The Best Things to Do in Destin
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Destin for families. You’re in the right place! We think Destin is easily one of the best places to visit in Florida with kids.
Destin is a family-friendly destination found in Northwest Florida. There are so many things to do in Destin with kids!
The 32 Best Things to Do in Destin
Here are some of the best things to do in Destin, listed in no particular order. After you read this, you might want to check out the 20 best things to do in Navarre with kids since Navarre is only about 30 minutes from Destin.
1. Relax on Crab Island
Crab Island isn’t really an island but an underwater sandbar. Crab Island is so popular we have a blog post that is a complete guide to Crab Island.
Getting to Crab Island is simple by boat. You can rent one for the day or take a tour boat ride to the island.
I recommend taking floats to use in the water. Coolers filled with snacks and drinks are also helpful when you plan to stay for a while.
2. Check Out the Gators at Gator Beach
This is one of the best things to do in Destin when you want to spend time with alligators. Hundreds of gators live at Gator Beach. Some of them are babies, while others are much older. There is even a local albino gator.
3. Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum
Destin has long been known as a fishing village. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a fishing museum that shares the area’s history. The kids probably won’t want to stay inside this museum for long. But you won’t need to since it is not very big.
The exhibits focus on the time Destin became a fishing village to the time it was finally declared a city. One of the exhibits even focuses on how the sand on Destin’s beaches gets so white.
4. Have Fun at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is easily one of the best things to do in Destin with kids.
The water park is only open from May through August. Keep in mind that it does get much cooler in Northwest Florida, so carefully plan your Destin vacation with the weather in mind.
5. Go Fishing
There are so many places to fish in Destin. Try your skills at any of the seven piers or the Destin Bridge to start.
If you want to see all the fishing action without really participating, you should visit Destin in October. That is when the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the Destin Seafood Festival are held. Check out some fishing tours in Destin.
You can sink your teeth in Destin’s fish bounty at the seafood festival. Lots of yumminess without the work of catching anything!
7. Go Shopping
There are many places to go shopping for souvenirs in Destin, FL. You can even find those clothing items you forgot to put in your suitcase when you packed.
Many stores and boutiques can be found at Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
8. Have Fun at Henderson Beach State Park
One of the best beaches in Destin can be found at Henderson Beach State Park. The sand is sugary white, thanks to the Appalachian quartz. One of the benefits of pure white sand is it stays cool underneath your feet.
Since this beach is further from many of the resorts in Destin, it doesn’t get as crowded. This is excellent news if you want to escape many people for the day.
9. Go on a Dolphin Cruise
The best way to see dolphins is to take one of the many dolphin cruises Destin is known for. The guides of these tours always seem to know where the dolphins are hanging out on any particular day.
So, use their expertise to see dolphins and learn more about these beautiful creatures. I recommend a small group sunset dolphin watch tour.
10. Walk Along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Destin Harbor Boardwalk is only about a quarter of a mile long but it’s an excellent thing to do in Destin at any time of the day and night.
11. Take a Pirate Cruise
What kid, or adult, doesn’t want to act like a pirate on occasion? You can make this fantasy a reality in Destin by taking a pirate cruise. Most of the pirate cruises are two hours in length.
12. Go Snorkeling
Swimming at the local beaches can be fun. But it is more fun to go snorkeling when you are visiting Destin.
You can check out my Amazon storefront for our favorites.
One of the best things to do in Destin is sign up for a snorkeling tour. The guide will take you to areas where lots of marine life is swimming. That way, you have plenty to look at when you are under the water.
13. Build a Sandcastle at Crystal Beach
Plenty of beach cottages line the sandy Crystal Beach, making it a picturesque place to visit. The crystal clear water is perfect for swimming. But most people prefer to build sandcastles in between trips into the water.
14. Play a Round of Golf
If your family loves golf, you may want to check out Kelly Plantation Golf Club. This golf course is located on Choctawhatchee Bay.
15. Play a Few Arcade Games at Fat Daddy’s
Sometimes Florida has rainy days. If you are unlucky enough to have one of those days during your vacation in Destin, no worries. You can easily head to Fat Daddy’s for hours of fun. Fat Daddy’s is an arcade that has more than 100 arcade games.
16. Watch the Maximum Magic Show
At HarborWalk Theater, you can watch the magic tricks of two illusionists at the Maximum Magic Show. Between magic tricks are tons of laughs and a bit of mind reading. This family-friendly show never disappoints. It is easily one of the best things to do in Destin!
