Fun Destin Vacation

Fun Destin Vacation

Ken Roberts Photography/Flickr.com

Destin, Florida, has some of the whitest beaches on the Gulf coast. Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin attracts fishing enthusiasts. However, this charming resort community offers an array of activities for the outdoor lover from camping, canoeing, hiking and scuba diving. With these tips, you will be well on your way to a fun Destin vacation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Fun Things to do in Destin

Things You’ll Need:
  • Swimsuit Hiking boots Camper or camping tent Scuba or snorkeling gear Fishing pole
  • Swimsuit
  • Hiking boots
  • Camper or camping tent
  • Scuba or snorkeling gear
  • Fishing pole
Step 1
Contact a charter fishing company and go deep sea fishing. Destin's waters are internationally known for quick access to deep sea fishing due to an offshore shelf that dips from Destin's East Pass to 100 foot depths within 10 miles. Destin also has the largest fishing feet in Florida. Destin's Chamber of Commerce website lists a number of charter fishing boat companies.
Step 2
Snorkel and scuba dive from Destin's crystal clear waters. Local diving shops offer offshore diving trips year round. You can dive off several wrecks, reefs and soft corals. If you are not scuba certified, several dive shops have certification classes.
Step 3
Parasail or ride the waves with a waverunner. Destin's beaches provide an array of outdoor water activities. There are a number of watersports companies located right on the beaches. You can make your reservations ahead of time or walk up on the beach.
Step 4
Camp right on the beach in Destin. Several campsites offer beach-front locations and can accomodate campers, RVs, trailers and motorhomes. Cabins are also available. Resort-like amenities are available at campsites like Camping on the Gulf Holiday Travel Park. Henderson Beach State Park gives you just the simple necessities if you are looking to save money.
Step 5
Take a hike. Hike through the wetlands at Mattie Kelly Park, which offers a self-guided tour along its boardwalk. You can also hike the nature trails at Henderson Beach State Park, which encompasses 6,000 feet of scenic shore line, and offers hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and biking.

Tips & Warnings

 
Summer is peak tourist season in Destin. To avoid the crowds, make your trip after Labor Day or in the spring. For some spectacular scenery, drive down Highway 30-A and stop at the little towns along the way, including Santa Rosa, Grayton Beach, Seaside and Seagrove.
 
Summer is peak tourist season in Destin. To avoid the crowds, make your trip after Labor Day or in the spring.
 
For some spectacular scenery, drive down Highway 30-A and stop at the little towns along the way, including Santa Rosa, Grayton Beach, Seaside and Seagrove.

Article Written By Kristi Gray

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Kristi Gray has been writing for over fourteen years with extensive experience in legal and business writing. Her articles have appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and trade newsletters. She has won several awards at the annual Arkansas Writers' Conference. Gray holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Arkansas.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword