What is There to do in Destin Besides the Beach?
In fact, there are tons of things to do in Destin, FL, to accommodate all ages and interests, from soaring high in the sky while parasailing and taking in amazing aerial views, to heading out on a deep sea fishing adventure in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” the options are practically endless. So, what is there to do in Destin besides the beach? Keep reading and discover awesome alternatives to spending a day at the beach in Destin, Florida!
Table of Contents
- Big Kahuna’s Water Park
- Deep Sea Fishing Charters
- Shopping
- Dolphin Cruises
- Jet Ski Rentals and Tours
- Pontoon Boat Rentals
- Seafood Dining
- Parasailing
Big Kahuna’s Water Park
Family floating down the lazy river at Big Kahuna’s, one of the top kid-friendly amusement parks in Destin
Those who are looking for some fun in the sun in Destin besides the beach, head to Big Kahuna’s Water Park! This wonderful water park offers everything you need to make a splash, with over 40 awesome attractions to choose from. From winding lazy rivers, to adrenaline-pumping speed slides, Big Kahuna’s has something for the kids, and the kids at heart!
Big Kahuna’s is also home to an amazing adventure park with thrill rides, miniature golf, and more! This is the perfect option for those who want to have fun while staying dry. A trip to Big Kahuna’s is an exciting and exhilarating way to take a break from the beach, and make memories with your favorite people that will last a lifetime!
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Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Young angler fishing on a Destin deep sea party boat fishing trip
When searching for what is there to do in Destin besides the beach, you can’t go wrong with deep sea fishing! Nicknamed, “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is a world-class destination for fishing, and attracts anglers of all ages and skill levels. In fact, anglers travel from far and wide to test their luck and skill behind a rod and reel in the local waters, as they are teeming with a wide variety of fish species including:
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Mackerel
- Triggerfish
- And MORE!
While fishing from shore or on a personal vessel requires a fishing license, fishing on a chartered boat comes with rod, reel, bait, and fishing license. Consider a deep sea fishing charter on your next trip to Destin.
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Shopping
Outdoor shopping center in Destin, Florida
What is there to do in Destin besides the beach? Shopping, of course! Shopping makes for the perfect rainy day activity, and is also a great option for those who may be sunburnt, are feeling water-logged, or may just need a break from the beach in general. However, shopping is a sure-fire way to enjoy your time in Destin, as this area is the pinnacle of shopping along the Emerald Coast.
When visiting Destin, Florida, a trip to the Destin Commons is a must. The Destin Commons is a large outdoor shopping complex with nearly 100 stores, restaurants, attractions, and more, providing hours of family fun! HarborWalk Village is another popular shopping destination, and is a great place to find unique gifts, beach gear, and the top boutique trends.
Other popular places to shop in nearby Miramar Beach include Grand Boulevard, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Silver Sands Premium Outlet, and that’s just to name a few! From souvenir shops with memorabilia and trinkets to remember your trip by, to department stores with the top name brands, the Emerald Coast has it all, and is the perfect place for a little retail therapy.
Dolphin Cruises
According to a recent TripShock Traveler Story, dolphin cruises, like the one pictured above, are one of the best things to do in Destin besides the beach
Destin dolphin cruises are an Emerald Coast staple, and a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Dolphin cruises are a one-of-a-kind experience, as the area’s crystal-clear waters and plethora of playful dolphins makes finding Flipper and his closest friends both easy, and fun! Not only that, they allow you to witness this stunning slice of paradise from a whole new perspective, while also providing you with breathtaking views you have to see to believe!
Another great thing about Destin dolphin cruises is that they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From chasing sunsets aboard a spectacular sailing charter, to booking it through the waves on a super-fast speedboat ride, there is something for all ages and interests! Rest assured, with so many options, finding the cruise that’s best for you and your crew is a cinch.
{Read Reviews & Book Destin Dolphin Cruises and Tours Online}
Jet Ski Rentals and Tours
Jet ski rental headed towards Crab Island’s crystal-clear waters
For those in search of excitement and adventure in Destin’s sparkling emerald waters, then a jet ski rental or tour is the way to go. Zip and zoom through the waves and feel the rush as you explore the area’s whimsical waterways and make a splash! The thrill-seekers in your group will surely remember this exciting excursion for years to come.
Not only that, jet ski rentals are ideal for exploring Crab Island, as they make it easy to navigate through crowds to find the perfect spot on the sandbar. This is also a wonderful way to experience up-close encounters with wildlife like dolphins, schools of fish, and more! No matter how you decide to utilize your rental, you’re in for an unforgettable day on the water.
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Pontoon Boat Rentals
Pontoon boat rental making its way through Crab Islands stunning emerald waters
What is there to do in Destin besides the beach? Well, if you’re still looking to make a splash, but in a fun and unique way, consider taking a trip to Crab Island aboard your very own pontoon rental! Pontoon rentals allow you and your group to explore the Emerald Coast at your own pace, creating a more customized and intimate experience on the water.
And even though Crab Island is an essential part of any Destin vacation, there are still plenty of other places to explore aboard your watercraft rental. Aside from Crab Island, other popular destinations include the Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Harbor, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Spectre Island, and Norriego Point. However you decide to spend your time on the water, it’s sure to yield memories that will last a lifetime!
{Read Reviews & Book Destin Pontoon Boat Rentals Online}
Seafood Dining
Delicious seafood dining on the Destin Harbor
If you’ve built up an appetite searching for what is there to do in Destin besides the beach, then you’re in luck! People travel from all over just to try Destin’s tasty, fresh-caught seafood, at some of the best restaurants along the Emerald Coast. This area is known for offering a variety of Gulf-to-Table menu options like:
- Snapper
- Mahi mahi
- Grouper
- Amberjack
- Triggerfish
- And more!
And when it comes to Destin dining, this coastal city has it all! From casual dockside dining options, to dinner cruises with enchanting Emerald Coast views, there is something to appease even the pickiest of eaters in Destin, FL. With that being said, below are a few of the top seafood restaurants in the Destin area that are sure to leave you full and happy:
Parasailing
With Destin X Parasailing Coupons available, this high-flying adventure doesn’t have to break the bank
If you’re wondering what is there to do in Destin besides the beach for thrill-seekers, then look no further! Parasailing high in the sky over Destin’s crystal-clear emerald waters should definitely do the trick. Most parasailing tours in Destin will take guests to heights of up to 400 feet, creating unforgettable and unparalleled panoramic views.
With that being said, parasailing is just as tranquil as it is thrilling. Soaring through the clouds is sure to get your adrenaline pumping, but once you get to the top it’s incredibly peaceful, and makes for the perfect opportunity to take in breathtaking views, and experience the Emerald Coast from a whole new perspective. Not only that, this is a wonderful way to spot wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and more!
{Read Reviews & Book Destin Parasailing Online}
So, what is there to do in Destin besides the beach? Well, as you can see, the possibilities are practically limitless! From taking it slow and steady down the lazy river at Big Kahuna’s Water Park, to searching for Flipper and his closest friends on a memorable and magical dolphin cruise, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal city. Whether you decide to spend your vacation relaxing on the beach soaking up some sun rays, or choose to try something different instead, this dazzling Destin vacation is sure to be one for the books! Ready to start planning your unforgettable Emerald Coast vacation? Discover even more about Destin with TripShock.