Destin is a city in an area known as the Panhandle in the northwest axes of Florida. The city is located 8 meters above sea level and characterized by beaches in the Gulf of Mexico and many golf courses, as well as the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

There are numerous nature trails with many pines and oak trees along the coastline through Henderson Beach State Park’s dunes in the southern part of the city.

The western part of the city is characterized by tall slides, waterfalls, and pools such as the Big Kahuna’s water park.

Are you planning to visit Destin? Here is a guide on the best things to do in Destin, Florida.

Things to Do in Destin

1. Explore HarborWalk Village

HarborWalk Village is the center of Florida recreation activities. The fun activities in this village are limitless.

From wining and dining in one of the numerous restaurants to waterfront shopping, paddleboard, kayak, Jet Ski, parasailing, pontoons, glass-bottom boat, world-class fishing boat rentals, and numerous entertainment activities, Harbor Walk Village has quite some fun waiting for you.

There are Dolphin cruises regularly, concerts, and live music and entertainment all year round.

The weekly fireworks and weekly Fat Tuesday parades, which include live entertainment activities, are sure to give you the desired fun.

Popular restaurants such as Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville and Harry Ts will satisfy your craving for Destin’s local and international dishes.

This village is home to the Destin Fishing Fleet, which happens to be one of the largest charter fishing fleets in Florida.

Harbor Walk Village is one of the best places to visit in Destin for seafood lovers to get their desired seafood because of its proximity to the coast and the numerous fishing activities.

Do add to your checklist of fun things to do in Destin, it is one of Destin attractions you should not miss in Destin.

Address: 34 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

2. Destin Snorkel

Snorkeling is an amazing sport that will give you maximum fun and relief. It is a sport in which you are meant to swim underwater with the help of a snorkel.

Destin is a leader in the snorkeling services in the entire country. Destin Snorkel is a chartered snorkel and dolphin watching company which is located in the Harbor walk Village.

Destin Snorkel already had a series of fun-filled tours dedicated and well thought through for your enjoyment.

SNUBA is an amazing adventure and tour that lasts for about 3 hours, where participants are taken on a guided tour underwater as deep as 20 feet in a dedicated Snuba Runner.

If you need something more unique than scuba and snorkeling, then SNUBA is for you. The good thing is that the sport is patented and requires little or no snorkeling experience with only basic swimming skills to participate in the unique adventure.

Only a group of five people or more, all with more than eight years of age, can participate in SNUBA. The participants must also be physically fit.

There is also the most popular tour known as the Two Stop Snorkeling. In this popular snorkeling activities, participants are required to look for shells and other desired sea creatures on the beach and shallow water.

Participants are even allowed to keep the shell as long as there is no living creature inside.

The list of fun-filled activities and tours in Destin Snorkel is numerous. Aside from Two Stop Snorkeling and SNUBA, there are also Shelling Tour, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, and Fireworks tours. Destin Snorkel offers so much fun and flexibility.

You are sure to see one or all of burrfish, flounder, sea anemone, toadfish, spadefish, dolphin, etc., during your tour.

Take to participating in this fun Destin activity, makes what to do in Destin for fun.

Address: Harbor walk Village, 10 Harbor Boulevard unit f, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

3. James Lee Park

Beach is a great place to be, especially in summer, and Destin is blessed with so many beach parks around the Gulf of Mexico axis. James Lee Park is one of such beach parks.

James Lee Park Beach is one of the largest public beaches in Destin, Florida. The beach house, three pavilions, nine walkovers, and 41 picnic tables.

There are also numerous rooms and changing areas on the shore, enough for everyone.

More so, there are playgrounds, bike tracks, restaurants, and handicaps accessible walkovers

James Lee Park Beach is also known as the Crab Trap Beach, and it is located close to the border between Destin and Miramar Beach.

The beach is characterized by an amazingly clean white sand and is so soft that you feel like you are walking on flour powder.

Address: 3500 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, Florida, 32541.

