Best Things to Do!
Destin 's Guide to everything
Attractions, Sightseeing, Eat & Drink, Entertainment
The biggest draw to Henderson Beach State Park – aside from its relaxed atmosphere – is the sugar-white sand of the mile-long beach, made up of pure Appalachian quartz. The sand not only remains cool in the summer sun, but it gives the pristine waters an emerald cast. Offering a welcome change of pace from the crowded and hotel-backed beaches closer to the resorts, this easily accessible and clean oasis offers nature trails, spots for grilling and picnicking, and campsites.
Recent visitors loved the area's peaceful atmosphere and highly recommended travelers make a stop here. The park rangers and staff also received accolades for their helpful tips and vast knowledge of the area.
Admission fees range from $2 to $6, depending on your mode of transportation. Recent travelers agreed, the minimal entrance fee is worth an afternoon here, especially on weekends and holidays when Destin's other beaches tend to get crowded. You'll find Henderson Beach State Park about 3 miles east of downtown Destin on the Emerald Coast Parkway. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year. For more information on the area and to reserve a campsite, visit the Florida State Parks website.
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Henderson Beach State Park
Emerald Coast PkwyThe biggest draw to Henderson Beach State Park – aside from its relaxed atmosphere – is the sugar-white sand of the mile-long beach, made up of pure Appalachian quartz. The sand not only remains cool in the summer sun, but it gives the pristine waters an emerald cast. Offering a welcome change of pace from the crowded and hotel-backed beaches closer to the resorts, this easily accessible and clean oasis offers nature trails, spots for grilling and picnicking, and campsites.
Recent visitors loved the area's peaceful atmosphere and highly recommended travelers make a stop here. The park rangers and staff also received accolades for their helpful tips and vast knowledge of the area.
Admission fees range from $2 to $6, depending on your mode of transportation. Recent travelers agreed, the minimal entrance fee is worth an afternoon here, especially on weekends and holidays when Destin's other beaches tend to get crowded. You'll find Henderson Beach State Park about 3 miles east of downtown Destin on the Emerald Coast Parkway. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year. For more information on the area and to reserve a campsite, visit the Florida State Parks website.
Crab Island is less of an island and more of an underwater sandbar – and its surrounding crystal clear water attract boaters and ocean lovers from all over the area. People flock to this destination to relax on their boats or to socialize in the shallow water. Although it's known for its party atmosphere, recent visitors said Crab Island is also fun for families, and note there is plenty of room for everyone to find their own space in the water. A Crab Island Adventure Tour, complete with inflatable waterslides and other water toys, can be a fun, family-friendly way to see the area.
Previous visitors recommended bringing floats to use in the water and visiting at high tide for the best experience. They also suggest bringing coolers of food and drinks, but if you'd rather purchase refreshments, there are floating vendors at Crab Island (although make sure to bring cash, as some don't accept credit cards). Keep in mind that while you can bring alcoholic drinks, there will be nowhere to buy these types of beverages once you reach Crab Island.
2021 Bennington Pontoon Bot for 9+1 person available to rent for a half or full day, fully loaded, all inclusive packages. Ask details!
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Crab Island
Crab Island is less of an island and more of an underwater sandbar – and its surrounding crystal clear water attract boaters and ocean lovers from all over the area. People flock to this destination to relax on their boats or to socialize in the shallow water. Although it's known for its party atmosphere, recent visitors said Crab Island is also fun for families, and note there is plenty of room for everyone to find their own space in the water. A Crab Island Adventure Tour, complete with inflatable waterslides and other water toys, can be a fun, family-friendly way to see the area.
Previous visitors recommended bringing floats to use in the water and visiting at high tide for the best experience. They also suggest bringing coolers of food and drinks, but if you'd rather purchase refreshments, there are floating vendors at Crab Island (although make sure to bring cash, as some don't accept credit cards). Keep in mind that while you can bring alcoholic drinks, there will be nowhere to buy these types of beverages once you reach Crab Island.
2021 Bennington Pontoon Bot for 9+1 person available to rent for a half or full day, fully loaded, all inclusive packages. Ask details!
he boardwalk, which stretches about a quarter mile along the waterfront, is a great free activity that can keep visitors entertained for hours. Travelers can enjoy unparalleled views of the harbor's ships and spend time watching them sail in and out of the area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out along the boardwalk as well; past visitors described the boardwalk's venues as enjoyable but touristy. When the sun sets, the fun continues at the boardwalk bars and restaurants where there's often live entertainment. While there are nightlife options here, visitors said the boardwalk still retains a family-friendly atmosphere.
If a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk is too calm of an activity for you, consider something more exciting. From the boardwalk, you can embark on a number of different adventures: There are places to rent kayaks and paddleboards, as well as stands selling parasailing and Jet Skiing excursions.
