Destin , Florida
Get ready to experience the natural beauty of Florida's Emerald Coast, where the sand is as fine as sugar and the Gulf waters are aquarium clear and emerald green. These unspoiled surroundings foster life-long memories of family vacations and unforgettable getaways.
Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the 7th century A.D. Just a glimpse of the Old Destin Post Office Museum, located across from the library, gives evidence of what the town looked like in the 19 th Century. The city is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", and one of the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleets in the state of Florida docks at the Destin Harbor. However, fishing is just one of many wonderful things to see and do in this tranquil but exciting Panhandle town. Recreational opportunities abound, including golf, tennis and a variety of water sports, such as diving and snorkeling. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf.
No visit to Destin is complete without a visit to watch the playful dolphins dance. These amazing animals display mesmerizing grace and unabashed playfulness as they tumble and twirl within the breeding ground of the shallows along the Santa Rosa Sound and Destin Harbor. Free dun-side seating is provided courtesy of Mother Nature. Why not bring a camera for an unforgettable memory? If you prefer, sightseeing cruises are offered at the marina, offering visitors another way to get up close to the dolphins.
Destin has a moderate climate year round due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its western Florida location, making anytime of year good for visiting. The city is one of many in the area to host a multitude of visiting spring-breakers in late February and during the entire month of March. It's an event for the young and the young at heart.
For a day of family fun, you may want to visit the Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park. This large water themed park offers more than 40 exciting water attractions and includes three tropical mini golf courses, two wild and fast go-kart tracks and three high-thrill rides.
No matter what time of year you visit, Destin has some wonderful and unique annual events to experience as well. From the Mullet Toss, to concerts in the park, to a holiday boat parade, there is something to make you smile, make you laugh, and make you want to come back for more. So take a break from the daily routine, sit back, sip a cool drink and enjoy the warm Florida sun, Destin style.
Things To See and Do in Destin
Dancing Dolphin Watching
Dancing dolphins display mesmerizing grace and unabashed playfulness as they tumble and twirl within the breeding ground of the shallows along the Santa Rosa Sound and Destin Harbor.
Daily dune side seating is compliments of Mother Nature.
Dolphin Cruises
Emerald Magic
Harborwalk Marina
346 Mountain Dr.
Destin, FL 32541
850-837-7741
Hours: Call for cruise schedule
Admission Charged
Two-hour narrated cruises aboard the Emerald Magic highlighting dolphins and other wild things. Smoke-free cruise with tropical drinks.
Southern Star
Harborwalk Marina
346 Mountain Dr.
Destin, FL 32541
850-837-7741
Hours: Call for cruise schedule
Admission Charged
Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard the motor vessel Southern Star cruising the pristine waters of the world's most beautiful beaches known as a natural habitat for dolphins, seabirds and a variety of marine life.
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
1007 Highway 98 E.
Destin, FL 32541
850-837-4061
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Oversized water park offers more than 40 exciting water attractions. Includes three tropical mini golf courses, two wild and fast go-kart tracks and three high-thrill rides.
Old Destin Post Office Museum
Stahlman Ave. (across from library)
Destin, FL 32541
850-837-8572
Hours: Vary, call for additional information
Admission Charged
This little white building houses memorabilia detailing the 19th-century settlement of Destin. It includes photographs of past days and is a tribute to the early beach communities of the region. Although its open hours are minimal, the museum is an interesting glimpse into the beginnings of a community that has transformed itself into one of the top resort areas in the Southeast.
The Track Family Recreation Center
1125 Hwy. 98 E
Destin, FL 32541
850-654-4668
Hours: Always call ahead to confirm before you make a special trip, as closing times are approximate due to weather and crowd levels.
Admission Charged
This action-packed recreation center features everything from the ultimate in go-cart tracks, like the Wild Woody three-tiered go-kart/roller coaster hybrid, to big fun for little tykes at Kids Country. Challenge your friends to miniature golf, Bumper Boats, or test your courage at the bungee jumping tower.
Mango Maddie's Pontoons, Inc.
314 Highway 98 East
Destin, FL 32541
850-650-7352
Hours: Open: March - October
Admission Charged for rentals
Rent a pontoon and be your own skipper. Also offers private guided sunset cocktail cruises.
