Area Info

Where Sugar White Sand Meets Emerald Waters

Plan Your Destin Vacation

Nestled along the Gulf of America, Destin captivates visitors with its stunning sugar-white beaches made of pure Appalachian quartz and crystal-clear emerald waters. Originally a small fishing village, Destin has evolved into a premier vacation destination while maintaining its coastal charm and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking thrilling water adventures, family-friendly activities, or peaceful beachfront relaxation, Destin offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

What to Do in Destin

Experience World-Class Beaches

Sink your toes into the famous sugar-white sands at Henderson Beach State Park, Crystal Beach, or James Lee Park, where the sand stays cool even on hot summer days.

Explore Crab Island

Visit this underwater sandbar phenomenon where boats gather in shallow, crystal-clear waters for swimming, floating, and socializing at this natural offshore playground.

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Discover why Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" with some of the fastest access to deep-water fishing in Florida.

Take a Dolphin Cruise

Witness playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on a family-friendly cruise through Destin Harbor and into the Gulf of America.

Try Water Sports Adventures

Parasail above the emerald waters, rent jet skis, try stand-up paddleboarding, or experience the thrill of kiteboarding along Destin's coastline.

Visit HarborWalk Village

Explore this lively waterfront destination with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for the whole family.

Enjoy Family Attractions

Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Big Kahuna's Water Park, or take a Buccaneer Pirate Cruise for memorable family fun.

Discover Natural Beauty:

Hike nature trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy picnic areas at Henderson Beach State Park and other natural areas.

Weather

Destin welcomes visitors year-round with distinct seasonal advantages.

  • Spring (March-May) offers mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates, making it ideal for visitors who prefer comfortable weather without summer crowds.
  • Summer (June-August) represents the peak tourist season with hot temperatures, perfect beach weather, and full availability of attractions and water activities, though travelers should expect larger crowds and higher prices.
  • Fall (September-November) continues to provide warm water temperatures while crowds thin out, creating an excellent atmosphere for couples and those seeking a more relaxed experience.
  • Winter (December-February) emerges as the quietest season with cooler temperatures, significant accommodation discounts, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for long walks on empty beaches.

Transportation

Getting around Destin typically requires a vehicle, as the city stretches along Highway 98 (Emerald Coast Parkway), which serves as the main thoroughfare.

Rental cars are available at nearby airports including Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), the closest option at just 20 minutes away.

For those without a car, limited public transportation is available through Emerald Coast Rider (E.C. Rider) bus service. Several shuttle services operate between airports and accommodations, and private transportation options like taxis and rideshare services are readily available. During peak summer months, expect significant traffic congestion, especially on weekends and evenings, so plan extra travel time for dining reservations and activities.

Plan Your Ultimate Destin Getaway

Destin Map

Discover everything Destin has to offer with this easy-to-use interactive map. From outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions to local dining and scenic spots, it’s the perfect tool to help you plan your day and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or try something new, let the map guide you through the best of Destin.

Destin Map
Crab Island HarborWalk Village/Emerald Grand HarborWalk Adventures Norriego Point Southern Star Dolphin Cruises & Buccaneer Pirate Cruise Destin East Jetty Tiki Pub Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer The Harbor Tavern Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House East Pass Coffee Donut Hole Destin Ice

Crab Island

Crab Island is a submerged sandbar in the emerald waters near Destin that has become the area’s premier aquatic hotspot. Despite its name, this isn’t actually an island but a shallow water area where visitors anchor boats to enjoy crystal-clear waters ranging from waist to chest deep. During peak season, the sandbar transforms into a lively social hub with floating vendors, music, and hundreds of boats creating a festive atmosphere. Perfect for families during weekdays and offering a more energetic vibe on weekends.

HarborWalk Village/Emerald Grand

HarborWalk Village is the vibrant heart of Destin’s harbor, offering an all-in-one waterfront experience with spectacular views of the harbor and Gulf. This lively complex features a stunning array of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, unique boutique shopping, exciting water adventures, and family entertainment. The bustling boardwalk comes alive with regular events, live music performances, and spectacular fireworks displays during summer months, making it a must-visit destination for vacationers looking to experience the essence of Destin’s coastal lifestyle.

