Destin, FL, is one of the most stunning locations on the Gulf of Mexico, and is the perfect place for a summer beach vacation or a quick beach getaway! Many visitors enjoy relaxing on the stunning sugar-white sand beaches and swimming in the turquoise waters, but Destin also offers many fun and free things to do when you need a break from the beach or after a fun beach day. We’ve gathered a list of fun and free things to do in Destin, Florida, during your beach vacation.
Take a Stroll on the Destin Harbor
Stroll nearly a quarter of a mile along the Destin Harbor on The City of Destin’s Harbor Boardwalk. The boardwalk project was completed in 2012, and it added decking and pavers, lighting, seating, and landscaping that connected some of the best sites, shops, and restaurants located on the Destin Harbor. Now, visitors can walk amongst these beloved shops and restaurants, uninterrupted, or sit and watch the Destin fishing charters come in with the day’s catch!
Enjoy Live Music and Free Entertainment
At almost any time of year, there are free festivals and live entertainment, or free activities in Destin, Florida. Before you visit, check out The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Harborwalk Village, Destin Commons, and The Market Shops at Sandestin to see what free entertainment is happening during your visit. You might find free festivals, free concerts, or maybe even a free comedy show for the kids featuring a pirate! Although slower in the winter season, it’s not hard to find live music or free entertainment almost any night of the year. If one of the larger shopping and entertainment centers isn’t offering something, check out restaurants in Destin for some great local music!
See a Spectacular Fireworks Display in Destin
Do you love to see the night sky lit up by a fantastic display of fireworks? Well, lucky for you, visitors can find fireworks almost any week of the year. Firework shows are slow in Fall and Winter, but check out HarborWalk Village, Destin Commons, and The Village of Baytowne Wharf events schedules to see what might be happening during your visit!
Explore Destin’s Best-Kept Secret: The Destin Jetties
A quick search on Google for Destin Jetties leads to beautiful photos of turquoise waters and the stunning Jetties. Although many visitors may be unaware of this treasure, the Destin Jetties make for a great place to explore, swim, and snorkel – FREE!
This area is known as East Pass, and it serves as the connector between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the glorious Gulf of Mexico. This pass is used by fishermen and boaters accessing the Bay as well as the Destin Harbor, which is home to the largest private fishing charter fleet along the Gulf of Mexico!
Years ago, a hurricane closed off the connection between the bay and the Gulf, and fisherman and residents joined forces to dig a path for access. Later, the stone barriers were placed on each side to protect the pass. Now, these stone jetties have formed artificial reefs attracting an assortment of fish and underwater life, making it the perfect place to snorkel or fish.
Visitors can access the jetties by boat, or there are two different locations to park and walk. The first is on Holiday Isle at O’Steen Public Beach Access. The other is parking at the foot of the Destin bridge (the west side of the bridge), but this access requires a bit more of a hike before you get to the jetties.
If you plan to explore the Destin Jetties, ensure you check the Beach Safety Flag System and the day’s tide charts. It’s best to go during high tide when the water from the Gulf of Mexico is flowing into the bay, which provides almost clear visibility. Low tide is when the water is flowing out of the Choctawhatchee Bay and into the Gulf, and the water is not as clear.
See the Destin Sites on a Bike
There are some great places to take in the beauty of Destin and surrounding areas on a bike. Grab a bicycle, see the beautiful Emerald Coast sites, and take in the beachy aroma while the sun is warming your skin. We recommend taking a bike ride down Scenic 98 that runs from Miramar Beach to Destin, or along the popular Highway 30A just west of Destin in South Walton.
When you’re touring via bike, you can stop to check out the scenery, take a break and dip your toes in the turquoise water at a beach access, browse local art shops, galleries, and boutiques, or stop in a local restaurant for a bite to eat and a quick drink. The opportunities are endless! Just remember, safety first!
Book Your Destin Vacation
Take time to enjoy these free things to do in Destin showcasing the natural beauty, fantastic beaches, thrilling attractions, excellent water activities, and more when you book our Destin condos and beach houses. You’ll be glad you did! Enjoy everything this spectacular beach town offers by staying at the heart of the beauty and action in a Destin vacation rental by Condo-World. Obtain the best prices, outstanding customer service, and the perfect vacation experience to last a lifetime when you book your stay with Condo-World!
