Located in the Florida Panhandle, the greater Destin area is known for its beaches, deep-sea fishing, seafood restaurants, golf courses, parasailing, and most recently craft breweries. Each of these activities has something for every traveler making a vacation in Destin an attractive destination.
In addition to its beaches and golf, Henderson Beach State Park and Destin Harbor boardwalk are fun to check out. The state park is more than 200 acres of preserved beach that you can access for free. If eating and shopping is your thing, head over to the boardwalk to get your fix of both.
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Credit Cards to Use for a Vacation in Destin
When you arrive in Destin, you’ll likely be spending time on the beach, golf course, at restaurants, or shopping. So, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Gold Card, and Citi Premier Card can be ideal to bring with you on your vacation in Destin.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on travel and dining. You earn 4x points on dining and US grocery stores with the Amex Gold Card. The Citi Premier Card earns 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
What is the best month to go to Destin Florida?
March to June and October to November are the best months to visit Destin. The lows average 54-75 degrees and the highs average 70-88 degrees. You get the added benefit that these months are generally outside of hurricane season.
We’ve visited during these months as well as August and September. Personally, you can’t beat early May and early October. Temps are not too hot during the day. At night, the humidity doesn’t overpower you when you’re out to dinner or coming in off the beach late in the day.
How to Fly to Destin Florida
The main airport for the Destin area is Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines all offer nonstop flights from their hubs. Here’s a list of where you can fly nonstop from Destin:
- American Airlines <> Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington–National
- Delta Air Lines <> Atlanta
- Southwest Airlines <> Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Houston–Hobby, St. Louis
- United Airlines <> Houston–Intercontinental
From the airport, you’re looking at a 30-minute drive (Uber/Lyft is available) to the beach. Rental cars are also available at the airport.
Where to Stay for your Vacation in Destin
Most of the major brands including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott have hotels in the Destin area. For those of you looking to stay on the beach, one of the best options is the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Unlike most of the properties from the major hotel brands, the Hilton Sandestin is on the beach.
If you’re looking for more options, check out Airbnb, Google Hotels, and VRBO. There you’ll find more properties located on the beach or with easy beach access. If you’ve never used Google Hotels, here’s a helpful Google Hotels guide to walk you through how to use the platform.
Best Things To Do on your Vacation in Destin
Day 1
Start your vacation in Destin by snagging breakfast at Black Bear Bread Co. With coffee in hand, you have options. Either head to the beach to watch the waves roll in as you enjoy your coffee. Or, book a morning tee time at Baytowne, Kelly Plantation, The Raven, Regatta Bay, or Indian Bayou Golf Club. Once your appetite builds up, grab lunch at The Crab Trap, The Back Porch, and Bud & Alleys. Alternatively, Where to Eat in Rosemary Beach, Florida is a helpful guide for solid restaurants not too far from Destin.
After lunch, either head back to your beach of choice to spend more time relaxing. For a more active afternoon, walk the beaches at Henderson Beach State Park. Wind down day one with a drink enjoying the sunset or head to Bud & Alleys or NEAT Tasting Room for a cocktail. Taste delicious seafood at The Hub, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, and Louisiana Lagniappe, or restaurants in the Rosemary Beach Florida guide above to close out your first day. Bruster’s Ice Cream and Shake’s Frozen Custard have you covered if you need dessert.
Day 2
A trip to Destin without visiting the Donut Hole doesn’t give you the full experience. If you’re on a diet, this spot should be avoided. 😉 But, if your goal is to indulge during your vacation in Destin, the Donut Hole has you covered. Destin has deep-sea fishing galore so, after the Donut Hole, you can load your second day with this activity if you so choose. Parasailing is another activity that gets the juices flowing early in the day. If sitting on the beach the morning of your second day is your idea of a vacation in Destin, then by all means. The Crab Trap, The Back Porch, and Bud & Alleys have all of the lunch options you’re looking for when lunchtime calls.
Wind down your Destin trip either on the beach or at a brewery. Grayton Beer Company is a personal favorite. However, other brewery options include Props Brewery & Grill, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, and Destin Brewery. And there you have it. Your 48 hours of vacation in Destin is complete!
Vacation in Destin FAQs
Is Destin Florida a good place to vacation?
If you enjoy beaches, deep-sea fishing, seafood restaurants, golf courses, parasailing, and craft breweries, a vacation in Destin is for you.
Does Destin Florida have all-inclusive resorts?
Google Hotels has a filter that allows you to see of the all-inclusive resorts for your vacation in Destin.
What is the cheapest time to go to Destin Florida?
Late spring to summer is peak travel time for a vacation in Destin. So, the fall months are generally the cheapest time to visit while the weather is still pleasant.
Conclusion on a Vacation in Destin
Bringing the right credit cards with you on any vacation is an ideal strategy. If a vacation in Destin sounds fun to you, March to June and October to November are ideal months to visit. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines each offer nonstop flights to Destin from across the US making it easy to access to Destin. Points hotel options on the beach are slim pickings, so leverage the power of Google Hotels to help find a place that makes sense for you. All in all, Destin is a fun beach destination that’s relatively easy to access for US travelers.
Have you been to Destin Florida? What area of Destin do you recommend? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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