4. Explore the Destin History & Fishing Museum

Museums are great places to explore and have fun during vacations. Even more, fun-filled when it has to do with fishing history.

Destin is a coastal area, and it is only normal that fishing must be a regular thing, right from ancient times.

Destin History & Fishing Museum is where the history and artifacts of fishing are preserved. The Museum features exhibits representing the history of Destin town and fishing activities in relation to it.

The museum, which was established in 2005, will give the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, showing some of the amazing fishes caught in the history of fishing in Destin.

You can see the IGFA World Record Snapper and the famous Fish Wall and Shark Tank in this museum.

Destin used to be a small fishing village but now is a significant tourist destination. You can have a feel of this amazing transition in this museum.

The historic seine boat, mullet boat, seine net reel, the original Old Post Office, and the “Footprints in the Sand” memorial walkway are some of the few amazing exhibits you can see while in Destin History and Fishing Museum.

More so, there are over 75 mounts of locally caught fish, historic photographs, artifacts, fishing equipment, and documents of early Destin and the Fishing industry all in this historic Museum.

Mike Long Memorial Fish Wall, featuring many fish mounts on a mural showcasing the science of why local fishing is quite a view.

There are guided group and personal tours, but you can also opt for a self-guided tour with headphones and MP3 Players.

The museum is usually opened Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Address: 108 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

5. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is one of Destin’s oldest parks and has been in existence since 1986. One of the best things to do in Destin is a visit to this water park.

It is a water park with more than forty water attractions, activities, games, and experience

Big Kahuna’s is one of Destin’s favorite places for fun and is sure to satisfy your craving for fun.

The park features adventure activities such as mini-golf, cyclone, Honolulu Half Pipe, and sky coaster

The Waves, Rivers & Pools activities such as Bombs Away Bay, Humunga River, and Raging Rhino River activities will amaze you.

There are about eight additional fun-filled activities in the Rides and Slide categories, including Cobra Twister, Hammerhead, Maui Pipeline Slides, Tiki River Run, and many more.

Kiddies are not left out in the fun and games. With Kiddie Rides activities such as Buccaneer Cove, Fun Fountains, Pleasure Island, and Kiddie Slides, the kids are sure to have a nice time in the park also.

Address: 1007 US-98, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

6. Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier

Sometimes, it is just great to try something new such as fishing while on vacation. Destin, which is a rich coastal area, has a great fishing experience waiting for visitors.

One of the best destinations for fishing with or without prior experience is the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. The pier has everything the family needs to go fishing.

Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is an expansive concrete pier built above saltwater, where visitors can fish and watch birds.

Prior reservation is not required to visit the pier, and only money for equipment rental is needed.

In addition to the fishing experience, there are snacks and drinks to spice up your fishing experience. The water is super clean, and you can see the fish before casting.

The best time for a good fishing experience is in the morning or around dusk. It is advisable to wear a good pair of shoes and take a folding chair for your comfort while fishing.

Other services include Surf fishing, Kayak and paddleboard fishing, and Charter fishing, each of which enables you to go fishing aboard a surfboard, kayak, or charter boat.

You can visibly see dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea creatures swimming around the Pier.

Address: 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548, United States

7. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone

Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is a family fun center with a roller coaster, indoor arcade, mini-golf, kitschy, and some prehistoric decorations.

It is one of Florida’s largest family entertainment centers located on Okaloosa Island, just 10 minutes’ drive from Destin, Florida.

The center can boast of about 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned space and housing. There is a state-of-the-art Redemption Arcade, a 4D Movie theater, an urban Assault Laser Tag, a Salvati’s Pizza Factory, and a Yogo Mogo’s Creamy Cool Creations.

Come rain, come shine, Wild Willy’s don’t cease to provides fun and entertainment But the fun.

Aside from the indoor facilities, the center has both an Animatronic Dinosaur and Animatronic Pirate-themed 18 hole Mini-Golf Course, a 60 foot Ropes Course, and a Bungee Trampoline.

If you feel the heat from the numerous activities, there is also a bumper boat pool where you can cool off even with a game of bumper war.

