Destin is a city located on the Emerald Coast of Florida. The city used to be a small fishing village that has now become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state owing to its clear white sandy beaches and emerald green waters. According to the reports of “Florida Department of Environmental Protection”, more than 80% of the Emerald Coast’s population, i.e. 4.5 million, visits Destin every year.

Here we’ve shortlisted some of the very best and exotic places in the city which promote tourism that is nothing short of being spectacular. This brief guide to the amazing places and things to do in Destin will come in handy when you visit this northwestern city in Florida.

Destin Commons & Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its two distinct features – the first one being its beach cottages that are of rainbow colors, and second being its beautiful pavilions with picnic tables. The Crystal Beach is near the “Destin Commons” which is a lifestyle center with movie theatre, boutiques and restaurants.

Destin History & Fishing Museum

Since Destin is known for its original fishing roots, this museum sheds light on the fishing industry of the city that has flourished and evolved over the years. Tourists who visit the place usually go for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico. The museum is also popular for displaying the 100 foot long fish that was caught in the area. The museum further displays a collection of early fishing rods used by the primitive settlers of the area and also Ernest Hemingway’s fishing reel.

Sand Castle Lessons with Beach Sand Sculptures

This company owned by former architect Rick Mungeam and his wife Capri designs beautiful sand sculptures for various occasions, festivals and events in the city. The couple travels the city and provide instructions how to make sand castles and sand sculptures for occasions as diverse as you can imagine. You can have the architect couple make sand sculptures for romantic marriage proposals, sculptures that promote grand openings and holiday seasons.

Henderson Beach State Park

With a mind blowing shoreline that stretches over 6,000 feet, Henderson Beach borders with the Gulf of Mexico and provides tourists the access to white sandy beaches and opportunity to swim in the emerald waters of the Gulf. The beach also has outdoor showers and a trail that runs three-quarter miles. Tourists love to swim, play, sunbathe and fish here. Some even love to host a grill party at the pavilions.

Destin Florida Sailing

Sometimes the locals and tourists host private getaway parties in 30 foot long catamaran yacht that can accommodate up to six people. These parties are totally exclusive and can last up to two to eight hours on the sea. Tourists also enjoy dolphin sightings and snorkeling while they free sail across the Gulf of Mexico exploring the waters. These yachts are comfortable and fully equipped with restrooms, freshwater showers and music system.

Parasailing

The name of the company that hosts parasailing adventures over the Destin beaches is called “Just Chute Me Parasail”. You can fly two or three times from the deck of the boat and experience the thrill of floating on air at an altitude of 400 feet. Each fly lasts about ten to twelve minutes and gives you amazing views of the city and its emerald waters.

The Other End

This restaurant is owned by Joe Campbell who started the business in 2014. The place has gained popularity among the locals and tourists due to its exotic views of the water, nightly specials and its food. The restaurant mainly serves pub cuisines and has a deck on the docks with 16 beer taps.

Baytowne Village Wharf

This small beautiful place is located on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay in the village of Baytowne Wharf. It’s a gathering place for everyone who’s visiting the village, its residents and people who work on the Emerald Coast. The place hosts an amazing range of eateries, boutiques and vibrant nightlife. The wharf is also famous for arranging movie shows under the stars, free concerts, flyboard shows and catch-and-free fishing in its lagoon.

Destin Snorkel

Aside from offering the regular snorkeling services, the company offers SNUBA adventures if you want some more excitement in your snorkeling plan. SNUBA is a latest technology that allows people to dive up to 20 feet deep into the water. You can stay underwater for up to half an hour and explore a marine life on a depth that cannot be explored in regular snorkeling.

Destin is blessed with natural beauty that leaves a person astounded. Its white sandy beaches, emerald hued waters and famous water sports are sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Snuggled very close to the Gulf of Mexico this fishing village is a destination that will make your vacations worthwhile and memorable; making you never wanting to leave this calm and serene corner of the state of Florida.