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Visiting Destin Florida and want to know what attractions it has? Destin, has a wide range of activities for all ages. Whether you are looking for thrilling water sports, family-friendly entertainment, or relaxing days in nature, Destin has it all. Here are some of the best attractions to visit in Destin Florida.
Big Kahuna’s
Big Kahuna’s is Destin’s water park and the top family-friendly attraction in the city. It is the largest water park on the emerald coast where guests can enjoy the refreshing rides under the Florida sun. The water park features a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and even non-water adventures.
If you don’t want to join in at the water park, the adventure park includes the SkyCoaster, a ride that lifts guests one hundred feet into the air then swoops down towards the ground. Another activity that is less dramatic but no less thrilling is the Tropical Mini Golf with themed courses.
At the water park, there are kid-friendly zones for the little ones and luxury cabanas for rent for the parents to relax in. The park also welcomes parties and group events that can be booked ahead of time.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Explore the wonder of living creatures at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The Gulfarium offers encounters with dolphins, seals, reptiles, penguins, stingray, sea lions, turtles, gators and more. On any one of the encounters, you can get up close to meet the animals and learn more about them.
The penguin plunge is one of the more unique encounters where you can actually join the penguins in the water to touch and play with the penguins. Participants will also get the chance to feed the penguins and learn all about these birds.
A new feature at the Gulfarium is the 2 acre Dolphin Oasis that reflects Florida’s coastline with sandy dunes, palms, and the beautiful emerald waters. The Dolphin Oasis can easily accomodate 11 to 15 dolphins and up to 480 guests for dolphin shows and encounters.
Dolphin Cruise & Snorkeling
There’s no better way to see dolphins than seeing them out in the wild as they jump out of the water and cruise along your boat. In Destin, it is one of the best experiences to be able to go on a dolphin cruise to observe the playful dolphins in the crystal clear blue water. Most dolphin cruises are about one hour to two hours long with snacks and drinks onboard as well as an educational commentary on the local ecosystem.
You can also choose to combine a dolphin cruise with snorkeling where you have a chance of not only spotting the dolphins from the boat but seeing all kinds of marine life in the water. You’ll be able to see tropical fish and turtles and maybe even pick up some shells along the way.
Crab Island
If you ask people where most of the them go to enjoy their time in the area, you will most likely hear about Crab Island. While not an actual island, Crab Island is a submerged sandbar that has become a vibrant gathering spot both for locals and tourists.
There are so many ways to get to Crab Island. You can take your own boat, get a boat tour, go out there on kayaks or jet skis. It’s such a popular place that you won’t have any trouble finding a tour to take you to this sandbar.
Most days people there are just hanging out with their floaties and coolers while relaxing in the sunshine. Whether you take part in the events or just get there to relax in the water, don’t miss this hotspot in Destin.
Henderson Beach State Park
One of the top nature attractions in Destin is the Henderson Beach State Park. The park is the perfect getaway for anyone who wants to escape the crowds in a stunning setting with white sand and bright, emerald-green, clear water.
A distinct feature of this park are the 30-foot white sand dunes on the protected strip of the coast. Visitors like to come to this park to enjoy the nature and swim in the warm ocean so staying several nights at the park is possible with their camping site.
There are 60 campsites that connect to the beach with boardwalks and have other nature trails to explore. The trails are home to endangered and protected species of plants, birds and other wildlife. Enjoy leisurely walks, bike rides, fishing or just simply relaxing by the water.
Rock Out Climbing Gym
The Rock Out Climbing Gym is considered the finest climbing gym on the Emerald Coast. For the adventurous people who love to work on their climbing skills, this gym is the place to see just how good you are. There are no ropes or harnesses just pure skill when trying to climb those walls.
The gym has a variety of terrain and difficulty levels from very basic to extreme so even people climbing for the first time can join in on the fun. The walls are 16 feet tall and 15 feet above 12 inches of padding on the floor.
They have a day pass you can buy for access to the gym with the option to rent shoes or a chalk bag. If it’s your first time but you want to try out the gym, you have the option to buy a first visit bundle that includes orientation/class where they teach you how to start out and more importantly how to fall, rental shoes, chalk bag and the day pass.
Destin Commons
If you want to shop ’till you drop or try delicious food, the Destin Commons is a hub of restaurants and stores. There is a fun mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment right in the heart of Destin making it the perfect tourist destination.
Beyond the shops and restaurants, there is an IMAX movie theatre, children’s activities, and art features including murals and local artisans. Kids can enjoy the lawn with games, the splash pad, lucky climber, cubby caboose, and uncle bucks, an underwater themed bowling place.