Snorkel Destin
392 S. Shore Dr
Destin, FL 32550
850-654-4655
Hours: The Reef Runner departs three times daily, Mon - Sat. Call for reservations.
Admission Charged
Enjoy a scenic boat ride to Destin's premier snorkeling area where an incredible underwater excursion awaits. Mask, fins and snorkel are provided.
Kokomo Snorkeling Adventure
500 Hwy. 98 E
Destin, FL 32541
850-837-9029
Hours: Trips available daily, call for additional information
Admission Charged
This three hour adventure offers snorkeling in the bay for shelling and around the jetties in Destin Pass to enjoy the sights of this underwater fairyland. Snorkeling gear and instruction included, if needed. Sunset cruises are also available.
Nearby Attractions
Emerald Coast Science Center
139 Brooks St
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-664-1261
Hours: Weekdays, 9am - 4pm, Weekends, 11am - 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday and the Fourth of July
Admission Charged
A child's fantasy museum of science; it stimulates the imagination with exhibits such as a reflecting Castle of Mirrors, "adult-sized" bubble makers, a literally hair-raising Vandergraph generator, an electrifying Illuma Storm and more.
Gulfarium
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-244-5169
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
One of America's oldest marine parks (1955), Gulfarium is home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, Peruvian penguins, Ridley turtles and more. Dolphin stars Princess and Delilah delight with feats from comedic soccer games to 18-foot (540cm) leaps toward the clouds.
Indian Temple Mound and Museum
139 SE Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-833-9595
Hours: Vary, call for additional information
Admission Charged
The 6,000-piece exhibit, showcasing America's largest collection of Southeastern Indian ceramic artifacts, journeys through 10,000 years of four prehistoric tribes. One of the largest Indian mounds discovered along saltwater (1400 A.D.) stands guard beside the museum.
Island Golf Center, Fenway Park Batting Cages, Lost Lagoon Golf
1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-224-1612
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Enjoy some fun outdoor activity with miniature golf, batting cages and more.
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-244-1023
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Enjoy great fishing directly from the pier. Rental equipment is available.
U.S. Air Force Armament Museum
Hwy. 85 (outside main gate Eglin AFB)
Eglin AFB, FL 32542
850-882-4062
Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm, daily. Closed on all federal holidays.
Admission Free
The Air Force Armament Museum is the only facility in the U.S. dedicated to the display of Air Force armament. A wide variety of bombs, missiles, and rockets are exhibited. Visitors can also view a variety of historical Air Force planes, from a B-17 World War II bomber to an F-4 Phantom II jet. A 32 minute movie, "Arming the Air Force," a history of Eglin Air Force Base and its role in the development of armament, is shown continuously throughout the day.
The Zoo - Gulf Breeze
5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563
850-932-2229
Hours: Open daily, weather permitting, 9am-5pm, Closed the day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve day, but open that night for ZOOlights, and closed Christmas.
Admission Charged
A wildlife experience awaits you with over 700 animals surrounded by botanical gardens. Get a close look at bears, tigers, rhinos and zebras. Photograph the colorful birds, watch playful primates and see sleek otters slip through water. Take a ride on a camel or on the Safari Line Limited, a train ride through over 30 acres of free-roaming wildlife. In addition, there are reptile demonstrations, face-to-face giraffe feedings as well as a petting zoo for children.
Beaches:
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Beach
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-244-1023
Located on Santa Rosa Island across the bay from Fort Walton Beach, this is a 40-acre park with a fishing pier. The pier area is frequented for surfing and fishing, as well as people-watching and light dining.
Beasley Park
1550 Miracle Strip Pkwy (Hwy 98)
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Admission Free
Situated on the largest stretch of public beach on the Gulf side of Okaloosa Island, 22-acre Beasley Wayside Park includes showers, picnic pavilions and a 400-seat restaurant, a beach club, children's playground, beach volleyball and plenty of fun for everyone. Beasley Park is a County Park which is located between Fort Walton Beach and Destin on Okaloosa Island. There's plenty of parking, handicap access, and restrooms.