Living in Florida, I have had the opportunity to visit beautiful places. From springs, beaches on both the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico coast, museums, theme parks, forests and much more. I think at this point I can say that I know the state from the Keys to Jacksonville and the famous area known as the Panhandle. In the last posts we went from Wakulla Springs to the charming area of ​​30A and today get ready to discover spectacular beaches along with several entertainment options. Here you’ll find a guide of how we were exploring Destin, from the most famous place in the city to other must-see spots on your visit.

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Although Destin has several entertainment options, the most popular activity is visiting the beaches. But again, just like on 30A, we found private beach entrances, where you have to open a door with a code or a key, especially for the people that live in the area. Although, once on the beach everything is the same, there are no divisions.

Crab Island: The Jewel of Destin

My main reason for visiting this beach town was to visit Crab Island. The first thing you should know is that it is not an island as such, but a sandbar that offers turquoise waters, very calm and a somewhat festive atmosphere. You can bring alcoholic drinks (obviously in moderation) or whatever you want to drink and eat. Most of the boats have music, to be heard by the people in the boat, not for the whole beach, it is not a competition of who has the best sound :).

The water was about hip-deep (I’m 1.73m/5’8″ tall) so even if you don’t swim, you can still enjoy the place to the fullest. The water is so calm that I walked from the boat to a spot where there is a bigger boat selling floats, drinks and even sunscreen, among other things. Not only that, but there are also other small boats or dinghies that cruise around Crab Island, slowly, selling drinks and other souvenirs. Which reminded me a bit of the beaches in Venezuela.

You can’t swim there, so you’ll need to rent a boat, kayak, jet ski, or take a boat tour, like we did with Destin Pontoon Charters.

We joined a group of about 18 people on a boat with a captain and a guide who made the experience even better. The tour includes:

• Inflatable Lilly pad to relax in the water
• Coolers with ice to keep your drinks cold
• A tour of the bay where we were able to see several dolphins in their natural habitat
• Free time on Crab Island to enjoy the incredibly crystal clear water

There are several companies and types of tours, including sunset cruises to just see dolphins or floating mini tiki bars that take you to Crab Island. Private tour options are also available.

Crab Island has a fascinating history, as it was originally a real island, but over the years erosion submerged it underwater. Its name comes from the large number of crabs that used to inhabit the area, and over time, its popularity grew thanks to the stunning colors of the water and the relaxed atmosphere that have made it an unmissable tradition in Destin. It really is a must-add to your list of places to visit in Florida.

Public Beaches in Destin

Although many beaches in Destin are restricted to resorts and private communities, there are still incredible public access options:

• Henderson Beach State Park: One of the best public beaches in Destin with white sand and turquoise waters. We were unable to visit it because they only accepted cash on those days, so if you plan to go, bring cash just in case.
• James Lee Park: It has ample free parking, bathrooms, showers and a beachfront restaurant (Crab Trap Destin).
• Norriego Point: A beautiful area overlooking the bay and calm waters, ideal for relaxing or snorkelling.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village

Another must-see spot in Destin is the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a waterfront promenade with beautiful views, restaurants, shops, and water activities. Here you can find options for boat rentals, jet skis, dolphin tours, fishing, and more.

Right next door is HarborWalk Village, a vibrant area with more shops, bars and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to stroll at sunset, enjoy the sea breeze and sample delicious food.

Just across the street is a huge Irish Pub that I loved. McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin There are several seating sections, including an open 2nd floor seating area overlooking Crab Island. We drank several local beers there and walked around the place. We also had a small appetizer before heading to dinner in Miramar Beach at another place we really liked: Royal Palm Grille, which not only has a pleasant view of the beach and delicious dishes, but also has a small beach bar that is not to be missed.

If you are planning a road trip, here are some approximate distances from:

Seaside, FL – 45 min (30 miles/48KM)
New Orleans, LA – 4 hours (250 miles/402KM)
Orlando, FL – 6 hours (420 miles/676KM)

Destin is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World” due to its fish-rich waters and long-standing fishing tradition. In addition, its sand is almost 100% quartz, giving it that bright white color and incredibly smooth texture. The stunning turquoise hue of the water is due to the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, creating a unique clarity effect that makes this destination a true paradise.

If you’re planning a visit to Destin, I highly recommend including Crab Island, exploring more of its beaches, and touring HarborWalk Village. Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited this amazing destination or if you have any questions for your trip!

Next, a video exploring Destin! CC for subtitles!