Destin grew as a fishing port into a popular tourist destination, known for its white beaches and crystal clear waters. The residents and visitors on the Emerald Coast enjoy the scenery and they know how to have fun. Here are some suggestions.
Visit The Destin History and Fishing Museum
Learn about the early fishing history of the city through vintage photographs of boats and an exhibit of antique rods and reels. There is also a fine example of a fishing boat built in 1925 and a display of fish caught in the area.
Happy Splashing at the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
The park contains 40 rides including speed slides and raft slides, and pools and lazy rivers. On dry land, there is a miniature golf course, bungee jumping, and a go kart track.
Feed the Alligators at Fudpucker’s Gator Beach
The Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill is much more than a watering hole. Watch the alligator show and feed the alligators. Admire the nautical artifacts and antique beer can collection, and play in the game room
It’s Fun, Fun, Fun, at The Track Family Recreation Center
Race go karts on one of three tracks, play mini golf on a jungle themed course, or have a water fight on a blaster boat. There are also bumper cars and rides for younger children, and a video game arcade. For the daring, try the skydiving ride and the bungee jump.
Explore the Past at Eden Gardens State Park
The park in Santa Rosa Beach, near Destin, contains a restored mansion with Louis XVI furniture and antiques, set in beautiful landscaped grounds. Guided tours of the house are available and there is a nature trail.
Visit the Henderson Beach State Park
This 208 acre beach park near Destin has boardwalk access to the beach where visitors can swim or go fishing. Learn about the local eco system and wildlife on the dune nature trail. There is a campground, a playground, and two pavilions for grilling food and laying out a picnic.
Visit the HarborWalk Village
The shopping and dining complex has shops and galleries, cafes and award winning restaurants. The Village also hosts events and visitors can book a cruise, fishing trip, or water sports activity from here.
Visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Pristine beaches, dunes, and coastal dune lakes await the visitor at this park in Santa Rosa Beach, near Destin, popular with hikers and birdwatchers. The lakes are superb for freshwater fishing. The beach is accessed by bicycle, on foot, or on the tram.
Charter a Fishing Boat
Destin’s nickname is ‘the world’s luckiest fishing village’ and the deep sea fishing catch is one of the best in the country. There are several companies that hire out suitable boats. Alternatively, some anglers fish from Destin Bridge.
Take a Cruise
Destin has a number of cruise companies to choose from including Olin Marler’s Dolphin Cruise (http://www.olinmarlercharterboats.com/), a 2 hour narrated cruise to see dolphins, SunQuest Cruises (http://www.sunquestcruises.com/), an evening dinner dance cruise with live entertainment, and Y Knot A Yacht Boat Rental (http://www.yknotayachtboatrental.com/index.php), which takes passengers to Crab Island on a cabin cruiser.
Author Resource:
Chad Rutt is the Director of Marketing for the online lodging site http://www.abetterstay.com and the Managing Editor of its accompanying Vacation Blog http://www.abetterstay.com/blog/
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