A protracted weekend in Destin, Florida, is an ideal escape for seaside lovers looking for leisure and journey. Nestled alongside the gorgeous Emerald Coast, Destin is crammed with white sandy seashores and emerald inexperienced waters, making it a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports activities.
The realm is famend for its world-class fishing, and fishing fanatics can constitution boats to reel in prized catches like crimson snapper and grouper. Past the seashores, Destin affords a vibrant culinary scene, with recent seafood being a spotlight. From indulging in scrumptious Gulf shrimp to savoring mouthwatering oysters, guests can pattern the flavors of the ocean.
Whether or not exploring the charming Harborwalk Village, teeing off at picturesque golf programs, or embarking on a dolphin-watching cruise, a protracted weekend in Destin guarantees unforgettable pleasure.
Destin, Florida: Day 1
Breakfast at a Native Café in Destin
Begin your break day with breakfast at an area Destin café. Really feel like sleeping in? To not fear, many cafes in Destin serve brunch! Café Destin comes extremely really helpful, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch with indoor and out of doors seating. One other favourite is the Donut Gap Bakery and Café, serving breakfast and recent donuts all day! And eventually, try Capriccio Café for a scrumptious espresso and a crepe.
Discover a Museum
Subsequent, try one among Destin’s museums and study extra concerning the space and its historical past. The Destin Historical past and Fishing Museum will take you again to the 1830s when the primary little fishing village, East Go, was created.
Are you interested by Native American historical past? Then you definately’ll need to try the Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Seashore. The museum showcases Native American artifacts, a schoolhouse, a submit workplace museum, and plenty of different reveals.
Lastly, head over to the Air Drive Armament Museum for those who’d wish to find out about navy plane and armaments akin to bombs, weapons, and missiles. That is the biggest Air Drive armament museum on the earth. The museum is open Monday by way of Saturday, and admission is free.
Lunch at a Waterfront Restaurant
Destin, Florida, has no scarcity of waterfront eating places! Having fun with good seafood is maybe top-of-the-line issues to do in Destin.
Lulu Buffett, Jimmy Buffett’s little sister, has a restaurant referred to as Lulu’s with two places in Florida and one in Alabama. Lulu’s Destin has incredible waterfront views, seating on the shore, and a enjoyable ambiance that the entire household will take pleasure in.
One other wonderful waterfront lunch possibility liked by locals is Dewey Destin’s Harborside. Seize some scrumptious seafood from their in depth menu and benefit from the views of Destin Harbor.
Henderson Seashore State Park
Destin’s Henderson Seashore State Park is a well-liked leisure space that has a campground, mountaineering trails, and a seaside. Take pleasure in a stunning day on the seaside, sitting on the tender white sand and swimming within the emerald inexperienced waters of the Gulf.
Emerald Inexperienced Waters
Destin is in northwest Florida alongside the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the abundance of algae within the waters, when the solar is shining the water is emerald inexperienced. That’s why the realm known as the Emerald Coast. To not fear, it’s completely protected to go swimming within the water.
Delicate White Sand
As effectively, Destin is thought for its tender sugar-white sand. The sand is so nice that it squeaks below your ft when strolling on it. Why is the sand in Destin so white? Destin’s sand is made up of tiny quartz particles ensuing from a course of involving the Appalachian Mountains and the Apalachicola River, which began ages in the past.
McGuire’s Irish Pub Destin
McGuire’s Irish Pub in Destin is a well-liked restaurant serving pub favorites, seafood, steaks, and extra. Locals and vacationers go to McGuire’s for good meals, a relaxed ambiance, and pleasant service.
While you first stroll into the restaurant, you’ll discover one thing distinctive—the partitions are coated in one-dollar payments. A convention began by the house owners again in 1977 when doorways first opened, patrons now place an autographed one-dollar invoice on the wall after they go to. As we speak, the house owners estimate about two million {dollars} on the partitions.
Destin, Florida: Day 2
Don’t Skip Breakfast!
In the event you’re on the lookout for a hearty breakfast, head over to Destin’s The Pancakery. Breakfast is tasty, parts are massive, and the employees is tremendous pleasant.
One other native favourite is the East Coast Espresso Co. Recognized for an amazing cup of joe, this espresso store additionally serves breakfast. Attempt one among their scrumptious acai bowls, breakfast sandwich, or toast!
Go to HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village is a well-liked leisure heart positioned alongside the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Visiting HarborWalk Village is well one of many high things to do in Destin due to its location and all of the issues there are to do.
Purchasing and Leisure
Destin’s HarborWalk Village is crammed with purchasing and entertainment choices for you and your loved ones. Hearken to dwell music, throw axes, play mini-golf, go ziplining, take part in an escape room, take a helicopter tour, or seize a drink at one of many many waterfront eating places.
