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Thanksgiving Holidays in Destin, Florida

Thanksgiving is a holiday for gathering family and friends – and what better place to enjoy one another than the beach. Destin, Florida has become very popular for extended families to celebrate the Thanksgiving break. Moderate temperatures still allow many outdoor activities and there are fewer crowds (and traffic) than summertime months. Although the Panhandle definitely has cool nights during the winter, Fall is usually spared the harsh cold temps permitting lots of outdoor time.

Xtreme H2O Sports is a family-owned and operated Watersports business open year-round in Destin. We offer Pontoon Boat and Jet Ski Rentals and Parasailing and Dolphin Tours. Our crew has made a list of our favorite things to do in Destin during November:

The Beach – It doesn’t matter what time of day or what time of the year, the beach is always our favorite thing about Destin! Expect cooler sunrises and earlier sunsets but they are especially colorful this time of year. Autumn sunsets are famous for photoshoots over the beach, be sure to take lots of pics!
Parasailing – There is no better way to see the coastline than to get a bird’s eye view of the beach parasailing. Xtreme H2O offers parasailing for ages 6 and up, it’s fun and safe for the whole family. And, since you take off and land directly on the boat you do not have to get wet. Don’t forget your camera to capture it all! Click here for more info.
Beach Bonfire – The coast gets a little cool in the evenings but perfect for a beach bonfire. Every Monday and Friday night Royal Palm Grille hosts a free bonfire with “first come, first serve” seating, click here for more info.
Hiking – Walking the beach is everyone’s favorite “hike” along the coast however there are many trails that are in the area worth noting! Click here for more info.
Boat Tour – Rent a Pontoon Boat or charter one of Destin’s cruises to explore the Destin Harbor, sightsee beautiful waterfront homes and yachts, stop for a waterfront cocktail and check out here for more info.
Crab Island. Also, consider renting a Jet Ski and guided tours for a truly exciting Destin experience! Click here for more info.
Shopping – Destin has a lot of great shopping malls, including Destin Commons, Silver Sands and Grand Boulevard. But, don’t miss out on the incredible local, small businesses that align the beautiful Destin Harbor!
Ice Skating – Enjoy ice skating at the beach with the family at The Village at Baytowne Wharf on Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort! (OPEN THANKSGIVING) Click here for more info.

Thanksgiving is a gathering celebrated by food! Here is a list of Destin area restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day 2021. We have included Thanksgiving buffets as well as casual and formal Thanksgiving dining options – just click the Restaurant link to contact.

Destin Area Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day 2021:

We hope you have a wonderful, safe and Happy Thanksgiving in Destin!

Fall Break in Destin, Florida

Destin and surrounding areas in Northwest Florida have become popular tourist destinations for year-round travel due to moderate temperatures in the “off-season” and easy travel for Southeast vacationers. While summer is definitely the busiest time for the Emerald Coast, spring break and fall break are also great times to visit and offer cooler temps, less crowds and often lower prices! Fall break is a gap on school calendars usually scheduled in October bringing families and college kids to the area for one last hoorah before the holidays. We welcome our fall break visitors and hope to see you on the water with Xtreme H2O Sports, as we are open all year!

October is commonly referred to as the favorite month of the year among locals and returning guests to the panhandle. Fewer crowds and less traffic offer better opportunities to sightsee along the coast. The slower season often means lower prices for accommodations and activities and definitely shorter lines shopping and dining! The weather is perfect with cooler evenings yet the water is still warm enough to enjoy swimming pools and the Gulf of Mexico.

Xtreme H2O Sports appreciates the surge in business that comes with fall break and invites travelers to take advantage of lower rates during the off-season but the same fun activities that are offered all year! Our team of locals came up with a list of “must dos” for you and your family to enjoy fall break:

