Renowned for its gorgeous beaches, picturesque views, and busy tourist season, Destin, Florida, is a charming and relatively underrated winter destination. If you’re planning to visit Destin during the winter, knowing what to expect during your trip, as far as weather, attractions, dining, and so forth are concerned, can be quite helpful.
Lucky for you, Move It Storage put together the following list of tips that will help you when visiting Destin during wintertime. If enjoying everything this fantastic Florida city offers is your goal, read on!
Tip- Don’t Dress for Cold Weather
One of the main reasons Destin is such a popular destination in winter is because the weather is delightful. The average temperatures range between the 50s and 70s Fahrenheit, providing a perfect escape from the harsh winter weather “up north.” Not only that, but you also won’t have to deal with the sweltering heat and humidity that grips Destin during the summer. With mild temperatures and lots of sunshine, enjoying outdoor activities in Destin is much easier and more comfortable during the winter.
Tip- Destin’s Beaches are Always Open
Although Destin might get a chilly week or two during the winter, the beaches never close. That’s because, after a few days of chilly temps, the sun typically returns and warms things up enough to go for a stroll, search for seashells, and relax on the beach. The sugar-white sands of Henderson Beach State Park, for example, are a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon with your family, tossing around the football and watching the sunset. Plus, you’ll have most of the beach because there are fewer folks than in the summer.
Crab Island is a Must-See Destin Location
Known for its crystal clear and shallow waters, Crab Island is a must-see destination in Destin, FL, especially during the winter. When it’s warm enough (most of the time), locals gather at Crab Island for relaxing days on their boats, socializing and enjoying adult beverages. Because there are far fewer boats, you can enjoy the island with less stress and won’t have to worry about other boaters being too exuberant.
Activities to Enjoy in Destin During the Winter
Since the winter weather in Destin is so comfortable, and the sun shines often, enjoying outdoor activities is possible. One of the best is a dolphin-watching tour that brings you close to these majestic creatures while they swim and frolic in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Deep-sea fishing expeditions are also popular as the cooler waters attract various fish species.
If you want to give the kids something to enjoy that also educates them about the importance of the Gulf and its wildlife, you should head to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The unique educational exhibits and live animal encounters you’ll find there will both entertain and educate your little ones.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Destin
Most activities and attractions you’ll find in Destin are meant for families, but some are exclusively made for them. For example, Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park offers thrilling water rides and a phenomenal mini golf park. Then there’s The Track, which offers bumper boats, go-karts, and a massive arcade that will keep the youngest members of your family engaged for hours. If a fascinating journey through Destin’s maritime history is more to your liking, the Destin History and Fishing Museum is a great choice. There, you’ll find a variety of interesting and interactive exhibits and fascinating artifacts.
Destin’s Winter Festivals
If you’re a fan of festivals, you’ll be glad to know that Destin has several of them during the winter. The first is the Destin Fishing Rodeo, usually held from October to November. One of the best in the state, the fishing rodeo has been around for years and offers impressive prizes to anglers nationwide.
The annual Destin Seafood Festival is an excellent choice for foodies and highlights the culinary excellence (and delicious Gulf Coast seafood) found here. You’ll also find the following festivals if you visit Destin around the Holidays:
- Destin Harbor Boat Parade: This annual boat parade through Destin Harbor creates a stunning display of lights and holiday cheer.
- Holiday on the Harbor: The HarborWalk Village in Destin hosts a series of holiday events, including visits from Santa Claus and live entertainment.
- Festival of Trees: The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation organizes the Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated Christmas trees are displayed.
The Top Restaurants in Destin
The seafood in Destin is spectacular, as well as many other culinary delights. Below is a small taste (pun intended) of the top restaurants in the city.
1. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
A beloved seafood destination, The Back Porch offers Gulf views, a casual atmosphere, and their famous Amberjack sandwich.
2. McGuire’s Irish Pub
Famous for its hearty Irish fare and a vast selection of handcrafted brews, McGuire’s is a fun and lively spot offering Irish classics like Shepherd’s Pie.
3. Harbor Docks
Harbor Docks has been a local Destin institution for over 40 years, serving fresh Gulf Coast seafood in a casual atmosphere.
4. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
This waterfront restaurant combines Southern hospitality with fresh seafood. Guests can enjoy oysters, crab, and other Gulf favorites while enjoying beautiful bay views.
5. Louisiana Lagniappe
Louisiana Lagniappe brings the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine to Destin. It’s known for its seafood gumbo, blackened fish, and signature cocktails.
6. Camille’s at Crystal Beach
Camille’s offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and creative cocktails. It’s popular for locals and visitors seeking a beachfront dining experience.
Store Your Stuff Safely in Destin with Move It Storage
If, after visiting, you decide to stay and need to find storage units in Destin, FL, Move It Storage is your best choice! Move It offers various storage unit sizes, the best safety and security features in the storage industry, and climate-controlled storage units that protect your valuables from Destin’s often aggressive heat and humidity.
You can reserve a storage unit in Destin online in minutes with no deposit and no credit card necessary. For folks born and raised in Destin, Move It offers storage for almost anything you need.