Destin offers miles of pristine white sandy beaches and emerald waters, the ideal beach for sunbathing, water sports, spiking volleyballs, constructing sandcastles or perfecting your tan. Destin’s gulf shore fits any vacation, from mild to wild. If you prefer a more relaxing vacation experience, lounge with a book beneath a beach umbrella while the kids build sandcastles.
Fishing and Water Sports
Destin’s famous Gulf waters serve as the perfect destination visitors looking to snorkel, boogie board, jet ski, parasail, kayak, fish or any other kind of seaworthy adventure.
Discover beautiful coastal vegetation and waterways leading out to the Gulf.
Charter fishing boats abound in Destin, the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” where an annual fishing Tournaments draw thousands of anglers each year. At day’s end, you can walk the piers while fishing boats unload, and view the prize catches. The warm, clear water can tempt even the most timid of beachgoers to try out a boogie board. A number of area outfitters supply adventurers with everything they need for a day on the water. Guests who book with us get 15% OFF Destin boat rentals and Jet skis at Wet N WIld Watersports.
Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
www.bigkahunas.com
With more than 40 water attractions, Big Kahuna’s Water Park adds a splashy, kid-friendly option away from the beach. Their sun decks offer the big kids a day in the sun without sand.
Dockside Watersports
(850) 428-3313
www.boatrentalsindestin.com
Dockside Watersports offers rentals of new waverunners, jetskis, pontoon and fishing boats. For visitors eager to spot a dolphin in the wild, the company also operates a waverunner-guided tour. For more fearless types, there’s always parasailing.
Kokomo Snorkeling Adventure
(850) 837-9029
Cruise out of scenic Destin Harbor to the jetties and snorkel about while feeding the area’s abundant tropical fish. This outfit is US Coast Guard approved and provides in-water instruction for beginners.
Swoop I & II
(850) 337-8250
This fishing outfitter offers deep sea fishing for the entire family, with two 65-foot vessels. Choose from half or full day trips leaving daily from Destin Harbor.
Golfing
The Gulf Coast is famous for its wealth of premier clubs, boasting more than 1,000 holes and championship courses. The area attracts golfers of every caliber and hosts tournaments year round.
Destin is arguably the town that golf built, with several top-rated golf resorts lining its shore and drawing scores of golfers from all over the world. Fine courses at Kelly Plantation, Emerald Bay and Regatta Bay, along with local courses, offer up stunning natural beauty, state-of-the art planning and luxury amenities. With more than 1,000 holes of golf in the area, there’s a course for every skill level.
Local Golf Courses
Indian Bayou Golf Course
Regatta Bay Golf Course
Kelly Plantation Golf Course
Emerald Bay Golf Club
The Raven Golf Club
Burnt Pine Golf Club
Shopping & Fun Activities
Shopping
Destin Commons
Silver Sands Outlet Mall
Bass Pro Shops
Activities
The Track Family Recreational Center
The Gulfarium: Dolphin & Sea Life Shows
Local Events
May
ArtsQuest
(850) 231-0885
www.culturalartsassociation.org
Spring Wine Festival
(800) 822-6877
Just imagine enjoying a comfortable afternoon sampling a wide variety of wines in the beautiful Northwest Florida setting. Learn from lectures and tasting with featured guest. winemakers.
June
Mattie Kelly Summer Concert Series
(850) 650-2666
www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
(800) 322-3319
(850) 244-8191
www.fishecbc.com
The Northwest Florida Gulf Coast’s entry onto the world stage of premier marlin tournaments. This is a World Billfish Series-sanctioned event.
July
Destin Harbor Fireworks
(800) 322.3329
(850) 837-6241
Enjoy spectacular fireworks over the beautiful Destin Harbor by boat, car or land.
August
Emerald Coast Boat Week
(850) 243-3800
www.emeraldcoastboatweek.com
A boater’s paradise to celebrate, the Emerald Coast Foundation is throwing a week long party…with a week’s worth of exciting activities kicking at the Fort Walton Beach Landing and culminating with the world’s largest Boat Party on Crab Island!
Seafood and Mini Wine Festival
(800) 822-6877
Sample fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways while listening to some of the areas best entertainers. Wine lovers can taste over 20 different wines from around the world.
Art of Dining
(850) 267-0683
Shop and dine Walton County all in one night under the stars of the Gulf Place Amphitheater featuring merchandise from over 100 local businesses, combined with a sampling of local restaurant cuisine.
September
Destin Fishing Rodeo
(850) 837-6734
www.destinfishingrodeo.org
Destin has been know as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” so what better place to have a Fishing Rodeo? This is the ultimate fishing tournament for anglers of all kinds. More than 35,000 anglers from all over the United States compete in the month long fishing extravaganza.
Destin Seafood Festival
www.destinchamber.com
(850) 837-6241
The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come celebrate the Destin Seafood Festival at its new location, Morgan Sports Center, downtown Destin. Enjoy a park-like setting with a wide selection of activities, food and entertainment.
Southern Breeze Coastal Wine Tour
(251) 968-4600 ext 126
This events at Rosemary Beach blends premium wine from the country’s most-celebrated vintners with unique Gulf Coast food and music to create a memorable, educational and cultural experience.
Destin Festival of the Arts
(800) 332-3319
www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.com
Don’t miss the great event, presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico at Henderson Beach State Park. Fun for the entire family with 98 premier artists and continuous live entertainment.
November
Seeing Red Wine Festival
(800) 322-3319
Just imagine enjoying a comfortable afternoon sampling a wide variety of wines in the beautiful Northwest Florida setting. Learn from lectures and tastings with featured guest winemakers.
December
Destin Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade
(800) 322-3319
A sparkling procession of festively bedecked boats of the largest charter fleet in Florida and the local boat owners, parade through Destin Harbor waving merrily at views from the beach, harbor, boats, bridges, decks and docks.