Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Destin, Florida

A coastal retreat of exceptional quality, Destin is situated on a slender peninsula, bordered by Choctawhatchee Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.

The first aspect worth discussing in relation to Destin is its beaches, characterized by extraordinarily fine, sugar-white sands that resemble snow. These shores are kissed by transparent waters in an enticing emerald hue.

I assert that Destin possesses everything one could desire from a coastal destination.

Whether you are interested in witnessing dolphins in their natural habitat, snorkeling among tropical fish, relaxing on pristine beaches, engaging in upscale shopping, or enjoying quality family experiences at seaside attractions, all of this is readily available in Destin.

1. Henderson Beach State Park

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Henderson Beach State Park features over a mile of pristine beach with sparkling waters, making it an absolute essential.

Even in a locale celebrated for its immaculate beaches, I believe this particular location is unparalleled. This distinction arises from its natural surroundings, complemented only by 30-foot dunes in the background.

While the beach serves as the park’s highlight, a nature trail located to the west provides a distinctive experience akin to traversing substantial snowdrifts. Additionally, shaded pavilions are available for refuge when the sun becomes overly intense.

2. Destin Commons

Another excellent location for exploration in Destin is this expansive lifestyle center, designed to resemble a charming town.

Destin Commons features upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment along picturesque streets equipped with tree-lined sidewalks, benches, and landscaping.

Some of the brands observed during my visit included Abercrombie & Fitch, Sephora, Forever 21, Lush, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Hollister, American Eagle, and Soma.

Children can enjoy themselves at a delightful complimentary play area located beneath the clock tower, featuring a sizable fountain/splash pad and playground equipment.

The dining options are diverse, including a trendy food hall with nine eateries. Furthermore, AMC Destin Commons 14 provides an ideal venue for a complete day of leisure.

3. Silver Sands Premium Outlets

It is not an exaggeration to describe Destin as a shopping haven. If time permits, a top-tier retail destination can be found just a few minutes east in Miramar Beach.

Silver Sands Premium Outlets boasts nearly 100 factory stores featuring prestigious premium brands. Notable brands include Le Creuset, Disney, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks 5th Avenue, L’Occitane, New Balance, Lacoste, Converse, Levi’s, The North Face, and Calvin Klein.

As with most outlet centers, significant discounts (50%+) are expected, with additional offers for first responders, educators, and military personnel.

Unlike many outlet malls, Silver Sands focuses primarily on shopping, with limited food options and minimal entertainment venues.

4. Destin Harbor Boardwalk

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Stretching approximately a quarter of a mile along Destin Harbor, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a destination rich with diverse attractions.

First and foremost, it provides an excellent walkway, particularly for those wishing to enjoy a sunset stroll at dusk.

A variety of shops and numerous restaurants line the boardwalk, many offering spectacular views of the water toward Norriego Point and further.

Notably, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk serves as the gateway to a plethora of water activities. These include fishing charters, dolphin watching excursions, boat rentals, waverunner rentals, sunset cruises, and many more.

5. James Lee Park

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On the eastern edge of the city, adjacent to the Walton/Okaloosa county line, there exists an exquisite public beach featuring ample amenities.

The shoreline at James Lee Park can be reached via nine walkovers that traverse the dunes, complemented by covered picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. The beach is adorned with the same powdery white sands and emerald waters that are cherished in the panhandle.

For visitors from out of town who do not possess their own beach equipment, chair and large umbrella rentals are available at reasonable rates.

On sunny days, this location epitomizes beach perfection, maintaining a pristine environment devoid of high-rise structures, in contrast to the western beaches of Destin.

6. Destin Snorkel

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The warm, clear waters surrounding Destin are ideal for snorkeling. With near-perfect visibility, these waters are abundant with a wide array of colorful marine life.

I appreciate that you do not need to be a certified diver to encounter remarkable wildlife in this area. Destin Snorkel is recognized as one of the premier tour providers in the region.

In addition to snorkeling, they offer dolphin watching, shelling excursions, and sunset cruises that consistently receive high praise.

Due to high demand, Destin Snorkel tours can fill quickly, particularly during peak seasons, so it is advisable to make reservations well in advance of your visit.

7. Destin History & Fishing Museum

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Destin has historically been a favored destination for sport fishermen and is home to one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in Florida.

Founded as a fishing village approximately 200 years ago, the Destin History & Fishing Museum serves as a fascinating portal to the area’s heritage.

The exhibits captivate visitors by detailing Destin’s evolution, its fishing industry, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo, one of the oldest fishing tournaments in the United States.

