Plan A Beach Vacation To Destin Florida Coastal City – It Has Lots To Offer!

Destin is a beautiful coastal city in the northwest part of Florida that is renowned for its stunning beaches and clear, turquoise water. The beaches have consistently ranked on top because of multiple good reasons. 

Destin offers a wide range of activities for families, including amusement parks, water parks, mini-golf courses, and more. There are many shops and family-friendly restaurants to explore. The coastal city enjoys a sunny and warm climate across the year. So, it is a great vacation spot to visit for people seeking sunshine and warmth.

Destin Florida things to do

 Visit the best beaches

  1.    Henderson Beach State Park: Located in the eastern part of Destin, this beach is known for its sugar-white sand and emerald-green water. It also has a scenic nature trail, campsites, and picnic areas.
  2.    Crystal Beach: This beach is located on Scenic Highway 98 and is a popular spot for families. It has soft sand and crystal-clear water. It is closer to restaurants and shops.
  3.    Miramar Beach: This beach is situated in the heart of the coastal city and is a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddle boarding.
  4.    James Lee Park:Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this beach has a pavilion, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms. Tourists enjoy sunset watching from James Lee Park.
  5.    Grayton Beach State Park: While not technically in Destin, this beach is a short drive away and is worth the trip. The spot is surrounded by pine trees, dunes, crystal-clear water, and sugar-white sand. It also has hiking trails, camping, and picnic areas.

Activities to escalate your adrenaline

The beautiful coastal city has many outdoor adventurous activities to offer. 

  • Charter a Fishing Boat: Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” so take advantage of it and charter a boat for a deep-sea fishing adventure.
  • Dolphin Watching: Book dolphin-watching tours because it is a great way to see these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat within the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Parasailing: Parasailing is a thrilling way to experience the coastal beauty of Florida from above. Take a ride with a professional guide and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Scuba Diving: If you’re an experienced diver or want to learn, the coastal village has some of the best diving spots in Florida. Explore the local reefs and shipwrecks.
  • Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the calm waters of the bay or the nearby rivers. Rent a kayak guided tour to explore the open waters. 
  • Golfing: There are many appealing golf courses including Indian Bayou Golf Club, Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, and Kelly Plantation Golf Club. It is a paradise for golfers and you can try a round at one of the grounds. 
  • Hiking: For those who enjoy hiking, the Timpoochee Trail is a must-do. This 19-mile trail is perfect for hiking or biking and runs along the Gulf Coast.
  • Jet Skiing: Explore Mexico’s Gulf coast on a rental jet ski. It’s an exhilarating experience that is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
  • Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding is a fun and challenging way to explore the waterways around Destin. Rent a board and paddle through the clear waters of the Gulf or the bay.

Explore the museums 

  1.    Destin History and Fishing Museum: This museum showcases the local history and culture, including its early settlers, the fishing industry, and local wildlife.
  2.    Emerald Coast Science Centre: This interactive science center features hands-on exhibits and displays that explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.
  3.    Indian Temple Mound Museum: This museum features exhibits about the Native American tribes that lived in the region, including artifacts and a reconstructed temple mound.

Walk around 

  1.    Henderson Beach State Park: This Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico and features a mile-long white sand beach, nature trails, and picnic areas.
  2.    James Lee Park: This Park is also located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a beach, playground, and picnic area.
  3.    Destin Harbour Boardwalk: This waterfront park features shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as access to fishing charters and boat rentals.
  4.    Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park: This water park features water rides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, as well as mini-golf, go-karts, and other attractions.

Top restaurants 

Florida is a great destination for foodies with a variety of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

  1.    Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House: This restaurant serves fresh seafood caught from the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy their famous grilled oysters or try their seafood gumbo.
  2.    The Back Porch: A local favorite, The Back Porch offers delicious seafood dishes with stunning views of the Gulf. Try their seafood platter or their famous Amberjack sandwich.
  3.    Louisiana Lagniappe: A Cajun restaurant that serves authentic Louisiana cuisine. Try their crawfish étouffée or their blackened redfish.
  4.    McGuire’s Irish Pub: A popular pub that offers traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, as well as American favourites like burgers and steaks.

These are just a few of the many great restaurants and cuisines to enjoy. Bon appétit!

Shopping 

The coastal city is a popular shopping destination with a variety of options for shoppers. Here are some of the best places to shop:

  1.    Silver Sands Premium Outlets: This shopping centre is home to over 100 designers and brand-name outlet stores, offering discounted prices on clothing, accessories, and more.
  2.    The Market Shops: Located in Sandestin Resort, The Market Shops offers a mix of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
  3.    Harbour Walk Village: This waterfront shopping and entertainment district features boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants. You can also book fishing charters and other water activities here.

No matter where you choose to shop, you’ll likely find a wide selection of products and services to suit your needs.

Destin FL is a great place to plan a beach vacation, offering beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, great weather, fishing opportunities, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

 

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