Mix two parts water with one part sugar-white sand. Sprinkle in a generous helping of sunshine, a dash of southern hospitality, and a splash of adventure and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for fun on the Emerald Coast! Florida's Emerald Coast offers 24 miles of sugar-white sand beaches situated along the Gulf of Mexico, with Destin, Florida at its center. Destin offers the closest proximity to the famed 100-fathom curve, which provides anglers with access to every depth of fishable water for all Gulf species. The sand—sugar-white and made of pure Appalachian quartz—gives the waters their iconic emerald-green color as sunlight reflects through the surf.
Visit Destin, Florida—known as both the “Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast” and the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”—for spectacular beaches and some of the best fishing in the world. The expansive Choctawhatchee Bay brings the beauty inland and provides endless water adventures. But the fun doesn’t stop at the shore. Destin offers plenty to do for both beach-goers and land-lovers. Here’s a sample five-day itinerary that highlights the best the Emerald Coast has to offer:
Things to Do: A Sample Five-Day Destin Itinerary
Day One – Hit the beach! A visit to Destin wouldn’t be complete without enjoying its world-renowned beaches. Relax on the sand or play in the surf, then head to a local spot like The Edge Seafood Restaurant for fresh, locally caught seafood. Looking for family-friendly fun? The Edge features underwater lights and fish feeders on the dock. Or visit Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill—right across from Henderson Beach State Park—for live gator shows and photo ops with alligators!
Day Two – Start with a trip to the Destin History & Fishing Museum to explore the town’s heritage. Then visit Dewey Destin’s for lunch—located on Calhoun Avenue and owned by Captain Destin’s descendants. Afterward, rent a jet ski and explore the bay in search of dolphins. Wrap up the day with a walk along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Day Three – Boating is a must in Destin, one of Boating Magazine’s Top 10 Places to Live and Boat. Rent or charter a boat or take the Crab Island Shuttle Boat to the famous Crab Island. Want more adventure? Book the Crab Island Adventure Tour for snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and dolphin-watching.
Day Four – Spend your day shopping! Visit local boutiques, Destin Commons outdoor mall, or the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. End your day at HarborWalk Village for more shops, dinner, and sunset views. Thursdays in summer include WWII airshows and fireworks. Take it up a notch with a sunset cruise for unforgettable water views.
Day Five – Go fishing! Destin’s proximity to the 100-fathom curve makes deep sea fishing easily accessible. Book a charter or head offshore for snapper, grouper, and more—then have your catch cooked at a local restaurant.
When to Go
While summer is the peak travel season, fall (especially September–October) offers warm weather and fewer crowds. October also brings the Destin Fishing Rodeo and incredible sunsets. Check out local event listings before your trip.
Climate in Destin, Florida
Expect highs in the 70s–80s during spring and fall. Summer brings highs in the mid to high 80s with humidity. Winter temperatures hover in the low 60s.
Getting There & Around
Most visitors drive to Destin, but those flying can use the nearby Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS). Getting around is easiest by car, though Uber and Lyft are widely available. Expect paid parking in popular areas.
Do’s
– Support local businesses like restaurants and boutiques.
– Pay attention to beach flag warnings:
GREEN: Low hazard
YELLOW: Moderate hazard
RED: High hazard
DOUBLE RED: Water closed to public
PURPLE: Marine pests present
– Book activities in advance—fishing charters, Crab Island excursions, boat rentals, and sunset cruises fill up quickly.
Don’ts
– Don’t call it “the ocean.” Locals say “the Gulf.”
– Don’t skip sun protection. Bring shades, sunscreen, and a hat.
– Don’t panic about rain in the forecast—it often clears quickly.
Fun Facts about Destin, Florida
– Destin’s powdery sand is made of quartz from the Appalachian Mountains, washed down over thousands of years via the Apalachicola River.
– Over 4.5 million visitors come to the Emerald Coast annually—most to visit Destin, which has a full-time population of just 12,000.
– Native American tribes lived in the area as far back as the 7th century, long before Leonard Destin established the fishing village.
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