Make the most of your vacation with these family-friendly things to do in Destin this Fall!
And just like that, Summer is over and Fall is here. Beach crowds have cleared up, the sun sets earlier and a slight, welcome breeze fills the air. While the majority of travelers have come and gone, the fall season brings along a whole new slew of people that enjoy the beach during this breathtaking time of year.
While the water may still be warm enough to take a dip, most travelers opt for fun Fall activities to help make the most out of their trip! Here are some of our favorite things to do in Destin this Fall so that you can plan ahead and get right to making those memories!
Beach Bonfires
A favorite fall activity no matter where you are – bonfires hold a special place in our hearts. From gooey, delicious s’mores to feeling the warmth of the fire on your face, this family-favorite is made better with Gulf views and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Bring along your favorite food and beverages, best friends, and don’t forget the s’mores! There’s no better way to spend quality time and make some of the best memories. Make sure to book your session in advance to secure a slot with a beach bonfire company.
Click here to view some local beach bonfire experts.
Family photos on the beach
Fall is the perfect time to capture the most beautiful moments on camera with the ones you love most and what better backdrop than emerald waters and cotton candy skies? With less crowds and earlier sunsets, visitors can take advantage of a beautiful background to a photo that will last forever!
Click here to book a local family photographer.
Water Adventures
Although the weather is getting cooler, it’s still warm enough to enjoy some watersports! Whether you like to jet ski and parasail or set sail on a dolphin cruise or fishing excursion, the water is still warm enough to enjoy all of the fun summer activities without the crowds. Looking for an inland activity? The Gulfarium is perfect for the whole family with daily dolphin and seal shows and the most beautiful and diverse marine life to learn about.
Click here to view local water adventures.
Sandcastle Building
Whether you’re taking the family to the beach and building your own, or you book an experience to build the best sandcastle in town, sandcastle building is a beach staple we know all too well. To build a masterpiece, book a professional sandcastle building session with an artist and take back photos to show off to all of your friends.
Click here to book your experience!
Arcades and more!
Whether it’s a rainy day or you are looking for a cooler setting, there are plenty of indoor options when it comes to family-friendly activities. Pick one of the many arcades from Fort Walton Beach to Panama City including Fat Daddy’s Arcade, Dave and Buster’s, The Track, and more! Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone on Okaloosa Island features an outdoor obstacle course, mini golf, and a pizza place! Enjoy go-karts, fair rides for the kids, and a full arcade at The Track or head to the Gulfarium on The Island for the full marine-life experience.
There are plenty of options for outdoor and indoor activities, we’re sure it will be hard to choose just a few. Use our attractions page to plan ahead for your trip. You won’t be disappointed!
The Origin of Destin
Florida Memory / Public Domain Image via The Destin Log
Starting out as a very small fishing village with little to no development, Destin has been an epicenter for anglers since the beginning of time. Captain Leonard Destin, where the Destin name originated from, settled here in 1852 to extend the fishing season. Over the next 40 years, the Destin name would be stamped on the fishing village after William Marler, a worked for Captain Leonard Destin, submitted a post office request with the single name “Destin”.
Since then, settlers have flocked to the beautiful area known for its abundance in fish and beautiful scenery. Over the next 2 centuries, Destin would become one of the United State’s most treasured vacation spots! As businesses develop and more people flock to the area to live, the city has grown with the hustle and bustle of life. While still being a great vacation spot, Destin has stayed true to “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” name by hosting angler events and providing fresh local seafood to restaurants along the coast and neighboring states.
White Sand and Emerald Waters
Destin Beaches
We all know Destin for its beautiful white sand and emerald waters, but what is the cause of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf Coast? If you’ve ever wondered, you’ve come to the right place. The unique white sand on the beaches of Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A come from small quartz particles from the Appalachian Mountains over 20,000 years ago. The Apalachicola River carried water and these quartz particles to the Gulf of Mexico and still continues to do so today.
So, that gorgeous white sand that doesn’t burn your feet, and the crystal clear water that keeps you mesmerized is a beautiful gift from nature herself!
How To Make The Most Of Your Trip
Whether you’re here for the fishing, golf, or just to spend some time on our gorgeous beaches, here are a few tips to make the most out of your trip to the beach:
- Book a luxury vacation home with Diamond Gulf Rentals – There’s nothing like making some amazing memories in the comfort of a home just for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for a home with a private pool, large enough for a special event, or want something Gulf Front to enjoy those beautiful views of the Gulf, we have exactly what you’re looking for!
- Head to the beach! – We know this seems like an obvious one, but did you know there are many ways to enjoy the beaches of Destin other than just taking a quick trip to the beach! Destin is riddled with fun family-friendly activities like jet skis, kayaking, charter fishing, and there’s even a pirate boat at AJ’s that the kids are sure to love! Switch it up every day with any of these fun activities to get the most out of your beach days!
- Enjoy fresh, local food – Help support local restaurants and eat locally owned and locally sourced locations. Harbor Docks, Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi, Louisiana Lagniappe, and Brotula’s are some great local places, just to name a few! Supporting local will not only help provide for our beautiful area, but you’re sure to get great, fresh food and the full Destin experience!