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Things To Do In Destin

If you’re looking for a beach destination, Destin is the place for you. This city is famous for its fishing spots, golf courses, and pristine beaches. Outside the leisurely outdoor activities, there are other fun things to do in Destin as well. It has everything from a water park with 40 different attractions to waterfront entertainment, restaurants, and bars. Continue scrolling to find hidden gems, tourist attractions, top things to do today, and more.

If you’re looking for the authentic Destin experience, look no further. Some of the best things to do in Destin include taking a walk down at beautiful HarborWalk Village or cooling off at Big Kahuna’s water park.

For more of the best things to do near Destin, review the following:

  • HarborWalk Village: offering waterfront entertainment, restaurants, and activities
  • Big Kahuna’s: a water park opened in 1986 with 40 different water attractions
  • Destin History and Fishing Museum: learn everything there is to know about the history of Destin
  • Henderson Beach State Park: scenic shoreline with overnight camping
  • James Lee Beach: a playground for the kids and miles of sand

Tickets & Events

There are numerous free things to do in Destin during your trip. Try taking a leisurely bike ride on the Timpoochee Trail. Or, visit the only museum in the United States displaying Air Force Armament. The choice is yours.

Cheap things to do near Destin include:

  • The Village of Baytowne Wharf: features an array of dining, shopping, and nightlife
  • Crystal Beach: white sand lined by pastel-colored cottages
  • Jolee Island Nature Park: explore five acres of marsh and wetlands
  • Air Force Armament Museum: the only facility in the U.S. dedicated to the display of Air Force armament
  • Timpoochee Trail: a trail fit for a long bike ride against the sunset
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Bowling Packages at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill (Up to 58% Off). Six Options Available.

Bowling with Shoe Rental

Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill Crystal Beach $69 $31.50
$99.50 for Parasailing Experience for Two at ($140 Value)

Parasailing Experience for Two

Gilligan's Watersports Moreno Point South $140 $99.50
Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Cruise

Greg Marler Charter Boats Inc.

Greg Marler Charter Boats Inc. Destin Harbor $28.90 $28.90
Dolphin-Watching Cruise in the Gulf of Mexico

Screaming eagle sports

Screaming eagle sports Destin Harbor $32 $32
Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Fireworks

Screaming eagle sports

Screaming eagle sports Destin Harbor $32 $32
Four-, Six-, or Eight-Hour Fishing Trip for Up to Six People at Destin Backcountry Fishing (Up to 12% Off)

Fishing Trip

Destin Backcountry Fishing Moreno Point South $660 $580

There are many landmarks and tourist attractions that display Destin’s history and culture. The Mid-Bay bridge takes almost 4 miles across the Pensacola Bay. For something scenic, the Okaloosa Island Pier provides a picturesque view of the city from the water.

Popular attractions near Destin include:

  • Fort Pickens: a historic United States military fort offering tours of the facilities
  • Mid-Bay Bridge: a 3.6 mile long bridge just above the water
  • Okaloosa Island Pier: Expansive concrete pier known for its saltwater fishing and birdwatching
  • Emerald Coast: the stretch of Florida connecting five counties around the Gulf of Mexico
  • Destin Harbor Boardwalk: bars, restaurants, shops, and views of the bay
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Bowling Packages at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill (Up to 58% Off). Six Options Available.

Bowling with Shoe Rental

Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill Crystal Beach $69 $31.50
$99.50 for Parasailing Experience for Two at ($140 Value)

Parasailing Experience for Two

Gilligan's Watersports Moreno Point South $140 $99.50
6- or 12-Mile Helicopter Flight for Up to Three from Timberview Helicopters (Up to 51% Off)

Helicopter Tour

Timberview Helicopters Downtown Destin $297 $145
Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Cruise

Greg Marler Charter Boats Inc.

Greg Marler Charter Boats Inc. Destin Harbor $28.90 $28.90
Dolphin-Watching Cruise in the Gulf of Mexico

Screaming eagle sports

Screaming eagle sports Destin Harbor $32 $32
$113 for Introductory Flight for One with Destin Flight Works ($185 Value)

Introductory Flight for One

Destin Flight Works Downtown Destin $185 $113

Day or night, Destin makes it easy to find something to do. The city has an abundance of fun things to do for you, your group, and your whole family.

Fun things to do in Destin today include:

  • Mobile Sports Banana Boat Rides: see how long you hold on as a boat is towed
  • Clement Taylor Park: offers beach volleyball, picnic tables, and grills on the water
  • Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk: a wetlands preserve with a pier and picnic area
  • Sand Castle Lessons: learn how to make a sandcastle from the professionals
  • Fort Walton Mound: a prehistoric earth mound that stands 12 feet tall
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$55 for a Two-Hour Wine Tasting for 12 to 16 People from Wines for Humanity ($250 Value)

In-Home Wine Tasting

Wines for Humanity $250 $55
$5 for Lifetime Membership to Craft-Beer-Brewing Online Course from CraftBeerAtHome.com ($199 Value)

Craft-Brewing Online Course

CraftBeerAtHome.com $199 $19

Destin’s nightlife is one to remember. From dinner cruises to nightclubs and wine bars, there’s never a lack of things to do in Destin at night. Start your night off at the Coyote Ugly Saloon, where patrons can dance on the bars.

