Nestled along Florida’s incredible Emerald Coast, Destin may seem like little more than pristine beaches and boardwalk shopping at first glance. Yet here’s a secret – behind the vacation paradise façade lies a haven brimming with family fun beyond the shoreline. From fishing rodeos drawing over 200,000 anglers each year to holiday lights illuminating harbor nights, Destin proves itself far more than a day at the beach.
Whether planning a trip to the Destin, Florida, area or simply passing through on your way to other great destinations, we’ve got you covered with the events and locations you won’t want to miss! At Florida CFY, we feature the best short-term vacation rentals within a stone’s throw of some of the top attractions in the area.
Get to Know Destin
Before diving into the wealth of family-friendly events and attractions, it helps to get acquainted with Destin itself. Located in northwest Florida on a peninsula bordering the Gulf of Mexico, this former fishing village turned resort town is now known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” The nickname stems from the abundant catches reeled in from Destin’s charter boats and its discovery and meteoric rise to fame.
In the 1840s, Captain Leonard Destin originally sailed from New London, Connecticut, to the Florida Panhandle in search of new fishing grounds. Over 175 years later, lady luck still smiles upon this stretch of shoreline. Its sand is so strikingly white and soft locals fondly call it “sugar sand!”
But what truly helps Destin stand out among other beach destinations is its diverse activities and attractions. From water sports to shopping, golfing to dining, Destin is known for providing something that anyone will love. And we’ve pulled together the top list of things to do in Destin so you can make the most out of your trip.
First on the list is, of course, fishing. As mentioned earlier, Destin has a rich history as a fishing haven and is still known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” today. And nothing says “lucky” like a day at the Destin Fishing Rodeo!
Destin Fishing Rodeo
Of all the renowned events held annually in Destin, none embody the spirit of this coastal community quite like the legendary Destin Fishing Rodeo. Running each October for nearly a month straight, over 200,000 anglers from across the globe cast their lines into the Gulf each year for a chance to reel in prestige and prizes during the largest fishing tournament in the world.
The Rodeo first began in 1948 as a ploy to bolster tourism in the off-season months. Come October 1st of the inaugural year, the waters were buzzing with the hum of motors and hopped-up anglers. By the end of that first competition, the plan proved an unprecedented success – and the Destin Fishing Rodeo was destined to become the stuff of Florida legends.
Today, it rakes in around $5 million in revenue for the local economy each autumn. There are competitions across 15 divisions, from charter boats and party boats to private vessels under 25 feet. Prized catches like Amberjack, Grouper, Tuna, and the elusive Blue Marlin determine divisional winners, while special categories like “Largest Fish” and “Most Fish” up the ante for anglers going for broke.
So, if you find yourself in Destin this October, breathe in the salty air and feel the electric energy as crowds gather to weigh heart-stopping catches along the harbor docks. The kids can cheer on their favorite angler while enjoying the sights, sounds, and seafood galore that comes with being the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” – even if only for a day.
Harborwalk Village
Directly along the harbor with yachts bobbing at its boardwalks, Harborwalk Village stands as Destin’s crown jewel entertainment district. Families flock to this vibrant waterside village to soak in its Caribbean vibe and discover everything from live music to amusement rides to world-class dining.
Harborwalk hums day and night with street performers showing off circus spectacles, musicians strumming beachy tunes, and kids squealing aboard the Village Carousel. Sunday evening firework shows over the harbor offer front-row views of the colorful explosions, while seasonal displays like holiday lights adorn waterside palms.
Meander down the pedestrian walkways to find food and fun at every turn, from water equipment rentals and fishing charters to boutique shopping and harbor cruises sure to thrill adventurers of all ages.
Harborwalk Village Special Events
Special seasonal events also amp up the excitement on the harbor boardwalks. Every October, the village transforms into “Spook Street” for Spooktacular Nights leading up to Halloween. Kids crafts, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and a spine-tingling scavenger hunt get families in the spooky spirit. Pyrotechnics, fire spinning, and a DJ dance party fuel a thrilling night under the stars.
The annual Rocktober Concert Series brings live music from an eclectic lineup of bands filling the crisp autumn air. Beverage samplings from sponsoring restaurants pair nicely with rockin’ shows capped off by dazzling harbor fireworks displays.
And no Destin November would be complete without the area’s signature Destin Seafood Festival. A deep-fried bounty of shrimp, crab cakes, gumbo, and more line the boardwalks while crowds sway to live tunes echoing across the harbor waters.
So, for visitors seeking the heart of Destin beyond the beaches, follow the music and aromas to Harborwalk Village. It amounts to an entertainment mecca filled with varied options to delight families or friend groups year-round.
Village of Baytowne Wharf
The pedestrian Village of Baytowne Wharf serves as the vibrant heart of the sprawling Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This charming area channels old-world Italian grace with its cobblestone streets, multi-hued buildings, and outdoor cafes buzzing well into the night.
Days come alive with kids’ laughter aboard the Baytowne Carousel, testing their agility on the ropes and ziplines of the Baytowne Adventure Zone or playing imagination games around the nautical-themed Adventure Landing playground.
Weekly farmer’s markets offer farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods to peruse while strolling the village streets. An annual wine festival draws connoisseurs craving vino tastings paired with local seafood under open-air pavilions.
