Best Things To Do In Destin, Florida

The Florida Panhandle is located in the northwestern part of Florida and borders the Gulf of Mexico. This area is known as the “Emerald Coast” for its beautiful blue and turquoise water complemented by white sandy beaches. Once a barrier Island, over the course of several years of Hurricanes and Sea Level changes, the Florida Panhandle connected to the mainland of Florida. In the 1940s, it technically became an island again with the completion of the Choctawhatchee-West Bay Canal. Let’s explore the best things to do in Destin.

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The Panhandle has 10 aquatic preserves, 36 state parks, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the 234,000-acre Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The main adventures include Airboats, Gator Adventures, Surfing, Deep Sea Fishing, Beach Bumming, and countless Seafood Restaurants. Pensacola, Destin, and Panama City Beach are popular destinations in the Florida Panhandle. A for sure Top 10 Bucket List Destination.  

Destin Florida is named after Leonard Destin, a fishing captain who settled in the area between 1845 and 1850. With its variety of fishing charters, it’s known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. With a population just shy of 14,000 residents, Destin sees over 4.5 million visitors a year. Crab Island is a popular destination with a significant sandbar and appears only when the tide is out. Several tour operators provide tours to the island. 

The weather along the panhandle is very similar which makes planning your vacation easy. The summers are long and hot leaving the winters to feel short, cool, and windy. Year-round, it can be wet and partly cloudy. The temperature typically varies from 46°F to 89°F and is rarely below 33°F or above 93°F. What makes the temperature feel much hotter is the high level of humidity. The best time to travel here is early April to mid-May and from early October to early November.

Noah & Heather Wells Present MAXIMUM MAGIC

Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash

Noah & Heather Wells Present MAXIMUM MAGIC has been providing entertainment for 17+ years at the Emerald Coast. Witness 90 minutes of world-class illusions, hilarious comedy, audience participation, unbelievable mind-reading, and special effects, all wrapped up in an action-packed show the whole family will love! Make sure you add this to your Custom Itinerary in the Tripio App. You will not be disappointed.

Adventure to Crab Island on a Shuttle Boat and or Adventure Tour

Photo by Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash

Crab Island Shuttle Boat & Adventure Tour is the premier tour company in Destin, Florida, and one for your Bucket List. They provide snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, an inflatable waterpark, Crab Island, and much more. Take the infamous shuttle boat to Crab Island and make lasting memories. Add this Adventure to your Tripio App Custom Itinerary and book your next exciting fun-filled adventure in Destin online or give them a call. 

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill

Photo by Andy Wang on Unsplash

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill in Destin has been locally owned and operated since its inception in 1982. The Destin restaurant stands out from other Destin area restaurants by being dedicated to our owners’ three favorite “F” words: Food, Fun, and Family. Fudpucker’s restaurant features live alligators, family entertainment, and Teen Nights. They also have special kids’ menus with puzzles and games, and sprawling buildings that are just fun to explore. They have a playground and lots of space where kids of all ages can actually write their names on the walls.

Feed some Gators at Gator Beach – The World’s Greatest Alligator Park

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

Gator Beach is a one-of-a-kind alligator park located at Fudpuckers and a must-see on your vacation. They are one of the top-rated attractions in the area because they offer unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Add this Adventure to your Tripio App Itinerary and experience this adventure for FREE. There are hundreds of gators to feed yourself and make sure to take a picture with one of them.

Enjoy the Emerald Coast at Henderson Beach State Park

Photo by Gary Runn on Unsplash

At Henderson Beach State Park you will find 30-foot white sand dunes and warm Gulf Waters.  Fishing, a nature trail, and 60 campsites connected to the beach via boardwalk are among this park’s featured areas. Other activities here include Biking, Swimming, Geo Caching, Picnicking, and gathering friends and family for any special event. There is a small fee of $6 per vehicle. 

HarborWalk Village

Photo by Samuel Branch on Unsplash

HarborWalk Village is located in the heart of the Destin Harbor and it’s here that you’ll find all the action just an elevator ride away from the Emerald Grande. Paddleboard, kayak, pontoon, and jet-ski rentals are available, as well as parasailing, glass-bottom boat tours, world-class fishing, pirate-ship excursions, and dolphin cruises. HarborWalk Village also hosts live music, weekly fireworks shows, themed events, and more. Kids will also love the Adventure Zone!

Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant

Photo by Tareq Ismail on Unsplash

Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant is a small shack that overlooks Crab Island and serves delicious seafood dishes. Simply walk up to the window, order your food, and choose your view. The owners of Dewey are relatives of Leonard Destin who founded Destin, Florida in 1835.

Thank you for reading, remember, adventure awaits you on the Tripio App. Travel has never been so easy!

Interested in more of the Florida Panhandle, check out: Best Adventures Through The Florida Panhandle

or maybe interested in exploring the Caribbean, check out: Best Adventures In Turks & Caicos West

-Catherine Mortimer, Tripio Guru

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