The beaches in Destin and Fort Walton Beach are captivating. The sands under your bare feet were once Appalachian quartz, washed from rivers and tumbled by the tides to fine white powder over thousands of years. The white sands and sunlight combine to give these Gulf waters their emerald green vibrance. No matter what else you experience on your trip, the calming, pristine beaches of Destin-Fort Walton Beach form a picturesque backdrop for your dream vacation.

BEACH ACCESS

Destin, Florida beach access includes James Lee Park on the east end of Destin, Henderson Beach State Park, and the newly redeveloped Norriego Point access. Learn more about Destin beaches.

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is the place for beach day entertainment, places to eat, and access to the beach. For an even more relaxed beach, go to John Beasley Park just west of the boardwalk or the various numbered beach access points along Okaloosa Island.

Find out more about parking, boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms, and other beach access amenities.

BEACH FLAGS AND SAFETY

Visiting the beach in Destin-Fort Walton Beach is a lot of fun and can make for relaxing ― or even adventurous ― outing. Come out and play in the crystal-clear waters or catch some rays from the cozy sand any of the public beach access points, but be sure to abide by the beach flag warning system and safety guidelines. Also important: be prepared for potential rip tides and weather by checking the tide charts and currents.

SUNRISE, SUNSET

Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida are positioned on the Gulf such that the sun rises and sets over the water throughout much of  the year. Find the perfect spot in the sand to watch the sunrise and make the perfect dinner reservations to enjoy Gulf cuisine at a waterfront restaurant with a sunset view. Check seasonal times and locales for the rising and setting sun.

“LEAVE ONLY YOUR FOOTPRINTS”

Our beaches are a natural wonder because they’re pristine and well maintained. They’re also the habitat of nesting and hatching sea turtles which need a clear path out to the water. Be sure to understand beach rules on the guidelines and preservation page. In short ― no glass, no fires, no camping, no dogs, and leave only your footprints in the sand when you leave.

Water Adventures

Destin – Fort Walton Beach, Florida offers endless ways to embark on outdoor water adventures and is the perfect place to discover jet-skiing, kiteboarding, parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, waterskiing, and paddle boarding. Our coastal destination is a prime location for endless water adventures along our various waterways.

While experiencing Destin – Fort Walton Beach, Florida, a day on the water is always an adventure! Jet-skis make for an exhilarating ride and are easily accessible by renting by the hour or a full day.  Whether its coasting along the shores of the emerald-green waters, a speedy trip from one destination to another, or experiencing a jet-ski dolphin tour, these fun excursions are the way to go. If you’re interested in action on the water give kiteboarding a try! Kiteboarding is a combination of wakeboarding and sailing making it a fun, extreme sport. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then windsurfing might be the perfect water adventure for you.  Take to the wind along the emerald-green water and experience the thrill of windsurfing.

Enjoy an exciting day on the water by gliding on the Gulf of Mexico on a surfboard. Surfing lessons are available along the coast for all levels of experience. The Gulf of Mexico and the local waterways of our area are great for kayaking. While in Destin and Fort Walton Beach waterskiing should be included on your list of watersports to try! Want the ultimate water experience combined with the best tech out there? Water jetpacks are growing in popularity for the ultimate adrenaline seekers. It combines focus, balance and the feeling of flight using the water below to propel you high above the surface for a beautiful view of the Destin – Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Let the wind blow your hair back with the various speed boat tours and experiences for a quick trip aside the jetties and shorelines!

Want to see Destin – Fort Walton Beach from a bird’s eye view? Then fly high with a parasailing excursion either as a single or tandem ride.  A parasailing adventure will allow you to take in panoramic views from 1,000 feet above the water and experiencing a thrilling ride. See marine life swimming below, watch yachts and fishing boats dock and unload their daily catch, or just enjoy the sun’s rays as you fly along the blue skies.

Area businesses offer lessons and rentals for those wanting to experience these watersports first hand. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy, explore and find your own adventure…dive in!

Shopping in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

When you visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the fine weather and beautiful beaches likely mean you’ll be staying for a while. Whether flying in or driving to your vacation, you’re going to want to save some space in your suitcases for excellent shopping on the town or near the beach.

Destin Commons is an outdoor shopping center that’s a fun, inspiring locale for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Fashionistas can find their favorite beauty and clothing stores. Locally owned shops sell jewelry and apparel you can’t find back home. Destin Commons even has a Southern Living store, a housewares and decor store named for the popular magazine with only a few brick and mortar locations across the country. Take photos in front of the colorful murals created by local and world-renowned artists which are scattered throughout the commons. Stay out of the sun by seeing a new movie at the AMC theater or go bowling at the marine-themed bowling alley, Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill.

For shopping on the harbor, the shops in HarborWalk Village in Destin are the place to be. Between the water adventure options, from fishing boat charters to the Buccaneer Pirate Ship, you’ll find loads of entertainment options like old-fashioned boardwalk games, as well as zip lines and rope courses for more high-flying vacationers. Take some time out from the sand and waves by checking out the treat shops for cotton candy, funnel cakes, and fudge. Beach shops have you covered for new trunks and swimsuits, flip flops, and more.

Over on The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, shopping on the beach is its own adventure. Find outdoor clothing and shoes from top brands that will take you through your vacation. Along with mementos and gifts like trendy pearl and leather jewelry, explore items that will enhance your time at the beach, like creative kites to fly on the Gulf breeze or necessities like sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach-safe thermoses and tumblers. With plenty of restaurants on Okaloosa Island and places to stop for snacks, The Boardwalk will be a fun strip of shopping and dining between your time in the sun and sand.

