Things to Do in Destin
Take a self-guided tour along the talcum powder beach and watch for dolphins rising out
from the emerald green sea. Watch the rainbow shaded parasails float across the bright
blue sky. Jellybean colored catamarans glide swiftly over the water in silent competition
with the neon-striped sails of wind surfers. Red and white wave runners speed across the
surface spilling white froth in their wake.
Destin Rentals Can Help You Tour the Beach
Take a scenic cruise on the Glass Bottom Boat 11. Try a sailing adventure
on a modern sloop-rigged yacht. Destin harbor offers several watercraft rentals. Rentals
are also available at water front resorts. Paradise Water Sports rents equipment and
offers parasailing rides at seven locations. Destin has a large charter boat fleet based
at marinas along the north shore. An inexpensive group fishing expedition or party boats
are available, with full days, half days and non-fishing sightseers.
If your sea legs are shaky try fishing from the catwalk of the 3,000-foot Destin Bridge
over East Pass. Try scuba diving or snorkeling with many dive shops located along the
beaches. Scuba charters include open waters, with resort courses also available.
Snorkeling excursions in the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay includes gear.
Destin Sports Activities
Florida is referred to as the "Golf Coast." Golf is available 365 days a year. Sandestin
offers 63 holes located in a superb oasis, surrounded by lush greenery, ponds and striking
high rises. There are five championship courses within a fifteen-mile radius. There is an
excellent choice of public and semi-private courses along the emerald coast. Tennis,
racquetball and fitness centers flourish in Destin. Attractions other than the beautiful
beach. January boast the annual Gumbo cook-off. Restaurants compete in the elite gumbo
extravaganza, with only three winning the prestigious award for excellence.
May is music month. Trumpets, sax and clarinets make a merry melody along
the harbor. Across the harbor in Fort Walton Beach watch as the Hog's Breath Hobie Regatta
takes control of the waterways. Theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums,
museums, botanical gardens and zoo's are only minutes away.
Destin Outdoor Activities
The Museum of the Sea and Indian is located on highway 98. It is closed the week of
Christmas. A fantastic display of Indian artifacts and ocean paraphernalia fill the museum
for education and inspiration.
Motels, Hotels, Inns, Cottages, Resorts, Condos, Golf Villas, and private homes are
plentiful on the Gulf and overlooking Choctawatchee Bay. Rates are lowest during the
winter. Summer is prime time and rates are higher, although still reasonable. Some
establishments offer golf packages. Many locations have heated pools, free HBO, laundry
facilities, equipped kitchens, and on site restaurants. Guests are pampered with lighted
tennis courts, exercise rooms, game rooms, beach volleyball, sauna's and beachfront snack
bars. Jetty East offers conference rooms and private party rooms with kitchen facilities.
No need to drag beach furniture along on your journey; several hotels provide beach
equipment such as chairs, umbrella's, bicycles, etc. Rental shops are also located in the
downtown area.
Shopping includes Outlet Malls, expensive upscale gift shops and a variety of beach shops.
The Market at Sandestin sells Godiva chocolates. Have burgers at The Back Porch or seafood
at Harbor Docks. Harry T's House is an absolute must-see and say hello to Stretch. The
elegant Elephant Walk is brimming with history.
John Whiley a tea planter in Ceylon tried to protect his trees from the roving bands of
elephants. He built a huge home across the elephant's path to the river. Unfortunately,
this did not hinder the elephants. The house was left in ruins. Whiley left and vowed
never to return. He roamed the world for thirty years acquiring treasures.
He finally settled in North West Florida. His purchases are on display in a building
representing his Ceylon mansion. This building is the Elephant Walk
Restaurant.
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