This post is the fifth in a series of travel guides for vacation destinations across the great state of Florida. For quality accommodations throughout the Sunshine State, browse our Florida timeshare resales and Florida timeshare rentals and relish in the savings!

A gem on the Emerald Coast of Florida, Destin is a beachside destination that’s sure to please any traveler. Rich with sandy shores, pristine golf courses, and incredible fishing opportunities, this is a Florida hot spot you’ll want to experience for yourself.

This month, we’ve put together a comprehensive Destin travel guide to help you navigate all the top local spots for your next getaway. Learn more about the “world’s luckiest fishing village” and start planning your Destin escape today!

Destin Vacation Tips

The easiest way to arrive in Destin is through the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located just over 30 minutes away from your destination. From here, you can choose to rent a car or taxi to your vacation accommodations. Whether or not you want to rent a car is all based off where you are staying and whether you think it is financially worth it to have a car during your trip. If you’re staying at a beachfront resort and don’t plan on straying too far, it probably won’t be worth having a car with plenty of public transportation options to get you to restaurants and other attractions.

Be sure to pack a vacation kit with all your essentials. Destin is a busy area, with lots of tourists vacationing year-round. As such, the local stores are crowded and have long lines. You didn’t go to Florida to spend you time waiting around in Walmart! Come prepared with as much as possible so you can enjoy more time soaking up the sun.

If you’re planning on going out for dinner, try to avoid the prime time dinner hours to avoid a long wait. 6:00 PM-8:00 PM is generally going to be very busy; if you can eat earlier or later than that, you’ll save yourself a lot of time. Alternatively, you can make a reservation using the OpenTable app on your phone. Many Destin restaurants will accept reservations through this platform.

Things to Do in Destin

Outside of spending your days on the golden sand or fishing for a fresh catch to cook up for dinner, there is so much to do and see in Destin! Throughout your Destin Florida vacation, you’ll be able to indulge in a variety of watersports, play a round or two at one of the local golf courses, visit local museums, or splash around at the various waterparks. This is a family-friendly destination that has so much to offer. Local hot spots that you have to visit include:

• Crab Island
• The Track
• Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
• Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
• Destin Commons
• Destin History and Fishing Museum
• Destin Harbor Boardwalk
• Village of Baytowne Wharf

Where to Stay

Finding the right accommodations can be the most difficult part of planning a trip. While Destin has a vast variety of options, that sometimes can make it even more challenging to determine where the most quality accommodations are, for the best prices, and the best location to all that you want to do. With a Destin timeshare rental, you’re sure to enjoy luxurious and spacious accommodations for less per night than the average area hotel! If Destin is a place you love visiting time and time again, a Destin timeshare resale is an easy and affordable way to always have amazing accommodations reserved and ready for you. Here are some of our favorite resorts to consider buying or renting a Destin timeshare at:

• Wyndham Vacation Resorts Emerald Grande at Destin
• Club Destin Resort
• Bay Club of Sandestin
• Wyndham Beach Street Cottages
• Holiday Beach Resort – Destin
• Wyndham Bay Club

Best Restaurants in Destin

Being in one of the most popular fishing destinations with an over abundance of fresh catches every day, you just have to try the local seafood! Many of the local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught right off the shores and brought into the docks that same day. If seafood isn’t your thing (though Destin might change your mind!), there’s a diverse selection of other eateries that serve burgers, Italian cuisine, cajun, Mexican, and more. Some of the area’s top spots to dine at include:

• Harbor Docks Waterfront Dining
• Boshamps Oyster House
• Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
• Beach Walk Cafe
• Crab Island Cantina
• Marina Cafe

Explore More of Florida with our Travel Guides

We hope this Destin travel guide has been helpful in planning your next Emerald Coast vacation. Stay tuned for more Florida travel guides coming your way in the upcoming months. But for now, you can enjoy browsing our previously-published guides including Orlando, Key West, St. Augustine, and Miami Beach.