Picture this: sandcastles and giant umbrellas, ice cream, and refreshing isolated showers to cool off in. It’s summertime, and we’re here to embrace it. Grab your flip-flops and favorite bathing suit, and head over to Destin for a summer of soft and sandy experiences.
What To Do in Destin During the Summer:
Star-Spangled Food Truck Banner
Are you the kind of person who always wants to try a little bit of everything on the menu? The type that’s always asking for a bite of someone else’s dish? If this sounds like you (or even if it doesn’t), then food trucks are the perfect choice. What brings together patriotism and food? An American-embodied food truck fest with your favorite flavors. How many flavors? 25 whole food trucks worth. Where is this extravagant experience? Alongside the vibrant streets of Destin Commons. But the fun doesn’t stop at food trucks; you can also enjoy a live performance from Duchess and Tobacco Road Band. And if all of this doesn’t meet your criteria for a summer experience, the day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Live out your best Bruce Springsteen and show ’em how you were born in the USA.
Best Fondue Friends Forever
Let’s start with a little history for this event – the history of Fondue. The word itself is French for “to melt,” but don’t let that fool you. Fondue has Swiss heritage dating back to the 1930s. Just like today, it involved melty delicious cheese in a pot and skewers of carbs to dip into it. In the 1960s, Americans became interested in international cuisine and discovered fondue as an informal yet popular option. By the ’70s, fondue had expanded to include anything that could melt in a pot and be delicious. In 1975, the triple threat of brothers Mike, Bob, and Mark opened a chain dedicated to this craze. So, what does all of this have to do with “Best Fondue Friends Forever”? Well, this event takes place at The Melting Pot in Destin, Florida, where you can enjoy three courses for just $36! Come and indulge in all the melty goodness that has remained popular and still going strong after decades of service.
Rock the Docks
Next up, we have a little something to satisfy your desire for a peaceful moment on the dock, just like Otis Redding sang about “sitting on the dock of the bay”. Although Otis is not part of this event, there will be live music, and it all happens on the Destin Harbor Dock. That’s right – live music on a dock in the middle of sunny Florida. And here’s the best part: it’s free! Don’t worry about burning a hole in those deep neon swim trunk pockets. Go to HarborWalk Village at 7 p.m. on any Saturday of the summer and enjoy the soothing sounds and vibrant atmosphere.
Music Bingo
If the previous suggestion got you feeling the summertime sunshine and craving more music, then you’re going to love this seasonal event. Can you guess what it is? We’ll give you a hint. It’s a game that involves a bucket of numbers and a crowd of people jumping with enthusiasm. If you guessed bingo, then “bingo,” you’re correct! The festivities include 150 of what they call “the best musical hits.” While there might not be an actual bucket involved, they will play 45-second clips of each song to give you an idea of how close you are to winning the game. Head over to Fatboys on Tuesdays for some lively action!
45th Annual Seafood Festival
As the name suggests, this event has been a beloved tradition since its opening in 1978 by the Destin Charter Boat Association Women’s Auxiliary. The annual seafood festival not only serves as a fun and delicious activity for the community but also has a charitable purpose. It remains the main fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association, a non-profit organization formed in 1954 that primarily advocates for fisheries management. Admission to the event is free, and you can choose from a staggering 110 food and art vendors while you’re there. Go and enjoy an event that has withstood the test of time, filled with dancing and tasty seafood.
Fat Tuesday HarborWalk Village
Imagine Mardi Gras by the beach. We know what you’re thinking – it sounds too good to be true. But we promise you, it’s a thing here in Destin, they have their version of Mardi Gras. The festivities take place at HarborWalk Village, and of course, it’s held on a Tuesday. When you visit, expect giant floats, colorful costumes, street performers, and, of course, people throwing beads at you. And let’s not forget about the food to fuel your excitement – indulge in New Orleans’ favorite cousin in the sunshine state.
Last but certainly not least, we have an island adventure. Crab Island may not be an actual island, but it’s a sandbar of pure fun! Hang out with other boaters, chat with fellow sandbar-goers, and satisfy your hunger with some summer treats from vendors. Think of it as a hidden escape from Destin, far away from those silly tourists. Whether you want to book your charter or join other island enthusiasts, you’re guaranteed an amazing adventure!
Tell Lana that Summertime Sadness doesn’t exist here and after you hit up all these fun-fueled places you’ll be saying life’s beach!
