Plan Your Trip to Destin: Best of Destin Tourism
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Where to Go for Family Fun in Destin
- Fudpucker's Gator Beach514Gator Beach is the largest alligator park on the Emerald Coast. You can get up close and personal to snap a pic, feed the reptiles and watch the gator shows.
- Henderson Beach State Park2,423Take the family to the white-sand beaches and clear, blue waters of Henderson Beach State Park. Just remember to check the colored flags for swimming conditions before diving in.
- Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park929With more than 40 different water slides and play areas including tube slides, lazy river and wave pool, this water park is a kids paradise. Kiddie rides are also available for the younger ones so nobody has to miss out.
- Buccaneer Pirate Cruise1,911If your kids have decided that it the pirate's life for them, then a ride on this pirate cruise is a must. Expect non-stop pirate-themed fun from sword fighting to treasure hunting while you’re on board.
- Destin Laser Tag38Everybody loves laser tag. This location also has a mini golf course and other arcade games. Your kids will never want to leave.
- Crab Island Watersports159Crab Island is a popular water-sports hub that has offers plenty to do for young and old. Take your pick from various activities including paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing and more.
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk2,505Bustling with restaurants, bars and specialty shops, the boardwalk is a good place to walk off dinner and take in the sunset.
- Crab Trap Destin3,471Rest assured that even picky eaters will love this waterfront seafood restaurant thanks to its expansive kids menu. The signature hot crab dip is a must-try.
- Harry T's2,110After you've had your fill of sandcastle-building and swimming, kick back at Harry T's with a frozen drink and some delicious seafood plates. Kid options are also available.
- Ride On Surf School70Learn to surf no matter your age or skill with surf at Ride On Surf School. Your kids will really enjoy an afternoon riding the waves.
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Destin Is Great For
Destin travel advice
Beachfront Options
According to forum posts, for direct beach access, the Inn at Crystal Beach and Sea Oats Motel in Destin are recommended. The Hilton in Sandestin and several hotels on Okaloosa Island also offer beachfront locations. For a more luxurious option, the WaterColor Inn in WaterColor is praised but noted to be pricey.
Family and Group Accommodations
Some travelers mentioned the Breakers on Okaloosa Island for family gatherings needing multiple condos, highlighting its beachfront condos and included beach service. Landon by the Sea townhouses in Destin are also recommended for their direct beach access.
Additional Features
Travelers have called out the Embassy Suites in Miramar Beach for its proximity to a private beach and family-friendly amenities like a kiddie pool and game room, even though it lacks a pool bar. Villa Coyaba and the Inn at Crystal Beach in the Crystal Beach area of Destin are suggested for larger groups wanting beachfront access with multiple bedrooms.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Happy Hour and Seafood Options
According to forum posts, Pompano Joe’s offers happy hour specials including $5.00 margaritas and beers. Another recommendation was 790 on the Gulf, noted for both good food and drink during happy hour.
Barbecue and Mexican Cuisine
For barbecue enthusiasts, forum users recommend Hog’s Breath Saloon and 98BBQ in nearby Santa Rosa Beach. Locals prefer Jim N’ Nicks and Moe’s for BBQ in Destin. For Mexican food, Pepito’s, with several locations, was highlighted as a favorite.
Family and Group Dining
Lulu’s was suggested for its accommodating space for large groups and its pleasant view of the bay and bridge, though reservations are not accepted, which might be a concern for larger parties.
Allergy-Conscious Dining
For those with dietary restrictions, Holi Indian Restaurant was mentioned as a good option for vegan and potentially dairy-free meals, providing flexibility in meal customization.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Fishing Charters
Some travelers have recommended various fishing charters in Destin for different experiences. For instance, The Kitchen Pass and Phoenix are mentioned for their quality services, with Phoenix noted for a successful trip where the boat returned early due to catching many fish. Charters generally cater to different group sizes and durations, typically starting at $700 for a 4-hour inshore trip.
Pier Fishing
According to forum posts, Okaloosa Island Pier is a popular spot for pier fishing near Destin. Travelers can rent fishing equipment there, and the admission fee covers the fishing license. The pier is located just east of the Brooks Bridge, providing an accessible option for visitors.
Dock and Shore Fishing
Travelers have also called out options for dock or shore fishing in Destin. Public docks like the one in Valparaiso and at Marler Park are available for fishing. This provides a more relaxed and potentially less costly fishing experience compared to deep-sea fishing charters.
