Destin, Florida, often referred to as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” is a vibrant destination that offers a wealth of family-friendly activities. With over 24 miles of stunning coastline, the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and unforgettable sunsets, Destin is an ideal location for a family vacation. This guide will help you navigate the best activities in Destin, ensuring that each day ends with a breathtaking sunset. Below, you will find detailed insights supported by data, as well as references to authoritative sources to enhance your experience.
Discovering Destin’s Best Family-Friendly Beaches
When traveling with kids, choosing the right beach is crucial. Destin’s beaches are not only picturesque but also safe and equipped with amenities that make family outings enjoyable.
Henderson Beach State Park: Spanning 6,000 feet (approximately 1.8 kilometers) along the Emerald Coast, Henderson Beach State Park is a tranquil haven offering a natural beach experience. The park covers 208 acres (about 84 hectares) and features dunes that reach up to 30 feet (approximately 9 meters) high. The park’s calm waters are ideal for children, and its wide stretch of sand provides plenty of space for relaxation and play.
The park also features 60 full-service campsites with water and electricity, clean restrooms, showers, and picnic pavilions. It has a 0.75-mile (1.2 kilometers) nature trail that offers a chance to spot wildlife, such as gopher tortoises and white-tailed deer. For more information, you can contact the park at:
Henderson Beach State Park
17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-837-7550
Visit Henderson Beach State Park’s Official Website.
Crystal Beach: Located in the heart of Destin, Crystal Beach stretches for approximately 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) and is known for its pastel-colored beach cottages. The soft, powdery sand here is ideal for young children, and the gentle waves make it a safe place for swimming. For those who love beachcombing, early morning is the best time to find sand dollars and a variety of shells. Crystal Beach is easily accessible with ample free parking available at public access points.
For those interested in learning more about the environmental significance of Crystal Beach, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides valuable resources on coastal preservation.
Activities for Families at Destin’s Beaches: In addition to swimming and sunbathing, families can enjoy beach volleyball, sandcastle building, and paddleboarding. The latter is especially popular, with rentals available for $15 to $25 per hour. Paddleboarding offers a peaceful way to explore the waters, and it’s easy for beginners to learn.
Sunset Views from Destin’s Beaches: Both Henderson Beach State Park and Crystal Beach offer stunning sunset views. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of warm colors. Watching the sunset from these beaches is a magical experience that should not be missed.
For additional information on planning your visit, contact the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Office:
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Office
1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Phone: +1 850-651-7647
Visit the Official Tourism Website.
Exploring Destin’s Sunset Cruises
Watching the sunset from the water offers a unique and tranquil perspective. Destin’s sunset cruises are designed to provide families with unforgettable experiences.
Dolphin-Watching Cruises: Destin’s dolphin population is a highlight for visitors. Dolphin-watching cruises, such as those offered by Southern Star Dolphin Cruise, provide educational and exciting opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitat. These tours typically last around two hours and venture 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 kilometers) offshore. The shallow areas where dolphins are often seen are about 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) deep.
For more details and bookings, contact Southern Star Dolphin Cruise:
Southern Star Dolphin Cruise
100 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-837-7741
Visit the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise Website.
Private Charters: For a more personalized experience, private charters such as those offered by Pelican Adventures allow you to customize your cruise. Whether you prefer dolphin watching, fishing, or simply enjoying the sunset, a private charter offers flexibility. Prices range from $400 to $600 for a three-hour tour.
For more information, contact Pelican Adventures:
Pelican Adventures
314 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-650-3825
Visit Pelican Adventures’ Official Website.
Family-Friendly Aspects of Sunset Cruises: These cruises are equipped with life jackets, restrooms, and shaded areas to ensure comfort and safety. Many tours offer special activities for kids, such as themed pirate adventures where children can search for treasure.
What to Bring on a Sunset Cruise: When preparing for a sunset cruise, pack snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. Evenings on the water can be cool, with temperatures dropping by 10-15°F, so a light jacket or blanket is advisable. Binoculars are also useful for getting a closer look at marine life.
Sunset Views from the Water: The open water provides a 360-degree view of the horizon, offering a stunning and unobstructed view of the sunset. The experience is often described as serene and almost spiritual, a moment to be cherished.
For inquiries and reservations, contact Destin Inshore Charters:
Destin Inshore Charters
210 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-424-5555
Visit Destin Inshore Charters’ Official Website.
Enjoying Harborwalk Village with the Family
Harborwalk Village is Destin’s social hub, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for the entire family. Situated along the Destin Harbor, this area is perfect for an evening out.
Activities and Attractions at Harborwalk Village: The Adventure Zone is a family favorite, featuring zip-lining and rock climbing. The zip-line stretches 500 feet (152 meters) across the harbor, providing an exhilarating experience. The rock-climbing wall stands 40 feet (12 meters) tall, offering a fun challenge for all ages.
For more information on the Adventure Zone, contact the HarborWalk Village office:
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-424-0600
Visit the HarborWalk Village Official Website.
