Destin

Destin is an upscale resort town in the Florida Panhandle.

Get in

By car

Primary access to Destin is by private vehicle. It is on US 98 between Pensacola and Panama City. From IH-10 west, take IH-110 south through Gulf Breeze, merge with US 98, and follow US 98 along the coast through Fort Walton Beach. From IH-10 east, take FL 285 south through Eglin Air Force Base, make a left on FL 20 to go east, then a right to go south on Mid Bay Bridge.

By plane

The closest public airport is Okaloosa Regional Airport (VPS IATA) (Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport). Car rental agencies are available at the airport, or offer a courtesy pickup service from the airport. There are 2 other nearby airports, Pensacola International Airport (PNS IATA), about 1 hr 20 mins away, and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP IATA), about 1 hr away.

Get around

By public transit

Destin offers two public transits with limited availability but affordable prices. The transits are offered during the tourist season primarily and can be found at access points in the Crystal Beach shopping center and the Destin Commons.

By shuttle

See

The beach, with its distinctive emerald green water, earning it the nickname of the Emerald Coast. Destin's enormous stretch of beach is spectacular, with some of the finest, whitest sand in the world. The sand is so soft it literally squeaks under foot. You will be spoiled forever after experiencing this.

Do

Beaches

Destin is famous for its sugar white sand beach and emerald green water.

Golf

The area is renowned for its golfing opportunities. The climate is nearly ideal year-round.

  • Ft. Walton Beach Golf Club, 1909 Lewis Turner Blvd., Ft. Walton Beach, ☏ +1 850-833-9529. Public championship course. Pro shop, lighted driving range, club rentals and snack bar. 
  • Golf Garden of Destin, 112958 Highway 98 East, ☏ +1 850-837-7422. Public lighted course and practice area. 
  • Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, 465 Regatta Bay Blvd, ☏ +1 850-650-7800. Public, championship course designed by Robert C. Walker. 
  • Seascape Resort & Conference Center, 100 Seascape Dr, ☏ +1 850-654-7888. Public course with greens and driving range. 
  • Emerald Bay Golf Club, 4781 Clubhouse Drive, ☏ +1 850 837-5197. 

Deep Sea Fishing

Water Sports

Dolphin Cruises
  • Dolphin Cruise, ☏ +1 850-837-7741. At Harborwalk Marina. Offers various cruises including a dolphin cruise. 
  • Moody's, 194 Hwy. 98, ☏ +1 850-837-1293. Sails the Emerald Magic and America II, available for charter. 

Recreation Centers
  • Destin Laser Tag and Blacklight Minigolf, ☏ +1 850-650-6748. (updated Feb 2018)
  • Pleasure Island Waterpark, Highway 98 in Fort Walton Beach, ☏ +1 850-243-9738. Has go-karts, personal watercraft, pontoon boats, jet boats, parasailing, and refreshments. 
  • The Track, Highway 98 on the east side of town, ☏ +1 850-654-4668. Has indoor go-karts, a kids recreation area, miniature golf, and bungee jumping. 
  • Gator Beach and Fat Daddy's Arcade, 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, ☏ +1 850-654-4200. A small but intriguing alligator viewing exhibit. The complex also includes the Fat Daddy's Arcade, gift shop, and Fudpucker's Bar & Grill Free. (updated Jan 2023)

Buy
  • 🌍 Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Dr. Outdoor shopping mall with a "Main Street" environment. (updated Jan 2023)

Eat

There are any number of places to eat both on and off the beach.

Drink
  • Vin'tij Wine Boutique (across the street from the Silver Sands Factory Stores). The wine list is extensive. The decor is an eclectic mix of local art and mosaics. The atmosphere is nice. 

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Go next
  • Ft. Pickens, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a nature preserve and a civil war-era fort and museum. Activities include fishing, camping, historical research, and tours. A 7-day pass is $8, and covers a private vehicle and all passengers. It's located on the far west end of Santa Rosa Island, about 45 minutes west on Highway 98, then take the CR-399 bridge south at Gulf Breeze, then follow CR-399 right.
  • Fort Walton Beach is just to the West on Highway 98 on the other side of Okaloosa Island.
  • Navarre Beach is a relatively unoccupied resort area on Santa Rosa Island. Head west on Highway 98 about 30 minutes, then take a left on Navarre Bridge. An excellent beach with shower facilities is available at the bridge intersection.
  • Panama City Beach is an area more targeted to the younger crowd. It is a popular spring break destination. Head east on Highway 98 about an hour.
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