The display includes numerous mounted fish, historical photographs, antique fishing equipment, and diving gear.

8. The Emerald Coast Science Center

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For those seeking a more educational experience, this attraction immerses children in the wonders of science and the natural environment.

The center’s exhibits cover a range of topics, including animal life, aviation, robotics, and physics. Unlike many attractions that discourage touch, this center encourages active interaction, critical thinking, and exploration.

The displays themselves will engage and captivate children for extended periods. The center’s staff provides a variety of programs including animal interactions, storytime, and guided tours.

One particularly impressive feature is the sciPad, which can be likened to a room-sized interactive tablet, offering lessons across multiple fields from languages to sciences.

9. The Track, Destin

In my view, a coastal town is not complete without a classic family entertainment center, which is precisely what The Track offers, as part of a chain with six locations throughout the Southeast.

The main attraction here is go-karting, featuring five distinct tracks. Two of these allow for single and double karts, enabling younger enthusiasts to accompany a parent.

If there is one track worth experiencing, it is Wild Woody, a three-level wooden circuit that evokes the sensation of navigating a Mario Kart course devoid of power-ups.

Additionally, the venue offers numerous other activities such as carnival rides, two mini-golf courses, bumper cars, and an arcade.

10. June White Decker Park

For those who prefer a more vibrant public beach atmosphere, several public access points line the shore. One notable location is June White Decker Park, which features a boardwalk ramp leading directly onto the sand.

Situated just west of Henderson Beach State Park, this location provides lifeguard services and is conveniently close to a selection of restaurants and family attractions, including The Track.

The beach and waters are consistently immaculate, and essential amenities such as showers and restrooms are available at the entrance.

11. Kelly Plantation Golf Club

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Kelly Plantation Golf Club is located on a particularly picturesque stretch of land overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. Prior to the course’s establishment, this area functioned as a turpentine plantation, and many of the pines still bear the marks from the tapping process.

The 18 holes of this course wind through bayous, magnolias, and palmetto groves, highlighting beautiful waterfronts.

I found the greens and fairways to be in exceptional condition, featuring a pleasing mix of natural rough, water features, and sand hazards that contribute to both scenic beauty and challenge.

While Kelly Plantation is not the most economical choice for golfing, it remains an ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable round, irrespective of the cost.

12. Village of Baytowne Wharf

In close proximity is an enchanting dining and shopping area situated on Choctawhatchee Bay, located in Miramar Beach.

It is worth noting that although this is a commercial establishment, the scenery is undeniably captivating. True to its name, the Village of Baytowne Wharf sits gracefully on the water, facing west over Choctawhatchee Bay.

Few locations offer a more beautiful setting when the sun sets. Visitors can select from a curated assortment of dining options, ranging from seafood and steaks to Italian, Mexican, and Japanese cuisine.

A farmers’ market is held every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm year-round, along with concert series, seasonal festivities, and annual events.

13. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

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Historically, the waters surrounding Florida, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico were rife with pirate activity.

Fortunately, those days are long past; however, families can still engage in swashbuckling adventures while visiting Destin.

Buccaneer Pirate Cruises offer interactive experiences designed for children, which consequently appeal to parents as well.

The cruises take place on a 100-foot Coast Guard inspected vessel, where children can partake in mock sword fights, water cannon skirmishes, story time, and even singing and dancing.

14. Cattywampus Catamaran Cruises

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For those looking to experience nature firsthand, I recommend this large custom catamaran, which provides memorable excursions through three-hour tours.

With nearly 1,000 square feet of deck space, Cattywampus Catamaran Cruises can accommodate over 40 guests for both public and private excursions. Activities include eco and wildlife observation tours, sunset cruising, as well as snorkeling and shell collecting adventures.

No matter which excursion you select, you are likely to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish and avian species. Furthermore, this vessel is capable of accessing extremely shallow waters, enhancing the safety of swimming and snorkeling activities.

15. The Air Force Armament Museum

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A short drive from Destin will lead you to one of the region’s foremost military museums. Located across the bay in Eglin, the Air Force Armament Museum is adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base.

This facility spans a significant area and functions as a testing center for aerial weaponry.

The museum chronicles this legacy, showcasing a remarkable collection of rockets, missiles, and bombs. One does not need to be a military enthusiast to be impressed by the extensive display of laser-guided and radar-controlled munitions, ranging from the Tomahawk missile to the Paveway series.

Additionally, there is an impressive array of aircraft on display, including a B52 bomber and an SR-71 Blackbird.