Planning a trip to Destin and wondering what to do? You’re in the right place!
Destin is famous for its sugar-white beaches, lively waterfront, and endless family-friendly activities. But trust us, there’s a lot more to do here than you might expect! We were surprised by how much there is to see and do, and with so many options, figuring out what’s worth your time can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in! To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve rounded up eight of the best things to do in Destin that we think you’ll love. From spotting dolphins on a scenic cruise to kicking back on a tiki boat and enjoying plenty of fresh seafood along the way, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s get started!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this tiki boat tour to Crab Island! We loved cruising on a floating tiki bar, swimming in the crystal-clear water, and relaxing at the sandbar. We loved being able to jump right in and swim!
Destin at a Glance
Destin is pretty spread out, so having a car makes it easier to get around. U.S. 98 is the main road through town, and it can get busy, especially during the summer. So if you have a tour at a specific time, plan ahead and give yourself some extra time to get there.
You can also use the Emerald Coast Rider, which goes around Destin and nearby areas, but it’s more frequent in summer.
These are the things we wished we knew before we visited.
Important tip: Don’t overlook the beach flags! Destin uses a color-coded flag system to show water conditions, including a purple flag for dangerous marine life. Double red means the water is closed, so make sure you check the flags before getting in.
You can’t bring everything onto the beach: Glass, fireworks, fires, vehicles, and pets aren’t allowed on Destin beaches.
Summer gets seriously hot: If you’re visiting in July or August, think about when you schedule your outdoor activities. Bring enough water, wear a hat, and don’t spare that sunscreen!
Book popular activities ahead: If there’s a boat trip, parasailing adventure, or another activity you really want to do, book it ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting in summer. Popular tours can fill up pretty quickly.
How We Would Spend Two Days in Destin
🌴 Day 1: Crab Island, Beach Time & Sunset Cruise
Start with a tiki boat tour to Crab Island, then relax at Henderson Beach State Park in the afternoon. Later, hop aboard a fun pirate cruise before grabbing dinner along the waterfront.
🐬 Day 2: Dolphin Cruise, Parasailing & HarborWalk Village
Kick off the morning with a dolphin-watching cruise, then head out for a thrilling parasailing adventure, explore Norriego Point, and finish your trip with fresh seafood and waterfront views at HarborWalk Village.
Things to do in Destin
1. Spot dolphins on a scenic Destin cruise
Tour Details
One of the best things about visiting Destin is getting out on the water, and what better way to do that than spotting dolphins in the wild? This dolphin cruise takes you along the beautiful coastline in search of playful bottlenose dolphins, which live in the area year-round. And trust us, seeing them swimming alongside the boat is pretty exciting!
The adventure starts in Destin Harbor, where you’ll cruise through East Pass and into the Gulf of Mexico before heading toward Crab Island. Keep your eyes peeled because you never know what might pop up! Dolphins are the main attraction, of course, but you may also spot jellyfish, sharks, and other marine life along the way. How cool is that?
Another thing we love about this tour is that it takes only 90 minutes, so you can easily squeeze it into a busy sightseeing day. Plus, there’s plenty of space to move around! Head up to the top deck for the best views, grab a spot downstairs, or escape into the air-conditioned cabin when you need a break from the Florida heat. There’s even a glass-bottom viewing area where you can peek into the water below!
And while you’re busy scanning the water for dolphins, the crew will share interesting facts about the area and its wildlife. You can also grab a snack or drink from the onboard bar, or bring your own if you’d prefer.
With morning, midday, and sunset departures available depending on the season, it’s easy to find a time that works for you. We think the sunset option sounds especially beautiful. Just imagine watching dolphins play in the water as the sun dips below the horizon. With plenty of five-star reviews from happy travelers, it’s easy to see why this dolphin cruise is such a popular choice!
2. Float and relax at Crab Island
Tour Details
If you want to chill and spend a few hours swimming and hanging out on the water, this 3-hour tour to Crab Island could be just what you’re looking for. And before you ask, no, it’s not full of crabs or shaped like a crab. Well, it used to be the latter, but it eventually became a submerged sandbar.
These days, Crab Island is a popular gathering spot with shallow, crystal-clear water, so you can get out of the boat and stand around, swim, or snorkel without going anywhere near deep water. It actually feels more like a giant natural swimming pool than being out in the Gulf.
We cruised out of Destin Harbor on a tiki bar-style boat, which was so much fun! When we reached Crab Island, the captain dropped anchor, and we were free to jump in and do our own thing. So you can swim for a while, float around, snorkel, or just hang out with your group.
Plenty of other boats are around the sandbar too, and some sell food and drinks, including burgers and ice cream. Yeah, you can eat right in the water! If you’d rather bring your own, that’s fine too. The boat has a cooler, ice, cups, shot glasses, and bottled water.
