Destin

Destin is about 740 miles or a 12-15 hour drive from our home in Cincinnati, OH. That is about our limit for a single day drive.

Additionally, there are many different cities and beaches that surround Destin, which are frequently labeled as “Destin”. I included some of those areas that we visited below.

Miramar Beach

On our second trip to Destin in 2023 we stayed at Miramar Beach. It was a great location, although a bit busier than Santa Rosa beach listed below.

However, be aware that large sections of the beach are privately owned. Additionally, that means that even if your rental is close to the beach, you may have to walk a long distance to reach a public access point.

Okaloosa Island

Okaloosa Island has a few beach area as well as sands dunes. We drove to Okaloosa Island a couple of days and stopped at John Beasley Park to swim. Also, it was a great place to look for shells. Additionally, we found shark teeth, sea dollars and even a horseshoe crab shell.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located on Okaloosa Island. We weren’t sure what to expect, but both the kids and adults had a great time.

If you plan to go, make sure to check out their schedule so that you can be there for the dolphin show. It is a lot of fun to see the dolphins perform. Also, the show is about 30 minutes and you can either sit in the stands or stand to the sides for a closer view. Additionally, they have some other shows available like a sea lion demonstration.

Santa Rosa Beach

On our first visit to Destin in 2021, we stayed at Santa Rosa Beach (not to be confused with nearby Santa Rosa Island). While technically in South Walton and not Destin, it is just east of Destin in the direction of Panama City.

Eden Gardens State Park

Eden Gardens State Park is located near Santa Rosa Beach. We spent one day there to take a break from the beach and nurse our sunburns. It is located along a coastal wetland and includes numerous trees, flowers and sculptures.

Pensacola and the Blue Angels

Pensacola is located about 90 minutes west of Destin and is home to the National Naval Aviation Museum and the famous Blue Angels. Even from Destin, we frequently saw (and heard) the fighter jets fly over.

Unfortunately, as of 2023, the museum and grounds are closed unless you have a DOD card (active military) due to an attack on the base in 2019. The Blue Angels have a practice schedule you can attend and if you do not have access to the base, there are a few nearby sites from which you can view the show.

Crab Island

Crab Island looked like fun, but we didn’t make it. It is probably busier with more to do over the summer than spring break.

ALSO CONSIDER VISITING THESE NEARBY AREAS

Check out some of the other sights in the Southeast Region.