When it comes to amazing vacation destinations, Fort Walton Beach, Florida is always a fantastic choice. Between the sun, sand, and surf that awaits, it’s no wonder that first-time visitors make an annual return to this delightful destination. The beauty of a Fort Walton Beach getaway lies not only in the potential for fun in this area alone, but its proximity to other captivating coastal destinations. Among them is Destin, which is little more than 8 miles from Fort Walton Beach using US 98-E and provides guests with even more to see do and explore. When you’re ready to visit Destin Florida for a day, here are the places you just won’t want to miss.
Delight in a Day Enjoying Destin
From its harbor boardwalk and many golf courses to the beautiful beaches that dot the Gulf, Destin is a delight whether you head this way solo, as a couple or in the company of family and friends. When you’re here for the day and have an appetite to attend to, there’s no better place to indulge in savory seafood options than Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant. This award-winning stop is located at 9 Calhoun Avenue and is open daily from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. The restaurant is linked to the town’s founder, Leo Destin and to this day, brings local pride and flavor together. Enjoy gumbo as you sit on the patio overlooking the water. This stop is as fun and vibrant as it is scenic and delicious.
Explore Henderson Beach State Park
Destin, Florida is a destination that’s brimming over with natural beauty and one of the most exciting places to immerse yourself in it is Henderson Beach State Park. Situated at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Henderson Beach State Park packs scenery, sand, and sun together to provide maximum enjoyment for visitors no matter what time of year you find yourself here. Henderson Beach State Park is open daily between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and is the perfect place to spend time settled into the shoreline watching the waves roll in, admiring sea birds, or making a sandcastle or two. If you’re more the type of traveler that likes to explore, the park enjoys a maze of trails that take you through dunes and into coastal brush alike. The boardwalk that runs through Henderson Beach State Park is the perfect platform for a leisurely stroll from which you can admire your surroundings with ease. Many visitors come to Henderson Beach State Park to take advantage of opportunities to bike, hike, geo-seek, or fish their way through a stay.
Check Out the Destin History and Fishing Museum
If you’re looking for a charming and educational stop in Destin that doesn’t take long to explore during your day trip but is packed with potential for inspiration, a stop at the Destin History and Fishing Museum will do the trick. Located at 108 Stahlman Avenue, the Destin History and Fishing Museum makes for a wonderful place to learn more about the rich history of Destin and how the fishing industry has formed it into what it is today in many ways. The museum is open to the public between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and offers up a place where visitors can browse exhibits that showcase everything from mounted fish that once roamed the waters around Destin to displays that showcase the transformation of the city itself through time. What was once nothing more than a quaint fishing village in the 1830s has since blossomed into a bustling hub of tourism. As you travel the transformative journey that led to this result, you can enjoy a collection of antique fishing rods, reels, and fishing boats as well as photographs of early Destin settlers.
If all of that admiring and learning leaves you with an appetite to attend to, you’re in luck. There are a variety of savory restaurants within walking distance of the Destin History and Fishing Museum that are ideal for enjoying while you’re in the area. If you find that you’re craving some fine Italian cuisine, Pazzo Italiano Destin is a delightful choice. Nearby One Twenty A Modern Bistro blends contemporary French and American fare in a unique way that’s sure to please the palate. Ocean Club Restaurant is a must if you’re craving seafood and are looking for some of the best dining options in town.
Destin Yoga by the Sea
When you’re looking to make the most of healthy choices that also maximize time in the sand and under the sun, be sure to sign up for a Yoga by the Sea class while you’re here for the day. These centering experiences are open to all and highlight the beauty of the beach while providing guests with a laid-back atmosphere to find their balance, flexibility, and Zen. Bring your own yoga mat and simply show up as you are during the morning sessions or enjoy the use of a readily available mat if you don’t have your own. These classes hosted by Destin Yoga by the Sea are open to yogis of all ages and are a must-do when you visit Destin.
Pontoon Boat Rental
Get out on the waves around Destin in style by renting a pontoon boat with the help of the team at Destin X Watersports. Located at Destin Harbor, this company is a premier provider of boat rentals in the area and can help you pick just the right vessel for an hour, afternoon or day.
Enjoy the Best of the Florida Coast When You Visit Destin
There’s no reason to wait to visit Destin when Florida is calling your name. Contact the team at The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach when you’re ready to book accommodations that match your every vacation expectation.
