Destin, Florida Vacation Rentals

Beach views and nature trails make Destin a spot where it really is a choose-your-own-adventure escape. Grayton Beach State Park’s 2,000 acres serve up four miles of hiking and biking trails along with beach access. Hit Scenic 98 if coasting alongside stunning beach views and being in the thick of things is on the docket. Oaks and magnolia dot the 30A’s 20 miles of paved bike paths. Adjoining the 30A is the Point Washington’s State Forest’s gravel and hard sands paths featuring ponds and inland lakes to cool off the ride. Hikers can access the Eastern Lake Trail from Point Washington and trek three stacked loops covering more than 10 miles. After cooling off in the waters at Henderson Beach, explore the park’s nature trails.

Destin’s main draw! Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, Destin entices people to cast a line in its freshwaters, inshore spots, and rivers and lakes. Try your luck in the deep seas where king mackerel,
grouper, red snapper, and amberjack bite. Sheephead, speckled trout, flounder, and redfish fill inshore waters. Piers provide a welcoming place to relax and cast a line. Of course the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October offers a months-worth of fishing competition. If you want a skilled captain to take you to the best spots, hire one of the area’s many fishing charters.

Explore the Emerald Coast by sailing across its green and blue waters. The city’s prime real estate in between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay provides the pristine seaside backdrop for luxury charters, speedboats, pontoons, or fishing boats. Local outfitters offer sailing lessons and charters. Anchor at Crab Island, hop off, and swim in the relaxing salty waters–even listen to the band play on the floating stage. Gulf Islands National Seashore lets boaters anchor and enjoy a quieter vibe. Norriego Point is another popular spot to anchor and play. Wildlife lovers can book one of Destin’s dolphin tours to capture these ocean beauties in their element.

Challenge yourself with the water hazards and bunkers at the Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club. This public course’s popularity is in no small part to its meticulously cared for greens, challenging course, and stunning Florida beauty. Indian Bayou Golf Club’s semi-private status means players can take a swing at the 27-hole course dotted with water features and verdant fairways. Another smi-private course, Kelly Plantation Golf Club serves up views of the Choctawhatchee Bay to inspire golfers as they tee off. For a more family-oriented golf outing, check out The Golf Garden of Destin’s nine holes and lights–golf under the stars!

Get your heart racing as you fly through the Gulf on a jet ski. Numerous Destin companies offer rentals for amped-up fun. Maybe you crave a different point of view and book a parasailing session. Solo, tandem, and triple rides offer a chance to spot dolphins frockling, boaters out enjoying a day of relaxation, and 360-degree views of the green waters of the Gulf. For those who want to go under the sea, popular snorkeling spots include the Destin Snorkel Reef created by sinking ships. Other hot spots include Norriego Point, Destin Jetties, Henderson Beach State Park, and Crab island. Book one of Destin’s snorkeling tours for a guided journey through its waters.

Boutiques, national retailers, and ample dining, and movie theater bolster Destin Commons’ reputation as a hub of shopping and entertainment. Pick up the season’s latest trends then feast on upscale Mexican, sushi, burgers, or if everyone can’t agree, grab a quick bite at the City Food Hall. HarborWalk Village’s seat in Destin Harbor means shoppers can score top deals and top views. Jewelry, artisan goods, and unique finds beckon shoppers and outdoor lovers can paddleboard, jetski, and kayak with rentals to get you on the water. Come back together and dine on varied offerings from boardwalk staples to upscale steakhouse cuts. Also don’t forget to check out Destin Harbor and along Highway 98 for upscale seafood and fine dining spots.

Catch Destin’s rich fishing history at the Destin History and Fishing Museum. Antique fishing equipment, a 100-foot wall rendering of the Gulf’s floor, and Ernest Hemingway’s Penn Reel reel guests in. Kids can electrify their minds at Destin Coast Science Center’s Illuma Storm and Vandergraph generator.

Anglers compete for fame, fortune, and fishing riches in the Destin Fishing Rodeo happening annually from October 1-31st. Fish from kayaks, paddle boards, piers, bridges, jetties, and, of course, boats to weigh in your haul. More than 30,000 anglers vie for prizes exceeding $100,000, so cast a line and test your skill.

Harbor seals, dolphins, reptiles, turtles, and because it’s Florida’s state reptile, gators abound at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. This hands-on marine experience lets visitors up-close to feed alligators and even pet baby gators. Presentations about aquatic life at the facility educate and entertain, and you can even get closer to marine life by suiting up and booking a time to snorkel. Events change daily, so check the website for details.