17. See Destin from a New Perspective While Parasailing
One of the best ways to see Destin from a different vantage point is by parasailing. As you look at the city and coastline below, you will soar approximately 400 feet above the water.
18. Visit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is located where the Sasquatch Zoo used to be. This refuge focuses on conservation and education about the local wildlife and more than 100 animals call this refuge home.
Some of the animals were rescued from captivity, while others were obtained when a zoo closed. A few were injured and are simply staying here until they can be released back into the wild.
19. Explore the Air Force Armament Museum
Only one museum houses the artifacts and memorabilia of the Air Force Armament, and it is located in Destin. There are 29 different aircraft on display at this museum.
20. Visit Emerald Coast Science Center
Hands-on experiences are everywhere at the Emerald Coast Science Center. Your entire family will love the exhibits that focus on robotics, physics, engineering, and so much more.
Chemistry demonstrations are done on Thursday mornings. So, plan your visit accordingly if you have a budding chemist in your family! Other fascinating features of this science center include the Planetarium, Marine Exhibit, Dino Dig Pit, and SMALLab.
21. Explore the Baytowne Wharf Pier
Out of all the things to do in Destin, many people forget about the Baytowne Wharf Pier. This pier is located on the shoreline of Choctawhatchee Bay. There are numerous boutiques and restaurants along the pier.
22. Take a Sandcastle Building Class
Taking classes to learn something might not be at the top of your list of things to do while on vacation in Destin. But what’s the harm of taking a sandcastle building class?
Most sandcastle-building classes are two hours long. Your instructor is a professional sandcastle builder who has won contests.
23. Go for a Walk at Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk
This is one of the best free things to do in Destin while on vacation. There are bayous and wetlands inside this park. Many birds call this park home, so make sure you take the time to watch a few of them. We have an entire list of all of the Florida birds.
There are no public restrooms at this park. So, you should make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
24. Have a Bonfire on the Beach
Here are the guidelines for having bonfires on the beach in Destin. You have two options.
The first option involves getting a permit for the pit and purchasing the wood yourself. The second option is hiring a company that will set up the bonfire for you. No matter your choice, the result will be a nice fire on the sandy beach in Destin!
25. Go on a Sunset Cruise
Nothing is better than watching the sun setting over the water from a boat. You will find a few different sunset cruise options when you vacation in Destin. This is an excellent activity for couples and families.
26. Participate in Water Sports
Adventure lovers will want to venture out on a jet ski. Those who want a slightly more relaxing adventure will want to rent a kayak or paddleboard for their time in the water. These options may have you near dolphins and other marine animals. So, be careful and keep your distance while appreciating their beauty simultaneously.
Looking for a place to stay? Look no further than SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach.
27. Take a Helicopter Tour
Take a helicopter tour if you want to see Destin from above but don’t want to go parasailing. Climb into the helicopter, sit back, and enjoy the views!
This is one of the best things to do in Destin once you get over the fact that you are in a helicopter in the sky.
28. Visit James Lee Park
James Lee Park is one of the best places to visit in Destin when you want to relax and play, plus there’s a playground for younger kids.
29. Go Ziplining
Harbor Zipline and Free Fall has great ziplines with views from the water. They also have an interactive LED rock wall.
30. Take a Day Trip to Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island offers a change of scenery with fewer crowds. You still have the soft sandy beaches and an abundance of water sports to keep you busy.
31. Relax at Clement Taylor Park
This park is where the one-room schoolhouse used to be located in Destin. The schoolhouse is now long gone. But in its place is a gazebo, pavilion, and playground. Add in the swimming area and pier, and you have a fantastic place to spend an afternoon.
32. Watch the Fireworks
A vacation in Destin during the summer means you can watch the fireworks on Thursday nights. The fireworks go off in the harbor and thr evening begins with live music.
If you want to escape the crowds, I recommend taking a boat cruise in the harbor instead.
The best things to do in Destin with kids
These are the best things to do in Destin during your next vacation. Did your favorite things to do in Destin make this list? If not, please share your favorite Destin activities in the comments!
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
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We went here a couple of months ago and it is the most no bang for your buck from the food to the charters. My wife and I travel to Aruba Miami Maui and elsewhere we left a day early
I personally do not prefer Destin, I like to go a little further out into less crowded areas. That said, obviously, Aruba or Maui are better, you are comparing apples to oranges there.