Things to do in Destin/Ft Walton Beach
Our Local Recommendations
🌅 Destin Marina & HarborWalk Village
A must-visit spot with beautiful harbor views, great restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. You’ll find water sports, shops, and evening fireworks — the sunset views are unforgettable!
Top Pick: Dewey Destin's Harborside for casual seafood right on the water.
🐬 Dolphin Tours
Take a dolphin tour from Destin Marina — morning trips offer the best chance to see dolphins up close. Some tours even allow you to spot dolphins from a Jet Ski! There are 4–5 local operators to choose from.
🚤 Crab Island & Pontoon Rentals
With a valid driver’s license, you can rent a pontoon or motorboat and head out to Crab Island or cruise the bay. Kids love the floating playgrounds at Crab Island. Reviews and booking options are on the Destin activities page we shared.
🌲 State Parks & Outdoor Adventures
- Henderson Beach State Park: Simple and relaxing with restrooms, picnic areas, and a beautiful beach.
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: A larger park with hiking trails, lakeside views, and bike rentals. Bikes must be picked up before 5 PM, but can be returned after hours.
(Note: Henderson Beach entrance is off W County Hwy 30A.)
🎉 Village of Baytowne Wharf (Sandestin Resort)
Best visited in the evening! The village has kid-friendly activities, a large playground, restaurants, shops, and often live music, fireworks, and other entertainment.
- Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille is great for marina views and live music.
- Slick Lips is a favorite for fresh seafood.
- Village Door (next to Hammerhead’s) features more live music with a great view.
- Daily bicycle rentals at the Sandestin Marina. www.destinbikesrus.com also delivers and picks up weekly bicycle rentals.
🍽️ Favorite Restaurants in the Area
- Seafood: Back Porch, Crab Trap, Acme Oyster House, Bayou Bill’s Crab House, Boshamps, Dewey Destin's Harborside, Stinky’s Fish Camp, Boathouse Oyster Bar, Slick Lips, Louisiana Lagniappe
- Steaks: McGuire's Irish Pub
- Breakfast: The Pancakery (near Pelican Beach Resort), Another Broken Egg Café, Crackings, Donut Hole (popular - expect a wait)
- Greek: Aegean Restaurant
📱 Dining Tips
Download the Yelp app to check wait times and join online waitlists at popular breakfast spots like Another Broken Egg Café and Crackings. This helps you skip the line — especially on busy mornings. Note: not all restaurants use online waitlists.
🛍️ Shopping
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets: Great for discounted designer brands.
- Destin Commons: Shopping, dining, and a movie theater — family-friendly and walkable.
🎡 Family Fun & Entertainment
- Outdoor/Seasonal:
- Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
- Eden State Gardens
- Gulf Breeze Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Rainy Day Activities:
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
- Emerald Coast Science Center
- Surge Trampoline Park (Fort Walton Beach)
- Playzone Xtreme Destin
- Escapology Escape Rooms Destin
- Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill
- Fudpuckers & Gator Beach
- Destin Historical Fishing Museum
- Rainforest Blacklight Golf & Arcade (Miramar Beach)
- The Redbird Art Experience
- Air Force Armament Museum
- Rock Out Climbing Gym (Destin Commons)
🍳 Near Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
There are four oceanfront restaurants. Our favorite is The Crab Trap.
Angler’s Beachside Grill serves breakfast on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays with a beachfront view.
🌊 Seaside (Day Trip)
If you're staying a bit longer, take a scenic drive east to Seaside Village. It’s charming and walkable, with excellent food trucks in the town square. Expect long lines during peak hours — but it’s worth it!
🐴 Horseback Riding
There are two horseback riding ranches in the area. A quick online search will help you find the one closest to you.
For booking activities in Destin area, you may click or copy/paste the link below and put your dates in and enjoy the convenience of booking online with promotions.
http://affiliates.tripshock.com/go/375