10 Things to Do in Destin That You Shouldn't Miss

October 4, 2017 Matilde Konrad

Destin is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, which gets its name from its beautiful, clear green water. Beaches here have extremely fine, soft sand, so if you’re a beach-walker or your kids enjoy building sand castles, this could be a great destination for you.
Restaurants in Destin

1. Henderson Beach State Park

17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541-3343 +1 850-837-7550
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Henderson Beach State Park

Reviewed By burghughes - Greendale, Wisconsin

We were driving to Orlando and stopped for a few hours. We had driven along the coast in Destin previously and loved the turquoise water, so we decided to try this park.

I have been to a lot of beaches, including one in the Philippines that consistently ranks among the top 10 in the world, but I have never seen a beach I liked more than this. The sand is very soft and white. The surf is various shades of green to turquoise to blue. There are dunes bordering the beach.

We were there the Monday after Easter, so spring break for many school districts, yet the beach did not feel crowded. There is more than enough parking right by the beach. Even though we were there mid-day the picnic areas were almost empty. The covered picnic areas are great, and raised just enough to see the water over the dunes. There are grills adjacent.

Everything was in good condition, including picnic areas walkways, and beach showers. We will definitely return for a much longer stay

2. Crystal Sands Beach

Destin, FL
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 406 reviews

Crystal Sands Beach

Reviewed By Nomad314 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We rented a house here while looking to purchase a winter home. To our surprise dogs are not allowed on the beach and there is not even a designated dog section. Just flat out not allowed. While I understand the potential concerns while we stayed St. Augustine the week before, the dog friendly beaches were clean, everyone was respectful and cleanup after their pet.
Destin doesn’t have much to do if you can’t access the beaches and it’s our first and last trip here.

3. Destin Commons

4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541-8601 +1 850-337-8700
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 348 reviews

Destin Commons

Voted "Best Place to Shop" by multiple local and regional publications, award-winning Destin Commons continues to set the standard as Northwest Florida's premier open-air lifestyle center. The center features more than 90 stores and restaurants offering the finest shopping, dining and entertainment on the Emerald Coast, including Bass Pro Shops, Belk, H&M, Chipotle, AMC Destin 14-screen stadium style movie theatre and Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill. Destin Commons also offers free WiFi access, interactive children's pop fountain, and Pirate's Cove children's soft play area.

Reviewed By snd2000 - Madison, Alabama

Visiting the Emerald coast from North Alabama, we drove here primarily looking for a Chipotle and discovered our favs SmashBurger and Which Wich right next to the Chipotle. After a full tummy, we walked over to the kids play area, initially thinking it was for tiny tots only, but both our 7 yr old and our 3 yr old had great fun for over an hour and didn't want to leave. The cubby caboose train ride was ok but a bit overpriced. As we were leaving, I discovered a Tervis tumbler store and picked up handles, lids and straws! A great way to spend the afternoon.

4. Destin Harbor

Destin, FL 32541-7391
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 760 reviews

Destin Harbor

Reviewed By baylor2007 - Dallas, texas

Great place for family and friends we just returned the water is so beautiful and clear, it's walking distance from hotels.

5. Destin History & Fishing Museum

108 Stahlman Ave, Destin, FL 32541-1533 +1 850-837-6611
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 133 reviews

Destin History & Fishing Museum

Experience the historic and educational exhibits detailing early Destin life from the 1830s. Witness the birth and evolution of a fishing industry that has become the heritage of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village". View over 60 mounts of fish caught by anglers in Destin waters and learn about local fish and fishing. See the restored "Primrose", Destin's last seine boat and the original first post office building that served the early pioneers.

Reviewed By Indiana2018 - Evansville, Indiana

5 bucks to get in. came to Destin many times in my life. driven past it for years. always wondered whats inside. gave them a call and the lady answering the phone sounded very nice. so I gave it a shot. went inside. friendly people. they sure are proud of their town and its history. lots of fish on the walls. was thoroughly amazed at this place. you really need to give it a shot. they need to do more advertising maybe a few billboards. ill be back every time im in town. I think they even sell bricks to help in funding it. thinking of getting one.

6. Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Destin, FL 32541 +1 352-440-0496
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Heart of the World's Luckiest Fishing Village - The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is Destin's marquis community project that has been 15+ years in the making. The first phase of The Destin Harbor Boardwalk was completed in the Spring of 2012 and provides public access to over one-half mile of the northern edge of Destin Harbor in Destin, Florida from Harborwalk Village east behind AJ's, Galati Yachts, and Fisherman's Wharf and stopping at the Yacht Club. Construction on Phase I commenced in January 2012 and was completed in May 2012.

Reviewed By Suman r - Atlanta, Georgia

This walkway has many kind of shops but most popular are sea adventure ones like dolphin rides, fishing, charter boats, parasailing , banana rides and restaurant bay facing . The best is free parking under a nearby high rise condo ..it's covered one...rest all parking spots are reserved for guests of hotels or water sports n need passes.

7. HarborWalk Marina

66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541-2310
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 540 reviews

HarborWalk Marina

HarborWalk Village offers activities and entertainment to please each and every taste in your family—dive in and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here you can find waterfront shopping, water sports, boat, pontoon and jet ski rentals, world class fishing, aqua adventures, dolphin cruises, clubs and nightlife, weekly fireworks, seasonal festivals, live entertainment, and an array of restaurants to satisfy all tastes.

Reviewed By pecantan70 - Scottdale, Georgia

After a walk around the Harborwalk, shopping and enjoying Oktoberfest, we decided to take the Water Taxi, not going anywhere in particular, just wanted to be on the water, enjoying a nice breeze and the view of the beautiful homes on the water.

8. Village of Baytowne Wharf

9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Destin, FL 32550-1815 +1 800-622-1038
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Village of Baytowne Wharf

Reviewed By Raineyville101 - Murfreesboro, Tennessee

This is an upscale place that you must get permission before entering. We traveled from Fort Walton on spring break to watch an event in the Wharf. We caught the very end of “hydro flight.” It was really cool to see. We mozied around the village shops, it is beautifully lite at night, and finished the evening with Froyo.

9. HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541-7374
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 626 reviews

HarborWalk Village

A spirited and vibrant venue on Destin Harbor, restaurants, shopping, festivals, zip lines, magic shows, live music- all overlooking incredible views!

Reviewed By Food_Junkie911 - Austin Texas

The kids (10-20) love stopping here every time we visit Destin. Plenty of choices of shopping, food, and tourist adventures from fishing to dolphin watching to snorkel adventures.

10. Silver Sands Premium Outlets

10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32550 +1 850-654-9771
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 586 reviews

Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Silver Sands Premium Outlets is located in Miramar Beach along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast. The center is home to 110 designer and name brand outlet stores offering savings of up to 65% off everyday. Shopper's can find extraordinary deals at Coach, Columbia Sportswear, Banana Republic, Gap Outlet, J.Crew, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Under Armour, Vera Bradley and more.

Reviewed By Sheila H - Lexington Park,MD

I love to shop outlets and do so as often as I can, in every state that I visit. I enjoy most outlets and often make several purchases at the stores. However, this one just doesn't grab my attention. It does have some good stores -- Carter's and Disney, but it's missing a Chico's, which is a big one for me.

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