The center is open Monday to Thursday, and Sundays from 12.00 PM to 9.00 PM, Fridays, 12.00 PM to 10.00 PM, and Saturdays from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM.

Address: 1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548, United States

8. Visit Gator Beach

Located in the heart of Destin, Gator Beach is the world’s greatest alligator park. It is one of a kind and a visit here should not be missing from your bucket list of things to do in Destin, FL.

There are hundreds of Alligators here, which make it the largest alligator park on the Emerald Coast.

Visitors are allowed to go close to these alligators in a very safe and easy way.

Have you ever feed live alligators? Gator Beach offers you the opportunity to feed live alligators. You don’t have to worry about your safety as everything has been appropriately arranged so that both you and the alligators are safe.

Are you visiting Florida and always wanted to see an alligator? or you just love learning about animals? It offers the experience to get closer and see more alligators than anywhere else in the area.

There is an extremely rare breed of alligators known as the Albino Alligator, which happens to be the most famous and loved alligators in Gator Beach. There are fewer than 50 albino alligators in the entire world.

Visitors to the Gator beach will have the opportunity to see the albino alligators. Amazing, right?

Admission into Gator Beach is entirely free, and visitors can attend the various Gator show and exhibitions for free.

Whether you are an animal lover or you just want to see alligators for the first time, Gator Beach is one of the best places you can go while in Destin, Florida.

Address: 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

9. Take a Cruise to Crab Island

Crab Island used to be a popular island with a shape of a crab whose shore was dominated by tiny crabs.

The island’s crab shape was eventually made invisible by hurricanes, but it has become a top tourist attraction and social scene in Destin, Florida.

A visit to this Island makes one of the fun things to do in Destin, Florida. The island is located just south of the Marler Bridge, It is just a few minutes from the Destin Harbor.

This island is characterized by arrays of aquatic beings, from seabirds to dolphins and many other friendly animals.

The island has some of the most beautiful blue water on the entire Destin coastline.

There is a dedicated cruise service known as Crab Island Cruises, which has been in existence since 2011 to take you to the island.

Whether you want to go with your private pontoon boat, a rented one, or just want to relax and have fun while the boat service takes you to the amazing island, the choice is yours, but one thing is guaranteed maximum fun.

Address: 770 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

10. Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk

Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk is a 10.13-acre park that gives you access to one of the numerous Destin bayou. An Exploration of this park makes what to do in Destin for adventure seekers.

The Park features a beach area, a wooden pier where sightseers can walkthrough, and a picnic area. A majority of the land is considered wetlands and cannot be developed.

Crabbing and fishing activities are going on in the bayou wetland.

Whether you are interested in a short walk through the pier or you want to have a picnic on the beach with family and friends, Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk is a great place to be while in Destin, Florida.

Address: 825 Beach Drive Destin, Florida 32541, United States

11. Mobile Sports Banana Boat Rides

Mobile Sports Banana Boat Rides offers some of the most amazing boat rides in Destin, Florida, for a lifetime memory with friends and families.

Mobile Sports is one of the best ways to make lasting fun memories. You can rent and ride in one of your favorite boats while fishing or just sightseeing along the clean Destin water.

Mobile Sports Banana Boat Rides offer numerous fun-filled activities.

Banana Boat Ride Destin is one of such activities. It features music, pictures, and a one-hour private banana boat rides to experience.

Have you ever been aboard a fly board? The Fly Board Destin offers a fly board experience over the emerald green waters of Destin, Florida. It is sure to give you so much fun.

Destin Sunset Cruise is a private tour that takes the visitors to explore the local waters of Destin. You can enjoy the beautiful sun painted Emerald coast waters while on this cruise, and you can as well tour with your family and friends.

Other activities include dolphin tours, beach photography, crab island cruises, and so much more. This makes what to do in Destin, Florida for a fun time, consider this addition to your Destin bucket list.

