Prior to the pandemic, the state of Florida had record numbers in 2019, with over 131 million tourists that year. Considering that it’s the Sunshine State with tons of gorgeous beaches and activities, it shouldn’t be a surprise that this state is such a popular destination when it comes to tourism.

Besides the top destinations such as Miami and Tampa, there are many other great cities to visit. For example, Destin is one of Florida’s most beautiful well kept secrets.

Are you planning on visiting us and want to learn about some fun activities to do in Destin? Then read on! Here are some exciting Destin activities you should try!

Take a Stroll Down the Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk was just completed in the spring of 2012 after over 15 years of hard work. It gives you public access to over 0.5 miles of the northern part of the harbor, which will give you some great views.

Take a day to casually stroll down the boardwalk and immerse yourself in how Destin got it’s name. When you get tired, there are tons of restaurants, bars, and shops where your family can fuel up, refresh, and buy some cool souvenirs.

For the more adventurous family members, they can actually go zip lining and wall climbing! The Harbor Boardwalk is also where the majority of cruises and boat trips depart, so if you’re planning on doing those activities (more on these later), you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone by walking around before and after your trips.

Go Snorkeling

You can’t go to Florida without at least dipping your toes in the water! And beyond that, you should swim and see what the waters hold beneath.

There are some excursions right out of the Destin harbor from Destin Snorkel and our neighboring Walton County that take you out to the best waters, such as South Walton Dolphin Reef. You’ll get a specific time slot (such as 30 minutes or 1 hour) to swim around, exploring what amazing creatures live in these waters.

Make sure you bring a waterproof camera! If you discover some cool things, you’ll want to have some lasting memories. Plus, it can be fun to take pictures of one another in snorkeling gear!

Ride on a Banana Boat

If you’ve never seen or heard of a banana boat before, then it’s exactly what you’d expect it to be! This is a long, thin yellow boat that’s shaped like 2 bananas held together. Each boat holds 6 people max, which is perfect for a family outing.

Each passenger is required to wear a life vest, so you’ll have peace of mind, even if your little ones join (minimum age of 6). The boat is pulled by a licensed captain and you’ll get a private photographer. They’ll capture all the precious moments when you guys spot creatures like dolphins and turtles.

Go Dolphin Watching

The dolphin watching boats can accommodate a large number of people, so if you have a bigger group, this might be a better idea than riding on a banana boat. Plus, you won’t be in the water, so you’ll stay dry for the most part.

These dolphin excursions will get up close and personal with dolphins so you can have an incredible experience. The tours are about an hour long, which gives you and your family plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy what the Destin waters have to offer.

Spend Time on a Harbor Cruise

Want a break from all the adventure activities? Or maybe they just aren’t your thing and you want something more slow-paced. In that case, why not take a harbor cruise?

These trips offer you a unique perspective of Destin that you won’t get with anything else. Once the boat departs, you’ll enjoy some cool beverages and great tunes from the DJ. You can either cut it up on the dancefloor or relax outside, taking in the fresh air.

Or if you’re looking for something a little more unique, try cruising the Destin Harbor on a tiki boat! Yes, you heard that right! Cruising Tikis carries up to 6 passengers and is one of the best ways to see what Destin is all about all while sipping a cold on under a tiki.

Most harbor cruises will take about 1.5 hours, so it’s a great opportunity to rest your weary feet and recharge for your next activities!

Go Parasailing

If you want to get a bird-eye’s view of Destin, then you’ll want to go parasailing. While it’s an adventurous thing to do, you’ll still stay safe with boats that closely follow Coast Guard safety regulations.

Most parasailing boats carry 12 passengers, which means if you have a large family, these vessels will accommodate everyone.

What’s great is that so long as you sign a waiver for your kids under 18, everyone can have a go at parasailing. Otherwise, they can enjoy sunning themselves on the boat while watching everyone else up high!

Go Fishing

Destin is a fantastic location for fishing! In fact, it’s known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” so if you’re an enthusiast, make sure you book a family fishing charter while you’re here. These take you out to the Gulf of Mexico or Choctawhatchee Bay for about half a day so you still have time to go explore Destin.

For those who are hardcore about fishing, you can also opt for longer charters, including overnight ones that span several days. We at The Charter Boat Sea Winder can accommodate whatever custom fishing trip you want!

These are some of the best saltwater fishing grounds in the nation, so whether you’re a fishing newbie or veteran, don’t miss out on what might be a catch of a lifetime!

Know What to Do In Destin for a Fun Time

With so many things to do in Destin, you’re sure to enjoy yourself when you come out here. From walking down the boardwalk and snorkeling to cruising the Destin Harbor under a tiki, there are so many things to do in this city.

So if you have an upcoming trip to this area, make sure you put these activities on your to-do list. Some fun in the sun will be exactly what you need to recharge!

Do you want to go fishing in Destin? Then book a charter with us now!