Destin Florida is a popular destination for Florida vacationers — and for good reason! There’s not much that beats a Destin Florida Beach, from crystal clear waters to white sands and tropical sunshine.
But despite hearing so many great things about the area, you still haven’t been able to make the trip out there. You’re ready to change that!
If you’ve been looking to plan a trip to Destin Florida Beach for a while, you’re in the right place. Below we’ll cover all the places you should be sure to visit during your vacation, from popular beach destinations to other things to check out in the area.
Ready to plan your visit? Keep reading.
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Destin Florida Beach Destinations
There’s no shortage of Destin Florida Beach destinations to enjoy during your trip to the panhandle. Below we cover some of the most popular beaches, including where they’re located and what sets them apart from the rest.
Henderson Beach State Park
If you love getting out and spending time in nature, Henderson Beach State Park is the place for you. Enjoy the park’s beautiful sandy dunes while you head to the shore, then spend time lying on the sandy beach or swimming in the deep blue sea.
Destin Florida Beach, You can also fish in the park, though take care to do so only in the specific areas of the park where fishing is allowed. You may also need to acquire a fishing license before starting your day of fishing.
After you’ve caught some fish, walk on over to one of the park’s 60 campsites and cook it up for dinner. Then, head into your tent for the night and enjoy camping in the fresh coastal air. If you plan on camping in the park, be sure to make reservations in advance, as suites book up quickly.
The park is open every day of the year from 8 AM to sundown. It costs $6 per vehicle to enter Henderson Beach, State Park. The park is located at the address below:
- 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
- Destin, FL 32541
Crab Island in Destin Florida Beach
Crab Island is one of the more unique Destin Florida Beach locations to visit. Why is that, you ask?
Well, this island is actually a sandbar that’s only accessible by boat! It’s an incredibly fun place to visit if you’d like to anchor a boat and spend the day swimming in the island’s shallow blue-green waters.
You can rent a boat to access this unique place or bring your own if you happen to have one. Take the time to really be in the moment as you enjoy the opportunity to swim the warm waters of the Gulf surrounded by vacationers and locals alike.
Grayton Beach State Park in Destin Florida Beach
And just when you thought Destin Florida couldn’t offer any more unique Destin Florida Beach destinations, we introduce Grayton Beach, State Park.
This state park is home to a rare coastal dune lake called Western Lake. Visitors can enjoy renting kayaks and canoes (or bring your own) and spend a day paddling out on the calm waters. You can rent tandem kayaks for $50 for the day ($35 for a half-day) and canoe rentals ($25 for a full day).
Once you’ve had your fill of paddling on the freshwater of Western Lake, head to Grayton Beach and swim in the saltwater. Bring a good book and your favorite drink and revel in the peace and quiet of the area.
Then, embark on a hike on one of the trails that leads through the park’s coastal forest. Or if you’ve had enough adventure for one day, enjoy sleeping in one of the park’s rental cabins.
It costs $5 per vehicle to enter the park, which is located at the address below:
- 357 Main Park Road
- Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
Other Places to Visit in Destin Florida Beach
In addition to visiting Destin Florida Beach, you might also consider taking some time on your vacation to enjoy the area’s museums and other attractions. Below we discuss some of the places you won’t want to miss.
Gulfarium
The Gulfarium is a great way to get to know Destin’s wildlife. This adventure park offers wildlife shows of dolphins and sea lions, among other creatures. Visitors can even purchase their very own animal encounter with marine life like stingrays, dolphins, harbor seals, and even penguins!
The weekend ticket prices are listed in the table below. Tickets cost a couple of dollars more for entry to the park on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
| Age Range | Price for Entry Friday through Monday |
| Adult | $25.95 |
| Senior | $24.95 |
| Child | $17.95 |
Destin Florida Beach History and Fishing Museum
The Destin Flordia Beach History and Fishing Museum is a fun place to get out of the sun for a while and enjoy learning about the fishing culture of the area. This museum has an exhibit that features the history of the Rodeo, a long-standing fishing tournament in Destin Beach. During your visit to the museum, you also won’t want to miss the Mike Long Memorial Fishing Wall. Where you can see numerous different fish, all of which was caught off the shores of Destin Beach.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and is closed Monday and Sunday. Ticket prices are $5 per adult, $3 for young people aged three through college, and $4 for veterans, seniors, and first responders. Kids under the age of three can enter for free.
Wrap-Up
There you have it! You can take your pick from each of the Destin Florida Beach destinations we discussed above, then head on over to one of the other unique vacation experiences. Whether you spend a long weekend or an entire week in the area, you’re bound to have a wonderful time on the panhandle!
