Planning your next family adventure, weekend getaway, or relaxing retreat to Florida’s emerald coast? Destin, Florida, located south of the Choctawhatchee Bay, is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures, exceptional weather, and gorgeous coastal views. But it isn’t just the geography that attracts visitors to this coastal city. Every year, over 4.5 million tourists visit Destin, FL, making it a mecca for Florida’s tourism industry. Because of this, visiting during peak travel season may mean long lines, busy beaches, and frustrating wait times. Although you could visit Destin during our shoulder season to escape these crowds, we’d like to offer another solution: take the road less traveled, and try out some of Destin’s hidden gems! In the following blog, we will guide you through a few of Destin’s best kept secrets, and give you some inside scoop on how to explore Destin like a local.
Outdoor Activities, Beaches, and More!
If you’re anything like us and you crave an outdoor adventure, you may be wondering what parks in Destin are a must-see, and which ones may not be worth your time. Here are a few hidden beauties that observe fewer visitors, but offer stunning views and good vibes!
Turkey Creek Nature Trail
Located just a short 20 minute drive outside of Destin, Turkey Creek Nature Trail is the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll through Florida’s wetlands. Not only is the two mile boardwalk great for casual hiking, but the park is also ideal for swimming! Many park visitors spend their afternoons floating, swimming, and tubing beneath the boardwalk in the park’s gorgeous spring-fed water.
Norriego Point
This sandy peninsula near Destin’s harbor is a quiet and less-frequented beach spot. Known for its calm waters and light waves, Norriego Point is a great place to snorkel, wade, and paddle board. This beach is perfect for beginner level swimmers, families with young children, and watersport lovers! Don’t forget to bring your camera, Norriego Point is a prime location to catch views of boats going through East Pass.
Princess Beach
A local favorite, Princess Beach is best known for its tranquil waters and stunning white sand beaches. Although this beach does not get as crowded as other beaches in Destin, the park offers limited parking. If you’re planning a visit to the park, we suggest arriving early.
Crab Island
Although Crab Island is definitely a gem, this destination is far from hidden, but too good not to include. Located just north of the Destin bridge, “Crab Island” is a series of submerged sandbars that creates a very popular meeting spot for locals and tourists. With a water depth of just 1-4 feet, Crab Island is the perfect place to wade, float, sunbathe, and more! This boat-access only destination is not only an exciting place to party, but also a unique spot to grab some lunch! Summer guests will enjoy floating vendors, restaurants, bars, and more. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, we suggest visiting Crab Island during the off season, week days, or early in the morning. No boat? No problem! Here at Crab Island Runner, we offer our Crab Island cruise to get you there. Our cruise is the best Crab Island shuttle option for a Crab Island tour.
Eden Gardens State Park
Not far outside of Destin, FL, is where you will find the captivating Eden Gardens State Park. Located in Santa Rosa, FL, the 163 acres of land at Eden Gardens State Park create the perfect backdrop for a quiet afternoon picnic. Visitors may enjoy taking guided tours of the Wesley House (a stunning mansion on the property,) fish on Tucker Bayou, or stroll through the park’s garden and nature trails. If you have a knack for history and the outdoors, Eden Gardens State Park is a great option for a day trip!
Local Eats
Destin is known for their beachside dining options, live music, and casual eateries, but as a visitor it may be difficult to distinguish between the must-sees and the maybe-don’ts. Here are a few of our favorites here in Destin, Florida!
Capriccio Café
A locals favorite in Destin, this Italian-style cafe serves up rich espresso beverages, homemade crepes, pastries, and more! If you’re looking for a casual spot to grab a quick bite and soothe that caffeine addiction, Capriccio Cafe is the spot for you! Capriccio Cafe is open daily from 7am- 2pm, so be sure to get an early start if you want to check this cafe off your Destin gems bucket list!
Maas Coffee Roasters Destin
Maas Coffee Roasters is an artisanal coffee roaster and café, serving residents in Fort Walton Beach since the early 2000s. By popular demand, the coffee roasters have since expanded and opened a new location here in Destin in 2023! Featuring cozy indoor seating and a garden-like outdoor patio, Maas Coffee Roasters is the perfect place to grab a quick bite and drink before hitting the beach! Open daily from 7am- 5pm, Maas Coffee is a must visit for our caffeine lovers.
Beach Walk Cafe
Nestled within the Henderson Park Inn and perched directly above a private stretch of beach, it is easy to understand why Beach Walk Cafe is considered one of Destin’s most romantic and highly-rated dining experiences. The restaurant showcases Gulf Coast seafood with an elevated flare, and features a rotating seasonal menu that is guaranteed to stun guests. To ensure your best possible dining experience, we suggest booking a reservation prior to your visit.
For Our Adrenaline Seekers
Jet Ski
If you’re an adrenaline junky with an itch to hit the water, we have just what you need right here at Crab Island Runner! Starting at $95, you can rent one of our premiere jet skis! If this sounds exciting to you, check out our website for more information.
Parasailing
Want to see Destin from a new perspective? Parasailing with us allows you to do just that. Book a Parasailing experience today and see the coastline like never before!
Dolphin Tours
Imagine skimming across emerald waters and enjoying views of the Destin coastline, when suddenly a pod of dolphins surfaces just a few feet away! That’s exactly what you can expect when you book a dolphin tour with us. Come face to face with these stunning creatures as you brave the waves and embrace the ocean breeze.