Gator Beach
If you want to visit the “World’s Greatest Alligator Park” then Gator Beach is the attraction you need to visit. The best part is that admission to Gator Beach is free for all ages starting at 11am daily. Admission includes entrance to the park, viewing all the exhibits, and even the free alligator shows.
If you want additional experiences like feeding the alligators, holding an alligator or a guided tour with a Gator Handler, these have an extra fee. With the Gator Experience VIP you will get to be a part of the team that has important tasks like feeding the alligators and taking care of the alligators. Included also is a photo of you holding the alligator, a voucher for a meal at their restaurant Fudpucker’s, and a Gator Team certificate and badge upon completion.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
This amusement park is especially fun for kids (or kids at heart) in Destin. There’s an indoor slide park with tube slides, flash pads, twist tower, air court indoor sports court, surf slide, scoop slide, launch slide, racer slide, flip zone bumper cars, leap of faith, lazer fury, indoor skydiving, go-karts, and the list goes on and on.
This epic is the ultimate fun activity in Destin if you’re seeking something new to do you haven’t already. There is an Urban Cafe onsite for those who want to spend all day here. Whether you want to visit for fun or celebrate a special occasion, this is a fun attraction even on a rainy day in Destin.
Snorkel Beach
If you want to spend some time snorkeling in Destin, Snorkel Beach is a small beach offering calm water. This little inlet beach is part of Norriego Point that is a small peninsula near the Destin Jetty. Since the water is here is protected, there are no nearby boats on this side of the Norriego Point so it makes it a safe place to snorkel and enjoy seeing all kinds of tropical fish by the rocks.
There are many other beach access points on Norriego Point where you can enjoy the water with lifeguards in place. Bring your own snorkel gear and snorkel in the swimming areas enclosed by the jetties for a fun day in the sun.
Destin Harbor Boardwalk
At the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, you will find everything you can possibly need as a tourist. From restaurants and souvenir shops to boating and any kind of water activity you can think of, you can find it at the boardwalk.
The boardwalk stretches for about a quarter of a mile filled to the brim with dining and entertainment options. At one of the dining options nearby, The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar, you can enjoy fresh local seafood and waterfront views.
Destin History & Fishing Museum
Do you want to learn more about Destin? At the Destin History & Fishing Museum, you get to dive into stories of the little fishing village that Destin once was. The history goes back centuries to the 1800’s of what life was like in this part of Florida. You will get an idea of what life was like before the arrival of electricity in the 1930’s and how life changed drastically after.
There are many books, manuscripts, photographs and artifacts that are part of the museum including a collection of antique fishing rods and reels. The most unique one was constructed of split bamboo with an original Penn Reel that belonged to Ernest Hemingway. Along with the rods and reels, there is a fish wall of all the most incredible fish that have been caught over the years in Destin. Next to the museum, see the original Destin Post Office and the oldest seine fishing boat still in existence from 1925.
Destin Sign
The blue Destin billboard sign is one of the most recognizable features of the city. The sign welcomes you to the city and is a tourist attraction in itself. It’s a photo opportunity for those tourists who want to remember their trip to Destin and capture their exciting vacation.
The sign has Destin’s nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and features a picture of a marlin. It’s located at the city limits on US Hwy 98 right before the drive into Destin across the bridge.
Escape Zone 60
If you’re looking for another indoor activity, then Escape Zone 60 is an escape room place in Destin. Just like any escape room place you get to choose from a few different rooms and get a limited amount of time to try to solve the mystery.
Destin is one of the many locations of Escape Zone 60 since they have location all over the Florida panhandle. It’s fun for any group over two people and will give you something to do in Destin.
Just Chute Me Parasail
Parasailing is one of the most exciting and popular water activities in Destin and Just Chute Me Parasail offer one of the top-rated experiences on the Emerald Coast. Soaring approximately 400 feet in above the Gulf, you” enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise water, white sand beaches and Destin’s scenic skyline.
Flights typically last about 10 minutes and up to three people can fly together making it something family or friends can do together. The crew ensure a smooth and safe ride while you’re up in the air and while you’re there, make sure to keep an eye out for dolphins.
Fishing Charter
Since Destin is known as a fishing village, there is no better place to go on a fishing charter than in Destin. Renowned for its deep-sea fishing opportunities, Destin is the place to go fishing for all kinds of fish. Some of the best catches of the area are tuna, mackerel, mahi-mahi, and grouper. In the summer it’s more likely to catch red snapper and cobia is special for spring. If you really get luck in the world’s luckiest fishing village then you can catch a shark, sailfish, marlin or a swordfish.
Choose between a private charter or a shared charter for your fishing experience. Many charters usually have the option to filet the fish for you but if not, the Destin Ice Seafood Market & Deli can filet and vacuum-pack your fish for you and have it shipped to your home.