Let your imagination run free when you set your vacation sights on the panhandle of Florida. Here, visitors find white-sand beaches, blue waves and endless sunshine waiting to greet them. While visitors are drawn to Fort Walton Beach for a variety of scenic and savory reasons, the beauty of a trip this direction also lies in it’s proximity to exiting nearby stops like Destin. Whether you’re headed this way with family and friends or hoping to enjoy a solo trip, Destin is a delightful place to explore and experience the best of the coast. When you’re putting together that exciting itinerary, here are a few Destin attractions you won’t want to leave off the list.
Visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
When it comes to idyllic places to stroll, shop and people-watch in Destin, there’s no place better than the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. This exciting feature of Destin was finished in 2012 and provides a place to browse, wander and enjoy the sights running from the northern edge of Destin Harbor all the way to the Yacht Club. The boardwalk was a project the city of Destin set their sights on as a way to bring the community together and provide a central place for visitors and locals to gather and enjoy. Boutique shops, cafes and restaurants line the boardwalk, making it a great place to settle in for a snack or walk the day away under the sun.
Flavor, fun, and endless options for entertainment are on full display no matter when you find yourself on the vibrant Destin Harbor Boardwalk. When you’re here and find yourself in the mood to enjoy a palate-pleasing moment, eateries like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Harry T’s are sure to satisfy! There are a variety of on-the-water tour companies that set up shop along Destin Harbor Boardwalk, making it simple to transition from a stroll to fun on the waves in practically no time at all. It’s easy to book a paddleboard experience, clear bottom kayak tour, or reserve your place on a chartered fishing excursion. For those looking to take their boardwalk adventures sky high, a number of parasailing companies depart from this area and offer guests a chance to earn a one-of-a-kind view of the boardwalk and beautiful surrounding waters. From dolphin tours to jet ski rentals and the options to book a pontoon boat in between, a visit to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk will likely keep you entertained for longer than you ever imagined possible!
Henderson Beach State Park
Situated at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Henderson Beach State Park, one of the best Destin attractions, provides the perfect opportunity to soak up the best natural sights that Destin has to offer. This stretch of protected land highlights 30-foot sand dunes that side up to deep blue Gulf waters. The lush terrain makes this a great place to spot wildlife from the water to the sky and while it’s a popular destination for hikers, explorers and those that love the beach, it’s large enough to maintain a sense of tranquility too. Anglers looking forward to a day of casting a line will find that Henderson Beach State Park offers up an ideal locale to settle in and see what bites. The waters that call this park home host a variety of fish species and if you’re lucky, you’ll reel in a little bit of everything. Pompano, red fish, whiting, catfish, flounder, and cobia all call these waters home and provide for exciting catches year-round. It’s important to note that a fishing license may be necessary to enjoy time on the waves and fishing is not allowed between the boardwalks.
Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land and make the most of hiking during a visit will love that Henderson Beach State Park enjoys a collection of scenic nature trails to explore. The most popular is the dune trail which runs for three-quarters of a mile and offers up hikers exceptional views of the dunes and coastal scrub. Built by park staff and volunteers this trail comes with the added bonus of being a pet-friendly trek to enjoy for those that are visiting the area with a canine companion in tow! If you’re the type of adventurer that prefers a bit more insight into your surroundings, it’s entirely possible to book a guided tour of this trail upon request. Let a park ranger lead the way to fascinating sites and offer up answers to any questions you may have while exploring this intriguing and endlessly appealing destination! The park is open every day of the year from 8:00 am until sundown and parking is $6 per vehicle. For questions regarding the park, feel free to call 850-837-7550.
The Golf Garden of Destin
When you can’t imagine your Destin adventure without some golf included, take the entire family over to the Golf Garden of Destin. This family-friendly stop is located at 12958 US Highway 98 West and has been offering up a fun and exciting challenge for golfers of all ages and skill levels since opening in 1991. This 9-hole executive golf course also includes an 18-hole putting course as well as a 10-acre driving range. The scenery is spectacular and the staff is always welcoming at The Golf Garden of Destin. To reserve your tee time, be sure to call 850-837-7422.
Adventure and Destin Attractions Await
Savor every moment of your stay in Fort Walton Beach by making sure you’re booked with The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach while you’re here. Contact us today for more information on Destin Beach attractions and to book one of our vacation rentals.
