A small-ish fishing village on Florida’s Panhandle, Destin is, in a word, glorious. There’s so much to see and do here; it’s no wonder people vacation here in droves! For those who live here, the fun and freedom never stop, with many unique, exciting, delicious, and relaxing things to do! That includes Destin’s spectacular beaches, of course. Read on to discover everything you need to have an outstanding time in Destin!
What’s the Weather Like in Destin?
To give you an idea of the weather in Destin, this quaint town of fewer than 14,000 residents sees about 226 days of sunshine per year, a little bit higher than the national average for sunny days. Why doesn’t it get more sun like some places further south in Florida? Because Destin receives more than its fair share of rain, about 66 inches, almost double the U.S. average of 38 inches.
Rainstorms come in quickly and goes out just as quickly, so a “rainy day” in Destin might still see quite a bit of sunshine. Also, in winter, the comfort index in Destin is 7.8/10, which is very comfy. It’s 3.9/10 in summer because the place gets swelteringly hot and humid. In short, the weather in Destin is a cross between good and fantastic.
The 6 Best Activities on the Beach in Destin
One of the main reasons folks come from all over to enjoy Destin is the spectacular beaches. One question you might have is what activities you can enjoy on Destin’s beaches. The Top 6 of them are below!
1. Walk Destin Harbor’s Boardwalk
Free to use, the Destin boardwalk is over a quarter mile long and offers splendid harbor views. It’s also got lovely shops, delicious restaurants, and several beach bars.
2. Beach and Pier Fishing
There are so many sea creatures swimming around Destin that fishing enthusiasts come from all over the world. You can fish from any of Destin’s beaches and jetties, and the town has 7 piers to fish from also.
3. Kayaking and Paddle boarding
Kayaking or paddleboarding the Gulf of Mexico in Destin is one of the most fun times you’ll ever have on the water! It’s easy and tranquil, and the chance of seeing manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and other majestic sea life is very high. What a thrill!
4. Watch a Magnificent Sunset
People gather on the beach every day to watch the sunset! There’s no better place to see the sunset than on one of Destin’s beaches! Remember, this is the west coast of Florida, not the east, so watching the sunset from the beach is a big thing.
5. Search for Sea Shells and Shark Teeth
Looking for a few sea shells to add to your collection? Maybe a few shark teeth? If yes, you’ll find both on Destin’s beaches, so keep a sharp eye out when you’re taking a long, leisurely walk.
6. Snorkeling
Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear when you’re in Destin, as it’s a snorkeler’s paradise! You can enjoy all sorts of beautiful fish and other sea creatures here in Destin, and the water is crystal-clear!
Top 5 Beaches in Destin, Florida
The beaches in Destin are some of the best in the United States, if not the world. They offer free parking, restrooms, showers, and other amenities. One thing you should note, though, is that in high season, they get crowded fast, and parking gets full even quicker. In other words, get there early to get a parking and beach spot!
1. Crystal Sands Beach
With a score of 5 stars, Crystal Sands Beach is one of the nicest in Destin. It boasts soft, white sugar sand, is clean as a whistle, and is an incredible place to go snorkeling with the entire family.
2. Miramar Beach
A mile or so east of Destin is Miramar Beach, a quaint beach that will take you back to your childhood memories of what going to the beach was like. Scenic beach roads, white sugar sand, nautically-themed restaurants, you name it, they’re all here!
3. Crab Island
One of the most popular beaches in Destin is Crab Island, which used to be nothing more than a small sandbar. Today Crab Island is a top summer destination and one of the top 10 places to boat and live in the U.S., according to Boating magazine.
4. James Lee Park Beach
This wonderful beach, also known as Crab Trap Beach by the locals, has everything you need for a day, week, or lifetime of fun in the sun. That includes a children’s playground, something you don’t see on many beaches here. This is a great place to swim, snorkel or just watch the day go by while sitting in your beach chair.
5. Santa Rosa Beach
What you’ll like most about Santa Rosa Beach is that it’s much less chaotic than most of the other Destin beaches while still offering all the basic amenities you need most when hitting the beach. If a peaceful day at the beach with small (or no) crowds is what you seek, Santa Rosa Beach is a great choice.
Store Your Beach Gear with Southern Self Storage
When the jet skiing, paddle boarding, and boating are done, and you need to store your beach gear, count on Southern Self Storage. Southern Self Storage has safe, secure storage units in Destin where you can store all your beach gear, jet skis, kayaks, and whatever else you need.
If you’re unsure what size storage unit you need, our easy storage unit size guide will be a big help. You can count on Southern Self Storage for all your Destin self storage needs. Click, call, or reserve your Destin storage units online today!