The beachside city on Florida's Emerald Coast has white quartz sand beaches and clear Gulf waters. A popular fishing spot with a large charter boat fleet.
Destin sits on Florida's Gulf Coast, where white quartz sand beaches stretch along emerald waters. Walk the nature trails at Henderson Beach State Park, watch dolphins play from a sunset cruise, or cool off at Big Kahuna's water slides. Join local fishing captains at the harbor for deep-sea adventures, or take a boat to Crab Island's shallow waters where locals gather to swim and listen to live music.
White Sand Beaches
The beaches in Destin have distinctive white sand made of Appalachian quartz, which stays cool even during hot summer days. The water takes on an emerald color as sunlight reflects off the white sand bottom. You'll find 12 public access points along the shore, or head to Henderson Beach State Park with its 6,000 feet of shoreline and wooden boardwalks.
Fishing Experience
From Destin Harbor, local fishing captains lead daily trips to spots where red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and tuna swim. The Continental Shelf sits just 20 miles offshore, making deep-sea fishing accessible even on half-day trips. Book a scheduled group excursion or reserve a private charter for your group.
Water Activities at Crab Island
At Crab Island, an underwater sandbar in the bay, the waist-deep water creates a natural swimming area. Anchor your boat and float in the current, try paddleboarding, or swim to floating food vendors for lunch. During summer weekends, local musicians perform on floating stages.
Family Entertainment
Big Kahuna's Water Park has 40 water attractions - speed down the Kowabunga Racer slides or float along the lazy river. At HarborWalk Village, rent paddleboards, go parasailing, or browse local shops. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park lets you watch dolphins, sea lions, and penguins up close during daily shows.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Visit in April and May when temperatures reach the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit and the Gulf waters warm up for swimming. Summer brings crowds and temperatures above 90°F. Winter temperatures drop to the low 60s - too cold for swimming but perfect for golf and shopping. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check weather forecasts before booking.
Getting Around
Fly into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), 16 miles from downtown. By car, reach Destin via I-10 and US Highway 98. Rent a car at the airport since local buses run limited routes and taxis can be expensive for longer trips.