Restaurants like Rum Runners and Hammerhead’s showcase breezy harbor views alongside live music into the evenings. Upscale shopping boutiques, seaside spas, and bayou cruises heighten the charm and romance of laidback village nights.
Family Fun in Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf offers more than upscale amenities. Its calendar overflows with family-friendly happenings to delight kids of all ages. Paddleboarding adventures and seasonal sea turtle talks educate on the delicate coastal ecosystem. Holiday weekends bring live bands filling the gastronome-lined streets, best enjoyed alongside festive drink specials.
Summertime movies under the stars make way for cooler evenings snuggled on the lawn. Fireworks paint the night skies with colorful reflections dancing across the bayou during various displays – including the July 4th extravaganza and after the annual Red, White & Baytowne event, where patriotically lit boats parade along the waterfront docks.
So wander the meandering walkways and experience the Southern hospitality that earned Baytowne Wharf accolades as one of the best wharf communities nationwide. The options for memory-making never cease within this beloved village perched on Choctawhatchee Bay. Just beware – with countless activities calling your name, leaving proves no easy task!
Beaches & Destin Harbor
The Destin area is renowned for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with its stunning Emerald Coast and the aptly named Miramar Beach luring visitors to dig their toes into the soft, powdery sands. The harbor provides equal allure with fishing charters, sailing adventures, and dolphin cruises entertaining families on the waters.
Sugar Sand Shores
Destin owes its moniker “the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” not only to the abundant catches pulled from its waters but also to the beaches graced with sand so snowy white and finely textured it earned the nickname “sugar sand.”
Miramar Beach takes top honors, its expanse of beach repeatedly ranked “Best in the US” for its nearly colorless grains that resemble superfine sugar under sunny skies. Going barefoot is required to fully appreciate these soothing shores, though don’t let the “soft as powder” appearance fool you. Strong currents remind us that the unparalleled beauty belies the powerful Gulf waters, an attraction for experienced surfers and kiteboarders.
Waterfront Activities
The Destin Harbor hums with boats buzzing in and out from charter fishing excursions, dolphin cruises, and sailing adventures sure to thrill sea-loving families. Rental centers provide hourly rates for pontoons, paddle boards, and jet skis to navigate the emerald waters solo.
There are several family-friendly beaches that offer convenient amenities like refreshment bars, equipment rentals, and beach chair service. Bonfire pits welcome groups to roast marshmallows and stargaze into the evenings. Numerous barbecue areas and bayside parks are popular for gatherings or casual picnics beside the serene shoreline.
So take full advantage of sugar sand beaches kissed by gentle waves, matched only by the thrill of open waters in America’s largest deep-sea fishing destination. It’s here families build special memories together along Destin’s beloved shorelines.
Enjoy Year-Round Family Fun in Destin, Florida
Destin stakes its reputation as the “Luckiest Fishing Village” thanks partly to moderate year-round temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s. This means the thrill of watersports, amusement parks, and beachside shopping delights families even during the fall and winter months.
Endless Water Thrills
Several operators around Destin Harbor offer hourly rentals of wave runners, parasails, and paddle boards for do-it-yourself family adventures. Guided excursions like sailing cruises, dolphin sighting tours, and banana boat rides add maritime fun for groups.
For little ones timid of open waters, several family beaches offer calm, shallow areas for building sand castles or splashing about. With an average of 240 days of sunshine annually, taking to the emerald waters proves an irresistible lure year-round.
Amusement Adventures Near Destin
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park beckons families to race multi-rider mats down epic waterslides and conquer larger-than-life obstacle courses.
Smaller parks like The Track offer go-karts and mini golf while other arcades line the Destin harbor, buzzing well into the evenings. Nature lovers find fun family trekking trails, joining interpretive talks, or camping overnight at Henderson Beach State Park and its nature education center.
Shoppers Paradise
Rainy or overcast days won’t deter avid shoppers, thanks to Baytowne Wharf’s Harborwalk Village, which has lively restaurants and boutiques. Nearby beachside malls and sprawling Silver Sand Outlet stores offer one-stop retail therapy under comfortable cover.
Between bayside shopping, waterslides twisting through imaginary jungles, stingray encounters, and wave runner adventures, Destin delivers family fun, whatever the skies or seasons may bring.
Plan Your Destin Getaway
Whether an outdoorsy adventure seeker or leisure fan of laidback luxury, families discover endless options for memory-making during a Destin, Florida getaway. It ranked among the world’s top 25 family beach destinations for good reason!
From offshore and shoreline excitement like world-class fishing and luxe beach relaxation to special events like the renowned Destin Fishing Rodeo and festive happenings in charming villages, there’s truly something to entertain every age and interest year-round.
When it’s time to start planning your own family’s lucky escape, look no further than Florida CFY for the finest selection of rental accommodations. Choose from beachfront cottages, high-rise condos, and private homes near all the action. Our HappyStays app makes getting trip details a breeze while friendly staff ensures your crew feels right at home.
Because with Florida CFY by your side, Destin delivers everything to create your own incredible vacation memories together. Check out the full list of incredible Destin vacation rentals online, and let’s make this year’s family getaway one to remember.
