Welcome to Your Action-Packed Day in Destin
Looking forward to a trip to Destin, Florida? No matter whether you’ll be there in June or January, with your whole extended family, significant other, or solo, you’re going to have an amazing beach vacation.
And we’re here to help you plan out your day. Because the reality is, there’s so much more to do in Destin than sit on the beach (although we absolutely recommend a day of that, as well!).
In between the beach time, delicious food, and cocktails, you’ll have to make time for one or two watersports rentals while you’re in Destin. It’s a great way to break up the vacation and get up close to dolphins, tropical fish, and more. If you’re the type who appreciates just a little adrenaline rush, then you’re going to want to plan some more adventurous activities – and Destin is a perfect place for that.
An hourly watersports rental allows you to get behind the wheel of a pontoon boat or jet ski and explore the ocean first-hand. You can rent your watercraft by the hour, so you can limit yourself to a couple of hours, or spend half a day at sea. Either way, you’re going to come back with a great tan and even better action photos.
So if you get tired of lying in the sun, here’s your schedule for a complete and action-packed day in the beautiful beach town of Destin, Florida.
Morning: grab breakfast on the beach
Ease into your big day out on the water. Drop in to one of the sweet seaside cafes along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. You can enjoy an iced coffee and light breakfast before kickstarting your adventurous day.
If you find a local coffee shop near the boardwalk, then you’ll be within walking distance of many of the watersports and activities that we have planned for you.
At home, breakfast might consist of a piece of toast that you grab as you dash out the door for work or to drop off the kids. But on vacation, plan some time at the beginning of your day to hang out with the fam and look forward to the rest of your afternoon adventures.
Early afternoon: rent a jet ski
Start things off with some speed by renting a jet ski in Destin. After your coffee and pastries, give yourself a little time to digest and then walk over to Xtreme H20, where you’ll be able to rent a high-performance, well-maintained jet ski.
You can rent by the hour, starting as early as 10:00 or 11:00 AM. If you’re planning to do everything on this list, then you may want to go with a two-hour rental, just to be sure you can fit everything in. If you have more time, then go for a 3-4 hour rental so you’re not rushing.
You’ll get some time to jet around the ocean waters at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful views, while catching a breeze and some ocean spray. If you’re comfortable driving a car, then you’ll quickly pick up the art of operating a jet ski. Our knowledgeable staff will help you learn the ropes so you feel comfortable before you take off. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone, and wear a bathing suit – you’re definitely going to kick up some salt spray!
Late afternoon: go parasailing
Everyone loves a jet ski outing, but that was only the beginning of your adventurous day in Destin. Next up: learn how to parasail.
Parasailing is one of those unforgettable activities that you’re probably not doing Monday through Friday. Make the most of your Destin vacation by challenging yourself and give parasailing a try. You’ll soar above the waves, and the views from high up above the water simply cannot be matched.
Call ahead to reserve a parasailing excursion with Xtreme H20 for a couple of hours. You won’t regret it.
Evening: take a dolphin tour
After a few hours of jet skiing at high speed and then parasailing with the pelicans, you might be ready to relax and take things down a notch. Take in the sunset and close out an amazing day with a dolphin tour.
It’s fairly common to see pods of dolphins along the Destin shoreline. So don’t miss your chance to see dolphins in real life. You can rent a pontoon boat for a few hours, which has a relatively quiet motor – allowing you to get close to the dolphins without disturbing them. If you have the kids with you, rent a pontoon boat with a slide for extra fun!
This will be an opportunity for some amazing photos and videos to remember your vacation.
If you’re an early riser, you might even have enough time to make your way out to Crab Island. Even if you decide to save that for another day, you won’t want to miss a Crab Island excursion while you’re in Destin. Once you’ve reserved your pontoon boat, you can easily get to Crab Island in less than an hour. If you have snorkeling gear, you can take this opportunity to jump into the shallow waters and look for fish, coral, shells – and yes, even dolphins in the distance.
Your likelihood of seeing dolphins in the flesh may depend on the time of year, temperature, weather, and time of day. So do a little research ahead of time: you may want to adjust this schedule to maximize your chances of seeing these beautiful creatures in action.
Night time: dine by the ocean
Nothing says “vacation” like fresh oysters with a beach view. Close out your active day on the water with a relaxing meal.
Try some fresh, local seafood along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. You’ll enjoy some nightlife and a cool sea breeze. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day full of adventure.
No matter what you do, you’re going to enjoy a full day in beautiful Destin, Florida! Hopefully this guide has helped you plan out your Destin vacation so you can look forward to plenty of action from morning to night.