Overall, this tour is super relaxed and social, so it’s a good choice if you’d rather spend time actually being in the water instead of just looking at it from the beach.
3. Go parasailing
Tour Details
We love parasailing and have done it more times than we can count, so we were really looking forward to trying this parasailing adventure in Destin. And it didn’t disappoint! From the moment we stepped onto the boat, the crew made us feel welcome and comfortable. There was music playing, everyone was in a good mood, and we were ready to go.
You fly two or three people at a time, so you can go up with a friend or family member. The flight lasts about 10 minutes, which sounds short, but once you’re up there, you won’t notice the time, trust me!
The views over the Emerald Coast were amazing. You’re high above the water, so you get a great view of the coastline below. Keep an eye out for marine life, too; you might spot something swimming below.
If this is your first time parasailing, don’t stress! The crew will explain what you need to do and make sure you’re comfortable before you go up.
The boat can take up to 15 people, but only two or three people fly at once. That means the whole thing can take up to 90 minutes if the boat is full. You’ll have some waiting time between flights (unless you go first), but you can listen to the music and watch everyone else take their turn. Then it’s your turn to fly!
4. Relax at Henderson Beach State Park
If you want a nice beach day without spending much, Henderson Beach State Park is worth checking out. You get the sugar-white sand and emerald-green water Destin is known for, but it’s a little quieter than some of the busier public beach areas.
The beach stretches for more than a mile, so you’ll have plenty of space to find a spot and settle in for a few hours. You can swim, sunbathe, read a book, or do nothing at all.
There’s also a short nature trail if you want to get off the sand for a bit and take a walk. Another plus is that it’s low-cost, especially if you’re traveling with the family. You don’t need to book a tour or plan your whole day around it.
It opens at 8 am and closes at sunset every day. Just check the entry requirements before you go. Henderson Beach State Park now requires a day-use reservation for vehicle entry, including annual passholders. So book ahead if you can and save yourself the hassle.
5. See Destin Harbor light up from a tiki boat
Tour Details
Destin Harbor is beautiful at night, but seeing it from the water? Even better! This tiki boat night cruise was such a fun way to end the day. We cruised past sparkling harbor lights, fancy waterfront homes (apparently some belong to celebrities and athletes!), and some seriously impressive yachts. Who knew there was so much to see?
If you time it right, you might even catch the sunset before the harbor lights come on. Talk about a romantic evening! But don’t worry if you miss it, because cruising around after dark is just as fun.
One thing we really loved was how intimate the whole experience felt. The tiki boat only holds six people, so there’s no fighting for space or squeezing past a bunch of strangers. Just a small group enjoying the views!
And did we mention it’s BYOB? We brought along a few drinks, and the cooler and ice were already taken care of. Even better, our captain doubled as the DJ, playing some great tunes as we cruised around. Drinks, music, and waterfront views? Yes, please!
Whether you’re celebrating something special, planning a date night, or just looking for a fun way to spend an evening in Destin, this cruise is a great pick. It’s laid-back, a little different, and a whole lot of fun!
6. Walk the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village
For an easy evening activity after the beach, head to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village. The boardwalk runs nearly a quarter of a mile (about 0.4 km) along the harbor, so you can stroll, watch boats come and go, and enjoy the views.
Plenty of restaurants and seafood spots line the waterfront if you want to settle in for dinner, plus casual shops if you feel like browsing. HarborWalk Village is right there, with more places to eat and things going on, including live music and seasonal events, so it makes for a fun, relaxing night out. Make sure to see Harry T’s Lighthouse!
The best time to be here is late afternoon. The harbor looks great around sunset, especially during golden hour, and you can snap some great photos.
We think this is a great option for pretty much anyone because there’s no strict schedule. Just walk around, stop for food, listen to music, and enjoy the evening. Our kind of vacation!
7. Set sail on a pirate adventure
Tour Details
Ahoy, mateys! If you’re visiting Destin with kids, why not let them become pirates for the day? This pirate cruise is packed with swashbuckling fun, from sword fights and water gun battles to hunting for hidden treasure. And yes, there’s even a real cannon firing! It’s the kind of adventure that’ll have your little ones talking about it long after the vacation is over.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! The pirate crew knows how to keep everyone entertained with plenty of singing, dancing, silly jokes, and pirate banter. Little ones even get to go through pirate training, and if they pass, they’ll officially become honorary members of the Buccaneer Crew. How exciting is that?
Now, parents, don’t worry. You don’t have to spend the whole cruise sword fighting and shouting “Arrr!” unless you want to, of course! You’re welcome to join the fun or sit back with a drink and watch the little pirates take over. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, including alcoholic options for the grown-ups.
