Destin

Whether your idea of a beach vacation is lazing on the warm sand with a frosty drink or reeling in a 100-pound cobia, Destin is the perfect spot to fulfill your fantasies. One of the brightest jewels in the crown of Florida's Emerald Coast, this ocean-side community offers world-class accommodations, restaurants serving everything from lobster to pizza, more than 1,000 holes of golf, shopping, and just about every water sport imaginable. Described by one recent visitor as a “tropical paradise,” Destin also boasts plenty of natural beauty, with sugar-white beaches lapped by the clear green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It's an angler's paradise as well. The largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in Florida is docked at Destin Harbor, and many fishing charters are available. Even if you prefer your fish fried, with coleslaw and hush puppies on the side, you'll find plenty of other things to do on and in the water. Swimming, shelling, and sailing are all popular options. And deep water close to shore means that there's a rich tapestry of undersea life for scuba divers and snorkelers to enjoy. Not much of a swimmer? It doesn't matter. A trip on a glass-bottom boat will get you up close and personal with the Gulf's undersea wonders. Back on dry land, you can shop till you drop in one of the Destin area's shopping centers or outlet malls. And golfers can choose from more than a dozen courses, many of which also have their own restaurants, bars, and pro shops. With an average of 343 sunny days per year, Destin is an ideal choice for year-round fun. In fact, the area hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the annual Destin Seafood Festival, the Emerald Coast Poker Run, and the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo, which has been held every fall for more than 50 years. So no matter what you like to do - and how little or how much - chances are you'll find it in Destin. Please see our blog for Driving directions to Destin from cities along I-65.

Where to stay

Accommodations include everything from high-rise condos to cozy cottages. To see photos, amenities, and other details on Destin vacation rentals, choose from our list of condos, hotels and beach vacation homes. View our Destin rental listings

Destin restaurants

With at least 20 kinds of fish caught in local waters during any season, it's no surprise that fresh seafood is the star attraction at so many Destin restaurants . That's not to say there aren't plenty of other palate-pleasing choices - everything from barbecue ribs, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken to sophisticated Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Restaurants range from family-friendly beachside establishments to white-tablecloth eateries with extensive wine lists, impeccable service, and sophisticated menus based on seasonal specialties. Discover the delicious side of Destin by choosing from our list of restaurants below. View our Destin restaurant listings

Destin golf

Golfing is a year-round activity in Destin, where the weather's warm and sunny almost all the time. Lush fairways, many bordered by sparkling emerald waters, are a pleasure to play. The local courses, many of which were designed by golfing greats such as Tom Fazio, Fred Couples, and Jerry Pate, offer challenges for golfers at all skill levels. Plenty of golfing packages are available, and may include everything from green fees and cart rental to meals and accommodations. Our list of golf courses and resorts will help you plan your Destin golfing vacation. View our Destin golf listings

Destin fishing

It's more than luck that earned Destin its moniker as the “World's Luckiest Fishing Village.” The 100-Fathom Curve, the fastest path to deep water in the Gulf of Mexico - and the big, deep-water fish - is closer to land in Destin than anywhere else in Florida. In fact, deep-sea bottom fishing for grouper, amberjack, scamp, triggerfish, snapper, and cobia is only about 30 minutes from land in Destin. During the season, from March through November, local charter captains also offer inshore trolling for cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bonito. Another popular option is offshore trolling in the bright blue waters southwest of Destin. August through October are the best months for catching white marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish. Fishing in the bay and bayous is good year-round in Destin. Speckled sea trout, sheepshead, white trout, channel bass, redfish, blue fish, and flounder are all abundant. Crabbing for blue crab along the shores of the bay is another popular option. Even if the thought of bobbing around the water in a boat makes you seasick, you can still fish in Destin. Pier and jetty fishing yields catches of pompano, whiting, channel bass, sheepshead, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and bonito. For more about Destin fishing, and to charter a boat, check out our list of Destin fishing charters. View our Destin fishing listings

Destin shopping

If you get tired of surf and sand, you can always go shopping. You'll find everything from handmade jewelry to kitchenware in the city's open-air shops, malls, and outlet stores. Designer clothing, art, antiques, china, crystal, shoes, and other leather accessories are just a few of the goodies awaiting you. In addition to special splurges there are bargains galore, with some factory outlets offering discounts of up to 75 percent. Another plus: When your vacation is over, you'll take home more than memories of a good time. Our list of stores, malls, and outlet centers will help you plan your Destin shopping excursion. View our Destin shopping listings

Entertainment

When the sun goes down and the air starts to cool, Destin's night life really heats up. From happy hour into the wee hours, the city's bars and restaurants rock with fun. Whether your idea of the ideal evening out is dinner and dancing to the beat of a live band, or enjoying the sunset and sipping your favorite drink in a beachside bar, you'll find something to do that's sure to please. There's nothing more relaxing than sitting on the deck of a luxury yacht, enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while you watch the dolphins play in the bay. Or, if something less formal is your idea of a good time, there are plenty of spots to kick back, enjoy a cold beer and a thick burger, and watch your favorite sporting event on a wide-screen TV. Our list of Destin restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues can help you plan your nights on the town. View our Destin entertainment listings

Other things to do

Not surprisingly, a lot of the things to do in Destin involve water. And if swimming in the surf is too tame for you, there are plenty of other options. If you're a diver, don't miss Timber Hole, a submerged petrified forest teeming with fish, sponges, and other ocean life. Many of the local dive shops offer excursions. Renting a boat for a day of shelling and snorkeling is another memorable option. Or cruise out to Crab Island, a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can also choose from other popular water sports, including sailing (do-it-yourself, or aboard a rental where the crew does all the work) and parasailing. A cruise on a glass-bottom boat is a great option for anyone who wants to view life under the sea without getting wet. Boat rental companies also offer harbor tours, treasure hunts, and picnics on the water. And the whole family will enjoy riding, sliding, and splashing at a Destin water park on a hot summer day. For more options, and for diving/snorkeling and boat charter information, check out the following list of area businesses.

Special events

There's a celebration going on just about all the time in Destin, making it a fun place to be year-round. Several festivals, including October's Destin Seafood Festival and the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo, celebrate the Gulf's edible gifts from the sea. There's also the annual Emerald Coast Poker Run, which takes place at the end of Boat Week. Participating boats pay an entrance fee, then travel to designated spots to pick up cards. The boat with the best poker hand at the end of the run is the winner. Proceeds from the poker run, which celebrates its 16th year this August, go to local children's charities. And every month sees plenty of live concerts, theater and dance performances, wine tastings, food festivals, and arts and crafts shows. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what's going on while you're in town. View our Destin event listings