Address: 314 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

12. Fly aboard Timber view Helicopter/Destin Helicopters

Suppose you want to view Destin city and the Emerald Coast in perspective, usually reserved for birds and astronauts with binoculars. In that case, the right choice for you while in Destin is the Timber view Helicopter.

The professional pilots at Timber view Choppers, Incorporation will help you navigate Kansas City, Destin, and the Emerald Coast for the best experience of sightseeing.

Flying just for fun and sightseeing is super fun, you got to see the landscape and everything in it and how beautiful they are.

The Emerald Tour, for instance, gives you a breathtaking view of sparkling green water waves and clean white sand of the shores east of the Destin Harbor along the Emerald Coast all the way down to Panama City Beach.

Aside from the Emerald tour, the list of tour options available for you is numerous. You can choose from one of the popular tours, including the Coastal Tour, which offers you an unforgettable view of the Destin coast and Henderson Beach State Park.

Beach Run to see the emerald green waters and sugar-white beaches from the harbor east along the coast.

Others include the Jaws Tour, Dolphin Run, and the Destin – Seaside Tour

Address: 1001 Airport Road, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

13. Destin Parasailing

Parasailing, also known as parascending, is a recreational activity in which someone attached to a specially designed canopy wing is towed by a moving boat or vehicle.

The experience resembles parachuting but with more fun as one is continuously towed as the vehicle or boat moves.

Destin city offers excellent parasailing services for your amusement. Destin Parasailing has some of the best Google reviews ever.

You don’t have to be afraid; If you have ever swing before, then you will be just fine with parasailing.

You can refer to Destin Parasailing for your private parasailing charters for your special occasion or just for the fun of it.

This is one of the fun things to do in Destin, take to enjoying this fun activity during vacation.

Address: 214 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

14. Visit Clement Taylor Park

Amusement parks are a great place to have fun and explore nature-given pleasures. Even more fun it is when it is at the waterside.

Clement Taylor Park is a 3.55-acre waterside public park with lots of fun and game facilities for visitors to enjoy, one of the best things to do in Destin is spending some quality time here.

The park features a beach swim area, benches, grills, parking area, pavilion, picnic tables, playground, public restrooms, and sand volleyball court

Other amenities include a waterfront gazebo, pier, pavilion, and playground.

Both individuals and private organizations can rent the pavilion for any event of their choice.

Taylor Park is a family-friendly place. The children can swim and play at the children-friendly playground.

Address: 131 Calhoun Avenue, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

15. Visit the Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Park is an amusement park in the Emerald Coast Center, Destin, Florida. This makes one of the best things to do in Destin with kids.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a perfect place for those looking for an all year round and kid-friendly indoor amusement in the Destin area.

There is so much to do inside Urban Air Park that you might not be able to exhaust on your first visit.

Popular games and attractions in the park include Climbing Walls, Leap of Faith, ProZone Performance Trampolines, Warrior Course, Climbing Hill, Tubes Playground, Dodgeball, Runway (Tumble Track), and many more.

You can also experience the exhilarating adventure in virtual reality games with your friends and loved ones.

In the Adventure Hub, you can also combine some of the best indoor attractions such as Sky Rider coaster, Ropes Course, and Tubes Indoor Playground.

When you are tired and famished due to the numerous activities, you can head over to the Urban Air Cafe to get a refreshing drink, sports drink, or soda.

Address: 14081 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, United States

Are you planning a road trip to Texas, check out the best things to do in Galveston and fun things to do in Amarillo for a memorable trip.

16. Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is one of Destin’s beach facilities with everything tourists traveling from far distance needs, including accommodation by 125 Crystal Beach Drive.

125 Crystal Beach Drive is a townhome community built in the form of a resort, and it is located in the heart of Crystal Beach in Destin.

Tourists can rent Townhomes, which are available in 3 and 4 bedroom configurations.

Each home has an open main living level with kitchen, dining and living room, private car garages with security, convenience, and lots of storage facilities.

Crystal Beach is a stunning looking beachside community located very close to the Henderson Beach State Park.

