Destin, FL

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tommy Crow/Visit South Walton
HarborWalk Village which includes a bay or harbor
Destin Commons
Destin showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a sunset
Destin showing outdoor art

Make this beautiful spot on the tip of a Gulf Coast peninsula your Florida destination for beaches, cultural activities and deep-sea fishing.

The western Florida town of Destin is surrounded by water: large Choctawhatchee Bay to the north, the Gulf Coast as the southern boundary and Destin Harbor in the downtown area. Visit the shores of all three areas for beaches, water sports, saltwater fishing, nature trails and wildlife spotting.

In the heart of Destin, browse among the shops and restaurants along Harbor Boardwalk. Ask about the “Key to the Harbor” for discounts at many of these businesses. Admire yachts in the harbor or charter your own for boating or fishing.

Look for dolphins in the harbor and in Choctawhatchee Bay. Both spots are great for sailing, windsurfing and Jet Skiing. For a sustainable fishing approach, try the tranquil option of kayak fishing or simply enjoy an eco tour along the shore.

Find public access to soft sand beaches in 13 spots along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Visit Henderson Beach State Park’s sand, water, dunes and nature trails. Arrange accommodations along Crystal Beach or use public access to reach the magnificent Gulf Coast shoreline. Quietly observe sea turtles nesting in the spring or hatching in early autumn.

Join October’s Destin Fishing Rodeo as a spectator or participant. Fishermen compete for numerous prizes for catching various gamefish. Kids win a free rod and reel for catching a fish over 1 pound (0.5 kilogram).

Bring a picnic basket for a dinner on the lawn while listening to music at the Matty Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Concerts on Thursday evenings from May through July feature a variety of genres. See juried artists and enjoy music and food during October’s 2-day Festival of the Arts at this spot in the heart of Destin.

Reach Destin by car, driving 1.5 hours from Pensacola or 2.5 hours from Tallahassee, or fly into the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in nearby Fort Walton Beach. If you don’t have a car, use taxis or the Okaloosa County buses to travel within the city and along the Gulf Coast shore.

Where to stay in Destin

Had to have the blooming onion

Crystal Beach

4.5/5(75 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Crystal Beach, Henderson Beach State Park and Henderson Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Crystal Beach
Sunrise

Holiday Isle

5/5(24 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Holiday Isle, Destin Beaches and Destin Harbor are top sights worth seeing.

Holiday Isle
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Indian Bayou

While visiting Indian Bayou, you might make a stop by sights like Choctawhatchee Bay and Indian Bayou Golf Club.

Indian Bayou
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Villages of Crystal Beach

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Villages of Crystal Beach and surrounding area, you can visit Destin Commons and Emerald Coast Centre.

Villages of Crystal Beach
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Crystal Shores

When in Crystal Shores, you can plan a visit to Destin Commons and Emerald Coast Centre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Crystal Shores
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Destiny Shores

While there might not be top attractions in Destiny Shores, you can explore the larger area and discover places like James Lee Park and James Lee Beach.

Destiny Shores
Spark by Hilton Destin
Spark by Hilton Destin
3 out of 5
4415 Commons Dr E, Destin, FL
$143 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$162 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Destin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (271 reviews)
"Everything was fine and clean. The small commode was not ideal for bigger folks and lighting in bathroom could have been better."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Spark by Hilton Destin
Tru By Hilton Destin
Tru By Hilton Destin
2.5 out of 5
150 Henderson Beach Road, Destin, FL
$149 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$168 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Destin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (574 reviews)
"It was a short stay, but comfortable."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Tru By Hilton Destin
Homewood Suites by Hilton Destin
Homewood Suites by Hilton Destin
3 out of 5
14051 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL
$209 nightly
The price is $236 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$236 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Destin. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
"The hotel has an excellent location, rooms, and staff—everything. It is a great place to stay."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Homewood Suites by Hilton Destin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Club Destin Condos
Club Destin Condos
2.5 out of 5
1085 US-98, Destin, FL
Stay at this apartment in Destin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (728 reviews)
"My family love the indoor pool and jacuzzi. Just wish beach acess was closer."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Club Destin Condos
SunDestin Beach Resort
SunDestin Beach Resort
3 out of 5
1040 Hwy 98 East, Destin, FL
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Destin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Destin Beaches and Big Kahuna's Water and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,967 reviews)
"Very clean. Great customer service. Quick and easy beach access. Would 10/10 stay here again"

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

SunDestin Beach Resort
Sandpiper Cove
Sandpiper Cove
2 out of 5
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL
Stay at this condo in Destin. Enjoy free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Destin Beaches and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
"Safe and quiet place .. love it"

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2025

Sandpiper Cove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Destin

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
904
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
411
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
82
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
16
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
9
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Rodney

Destin is absolutely beautiful. The people are friendly and it’s so clean and nice there. Lots of amazing places close to eat.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Destin beaches are very nice and clean with clear blue water

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful clear water

5/5 - Excellent

JJack

I love Destin, I just didn’t like the hotel. Nice scenery, nice people, and different restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved all the fresh sea food, sights, and the view of the ocean.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful!

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