HarborWalk Adventures

Soar, zip, and dive into excitement with HarborWalk Adventures! Ziplining across the harbor, epic climbing on our 100 ft rock wall, or braving the heart-pounding free-fall. It’s non-stop thrills and some of the best views in Destin—all in one action-packed destination.

Norriego Point

Norriego Point is a popular public beach access and park located at the end of Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida, known for its calm, protected waters and shallow tide pools. It's a peninsula that sits between the Destin Harbor and the East Pass, offering views of both and access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises & Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises

Board the Southern Star for a front-row seat to Destin’s wild dolphins! This 80-foot glass-bottom boat offers scenic cruises with marine life sightings, narrated tours, and stunning Gulf views. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers, it’s an eco-friendly adventure full of wonder.

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Set sail on a swashbuckling journey with the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise! Enjoy live cannon fire, treasure hunts, and sword fights in this interactive adventure. Designed for kids and entertaining for adults, it’s a high-energy experience your family will remember long after the voyage ends.

Destin East Jetty

Nestled at the edge of the Destin Harbor, the East Jetty is a popular destination for snorkeling, fishing, and soaking in panoramic views of the Gulf. The calm, clear waters around the jetty are perfect for spotting marine life, while the large rock formations provide a scenic backdrop for photos and sunset strolls. It’s also a great spot to watch boats enter and exit the pass, making it a favorite for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax by the water.

Tiki Pub

Kick back aboard the floating Tiki Pub for a laid-back cruise through Destin Harbor. Bring your favorite drinks, enjoy great music, and soak in sunset views. Perfect for casual outings or private parties, Tiki Pub delivers island vibes, good times, and unforgettable moments on the water.

Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer

Located right on Destin Harbor, Brotula’s offers a laid‑back yet refined seafood experience that perfectly captures coastal charm. Named after the Bearded Brotula (a local cusk eel found in regional waters), the restaurant showcases fresh, locally‑sourced Gulf fish, seasonal produce, and generously steamed shellfish platters in a rustic‑Southern fish‑house setting

The Harbor Tavern

Nestled along Destin Harbor at 306 Harbor Blvd, The Harbor Tavern is a local‑favorite tavern and grill offering a relaxed, open‑air vibe perfect for lunch, dinner, or cocktails. With indoor and covered outdoor seating overlooking boats and the bustling harbor boardwalk, it’s a laid‑back spot to enjoy fresh food, cold drinks, and live music on weekends.

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Nestled on the picturesque Destin Harbor, Boshamps offers a relaxed yet vibrant waterfront dining experience that captures coastal charm  . Born from a legacy of fine-dining excellence, this family-owned restaurant evolved into a more casual “Gulf-to-Table” Southern eatery—stripping away the formality but keeping the top-tier ingredients and hospitable service.

East Pass Coffee

Tucked right on Destin Harbor, this cozy, community‑centric café is a must‑stop for visitors and locals alike. Born in 2020 by a trio of friends, it’s become a vibrant all‑day destination – serving expertly brewed craft coffee (hot, iced, cold brew), breakfast bowls and sandwiches, plus a curated selection of local beer and wine  .

Donut Hole

Tucked along Destin’s Harbor Blvd, The Donut Hole is a beloved 24‑year‑old destination known for its fresh‑baked donuts and hearty, all‑day breakfast & lunch fare  . Visitors rave about the pillowy, flavor-packed donuts—classic glazed, red-velvet, maple-bacon, angel vanilla, and their legendary key-lime pie (made in-house daily!)  .

Destin Ice

Located in the heart of downtown Destin, Destin Ice is a beloved local seafood market and deli specializing in the freshest Gulf-caught fish, shellfish, and premium Buckhead meats  . Whether you’re shopping for snapper, shrimp, oysters, or even seasonal turducken and stuffed poultry, you’ll find a vast selection ready for your kitchen — or to take home  .

IT’S TIME TO VISIT THE EMERALD COAST

Don’t Wait to Book Your Destin Adventure