Destin holidays

You’ll want to use your holiday to Destin as a chance to get out on the water. Find a fishing charter and cast for everything from striped bass to tuna. Or launch a kayak or paddleboard from Norriego Point and explore Destin Harbor. Take a cruise to Crab Island for daytime drinks at one of its floating bars.

Destin is a golfer’s paradise, with 24 golf courses within a 15-minute drive from town to choose from. Hit drives with a view of Choctawhatchee Bay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort or play through pine forests and coastal scenery at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club. For a casual game, try the 18-hole course at Indian Bayou.

Even on a short break to Destin, you can fit two or three seafood feasts into your itinerary. You’ll find both upscale restaurants and casual eateries serving locally sourced fish and beautiful sunsets on the waterfront. Grouper and snapper are both popular here. Many restaurants will even cook what you catch on a fishing charter.

If you’re looking for a convenient base, then Destin Harbor is the best neighbourhood to stay in Destin. Relax within walking distance of the boardwalk and Harborview Village. Grab shaved ice, sip a daiquiri, browse through clothing boutiques or enjoy seafood without ever needing to hop in a car. For a day at the beach, cross the Destin Bridge to visit Princess Beach.

Good for: Beaches, shopping, restaurants

Holiday Isle is the best area to stay in Destin near the water. This narrow peninsula is lined with pristine beaches. Norriego Point at the tip of the peninsula is perfect for wading in tide pools, shallow snorkelling and spotting a host of aquatic life. After a day on or in the water, enjoy fish tacos, ceviche and creole dishes at local restaurants.

Good for: Swimming, seafood, beaches

If you’re looking for an uncrowded beach, this neighbourhood is where to stay in Destin. Have a relaxing vacation lounging on the white sand and cooling off with a refreshing dip in clear waters. Or try water sports like parasailing or learn to surf. Head to Destin Commons for shopping and casual dining.

Good for: Beach, water sports, relaxing holidays

Take the kids to the tidal pools of Norriego Point or the calm water of East Pass. For faster-paced things to do with family in Destin, get behind the wheel of a go-kart at The Track or visit the slides at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park. Stay up late for fireworks in Harborwalk Village, every Monday at 9pm.

Find deals, luxury brands and unique boutiques while shopping in Destin. Visit Destin Commons to find popular outlets, then catch a matinee at the mall’s cinema. For discounts on designer brands, check out Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Buy the perfect handmade souvenir from the open-air vendors or gift shops at HarborWalk Village.

Museums in Destin explore the history and science of the Florida Panhandle. Destin Fishing and History Museum explores the region’s settlement and fishing industry. Travel to nearby Fort Walton Beach to see Native American artefacts at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Or dive into unique regional history at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Niceville.

Live music, dancing and casual cocktails are all part of the nightlife in Destin. Find bars and restaurants at Harborwalk Village and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Catch magic shows and live comedy at the Harborwalk Theater. You’ll also find live music throughout the Summer. If you’re travelling with teenagers who need entertaining, Destin Laser Tag is open until 10pm.

Not a fan of seafood? Don’t worry — Destin’s restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines. Where you’re feeling like French, craving some Korean or itching for an Italian, you’ll find a restaurant that satisfies. You can also get some great Southern food in Destin. Southern fried chicken, gumbo and beignets — yes please!

The beaches in Destin are bound to be a holiday highlight. Wander the white dunes of Henderson Beach State Park. Lounge on a beach chair in between snorkelling sessions at Crystal Beach. To get away from the crowds, travel to James Lee Beach or drive west from Destin to Navarre Beach.