Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village
For a leisurely stroll past fishing charters, water activity kiosks, tasty restaurants, and boutiques, there’s Destin Harbor’s quarter-mile boardwalk. This is the hub of commercial and tourist activity in Destin, and also a great spot to enjoy watching the boats coming in and out. An extension of the boardwalk continues into the HarborWalk Village, an epicenter of family fun and waterfront restaurants and pubs.
Henderson Beach State Park
The area’s best beach has a natural feel and 6,000 feet of flawless white sand right up against the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico. There’s a short nature trail through a coastal dune ecosystem, and a boardwalk that leads to the beach (which is accessible and offers beach wheelchairs). Throw a chair down in the sand and stay all day; the sunsets are often epic.
Shores at Crystal Beach Park
A family favorite, this pristine beach park is an ideal spot for building sandcastles and frolicking in the relatively tame sea, while also providing restrooms, showers, and shaded pavilions. Consider grabbing a to-go lunch from a local sandwich shop and taking advantage of the serene picnic area.