Destin, Florida is a great place for lazily relaxing on the beach, taking in the crisp Gulf breezes and admiring the crystal clear waters and sugar white sands. However, if you require a bit of activity before you're happy to just kick back and relax, or if you just want to move around a bit, you're in luck, because there are some wonderful adventures to be had in Destin. From parasailing to scuba, deep sea fishing to snorkeling, golfing to shopping, Destin, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico have a world of fun at your fingertips.

Golfing

Florida is known for great weather and great golf, and you can bet that you will find plenty of both in Destin. Whether you are visiting Destin, Florida in the winter or summer, the sun will be shining, the greens pristine, and the games spectacular. Choose from dozens of course options, from modest fun on a municipal course to a real challenge on one of the areas many championship courses.
 
The best golfing deal in Destin can be found at Fort Walton Beach Municipal Golf Course on the Oaks Course and Pines Course where green fees are a mere $40. The Fred Couples-designed Kelly Plantation Course was named by Golf Digest as one of the best new courses in the country, while the Emerald Bay Golf Club is widely considered to be the best golf course in Northwest Florida. For what Golf Magazine considers "the pureset golf on the Panhandle," head to Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. No matter where you choose to let loose on the fairways, you can sure that you'll a great experience golfing in Destin, Florida. Select the links below for Golf Courses.

Public Golf Courses

Private Golf Courses

Municipal Golf Courses

Fishing

Destin, Florida is widely known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and you can join thousands of others in finding out for yourself just how true this is!
 
Deep Sea fishing is a wonderful adventure that has the added bonus of producing the night's dinner! Destin has a huge fleet of deep sea fishing vessels. You can either charter one privately for your very own deep sea adventure or join a pre-arranged fishing trip. It is your choice.

Deep sea fishing may be the most exciting way to catch a fish, but it certainly isn’t the only option. Pier and jetty fishing in the Gulf is perfect in April through October. You can look forward to catching such varieties as Pompano, Whiting, Channel Bass, Sheepshead, Blue Runner, Bluefish, Sail Cat, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, Bonito, Jack Crevalle.

There is also good fishing to be had in the Choctawhatchee Bay, where you will find Speckled Sea Trout, Sheepshead, White Trout, Channel Bass, Red fish, Sail Cat, Bluefish, and Flounder.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Water Sports

Water Sports are a great way to experience Destin in a whole new way while having a blast! Explore Destin’s waters on a pontoon boat, wave runner, or jet ski. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try a parasail – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
 
There are several companies in Destin that will rent you a boat, jet ski, or waverunner during your stay or take you on a parasailing flight high above the Gulf of Mexico. Gilligans WaterSports and Boogies Watersports are our favorites for their extensive offerings and great customer service.

Gilligans Watersports

Boogies Watersports

Diving and Snorkeling

Diving and snorkeling are another great way to explore the Emerald Coast. Anyone can explore the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico by snorkeling. All you need to do is rent the basic equipment, and many shops offer rentals. You can also sign up for a snorkeling trip, which will take you to some of the better snorkeling spots in Destin. A Paradise Water Sports has some great snorkeling trips.

Scuba is a little more intense, but if you are certified, there are a few companies that will take you on some beautiful dives. Not certified? Get certified! Emerald Coast Scuba offers a 4-day scuba certification, as well as several dive trips.

Scuba Tech of NW Florida

Emeral Coast Scuba

Shopping

Shopping in Destin, Florida is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon – or a whole day! Several shopping areas provide wonderful shops, featuring everything from bathing suits to fine gifts and everything in between.

Whether you are looking for a bargain on a few beachy necessities you left at home or whether you just want to explore the offerings on display in designer boutiques, you’ll love shopping in Destin, Florida.

Silver Sands Factory Stores
Florida is famous for its outlet malls, and Destin doesn’t disappoint in that department. Silver Sands Factory Stores is the nation’s largest designer outlet mall, and it is located just minutes from Destin. Find everything from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th to Harry & David to Le Creuset.

Destin Commons
Destin Commons is an open-air shopping center that features great restaurants, movie theatres, and over 75 stores. It’s a great place to look for a new bathing suit to sport on the beach, or to pick out some unique gifts to bring home to friends. If you want to see a movie while you’re in Destin, this is a great place to go. And as far as a night out, you can’t go wrong with the Hard Rock Café.

Village at Baytown Wharf
For a more quaint shopping experience head to the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, Florida. This shopping area is located on the Choctawatchee Bay and features some 40 shops, many of them independent merchants, offering a wonderful array of unique gifts and souvenirs. There are also fine restaurants and entertainment.