Always Something to Do

Emerald Coast Visitor's Centor - The ultimate attraction is the emerald green surf of the Gulf of Mexico, bordered by Destin beaches of sugar white sand from Destin eastward through the 14 beach communities of the Beaches of South Walton! Complimenting our stunning beaches, are endless water sports to include fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and all types of boating. Varied attractions for vacation fun include golf, shopping, water parks, along with arts and entertainment attractions. Every type of relaxing activity is available in Destin, from gently strolling through a scenic state park to whipping around in a go-cart or whisking down a giant waterslide. Take a beach break and have all the fun possible at various attractions for all ages.

Beaches of South Walton is home to 17 of the most unique and rare of nature's wonders, coastal dune lakes. Although separated from the Gulf by dunes, these lakes will create a passageway through to the Gulf many times during the year. This allows fresh and saltwater to exchange and create some of the most distinct ecosystems in the world, harboring many different marine species. These lakes provide a scenic natural escape to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Big Kahunas Water Park

Big Kahuna's - With over 40 different water play areas, rides, slides, and pools, Big Kahuna's is the perfect water park destination for families! Enjoy the giant wave pool or relax in the easy-goin’ Lazy River. Scream down the 5-story Jumanji, or scream along the Maui Pipeline. Fly the Skycoaster and play miniature golf. If you're looking for the best entertainment value with the most fun things to do in Destin, check out the ride descriptions below then head over to the Tickets & Passes page to purchase your discounted tickets online. 

Silver Sands Premium Outlet

Silver Sands Premium Outlets® is home to 110 designer and name-brand outlet stores including Coach, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Visitor's can find a variety of shops ranging from women's apparel and accessories to housewares and sporting goods. Renowned as the premier shopping destination along Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast, the outlet mall serves the nearby communities of Destin, South Walton, Panama City and Pensacola. The outlet mall is conveniently located off US Highway 98, one mile west of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This beautiful outdoor mall features covered sidewalks, lush landscaping and a children's play area. There are also a variety of enticing dining options from sit down venues including Carrabba's Italian Grill to fast casual and grab-and-go options such as Panera Bread and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. From the entire team at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, we hope you will visit us soon.

Destin Boardwalk

Come experience the sights and sounds of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, where the city of Destin started. Known as a premier family destination, voted Best Beaches in the South 14 straight years, made the Top 10 "Most Popular Beaches in the United States and also boasts amazing fishing opportunities in what’s called the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village." Come explore and you’ll find everything you need here for the ultimate Destin vacation or getaway. Experience the Destin Harbor 's infinite opportunities and events and make your time here an unforgettable one!

Harborwalk Village

Come out to HarborWalk Village where restaurants, activities and entertainment will please each and every taste on your next Destin family vacation. With so many things to do in Destin Florida; here you can find waterfront shopping, paddle board and kayak rentals, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, world class fishing, pirate ship excursions, dolphin cruises, concerts and live music, weekly fireworks, weekly Fat Tuesday parades, live entertainment, and an array of restaurants, including Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville and Harry Ts, to satisfy all tastes. Plenty of things to do in Destin Florida, for the whole family!  HarborWalk Village is home to the Destin Fishing Fleet, the largest charter fishing fleet in the country. Here you can experience the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village aboard one of Destin’s finest charter boats or stroll along the docks and witness the catch of the day. And where there is great fishing, there are great seafood restaurants, HarborWalk is no exception. Here you’ll find an array of cuisine that is fresh, local and delicious, sure to be one of a seafood lovers favorite things to do in Destin Florida!

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has entertained millions since its inception in 1955. In the early 1950's J.B. "Brandy" Siebenaler, a well-respected marine researcher and graduate of the University of Miami's Marine Laboratory, had a vision to display marine life in a way that visitors to this area had never seen before. Brandy sold the developers of northwest Florida the idea that Fort Walton Beach needed an aquarium, a tourist attraction and scientific research center.  In early 1954, the Gulfarium was incorporated by fifteen scientists at the University of Miami and fifty local residents. Today, many of the stockholders at the Gulfarium are the same, or their heirs, as they were back then

Fudpuckers

Fudpucker’s Destin restaurant offers a dining experience like no other! We feature huge portions of expertly prepared and homemade seafood, chicken and alligator dishes as well as amazing burgers.  With eight different dining rooms and over 400 seats, we can accommodate small and large parties alike.  Every evening during the Spring and Summer months you can enjoy a cold drink outside on the deck while interacting with “The Fudnominals” our incredible family entertainers. Your kids can dance and play games with dancers from local high schools and colleges who are experts in providing true Family Fun.  On nights that the dancers are off you will be delighted by our star performer “Sierra” – a true expert in showing you and your family a great time.

Crab Island

"Crab Island," was actually two islands made from sand that the Army Corps of Engineers dredged up from the East Pass. These islands were large enough to inhabit sea grass, small shrubs and nesting seabirds. It has been reduced to a significant sandbar, which appears only when the tide is out. It has become a popular anchorage[15] in the area. The entrance to Destin Harbor, a lagoon between the beaches and the main body of the western portion of the peninsula, is located just north of the East Pass jetty. The lagoon is formed by a sand spit named Holiday Isle; many condominiums have been built along the harbor since the 1970s.