Go shopping in Downtown Fort Walton Beach, for a relaxing day beyond the beach. Find antiques, specialty boutiques, and outdoor sports outfitters. It’s a historic district, so you can discover one-of-a-kind vintage items in an equally vintage atmosphere. Grab a coffee at Maas and take a walk along The Landing, a waterfront park. If it’s a second or fourth Saturday of the month early enough in the day, browse the farmers market which is held year-round on The Landing. Near museums and great restaurants and bars, Downtown Fort Walton Beach is not to be missed.

Gather your family or some friends, and do some shopping while on vacation!

Fishing in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Welcome to the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin, Florida! With fishing for every skill level – beginners to pro – everyone is an angler while in Destin. The whole family can try their luck for native species not only on paddleboards, but on charter trips, fishing piers and surf fishing along the beautiful white sugar-sand.

CHARTER TRIPS

Destin harbor has the largest charter fishing fleet in the country, so you’re guaranteed to find a great ride out into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can choose smaller charter boats or bigger party boats that carry up to 60 people. Try bottom fishing for Red Snappers, Groupers, and Amberjacks, or troll for King Mackerels and Tunas (inshore), or Blue Marlins and Sailfish (offshore). When you reach the docks with your catch, take fresh fillets to participating Gulf to Table restaurants for chefs to cook your catch to order. There is nothing like the taste of a fish you brought in yourself! Find Gulf to Table restaurants.

FISHING PIERS

The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier provides incredible views and awesome fishing opportunities for experts and beginners. Equipment is available for rent, or you can bring your own! As an added benefit for those wishing to try out fishing for the first time: no Florida fishing license is required. The pier stretches over 1200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, so walkers and anglers can look for dolphins and sea turtles while they fish. Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, Black Snapper, Whiting, Sailfish, Yellowtails, and so much more have been caught from the pier; click here for the daily fishing report.

SURF FISHING

Fishing from the beach can be one of the best ways to fish with family, as local parks include facilities as well as miles of fun beach activities. Spring is the best time to catch Pompano, which usually range from 2-3 pounds. In the fall, look out for Redfish, which are delicious (though they must be between 18 and 27 inches long to keep). In the winter, try for Whiting, which are usually found close to shore. Anglers can also try for Hard Tails, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Black Drum, catfish, and even rays.

Visitors and locals alike can celebrate fishing the Gulf of Mexico in the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. The competition is held throughout the month of October, with amazing events and prizes.

RESTAURANTS IN DESTIN-FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

Destin-Fort Walton Beach isn’t just paradise for beach bathers, water sports adventurers, and nature lovers. It’s a haven for foodies too.

While our area is famous for its gulf-to-table seafood, don’t miss out on mouth-watering steaks, finger-licking barbecue, and unique dishes like alligator tacos. There’s something for everyone here, even the pickiest of eaters. Wash any dish down with award-winning craft beer, expert wine pairings, exotic tropical cocktails, and authentic sweet tea.

The atmosphere is just as diverse as our cuisine. Find everything from kid-friendly outdoor dining and upscale oyster bars to casual taco joints and scenic waterfront restaurants – accessible by car or boat. You can eat like a local all along our coast, from Destin and Okaloosa Island to Fort Walton Beach. Here’s how:

A Fusion of Gulf Flavors + Experiences

From fusion to seafood cuisine, you can enjoy all the flavors found in our delicious corner of Northwest Florida – with a side of family-friendly entertainment.

Situated along the Destin Harbor, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is a popular seafood spot with steamed and boiled shellfish platters. Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill takes dining up a notch with an on-site gator beach. Its menu has a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and popular items, like the Seafud Combo featuring shrimp, crab balls, fresh fish, and alligator gumbo. LuLu’s on Choctawhatchee Bay has plenty of seafood and comfort food items and entertainment options ranging from paddleboard rentals to a beach arcade.

For seafood (Mexican-style), dine at La Paz Restaurante & Cantina, serving fresh fish and shrimp tacos. And discover a bit of Taiwan and Hawaii at Taiwan Ice Cream & Poke, which offers made-to-order poke bowls, boba tea, and shaved ice.

Restaurant Hubs

Find a vast array of restaurants within walking distance, and shopping deals, at some of the area’s top entertainment attractions.

Harborwalk Village is teeming with some of the best seafood in Destin, thanks to the Destin Fishing Fleet. Restaurants include the legendary Harry T’s Lighthouse, known for its award-winning gumbo.

Another local shopping destination with numerous food options is Destin Commons, where big-name spots like World of Beer and RedBrick Pizza reside. For more shopping and food, check out The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, home to standout Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar, featured on the Travel Channel, HGTV, and Forbes Magazine. Rockin’ features tequila flights from 75 varieties, avocado fries, and gigantic 12-inch blackened shrimp burritos.

Locally-Crafted Brews

Destin Fort-Walton Beach is a popular craft beer destination with laid-back establishments, like Destin Brewery. Choose bar or table seating and pick from a selection of Destin Brewery’s gold, silver, and bronze-medaled beers. Try the East Pass Ale, named after the local landmark; Breakfast Beer, the most important beer of the day; and Dog-Harmony Ale, which pictures long-time shelter dogs on the label to help them find their forever homes.