25 Things to do in Destin

DESTIN, FL - These days there’s more fun to be had in Destin than just lying in the middle of the road and waiting for a car to pass.

“I remember laying down on Highway 98 in February 1980 as a prank,” said longtime developer Bob Bonezzi. “We never saw a car. It was like they neutron bombed the whole place. No one was here in the dead of winter.”
 
Now no matter if it is winter, spring, summer or fall, there is always something to do in Destin.
 
And as part of the city’s quarter century anniversary, here are Destin's its very own Top 25. Enjoy!

1. Hit the beach. The Emerald Coast’s pristine beaches and jewel-toned waters draw 4.5 million visitors every year. As locals, we are lucky to live in this paradise and it’s easy to take the beaches for granted when we see them every day. So every once in a while, wiggle your toes in the sand and think “There’s no place like home.”

2. Go fishing. When anglers die, they don’t go to heaven — they go to Destin. The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village boasts the largest fishing fleet in Florida to take care of those who live by the rod and reel. The industry has had its challenges over the past year with regulations and the economy, but the captains are still backing into the docks with wahoo, mingo, amberine, mackerel, snapper, shark, blue marlin and other highly-sought species.

3. Find Flipper. If reeling in fish is not your style, admiring the marine life from a glass bottom boat on a guided tour is another way to enjoy what is swimming below. Dolphin cruises catch pods in their natural habitat as the guides give history, stories and fun facts about Destin. The dolphins are always more than happy to entertain. And chartering a boat is also not a bad way to see a Destin sunset.

4. Party at Crab Island. It’s doubtful a party spot is what O.T. Melvin and his crew had in mind when digging the trench in 1926 that turned into East Pass, but those four men created a natural attraction for Destin. In the 60s, Crab Island was an above-ground sandbar providing refuge for nesting seabirds and picnicking families. Today, dredging and coastal weather have submerged the island, making it a popular place for boats packed with partiers to drop anchor.

5. Take in some art ... and the arts. The Emerald Coast has loads of talent and plenty of places to show it off. Local artists have incorporated themselves into the scenery at restaurants, galleries and festivals. Destin has an outlet for all types of art from painting and sculpture to mixed media and light shows. Art shows and festivals can be found through the Destin-based Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Web site.

6. Walk in the park. Destin parks offer the best in sports and natural recreation. Clement E. Taylor City Park, James Lee Park and Harbor View Park provide views of Choctawhatchee Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin harbor, respectively. If you’re feeling competitive, Buck Destin Park has courts for basketball and tennis. Mattie Kelly Park offers a boardwalk self-guided tour through Destin’s wetlands and Henderson Beach State Park is a haven for swimming, hiking, grilling and relaxing on the beach.

7. Swing a golf club. One of Destin’s main tourist attractions is its world-class golf resorts. Between Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay, there is enough top-notch golfing right here in Destin to satisfy even a PGA tour professional. Certainly even the most demanding amateurs can have a great time with a group of friends as they unwind on one of our local fairways.

8. Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum. A tour around the museum might be just what your family needs to relax, bond and learn about Destin’s humble beginnings. The ladies at the museum will be happy to talk about the fish to be caught around Destin and show artifacts from the founding families.
 
9. Get pampered. Living the good life is better when you look the part. And feeling good is a priceless commodity that many of the full-service spas and salons are waiting to give those who want a taste of the pampered life. A makeover or a massage may be just what you need to start looking and feeling your best.

10. Treasure hunt. Christmas shopping in July is no strange feat on the antique circuit. Just ask the ladies at Smith’s Antiques Mall, a collector’s paradise that’s been voted Best Antique Shop on the Emerald Coast. The lure of shopping for items from yesteryear has locals popping in for small home projects and tourists loading their SUVs with one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Owner Nedra Smith said the lure of these aging pieces is all about the treasure hunt.
 
