Aerial view of Destin Florida and beach

There’s plenty of beach to explore in Destin. (Photo: Getty Images)

Weekend Getaways

Experience 3 Days of Gulf Coast Living in Destin, Florida

There’s a reason Destin is one of the most sought-after destinations in northern Florida. This upscale enclave on the Panhandle offers sugar-white sands, emerald waters and unmatched wildlife-spotting at areas like the Henderson Beach State Park. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the open waters during deep-sea fishing and diving experiences.

The cherry on top is Destin’s convivial gathering places, including Destin Commons, home to shops, bars and restaurants — many with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Spend a Day at the Beach

For your first day in Destin, take to the area’s white-sand beaches to discover why more than 4 million vacationers flock to this Florida enclave every year.

Some of its most idyllic shores can be found at Henderson Beach State Park. Pack a cooler with snacks and beverages. You’ll want to enjoy this piece of paradise for the entire day, and the park has six pavilions with grills and tables, so it’s easy to have a family-style cookout.

Walk the full mile of wide-open beach, which is part of one of the few endangered coastal scrub communities left in Florida. Watch the area’s emerald waters lap against the giant dunes, some of which are 30 feet tall. You’ll find sea oats and sand pines growing wild and, if you look carefully, rabbits, gopher tortoises and herons.

Keep an eye on the water as well: Dolphins are often spotted cresting through the waves.

Loaded milkshakes in mason jars
Cool down with a sweet treat. (Photo: Getty Images)

In the evening, head to Destin Commons, a convivial gathering spot that’s home to many of the city’s top restaurants and shops.

If you want to indulge in some retail therapy, you’ll find popular brands, like the outdoor retail giant Bass Pro Shops and American Eagle Outfitters, as well as local boutiques like Deep Sea Gypsy, where a Destin-based artist sells her line of freshwater-pearl jewelry.

Once you’ve browsed the shops, grab a dinner of burgers and shakes at Gulf Coast Burger. The “Cat 5″ milkshakes come piled high with an explosion of candy and sweets — you’ll want to snap a photo before you start sipping. Order them spiked for an adults-only treat.

Saturday: Scuba Dive Through Emerald Waters

Scuba diver swimming through coral
See a new angle of the city. (Photo: Getty Images)

Get your weekend thrill during a morning diving experience with the experts at Scuba Tech. The outfitter offers a half-day package that will get you diving certified and out in the open Gulf Coast waters in record time.

First, get fitted with the proper gear. Then a dive master will take you through a safety briefing and show you around the shallow waters. Once you pass the instruction, you’re ready for a deeper ocean dive of up to 40 feet. The waters off of Destin Harbor’s natural limestone reefs have an array of marine life, from coral and fish to sponges and lobsters.

Strip off your wetsuit and keep the adventures rolling with a visit to nearby Norriego Point. Protected by the Destin Jetties, the gentle waters here make for a relaxing swim (and are especially great for young children). Explore tranquil tide pools to discover the habitats of hermit crabs, sand crabs, blue crabs and plenty of fish.

From the Destin Jetties, you’re only a short walk from Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant. Named after Leonard Destin, who founded the town of Destin in 1835, this eatery specializes in sustainably sourced Gulf seafood. Try the fried shrimp and smoked-tuna dip starters before diving into entrées like grilled sea scallops or steamed snow crab legs, both served with corn on the cob.

The restaurant is located on the water, so you’ll want to stay for sunset while indulging in the house specialty: tangy Key lime pie.

Sunday: Embark on a Deep-Sea Fishing Experience

On your last day in Destin, learn how the town earns its nickname: the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. Book a private group charter with Destin Fishing Fleet, one of the largest charter fleets in the United States.

Your boat captain and crew will take care of all the necessities — rods, reels and bait, and you don’t even need a fishing license. All you have to do is be ready to wrangle with the best the Gulf Coast has to offer, from snapper and sailfish to swordfish and mahi-mahi.

In the afternoon, cool off at the Big Kahuna’s water park. Take it easy in the lazy river or opt for tummy flips and belly laughs on the spiral water slide or a jungle-themed slide with a 70-foot drop.

If racing is more your speed, then you’re off to the Track. There you’ll find everything from a carousel ride to a go-kart track and plenty of arcade games.

Fresh fish tacos with salsa
End the trip with an incredible meal. (Photo: Getty Images)

Head next to the HarborWalk Village complex, packed with shops, cafés and restaurants.

For dinner, try the Southwest-style tacos, nachos and burritos at Harbor Taco or freshly shucked oysters at East Pass Seafood & Oyster House. Then it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth at the self-serve yogurt bar at the Fudgery.

For a final send-off, jump aboard a sunset cruise or sail offered by AJ’s Water Adventures and other operators around the Destin harbor and boardwalk.