Destin Beach Summer Itinerary

Known for its powder-soft white sand beaches and clear warm gulf waters, Destin Beach is a favorite vacation spot for many. In addition to days spent soaking up the sun, Destin offers a world of entertainment and fun for your whole family! From festivals and weekly events to the best restaurants and beach-centric excursions and activities, we’ll have you ready to pack your bags in no time! Follow along as we lay out the perfect Destin summer beach itinerary.

Summertime is prime time in Destin! As travelers flock to the Emerald Coast for days of basking in the Florida sun, the town comes alive with exciting weekly events and activities that are sure to entertain and delight. Before a day in the sand and surf, check out one of our many farmer's markets and discover the perfect hand-made souvenir from a local artisan, or find a tasty treat to enjoy as you explore. When night falls, experience a movie under the stars on a giant inflatable screen! Be sure to grab a bite from Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar and settle into a comfy spot on the beach. Or, catch the weekly fireworks show at Harborwalk Village. Depending on your travel dates, you can even experience one of our annual festivals! From taco fests to fishing tournaments, there’s always something to add to your Destin summer itinerary.

Off the Beaten Path

There’s more to Destin and the surrounding areas than you may know, especially if you’ve never ventured off the beaten path. A day at Crab Island is a paradise for boating enthusiasts! The shallow water sandbar is full of families and groups playing on inflatable waterslides and floating in the clear gulf water. Get to know the area’s marine life with trips to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park where you’ll see dolphins, turtles, sea lions, and more! Or feed the alligators and catch live wildlife shows at Gator Beach. You can even get a historical take on the area and learn all about how Destin came to be with a visit to the Destin History and Fishing Museum! With scavenger hunts for the kids and guided tours for the adults, the museum is a beloved activity for all ages.

Skip the Sand

Add some pampering to your Destin summer itinerary! Our spas and golf courses are some of the best in the region. Book a Day of Bliss package at Serenity By the Sea Spa and enjoy multiple treatments, including a massage, facial, and lunch! Hit the links at Emerald Bay Golf Club or Indian Bayou and see why Destin has long been known as a hub for superior courses. Later, visit the Destin Commons for some retail therapy and beautiful photo ops. The murals and decorative floral walls are perfect backdrops for family photos and selfies, and the shops range from local businesses to nationwide brands. The Commons also features the delicious City Food Hall, which boasts signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, as well as exquisite food options. End your perfect day with a sunset dolphin cruise where you can relax as you watch the sun sink below the horizon. After a day of relaxing and treating yourself to the finer side of Destin, you'll be ready to jump back into the waves!

Get Adventurous!

No summer itinerary is complete without some heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled activities! See a whole new side of Destin when you parasail over the crystal waters. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, dolphins, and rays! Rip through the waves on a Jet Ski or fly through the air on Jetlev recreational water jetpack. Snorkel the Destin Jetty and get up close and personal with blue crabs, puffer fish, and even the occasional octopus. Or, if you’re looking for a guided experience, book a private deep-sea fishing adventure and cast a line for Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Tuna! Later, take advantage of your beautiful, fully equipped kitchen at your Compass Resorts Vacation Rental as you cook up your catch of the day. For an alternative to a morning beach walk and, perhaps, a more calm excursion, rent a paddleboard or kayak and take advantage of a flat surf day. No matter the activity, whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or just a new experience, there’s something for you in Destin this summer.

Destin After Dark

One of the best parts of any summer vacation to Destin is letting loose and having a night on the town. And with so many excellent restaurants, bars, and venues to choose from, you’re guaranteed to have a blast no matter where you find yourself! If upscale is what you’re craving, we recommend the elevated experience at The Craft Bar Gastropub, where the chef-inspired food and handcrafted cocktails will surprise and delight your senses. For a casual yet delicious dinner with a view, Boathouse Oyster Bar has you covered. It's been a staple in Destin for over 30 years and is a local’s favorite for oysters, beer, and live music. If you love a good dive bar, The Red Door Saloon features pool, darts, cornhole, and the best bushwackers on the coast. And for bar-top dancing, where the energy never stops, Coyote Ugly is the place to be. Whether you're looking for a high-end culinary experience or a more laid-back atmosphere with live music, Destin's restaurants and bars have something for everyone. With so many options to choose from, your night out is sure to be a memorable one.

Book Your Perfect Destin Vacation Rental

As summer approaches, Compass Resorts Vacation Rentals is preparing for another amazing season in Destin! With a wide variety of beautiful vacation rentals, we have something to fit your every need. Plus, when you book direct, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re working with a local business that has your best interest at heart. There are no hidden fees or booking fees like you get with third-party businesses, and we’re locals! We live in and love this area and want to make sure you have an excellent time on your vacation. Our customer service and excellent amenities keep people coming back year after year! From beachfront condos to luxury homes with private pools, Compass Resorts Vacation Rentals has the perfect getaway for you this summer.