Nighttime activities near Destin include:

  • The Other End: one of the most popular spots in Destin with nightly drink specials
  • AJ’s Seafood & Ocean Bar: offers a catch of the day, live music, cocktails
  • Coyote Ugly Saloon: offers lively atmosphere with bartop dancing
  • Red Door Saloon: a down-home bar offering drinks, hot dogs, steamed sandwiches & more
  • Bric a Brac: an upbeat restaurant and bar with an eclectic American menu

Destin is flush with options for things to do this weekend. Visitors can hit the open water or seek a scenic view of the city from a parasail.

Weekend activities near Destin include:

  • Navarre Beach Marine Park: learning opportunities and attractions above and below the water’s surface
  • Flipper’s Adventures: equipment rental for all types of watersports
  • Sail Away: sail your own 30’ catamaran
  • Intracoastal Experience Destin: inshore and nearshore fishing charters
  • Just Chute Me Parasail: parasailing adventures in the Gulf of Mexico

Featuring many nautical-themed options, Destine is a popular town for family-friendly activities. Pretending to be pirates and discovering marine life are just some of the amazing things do in Destin for kids.

Family-Friendly things to do near Destin include:

  • The Track: bumper cars and boats, go karts, and mini-golf
  • Amusement USA: water spheres, bungee jumping, and much more
  • Barefoot Pirates Treasure Quest: an interactive kid friendly pirate adventure
  • Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: the park has been stunning audiences with marine animal shows since 1955
  • Wild WIlly’s Adventure Zone: a family fun center with mini-golf, indoor arcade, and prehistoric decor

With everything from sunset cruises to coastal American cuisine, it's clear there is romance is in the Destin air.

Romantic things to do in Destin include:

  • Dolphin Sunset Cruise: spot dolphins during Golden Hour
  • The Terrace at Pelican Beach: luxurious condos with private beach access
  • Destin Harbor Boardwalk: bars, restaurants, shops, and views of the bay
  • Paint the Coast: learn basic painting techniques in a casual, relaxed environment
  • Beach Walk Cafe: an upscale American restaurant in a romantic coastal setting

You and your friends can see dolphins on a cruise to relaxing crab island or test your team work at Escape Zone 60, among many other things.

Things to do with your friends near Destin include:

  • Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade: challenge your friends to laser tag and classic arcade games
  • Gator Beach: offers exhibits and interactive experiences
  • Crab Island Cruises: take a trip to Crab Island and see dolphins along the way
  • Uncle Buck's FishBowl and Grill: 16-lane bowling alley and island-themed bar
  • Escape Zone 60: can you escape in 60 minutes or less?

For a break from the beach, Destin has many things to do indoors. Experience live music and delicious food at Hog’s Breath Saloon or learn about the origins of the area at the Indian Temple Mound Museum.

Destin things to do indoors include:

  • Hog’s Breath Saloon: offers seafood, southern grub, and live music
  • Family and Friends Day Spa: a day spa offering a wide array of relaxing services
  • Hammerheads Bar and Grill: eat seafood and burgers overlooking Fisherman’s Cove
  • Indian Temple Mound Museum: ceramic artifacts dedicated to nearby tribes
  • Louisiana Lagniappe: offers creole seafood and steaks overlooking a harbor

For fun outdoor activities, look no further than Destin. The white-sand beaches and numerous natural areas offer hours of exploration and nature-viewing opportunities.

Active things to see in Destin include:

  • Eglin Beach Park: get time on the beach without the crowds
  • Golf Sandestin: 4 courses, each with their own unique challenges
  • Redneck Beach: snorkel and swim under the Destin Bridge
  • Meigs Park: a waterfront park with picnic terraces and grills
  • Grayton Beach State Park: one mile of sugar-white sand

The areas surrounding Destin, known as the Emerald Coast, have a ton of fun things to do. Some of the best attractions include the Emerald Coast Science Center and the Pensacola Light.

Must-see places near Destin include:

  • Emerald Coast Science Center: hands-on science discovery center in Fort Walton Beach
  • Fort Barrancas: a beautifully preserved brick fort looking out onto Pensacola Bay
  • Pensacola Light: climb to the top for a scenic view of the Gulf Coast
  • Panama City Beach: offers 27 miles of beach and 2 state parks
  • Pensacola Beach: offers historic sites, beautiful beaches, energetic culture

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