Across the beach’s streets, visitors can access Destin Commons, Destin’s premier shopping and entertainment venue with numerous restaurants.

Other amenities in the 125 Crystal Beach Drive homes include a private pool and a fenced pet park.

Visitors can lodge in one of these beautiful homes or drive in from outside to enjoy the stunning looking beach.

125 Crystal Beach Drive can be located just three blocks from the beach in the Crystal Beach area of Destin, Florida.

17. Sandcastle Lessons

Making a sandcastle at the beach is an awesome way to have fun with family and friends.

If you have ever watched people build a sandcastle on the beach and you want to create yours too, then join one of the SandCastle Lessons to build yours while having fun at the same time.

The lessons involve an interactive group activity where all participants will have fun while learning how to build the biggest sandcastle ever of their choice.

Everything that you need to build the castle aside from the sand (which is available at the beach) will be provided.

You can decide to opt for the 1-hour beginners’ class or the 2 hours master class. The choice is yours to make

In the 1 Hour Beginner class, you will have the opportunity to learn the basics of building and sculpting sand into a work of art.

Participants will work together to build a complete 3 feet castle. Family members from age four and above can participate in this fun activity.

However, in the 2 hours master’s class, the team will build something bigger, up to 5 feet monster castle that will leave you with a long-lasting memory.

The 2 hours master class is recommended for family members of age 7 and above. Add this fun activity to your fun things to do in Destin, Florida, checklist.

18. Escape Zone 60

Amongst the top things to do in Destin is Escaping a locked room with Escape Zone 60, this is a fun-filled live interactive puzzle game in which participants are giving 60 minutes to solve.

While participating in the game, you must strive to complete your goal and escape the room before your time is up.

Participants don’t necessarily require any special skill to participate in this puzzle game. All you need is interest.

The game encourages you to think outside the box, pay attention to details, work under pressure, and work as a team.

Everyone above the age of 9 years can participate in this game, and it is fun and challenging.

Escape Zone 60 is one of the best choices in the escape zone games, with the largest selection of Gulf coast live escape rooms in the Florida Panhandle. Escape Zone 60 has over 12 escape rooms in which you choose from

Address: 415 Mountain Drive STE 7, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

19. Explore the Destin Dog Park

The Destin Dog Park is a 3-acre park specifically for dogs and has been in operation since 2012.

There are separate areas for small and big dogs, each with a lush Bermuda grass open space and shaded areas with oaks and pines.

The park features a watering station for dogs, benches where visitors can sit and observe and waste bins.

The dogs in the park belong to individual dog owners, and the owners are responsible for their dogs at all times.

All aggressive dogs are immediately removed from the park to avoid posing a danger to visitors or other dogs’ owners.

Whether you are a dog owner who wants to take your dogs to the park or you just want to sit and watch the varieties of dog breed in the park, Destin Dog Park is for you.

Address: 4100 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

20. The Track – Destin

The Track – Destin is an amusement park that features several fun activities for all family members. This made this list of things to do in Destin for the fun it offers its visitors.

The Track features five Go-Kart Tracks fun for all ages. You will be able to ride up to three levels on the elevated tracks, enjoying a great ride on the Family Track. You can even let the kids drive the Kiddie & Rookie Tracks.

Enjoy the fantastic Blaster Boats, Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Kids Country rides, SkyFlyer, or Thrill Zones for even extra excitement.

The Track’s signature arcade category has over 50 classic and interactive games specially prepared for your amusement.

The track is all about fun for people of all ages and sex, and it is a great place to start your family vacation.

Address: 1125 US-98, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

21. Buck Destin Park

Buck Destin is another beautiful playground with multiple slides and some swings for family amusement. It is best for families with children, but individuals of all ages can also have fun in the park.

The park features a Basketball court, Bike rack, Parking area, Picnic tables, playground for kids, and Tennis courts

There are two tennis and Basketball court in the park to accommodate all visitors in the park.

There is also a recently renovated building which visitors can rent and host their events.

