beach State Park: You can find reefs at both the east and west ends of the park, as well as at John C. Beasley Park, located east of the pavilion and close to the shore.
Okaloosa Island Beach Access Four: This beach access point is also located close to the shore and is a great spot for snorkeling.
Dolphin Reef: This newly installed reef is located 685 feet from the shore near Miramar Beach Access.
Sea Turtle Reef at Grayton Beach State Park: This reef is 783 feet from the shore and is a great place to spot sea turtles.
Seahorse Snorkel Reef at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: This reef is 715 feet from the shore and is a must-visit for seahorse enthusiasts.
If you prefer to go on a guided snorkeling trip, there are several options to choose from:
Destin Snorkel: This tour starts at $50 and can be reached at 845-269-2329.Cattywampus Snorkel Tour: This tour costs $50 for adults and offers cheaper prices for children. You can book it by calling 850-586-0450.
Flippers Snorkel Adventure Destin: This tour is $40 for ages 3 and up and can be reserved by calling 850-837-0113.
Snorkeling & Shelling Destin: This tour starts at $59 and can be booked by calling 850-650-3802.
If you're interested in a guided fishing trip, here are a few options to consider:
Flowing Water Charters: Prices for this trip start at $600, and you can call 850-344-7838 to make a reservation.L4K Charters: Prices for this trip start at $390, and you can book by calling 850-895-1224.
Saltwater Charters: Prices for this trip start at $880, and you can make a reservation by calling 833-850-3474.
If you're looking to rent a paddleboard in Destin, here are a few options:
Destin Paddle Company (starting at $20) can be reached at 850-797-2335.Beach Weekend (starting at $45) can be reached at 850-362-6020.
RUN/SUP® RENTALS (starting at $35) can be reached at 850-419-6188.
Kayak Rentals
Here are some State Parks in the area along with their contact details:
- Henderson Beach - Located at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541. Phone: 850.837.7550.
- Topsail Hill Preserve - Located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549. Phone: 850.267.0299.
- Grayton Beach - Located at 357 Main Park Road, Grayton Beach, FL 32549. Phone: 850.231.4210.
- John Beasley Park - Located at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Phone: 850.689.5772.
- Eden Gardens - Located at 181 Eden Garden Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549. Phone: 850.231.4214.
- Deer Lake - Located at 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549. Phone: 850.231.4210.
For Breakfast, you can try the following options:
Destination Little DonutsDonut Hole
Krispy Kreme
The Pancakery
Capriccio Café
First Watch
Crackings
Lunch and Dinner:
Merlin's PizzaMarco's Pizza
Mimmo's Ristorante Italiano – offers great Italian cuisine and friendly service.
LuLu's - offers waterfront dining, a sand beach, colorful seating, and shopping.
The Harbor Tavern
Pompano Joe's - Caribbean-influenced seafood restaurant located directly on the beach.
East Pass Seafood & Oyster House - serves fresh local seafood.
Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
Coffee:
Bad Ass Coffee - Offers Hawaiian coffee roasts.
Capriccio Café
Roast'd Café
East Pass Coffee Company
- Curly Cream Rolled Ice Cream
- Wave Ice Cream & Coffee
- Ice Cream Shoppe Destin East
- Shake's Frozen Custard
- Bruster's Real Ice Cream
- Cups and Cones Destin
- Ice Cream Shoppe of Destin
- Smallcakes of Destin - Gourmet Cupcakes
- The Macaron Chef Destin
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Kilwins Destin Commons - They offer old-fashioned chocolate fudge, candies, and ice cream.
Barracuda Street Beach Access: located at 3016-3080 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Crystal Beach Beach Access
Eglin Matterhorn Beach Access
Geronimo Street Beach Access: located at 735 Scenic Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Miramar Regional Beach Access: located at 2396 Scenic Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Norriego Point Beach Access: located at 1 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
O'Steen Beach Access: located at 320 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Pompano Street Beach Access - located at the south end of Pompano Street - 32-2 Pompano St, Destin, FL 32541
Princess Beach Access - exact location unknown
Redneck Beach Access - located at the west end of the Destin Bridge
Shirah Street Beach Access - located at the intersection of Shirah Street and Hwy 98 in Destin, FL 32541
Shores at Crystal Beach Park Access - 2964 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Tarpon Street Beach Access - 3300 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Looking for some retail therapy? Check out these shopping destinations:
Destin Commons: With over 90 stores and dining options, Destin Commons is a shopping village that caters to a wide variety of tastes. It's located at 4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets: This shopping center boasts over 110 designer and name brand outlet shops, making it a great destination for bargain hunters. You can find it at 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin: For a more upscale shopping experience, head to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. In addition to fine dining options and a movie theater, this shopping center is home to stores like Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer. Its address is 495 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
Make sure to book your stay in advance to secure your spot!
Hotel Effie Sandestin: Rates start at $149 during the off-season.
Henderson Beach Resort: Rates start at $400 during the off-season. This resort is pet and kid friendly and features a lazy river and a private beach.
Henderson Park Inn: Rates start at $295 during the off-season and can go up to $749.
Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard: Rates range from $150 to $250.
The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center.
Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites: Rates range from $116 to $180.
Seascape Beach Access: Located at 1272-1386 Scenic Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Destin E: Rates range from $198 to $227.
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin: Rates start at $147.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin: Rates start at $175.
Airbnb: Rent a house for a similar price to a hotel room and enjoy more privacy. Check out https://www.airbnb.com for options.
The airport closest to Destin is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport located at 1701 State Road 85 N, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-1498. You can reach them at (850) 651-7160 and the airlines that operate there include Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest.
For rental cars, several companies operate at the airport and nearby:
- ALAMO RENT A CAR: www.alamo.com, 800-462-5266 or 850-678-0223
- BUDGET RENT A CAR: www.budget.com, 800-527-0700 or 850-651-0819
- ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR: www.enterprise.com, 800-736-8222 or 850-609-8006
- NATIONAL CAR RENTAL: www.national.com, 800-227-7368 or 850-678-0223
- AVIS CAR RENTAL: www.avis.com, 800-331-1212 or 850-651-0819
- DOLLAR RENT A CAR: www.dollar.com, 866-434-2226 or 850-609-0154
- HERTZ: www.hertz.com, 800-654-3131 or 850-651-0612
- Destin Jeep Rentals: www.DestinJeepRentals.com, 850-687-9262.
- September and October have the highest chance of hurricanes, so be aware and prepared.
- Traffic can be heavy all year round, so plan accordingly and allow extra time for getting around.
- Winter months can offer cheaper accommodations, but be aware that some businesses on the Boardwalk may be closed during the off season.
- The average low temperature in Destin during winter is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Consider staying at a place that is not beachfront and using public beach access points to save money.
- Keep in mind that hotels and condos book up quickly, often months in advance.
Enjoy Your Visit!
Sherri