Leisure on the Water
In the event you’re on the lookout for water sports activities or another water-related exercise, Destin Harbor is the place it is advisable be! Fascinated by diving into the clear emerald inexperienced waters and studying extra about Destin’s sea life? Then, you’ll need to try your scuba diving, snuba diving, and snorkeling choices.
However for those who’d moderately play on the water, there are many choices for renting kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pontoons, and jet skis!
Head Over to Crab Island
A former island, Crab Island is now a sandbar many locals and vacationers flock to. Take your boat, water taxi, a tiki bar, or shuttle to the sandbar and benefit from the solar, water, and good firm! Though alcohol gross sales are not allowed on Crab Island, you may nonetheless discover floating eating places and meals vehicles for those who want a chunk. Try the following tips for visiting Crab Island!
In the event you’re on the lookout for a bit extra than simply floating on the water, try Destin Trip Boat Leases! They provide excursions that can take you on a tour of the harbor and the national seashore on a catamaran. Then you definately’ll head again to their journey park and luxuriate in kayaking, standup paddleboarding, or inflatable waterslides!
Take pleasure in a Recent Seafood Dinner
One of many high causes to go to Destin, Florida, is for the recent seafood! Destin is a fisherman and seafood lover’s paradise, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay.
In the event you’re on the lookout for dinner on the water, try Tailfins Waterfront Grill. Tailfins has nice customer support and an honest menu choice. A plus? You’ll get to take pleasure in dwell music by native artists with dinner!
One other wonderful waterfront dinner possibility in Destin is Boshamps Seafood and Oyster Home! You’ll want to get there early as a result of there may be often an honest watch for dinner. Nonetheless, they’ve loads of indoor and out of doors ready choices if you need to wait.
Destin, Florida: Day 3
Expertise Brunch in Destin
Brunch is a giant deal in Destin! After a protracted day within the solar and a protracted snooze, a very good meal and mimosa are in retailer!
In the event you’re on the lookout for an area favourite, try Crackings. They’re identified for his or her customer support, quick service, and scrumptious breakfast. They’re solely open till 2 PM, so don’t sleep in too lengthy!
Nonetheless, for those who’re on the lookout for brunch whereas overlooking the Bay, you’ll need to check out Brotula’s Seafood Home and Steamer.
Lastly, The Native Market is a cute little bistro serving American consolation meals, espresso, and beer. Whereas their menu isn’t massive, their flavors and their hearts are!
Gulfarium Marine Journey Park
Positioned simply 10 minutes from Destin on Okaloosa Island, you’ll discover the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Visiting the Gulfarium is without doubt one of the high issues to do with children close to Destin, Florida.
The Gulfarium is crammed with animal reveals showcasing the native marine surroundings. Study all about Destin’s marine life and habitats whereas having enjoyable! You’ll have the chance to watch alligators, penguins, otters, dolphins, birds, sea turtles, sharks, and extra!
The perfect a part of visiting the Gulfarium is maybe the animal exhibits! Watch dolphins and sea lions as they do extraordinary methods on command. And for those who’re fortunate, a dolphin might even splash you!
TIP: You’ll want to arrive on the exhibits early as seating is proscribed and first come first serve.
Lunch and Purchasing at Destin Commons
Destin Commons is a big open-air shopping center with greater than 85 shops, a retail chain, and native boutiques. In the event you’re seeking to take a couple of souvenirs house, the Destin Commons is a superb place to search out one thing distinctive!
And for those who get hungry when you store, seize lunch at one of many many fine-dining or fast-food eating places on the mall.
In the event you haven’t taken the good trip photograph for Instagram but, head over to the Destin Commons murals! Representing Destin tradition, these murals have been painted by native and world-renowned artists.
Go on a Sundown Cruise
When you’re on the town, take a cruise out on the water, because the views are spectacular. Nonetheless, if it’s your final evening on the town, take into account a calming sundown cruise with the household.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a sundown dinner cruise, try SunQuest Cruises. Their 125′ triple-decker SOLARIS yacht affords nice eating and a wonderful sundown.
Nonetheless, you will have many different choices for those who’re not eager about a dinner cruise. If you wish to see marine life, go on a sunset dolphin cruise. If you’re on the lookout for one thing kid-friendly, strive a pirate cruise! However for those who’re all adults seeking to let unfastened, hire a motorized tiki bar and go in your cruise with mates!
Alexandrea Sumuel is a journey author and founding father of the Wander With Alex journey weblog, the place she offers vacationers with journey concepts, journey guides, and information. She travels to expertise, eat, discover, and escape! Alex’s mission is that can assist you discover the right trip vacation spot.