Buck Destin usually is open from 9.00 AM down to dusk. There is enough time to have fun until you get tired

Address: 724 Legion Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States

22. June White Decker Park

June White Decker Park is a popular free public beach access in Destin, Florida. The beach access is open daily down to dusk, it is one of the best places to visit in Destin, Florida.

It has a couple of outdoor showers, a public restroom, a beach walkover, and other necessary amenities.

If you get famished but lack food, not to worry, there are a couple of neighboring restaurants such as the Back Porch and the Destin Diner where you can wine and dine as much as you want.

The beach access is an excellent place for sunbathing, swimming, and strolling while feeding your eyes with activities in the park.

The beach sand is white, fine, and clean. The water is super clean as well.

June White Decker Park is popular and small hence can get crowded sometimes. You might need to plan your day earlier to secure a spot before it gets filled up for the day.

23. Go Fishing at Destin East Pass Jetties

The Destin East Pass Channel Jetties were built in 1969 by the United States Army Engineers to guard the East Pass Channel against the Gulf of Mexico’s shifting sands.

The East Pass Jetties is built down into the Gulf of Mexico, which makes it a perfect place to catch fish off the water.

Fishing at the Destin East Pass Jetties is an amazing experience that one will live to remember. While at the jetty, you can see all of the boat traffic coming in and going out from the Destin harbor.

Fishing in the East Pass Jetty is unrestricted, and you can catch fish just about all the time.

There are trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, grouper, redfish, flounder, sheep head, and any other type of baitfish.

This makes what to do in Destin for some fun fishing time, do consider an addition to your checklist of things to do in Destin, FL.

Address: Jetty East, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

24. Eglin Beach Park

Government workers and military personnel have the exclusive option of visiting Eglin Beach Park.

Eglin Beach Park is located just west of the popular Destin Bridge, right on Okaloosa Island

It is open during summer months to all military ranks, retirees, civilian personnel including all federal employees regardless of duty station and federal facility contractors, and family members

You are allowed to go in with your guests even though they are not military personnel or government workers in the categories above.

The beach park features direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, 4 large pavilions, a central deck area, 2 sets of restrooms with showers, and lots of picnic tables.

The beach is a beautiful and less crowded beach on the emerald coast with white sand and turquoise water. It is a great place to have fun with family and friends during the summer holidays or weekends.

25. Wet-n-Wild Watersports

Wet N Wild Watersports is a great place to be if you are in Destin and wants to have fun with water sports and ride.

Located just close to the No-Wake Zone and just next to the famous Crab Island, the water sports center is at the heart of the Destin water sports experience.

It provides services such as Pontoon Rentals and Jet Ski Rentals to interested visitors.

You can also book and participate in the popular Jet Ski Dolphin Tour or opt for Parasailing services.

There are experienced and friendly staffs to guide you even if you are a novice in any of the services rendered at Wet-n-Wild Watersports

Address: 105 Calhoun Avenue, Destin, Florida 32541, United States

Pennsylvania makes one of the top states to visit in the United States, here is a guide on things to do in Lancaster and things to do in Erie for a fun time in this state.

26. Norriego Point

Norriego Point, which was named after a Spanish family from Pensacola, is the sandy beach at the end of Holiday Isle and adjacent to Destin Harbor.

It is a white sand peninsula with beautiful water and a great place for fun with the sand and fishing off the rock.

The beach has lots of stunning scenery areas to walk around and explore the beauty with and lots of activities in the area.

Norriego Point is an excellent place for snorkeling because the water wave is not very strong and it is not directly linked to the Gulf of Mexico.

Swimming at Narriego point is also possible and a great experience, especially in the area protected by the jetties.

You can watch boats cruising by the Harbor, sand dunes, sea oats, and the beautiful wooden fence all spread around the scene.

27. Emerald Bay Golf Club

Emerald Bay Golf Club is a beautiful and full 18-hole golf course decorated with sunning green plants and water features in the surrounding.

It is a reputable golf course community along the shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. The beach is centered between Destin and the Beaches of South Walton.

Besides offering the opportunity to play golf