Destin is one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S. because of its incredible beaches, restaurants, fishing, walking and biking trails, and boating activities. So I’ve created the ultimate guide about how to plan a trip to Destin, Florida.

The best summer destinations in the U.S.

Because Destin is a peninsula, you can split your time between the iconic Gulf of Mexico beaches and boating on the calmer and more off-the-beaten-path intercostal waterways.

Here’s how to plan a trip to Destin, Florida!

What To Do

Have some beach days

Rent a boat to party on Crab Island

Go on a dolphin cruise

Lounge on the beach and bike at Henderson Beach State Park

Stroll along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Shop at the Destin Commons

Play a round of golf at one of the city’s world-class golf courses

Take sandcastle-building lessons from Beach Sand Sculptures 

Walk or bike down Scenic Highway 98

Channel your inner child and have fun at one of the area’s mini-golf courses, laser tags, arcades, or amusement parks

When To Go

April – May is Destin’s shoulder season. Daytime temperatures will be in the mid-70s to low-80s. All restaurants and attractions will have re-opened, and hotel rates and crowd numbers won’t be at their summer peak. April is more crowded than May because of the Spring Break crowds, so you should book your accommodation and guided activities in advance to ensure availability.

June – August is the peak season in Destin. Temperatures are hot in the 90s, and the humidity will make it feel like the 100s. The water will be warm for swimming, but stake out your beach spot early because the beaches will be packed. Hotel prices will be at their highest, so book ahead of time to make sure there’s a room for you. Vacation homes also have peak prices during these months, and most rentals require you to reserve the home for an entire week.

September – November is hit-or-miss with the weather. This is the wet season, so you’ll have rain most days. These months are also hurricane season, so any trip during the Fall will always have a chance of being canceled. Daytime temperatures will be in the 80s and 70s, and nighttime temperatures can get down to the 60s in September and the 40s in November, so bring a layer for walking on the beach at sunset.

December – March is the low season because of the cold water and average temperatures in the low 60s to low 40s. Many tours, attractions, and restaurants close for the low season. But if you’re okay golfing and enjoying the beach in a jacket, then you can score some bargain accommodation deals.

Where To Stay

Destin has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. From the boutique WaterColor Inn to the lux Henderson Beach Resort to Hyatt and Hilton hotels where you can use your points, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Destin.

If you’re bringing an RV, I suggest Destin RV Beach Resort or Henderson Beach State Park Campground. Destin also has some dreamy vacation homes.

Know Before You Go

Parking is limited at the public beaches, so arrive early, choose an accommodation within walking distance, and consider renting a golf cart (which is easier and cheaper to park).

You can’t camp overnight on the beaches.

Alcohol is allowed on the beach but not in state parks.

No glass bottles are allowed on the beach.

Don’t walk on the dunes or beach vegetation. Dunes are the primary defense against hurricane damage and are a shelter for beach wildlife.

Fireworks are not allowed on the beach.

Don’t leave beach chairs, canopies, or other gear on the beach at night because this interferes with the local sea turtles’ nesting.

Golf carts can be driven across Highway 98, but not on the highway.

Where To Eat

Oysters: Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House ($$$), Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer ($$-$$$), The Back Porch ($$-$$$).

Shrimp: Pompano Joe’s ($$-$$$), Dewey Destin’s ($$-$$$), The Surf Hut ($$-$$$).

Crab: Crab Trap Destin ($$-$$$), Harry T’s ($$-$$$), Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn ($$$$).

Breakfast: Crackings ($$-$$$), Mama Clemenza’s ($$-$$$), Capriccio Cafe ($).

Burgers, Tacos, Pizza: McGuire’s Irish Pub ($$-$$$), Burrito del Sol ($), Vinny McGuire’s Pizza ($$-$$$).

Fine Dining: Bijoux (American, Seafood, $$$$), Ruth’s Chris Steak House (American, Steakhouse, $$$$), Tuscany Italian Bistro (Italian, $$-$$$).

YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

PIN THIS GUIDE!

This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide about how to plan a trip to Destin, Florida are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide about how to plan a trip to Destin, Florida are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.