Party Boat Fishing
For those interested in a more communal fishing experience, party boats such as Destiny Princess and Olin Marlers offer trips. They are mentioned as good options for families, with trips like a 6-hour excursion on Destiny Princess discussed, highlighting opportunities even during specific events like local fishing tournaments.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?General Weather Overview
According to forum posts, Destin experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year. Spring offers mid-70s temperatures with ocean water around 70 degrees, but the beach can be a bit cold for swimming. Summer is hot, making it high season for families. Fall sees the height of the hurricane season, potentially affecting beach activities, while winter is cooler with ocean water around 68 degrees, suitable for beachcombing but not swimming.
Seasonal Variations
Several users mentioned that weather in Destin can be unpredictable, especially during winter and early spring. January can be sunny and clear or foggy, rainy, and cold, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 70s. April is generally nice with busy beaches, although it might still feel chilly for some coming from warmer climates.
Weather Concerns
Travelers often express concerns about rain forecasts, particularly in summer when scattered thunderstorms are common. However, these are usually brief and do not last all day, allowing for continued enjoyment of outdoor activities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Uber and Taxi Availability
According to forum posts, Uber and taxi services are readily available at Destin Airport. Travelers have mentioned that getting an Uber from the airport is not difficult, with estimated costs ranging from $40 to $50 to nearby locations like Miramar Beach.
Shuttle Services
Some travelers suggested checking with the property you are staying at for recommended shuttle services. The cost mentioned for a shuttle service from the airport to a condo in Destin was around $50.
Car Rental
For many users, renting a car was deemed necessary to fully experience Destin due to its spread-out nature. The cost of renting a car for a week was found to be cheaper compared to multiple Uber rides, with one user highlighting the convenience despite the area not being conducive to walking.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Accommodation Options
According to forum posts, Crystal Beach and Miramar Beach are popular choices for group vacations in Destin. Travelers have mentioned properties with amenities like private pools, tennis courts, and proximity to beaches and shopping centers, suitable for large groups including adults and children.
Resort Amenities
Some users recommended resorts like SanDestin for a comprehensive vacation experience. This resort apparently offers a mix of restaurants, bars, a gym, and direct beach access, which could be particularly appealing for groups seeking diverse activities and facilities in one location.
Community Features
Posts also highlighted the Destiny East community, where large homes with amenities such as community pools and included golf carts are available. This option seems to cater well to large groups looking for a more residential-style stay with easy access to local attractions.
General Advice
Multiple posts emphasized the importance of booking early, especially around busy periods like July 4th, due to high demand in popular areas like Destin.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Outdoor Activities
According to forum posts, Destin offers a variety of outdoor activities that are suitable for families. Destin Snorkel provides shelling trips that are popular among families with young children. Additionally, dolphin and pirate cruises such as the Seablaster are recommended for kids aged 4 to 6.
Indoor and Educational Activities
For rainy days or alternative indoor fun, travelers have mentioned indoor laser tag and mini golf in Miramar Beach. The Gulfarium in Ft. Walton Beach provides an educational experience where kids can learn about marine life. Furthermore, Wild Willys Adventure Zone and the Emerald Coast Science Center are highlighted as engaging spots for children.
Unique Experiences
Forum users have suggested visiting Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl and Grill for a unique bowling experience in an aquatic-themed environment. Fudpuckers is another venue where children can feed alligators, offering a unique and memorable experience for young visitors.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Route Preferences
Some travelers prefer avoiding major cities like Nashville due to heavy traffic and unfavorable driving conditions. Instead, they favor routes through smaller cities like Jackson, MS, which are considered good stopping points, making the drive more manageable and pleasant.
Specific Directions
According to forum posts, a commonly recommended route from the Midwest to Destin involves taking Hwy 70 to St. Louis, then Hwy 55 to Dyersburg, following through Jackson, TN, Tupelo, MS, and then heading south through Birmingham, AL to Montgomery, AL. From there, travelers often take directions from Georgiana, AL, directly to Destin. This route is appreciated for its clarity and the detailed directions available, especially useful for nighttime driving.
Alternative Routes
For those coming from areas like Dallas, the suggested route involves I-20 East to I-49 South to I-10 E, avoiding New Orleans by using I-12 in Baton Rouge, then reconnecting to I-10 into Florida. This route is favored for its efficiency and the availability of stops like Slidell, LA, for overnight breaks.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?