Shopping and Dining at Harborwalk Village: The village features a variety of shops and restaurants. Life is Good offers coastal-themed apparel, while Kitty Hawk Kites provides outdoor gear. For dining, Margaritaville offers a family-friendly menu, and AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is known for its fresh oysters and live music.
For reservations or information, contact:
Margaritaville Destin
76 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-460-7700
Visit the Margaritaville Official Website.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-837-1913
Visit AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Official Website.
Sunset Views from Harborwalk Village: Harborwalk Village provides some of the best sunset views in Destin. The elevated walkways offer panoramic views of the harbor, making it an ideal spot to watch the sun set.
Kid-Friendly Spots in Harborwalk Village: In addition to the Adventure Zone, the Fudgery and Pino Gelato are popular with children. The village also features a mini arcade where kids can play classic games.
Family-Friendly Events at Harborwalk Village: Harborwalk Village hosts year-round events, including weekly fireworks shows during the summer and the annual Destin Seafood Festival in October.
For event schedules and more details, contact the HarborWalk Village office.
Dining with a View at Destin’s Top Restaurants
No visit to Destin is complete without dining at one of its waterfront restaurants. Here are some top picks for family-friendly dining with a view.
The Back Porch: This iconic restaurant, established in 1974, offers casual dining right on the beach. Known for its Amberjack sandwich and seafood platters, The Back Porch provides an unparalleled view of the Gulf. The outdoor seating area spans over 3,000 square feet (280 square meters).
For reservations and information, contact:
The Back Porch
1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-837-2022
Visit The Back Porch Official Website.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House: Located on Destin Harbor, Boshamps offers a more upscale experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s menu features Southern coastal cuisine, and the outdoor deck provides a
stunning view of the harbor.
For reservations and more details, contact:
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-424-7406
Visit Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House Official Website.
Kid-Friendly Menus at Destin Restaurants: Both The Back Porch and Boshamps cater to families with children’s menus that include options like fried fish, shrimp, and chicken tenders. Prices for kid’s meals range from $6 to $10.
Timing Your Dinner to Catch the Sunset: In Destin, the sun typically sets between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on the time of year. To secure a table with a view, make reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Embracing Outdoor Adventure in Destin
For families who love the outdoors, Destin offers a variety of activities that allow you to explore its natural beauty.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The Gulf of Mexico’s clear, calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rental prices range from $15 to $25 per hour, with options available from GUSU Paddleboards.
For more information, contact:
GUSU Paddleboards
4100 Legendary Dr Suite 204, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-837-5510
Visit GUSU Paddleboards Official Website.
Beachcombing Adventures: Destin’s beaches are a treasure trove of shells and sand dollars. Henderson Beach State Park is a great spot for beachcombing, with its wide, uncrowded beaches.
For more information, contact:
Henderson Beach State Park (contact information above).
Exploring Destin’s Nature Trails: The Henderson Beach State Park nature trail is an easy 0.75-mile (1.2 kilometers) hike, perfect for families. Another option is the Timpoochee Trail, a 19-mile (30.6 kilometers) paved path that offers scenic views of the coastal dune lakes.
For trail maps and information, contact the Florida State Parks office.
Combining Outdoor Activities with Sunset Viewing: Plan your outdoor activities to coincide with sunset. For example, kayaking through the calm waters of the bay as the sun sets is a serene experience.
For equipment rentals, contact:
Rent Gear Here
36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: +1 850-974-0127
Visit Rent Gear Here Official Website.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Activities: Always wear a life jacket when kayaking or paddleboarding, and stick to marked trails when hiking. The average wave height in the Gulf is 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters), generally safe for these activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Destin for family activities?
The best time to visit Destin is during late spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October), when temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Are there any safety concerns for families visiting Destin’s beaches?
Destin’s beaches are safe, but it’s important to heed the flag system, which indicates water conditions. Always supervise children closely when they’re in the water, and consider using life jackets for younger kids.
How much does it cost to rent equipment for water sports in Destin?
Paddleboard rentals typically cost between $15 and $25 per hour, while kayak rentals range from $20 to $40 per hour. Rental shops like GUSU Paddleboards offer discounts for full-day rentals.
Can I see dolphins year-round in Destin?
Dolphins are visible year-round in Destin, but they are most active from April to October. Dolphin-watching cruises are available year-round, with the best viewing times being early morning and late afternoon.
Are there any free activities for families in Destin?
Yes, there are many free activities, including beach access, nature trails, and attending events at Harborwalk Village. The best experiences in Destin, like watching the sunset, are often free.
What should I pack for a family vacation in Destin?
Pack beach essentials like swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and hats. Comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing are also necessary. Don’t forget a camera and a cooler with snacks and drinks.
Destin, Florida, is an incredible destination that offers something for every family member. Whether you’re enjoying the natural beauty of its beaches, experiencing the thrill of a sunset cruise, or dining with a view, your time in Destin will be filled with memorable moments. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to create lasting memories that your family will cherish for years to come.
