5 Things to Do in Destin 

Three: Enjoy Some Time in Mother Nature at a State Park

The beach isn’t the only place you can get outside in Destin. There are also plenty of places where you can hike and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes. With six state parks in and around Destin, there’s so much for you and your family to explore. We suggest checking out any of the state parks nearby, including:

• Eden Gardens: This  park encompasses 163 acres that was once part of the historic Wesley Homestead. You can enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, stroll the property’s gardens or cast a line off the dock at Tucker Bayou.
• Ponce de Leon Springs State Park: Enjoy a refreshing soak on the springs at this park where the waters remain a consistent 68 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. There are also nature trails to explore on foot or you can enjoy fishing or picnicking. 
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: This park is named for its stunning sand dunes along the Gulf Coast, which look like the sails of a ship. These natural wonders are a sight to behold and this is an excellent place to hike and birdwatch.
• Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park: Enjoy beautiful scenery amid ancient long-leaf pines (some are as old as 300 years) at this former WWII gunnery and bombing practice range turned state park. Here you can hike, bike, canoe, or simply take in the sights, like those famous Florida sunsets.
• Grayton Beach State Park: With 2,000 acres of pristine land, it’s no wonder this park is a nationally-ranked nature paradise. You can spend time relaxing on the beach or traverse the park’s 4 miles of hiking trails.
• Camp Helen State Park: This park is rich in history, featuring prehistoric middens and mounds that show people inhabited the area as many as 4,000 years ago. Spend your time here fishing (both saltwater and freshwater), hiking, beachcombing, or swimming.

Five: Try Local Seafood

The best part about visiting a coastal community is access to the freshest seafood. If you visit us in October, we suggest checking out the annual Seafood Festival that takes place at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and features more than 100 food and craft vendors. If you can’t visit during the festival, no need to worry. You can find plenty of restaurants in the Destin area serving up a variety of seafood dishes – both classic favorites and inventive new takes. Here are some of our favorite local recommendations:

• The Back Porch: A favorite with Destin locals since 1974, this restaurant offers delicious Gulf seafood with stunning ocean views on the back porch. We recommend trying their famous Amberjack sandwich.
• Stinky’s Fish Camp: Don’t let the name fool you! Stinky’s serves up some of the finest seafood dishes in the area. Located in Santa Rosa Beach, along scenic highway 30A, this establishment sits on one of the area’s unique coastal dune lakes. There’s live music every week from Tuesday through Saturday and delectable dishes to indulge in.
• Outcast Seafood: Located in Miramar Beach, this restaurant is most known for its flavorful seafood boils. Take your pick from shrimp, crab, or mussels, choose your spice level, and add your sides to build a tasty meal!