One thing we’d do differently, though, is book an earlier or later departure. We went at noon in mid-July, and wow, was it HOT! There’s not much shade onboard, so that Florida sunshine can be pretty intense. If you’re visiting during summer, we’d definitely recommend avoiding the midday heat if you can.
With all the pirate antics and glowing five-star reviews, it’s safe to say this cruise is a hit with families! Just bring your sunscreen and get ready for some swashbuckling fun!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
8. Visit Norriego Point
If you’re already around Holiday Isle and looking for a quieter, more tucked-away spot, stop at Norriego Point. It’s a scenic public beach and recreation area with a sandy shoreline and views of Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf.
This isn’t really a place I’d spend the whole day, but it’s nice for a peaceful walk, a few photos, and watching the boats go through East Pass. There’s always something happening on the water, and I can vouch for the views!
I really enjoyed seeing the harbor from this side. You get boats passing through the channel, the Gulf on one side and Destin Harbor on the other, so it’s a nice change from walking around the main harbor area. It’s also close to Destin Harbor, so you can add it before or after spending time around HarborWalk Village.
One thing to know before you go: the city says the restrooms and showers are temporarily unavailable, so keep that in mind if you plan to spend a few hours here.
That said, we’d treat this more as a quick stop than a full beach day. If you’re nearby, it’s worth taking a look.
Where to Stay in Destin
For most visitors, Crystal Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Destin! You’ll be close to the beautiful white-sand beaches, great restaurants, and popular attractions, while enjoying a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the busy harbor area. It’s especially great for families and anyone wanting to spend plenty of time at the beach!
Just keep in mind that Destin is a popular vacation spot, and the best hotels can book out early during peak season, so we recommend booking ahead. Here are three great places to stay in Destin for every budget!
Henderson Beach Resort – $$$
If you’re looking to splurge on your stay in Destin, Henderson Beach Resort won’t disappoint. It sits right on the Gulf next to Henderson Beach State Park, with a huge private white-sand beach. You’ve also got a lazy river, several pools, plus complimentary bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
You won’t have to go far for food either. There are five dining spots on the property, serving everything from Italian dishes to more casual food. For some downtime, there’s also a large 10,000-square-foot (about 930-square-meter) spa with treatment rooms and a Himalayan salt suite.
Prices start at around $380 USD per night, depending on the room and your travel dates. Check availability and book your luxury stay at Henderson Beach Resort here!
Beachside Inn – $$
Beachside Inn is my favorite mid-range option here. This was our base during our stay in Destin, and I’d book it again in a heartbeat. I liked everything! The easy access to the beach (it’s right across the street), restaurants, bars, shopping, and entertainment was spot on.
There’s a lovely pool area, but I think my favorite thing about it was the little café located below the hotel. You can have lunch here and then walk to the beach, or do it the other way around. Breakfast is simple, but everything is fresh, and the blueberry bread was heaven!
The rooms are spacious, bright, clean, and well-maintained. They even changed the towels every day. You’ve also got free parking, and pets are allowed, making this a great family-friendly budget stay. With prices starting at just $140 USD per night, it’s definitely one of the better-value stays in Destin. Don’t miss this one-lock in your dates here!
Holiday Inn Express Destin E – $
Holiday Inn Express Destin E makes vacationing in Destin easy and affordable. For starters, it’s about a 6-minute walk to the public access at Crystal Sands Beach. Also, Destin Commons is right there with its stores, restaurants, and movie theater, so there’s always somewhere fun to be outside the hotel. It couldn’t be more convenient, really!
You also get free breakfast, with eggs, the signature automatic pancake machine, and hot Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, which I’m sure everyone will love. Better yet, coffee is available 24/7! You’ve also got an outdoor pool with loungers, a fitness center, laundry facilities, and free parking-not bad for a budget stay, right?
Prices typically start at just $85 USD per night, which is a pretty sweet deal if you ask me! Book your budget stay at Holiday Inn Express Destin E here!
If these hotels are already booked for your travel dates, check out more of Destin’s top stays here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
💡 Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
Between cruising around on tiki boats, spotting dolphins, flying high above the water, and soaking up the sunshine on those gorgeous white-sand beaches, Destin sure knows how to keep you busy! We especially loved swimming at Crab Island and seeing the harbor all lit up at night. And let’s not forget all the fresh seafood! Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, we hope you have as much fun exploring Destin as we did!
Before you go, we’ve got plenty more adventures to share! Check out our other USA travel guides for more beautiful beaches, fun activities, and helpful tips to plan your next getaway. Or keep the inspiration going with a few of our favorite blogs below!
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 4 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend THREE DAYS on Siesta Key, Florida: 3-Day Itinerary
15 Best Things to do in Orlando, Florida
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