11. Stroll through HarborWalk. HarborWalk Village is one of Destin’s newest attractions, intriguing visitors as they cross the Marler Bridge. The village is a “festive marketplace” with a New Orleans flavor on the food and drink side of things. Boutiques, boat watching and free outdoor entertainment are a few of the village’s specialties.

12. Spend the day on 30-A. If quaint little seaside towns are you taste, try walking or biking through the pedestrian friendly and sustainable communities. 30-A is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic, and offers some of the area’s best art.
 
13. Have some eco-fun. Ecotourism is a growing market for Destin with all of the natural resources around us. Paddling around the bay and picnicking at the park are two ways to enjoy Destin without harming the environment. Gather some friends and volunteer to clean a stretch of beach or roadside to feel good while having fun.

14. Have a whale of a time. World-known artist Wyland gave Destin a mural the size of … a whale. Wyland Whaling Wall #88 is one of the marine artist’s largest murals and one of Destin’s signature landmarks. It greets motorists heading over the Mid-Bay Bridge with a 1,480 by 60-foot display called “Marine Life of the Gulf.”
 
15. Slide into Big Kahuna’s. Big Kahuna’s has the answer to hot summer days in Destin. Get wet with speed slides, raft rides, pools, lazy rivers, and simulated surfing. If you are looking to stay dry, Big Kahuna’s also has bungee jumps, Go-Karts and mini-golf.

16. Get some retail therapy. Shopping in Destin is not for wimps. Destin Commons, anchored by Rave Motion Pictures, Bass Pro Shops and Belk, has over 80 specialty stores in the open-air atmosphere. To the east, Silver Sands Outlet Mall boasts 100-plus designer names. Nearby Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin offers a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and a hopping nightlife scene.

17. Hit the town with Fido. Leaving the pooch at home is a painful thought for some pet parents, so why not plan a dog friendly day? HarborWalk Village is a pet friendly stroll beside the harbor. Harry T’s has outdoor seating with loops on the picnic style tables to secure leashes while you chow down. After lunch, head to Henderson Beach State Park for playtime or a walk down their nature trail in the pet friendly park.
 
18. Roll up your sleeves and volunteer. Whether you are looking for community service hours, or just a chance to help out, Destin has plenty of opportunities to serve. The local churches always need a hand. Many children’s programs are available through the YMCA, Destin Community Center, and Morgan Sports Complex.

19. Let the kids call the shots. We are lucky to live in a thriving, family-centered community, so why not let the kids decide what to do for a change? Tear out the community section of The Destin Log and have the kids pick out one of the events.
 
20. Get your eat on. Many of Destin’s eateries claim to be world famous, and for good reason. Take advantage of the down home cooking and Gulf cuisine offered every day in one of the dockside seafood restaurants such as Harbor Docks, AJ’s, The Lucky Snapper and Dewey Destin’s.
 
21. Take the shuttle and sight-see. For those looking for a cheap, cool, relaxing day trip, the Okaloosa County Transit shuttles are the perfect solution. For only a dollar, you can ride the shuttle around the area and take in all the wonderful sights in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The WAVE serves as a convenient way to save gas, tired feet and cash.

22. Try on water sports or crafts. You don’t have to be a boat owner to enjoy the water. Emerald Coast waters beckon with rentals of kayaks, paddle boards, personal water crafts and surfboards.

23. Find your zen. Destin beaches have a certain magnetism when is comes to seeking nature to find some inner peace. Early morning yoga and sunset worship on the beaches are a break from the mundane.

24. Race at The Track. Destin’s “Family Fun and Recreation Center” boasts bumper boats and cars, a big arcade, thrill rides, mini-golf, and enough of its namesake attractions, Go-Kart tracks, to keep the family entertained for hours. The Track offers several different types of race tracks, including “Wild Woody,” a three-tier rollercoaster experience, a slick track for older drivers who think they can handle the challenge, and even two smaller ones for the youngsters.
 
25. See Destin by air. Take the high ride with sight seeing. Destin has a few businesses that take customers up in helicopters or airplanes on tours of the city. The skies are always open!