While the boardwalk is free to enter, you might find yourself spending on food and trinkets; some previous visitors felt shopping in the area was a little overpriced but worth it because of the atmosphere. There are numerous parking lots near the boardwalk, but you'll have to pay to park. Learn more about the area's offerings on the boardwalk website.
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Destin Harbor Boardwalk
102 Harbor Blvdhe boardwalk, which stretches about a quarter mile along the waterfront, is a great free activity that can keep visitors entertained for hours. Travelers can enjoy unparalleled views of the harbor's ships and spend time watching them sail in and out of the area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out along the boardwalk as well; past visitors described the boardwalk's venues as enjoyable but touristy. When the sun sets, the fun continues at the boardwalk bars and restaurants where there's often live entertainment. While there are nightlife options here, visitors said the boardwalk still retains a family-friendly atmosphere.
If a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk is too calm of an activity for you, consider something more exciting. From the boardwalk, you can embark on a number of different adventures: There are places to rent kayaks and paddleboards, as well as stands selling parasailing and Jet Skiing excursions.
While the boardwalk is free to enter, you might find yourself spending on food and trinkets; some previous visitors felt shopping in the area was a little overpriced but worth it because of the atmosphere. There are numerous parking lots near the boardwalk, but you'll have to pay to park. Learn more about the area's offerings on the boardwalk website.
If you're having trouble deciding which of the many stunning shorelines in Destin and neighboring Okaloosa Island to visit, previous travelers recommended Shores at Crystal Beach Park. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this beach park is frequently praised for its ivory sands and crystal-clear waters. Travelers also appreciate the cleanliness of the beach.
The Shores at Crystal Beach Park is home to a bevy of vacation rentals and cottages as well; if you're traveling with a large group and don't want to spend a small fortune on several hotel rooms, consider renting a house or cottage here.
The beach is open from dawn to dusk and offers a pavilion, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and limited parking. It's free to access. For more information about all of Destin's beach access points, visit the city's website.
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The Shores at Crystal Beach Park
2964 Scenic Hwy 98If you're having trouble deciding which of the many stunning shorelines in Destin and neighboring Okaloosa Island to visit, previous travelers recommended Shores at Crystal Beach Park. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this beach park is frequently praised for its ivory sands and crystal-clear waters. Travelers also appreciate the cleanliness of the beach.
The Shores at Crystal Beach Park is home to a bevy of vacation rentals and cottages as well; if you're traveling with a large group and don't want to spend a small fortune on several hotel rooms, consider renting a house or cottage here.
The beach is open from dawn to dusk and offers a pavilion, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and limited parking. It's free to access. For more information about all of Destin's beach access points, visit the city's website.
When the weather won't cooperate or when you've had your fill of sun and sand, indulge in a little retail therapy at one of Destin's shopping complexes. Whether you're looking for charming boutiques, outlet malls or open-air complexes, the Emerald Coast delivers.
The visitors bureau suggests Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Downtown Fort Walton Beach in particular. Destin Commons offers an open-air setting with restaurants and national retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Bass Pro Shops, Bath & Body Works, H&M, Sephora and more. HarborWalk is the spot for purchasing beachwear or a quick bite to eat, though travelers warn the restaurants here can be pricey. Visitors can also book water sports rentals like Jet Skis, and organize a fishing charter trip, dolphin excursion or parasailing tour at HarborWalk. Downtown Fort Walton Beach is a great choice for anyone seeking a farmer's market atmosphere full of local retailers, including an antique shop and flea market. Travelers especially enjoyed the flea market's affordable and diverse offerings, and they said it's a great place to spend an hour or two. Visitors are also quick to recommend Silver Sands Premium Outlets for deals at stores like Adidas, GAP and Vans. Visit each location's website for more information on hours and stores.
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Destin Commons
4100 Legendary DrWhen the weather won't cooperate or when you've had your fill of sun and sand, indulge in a little retail therapy at one of Destin's shopping complexes. Whether you're looking for charming boutiques, outlet malls or open-air complexes, the Emerald Coast delivers.
The visitors bureau suggests Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Downtown Fort Walton Beach in particular. Destin Commons offers an open-air setting with restaurants and national retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Bass Pro Shops, Bath & Body Works, H&M, Sephora and more. HarborWalk is the spot for purchasing beachwear or a quick bite to eat, though travelers warn the restaurants here can be pricey. Visitors can also book water sports rentals like Jet Skis, and organize a fishing charter trip, dolphin excursion or parasailing tour at HarborWalk. Downtown Fort Walton Beach is a great choice for anyone seeking a farmer's market atmosphere full of local retailers, including an antique shop and flea market. Travelers especially enjoyed the flea market's affordable and diverse offerings, and they said it's a great place to spend an hour or two. Visitors are also quick to recommend Silver Sands Premium Outlets for deals at stores like Adidas, GAP and Vans. Visit each location's website for more information on hours and stores.