Destin, Florida: Unique Things to Do During the Winter
Destin, Florida is a beautiful place to visit all year-around. However, it is one of my favorite winter trip spots to visit due to its perfect 60° weather, decreased tourist population, and the various indoor-outdoor activities to enjoy with the family.
In this blog, you’ll find the best places to stay and the best things to do during the winter season in Destin, Florida. From delicious food, luxury brand outlet shopping, and thrilling activities and shows, you’ll be sure to find something enjoyable for all ages during your travel experience.
Destin, Florida Winter Weather
Florida is known as the state with some of the best warm weather all year-around. However, if you’re visiting the northern part of Florida during the winter, such as Destin, you will find it to be a little more chillier than you might have originally thought. If you plan to visit Destin in the winter months, you’ll find temperatures reaching as low as 40 degrees. Below are the temperatures per month:
- August: 90° / 77°
- September: 87° / 73°
- October: 80° / 64°
- November: 71° / 54°
- December: 64° / 48°
- January: 62° / 46°
- February: 64° / 49°
- March: 70° / 54°
The weather can be very unpredictable, especially if you’re visiting a location near the ocean, like Destin. I highly recommend packing layered clothing for those unpredictable weather days during your vacation.
Destin, Florida Best Things to Do
1. Stroll the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a fun family-friendly place to experience new eateries and activities for the entire family to enjoy. From escape room games to paddleboarding activities to endless souvenir shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. The boardwalk is a popular and must-do experience to see the beautiful Destin ocean while enjoying some delicious food and fun activities.
Address: 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
2. Grab a bite to eat at McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s Irish Pub is a unique restaurant to enjoy a fancy steak meal with your family or significant other. This Irish Pub creates a fun experience with a variety of food. From steak, burgers, pork-chops and sushi, you are sure to find something delicious. Also, be sure to write your name on a dollar bill to tape on the wall before you leave and check out their merchandise store too!
Address: 33 US-98, Destin, FL 32541
3. Shop at the Silver Sands Premium Outlets
One of my favorite things to do during the winter season in Destin is visiting the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. The indoor-outdoor outlet mall offers multiple luxury brand retail stores, such as Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and so many more. You can also shop at Adidas, American Eagle, Victoria Secret, and so much more! I highly recommend checking out the Silver Sands Premium Outlets during your Destin winter vacation!
Address: 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
4. Take a Boat Cruise along the Destin Harbor
Boat cruises are an extremely popular tourist attraction in Destin, Florida. There are multiple types of cruises, such as a sunset cruise, dolphin tour cruises, tiki sandbar cruises, and a combination of all three cruise types. You can actually find all these cruises offered at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, or you can book your experiences online. If you book online, I highly recommend booking your experience with the below excursions:
- Sunset Cruise: Book excursion here
- Dolphin Tour Cruise: Book excursion here
- Tiki Sandbar Cruise: Book excursion here
- Tiki Sandbar and Dolphin Tour: Book excursion here
- Sunset and Dolphin Tour: Book excursion here
5. Take a day trip to Gator Beach
Gator Beach is known as the World’s Greatest Alligator Park located in Destin, Florida. At Gator Park, you can book a Gator Tour or Book a Gator Show experience. During the Gator Tour experience, you get to see professionals guide you along Gator Beach to see a wide variety of gators, while teaching you all about gators and their history. During the Gator Show, you can see professionals interact with alligators presenting a fun and engaging experience for all ages. You can also hold an alligator too! I highly recommend both experiences!
Address: 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
6. Grab a Coffee at Bad Ass Coffee
One of the best places to grab a morning coffee is at Bad Ass Coffee in Destin, Florida. Although Bad Ass Coffee is a Hawaiian coffee brand, there is something about sipping a delicious Bad Ass Coffee near the beach in Destin, Florida too. Whether you’ve tried a coffee from here or not, I highly recommend stopping here at least once during your trip. While you’re there, grab a Bad Ass Coffee souvenir cup or tshirt too!
Address: 1708 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
7. Book a show at the HarborWalk Theater
The HarborWalk Theater provides world-class entertainment from live magic shows, hypnotic shows, and comedy shows. Shows are available to all ages, aside from the hypnotic show, which requires individuals to be 18 and older. This is a fun and unique experience to do during the winter season in Destin, Florida!
Address: 10 Harbor Blvd #234, Destin, FL 32541
Final Thoughts
Destin, Florida is such a fun and unique small beach town to experience during the winter season! If you’re interested in more Florida vacation destinations, be sure to check out the Best Things to Do in Key West travel guide.
What activities will be at the top of your list when you visit Destin, Florida? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