Fall Break Bucket List for Families

Destin Fishing Rodeo – Join in the festivities October 1-31st for the 73rd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, a month-long fishing tournament celebrated on the Destin Harbor. Book a fishing charter or participate every day as a spectator at the weigh-ins on the docks.
Crab Island – No trip to Destin, Florida is complete without seeing Crab Island. Rent a boat and hit up the most popular tourist destination in the panhandle. Be sure to pack your cooler, towel and sunscreen and picnic for a fun day on the water. Water is still warm enough to enjoy snorkeling and swimming, so bring the floats and enjoy soaking in the sun!
Rocktober – Harborwalk Village hosts several concerts free to the public every Saturday in October at 7 PM followed by fireworks at 9 PM. Enjoy fun, family festivities on the docks to include dinner as well at one of their awesome waterfront restaurants.
Museums – Destin and the surrounding areas are rich with local history that are displayed at Destin Fishing Museum, Indian Temple Mound Museum, the Gulfarium and Air Force Armament Museum. Especially great activities to explore on rainy or cooler days at the beach!
Sunset – Our autumn sunsets are the best as the sun sets over the water this time of year. Enjoy a sunset cruise, dine on the harbor and/ or a walk on the beach to capture these beautiful sunsets and don’t forget your camera! Book a professional photographer to remember forever.
Amusement rides – Family go-kart racing, bumper boat spraying and mini-golf tournaments offered at the Track in Destin, Florida. The park is conveniently located, clean and the staff is awesome!
Parasailing Destin – Get the best view of the beach parasailing with the family. Take advantage of lower prices in shoulder season for this exciting coastal activity. Fun and safe for all, ages 6 and over (spectators on boat are welcome age 3 and up). Parasailing can be enjoyed all year with take-off and landing directly on the boat so getting wet is entirely up to you!
Art Festivals – Destin attracts artists and enthusiasts from all over the world every October for annual events; Artsquest Fine Art Festival and Mattie Kelly Art Foundation’s Festival of the Arts.
Jet Ski Experience – Explore Destin by water on Jet Skis. Ride throughout the Choctawhatchee Bay, the Destin Harbor and East Pass to discover Okaloosa Island, Norriego Point, Crab Island and more. Jet Skis are easy and safe to operate and a blast to ride! Xtreme H2O Sports has 2 locations offering rentals. Check out their exciting Dolphin Tour via Jet Skis scheduled daily with one of our crew guiding the group.
Hiking – Autumn is celebrated for the change of seasons and Destin and surrounding areas have awesome trails and parks to experience…off the beaten path. Check out Henderson State Park in Destin and click here to view several other hiking destinations close by.

Pack your bags and head to Destin this month and check out Autumn at the beach!

Things to do for Adults this Fall in Destin, Florida

It’s Back to School time for the kids and playtime for the adults! Most lodging accommodations companies and hotels have lower rates as families are unable to travel. Making it the perfect time for adult travel. Plan that girls trip, wedding celebration getaway or romantic weekend for two. Whether it’s a long weekend at the beach or a week-long vacation; autumn is an excellent time to travel to Destin, Florida.

Fall is perfect for that Bachelorette/ Bachelor Party Weekend or an adults-only couples trip as the weather is still great for the beach and rates are less expensive for boat rentals and other activities to enjoy. We’ve compiled some great ideas to celebrate Destin as adults this Fall:

Rent a pontoon boat to explore Destin by water. Explore the Destin Harbor, hang out at Crab Island and enjoy lunch on the water. Our favorites to visit are Dewey Destin on the Bay (next to Destin Marina and Xtreme H2O’s Crab Island location) where you can dock your boat while dining. The Gulf on Okaloosa Island is also a great waterfront restaurant with a beach to pull up your boat while having some drinks and snacks.
Check Parasailing off your bucket list! Get a bird’s eye view of the coast, hundreds of feet in the air flying over the beach. Parasailing is fun and safe for all ages and the experience will make memories to last a lifetime. Perfect for celebrating proposals, birthdays or just life- yolo! Oftentimes parasailing you see dolphins, sea turtles, baby sharks and more.
September – November delivers the most spectacular sunsets daily over the water in Destin. Schedule professional beach portraits or bring a tripod and take some shots yourself!
The Destin Fishing Rodeo spans the entire month of October along the docks of the Destin Harbor. 2021 marks the 73rd year for the annual fishing tournament. Book a fishing charter with Xtreme Fishing Charters to enter the tournament yourself and find out why Destin is coined the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”! If you’re not really into fishing, join the festivities as a spectator at the weigh-ins daily on the docks.
Destin offers a lot of great events during Fall in the local area, here is a list of several popular happenings coming up:
- Emerald Coast Powerboat Week and Poker Run – September 22-26th. Annual boating event hosted by Florida Powerboat Club along the coast from Destin to Pensacola with waterfront stops along the way. Join the festivities as a registered boat or as a spectator at many of the weeklong events!
- 73rd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo – October 1-31st Join the tournament as an angler or watch the daily events on the docks when the fish come in to weigh.
- 13th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival – October 8-9th Taste over 200 domestic and international craft beers at the Village at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Click here for tickets
- 33rd Annual ArtsQuest Arts Festival – October 9th Hosted by the Cultural Art’s Alliance of Walton County bringing over 200 artists, music and catering to Grand Boulevard every Fall along the coast.
- 26th Annual Festival of the Arts – October 30-31st presented by Mattie Kelly Art’s Foundation. The Festival of the Arts, one of the Southeast’s premier art festivals showcases over 65 premier artists plus collaborative artists from the United States and Europe.
- 5th Annual Harvest Wine and Food Festival – November 4-7th organized by the Destin Charity Wine Auction in Watercolor, along the beaches of 30A in South Walton County, just East of Destin.

Make plans to visit Destin this Fall and see why the locals say it’s the best time of the year! Xtreme H2O Sports offers watersports all fall and hopes to see you for some fun on the water, in the sun.

Top 10 Restaurants in Destin, Florida

The Emerald Coast’s beautiful snow-white sand and blue-green waters have attracted travelers for years. And with the large number of guests, and growing number of residents, this area of Northwest Florida is also a “foodies” dream with amazing restaurants up and down the coast. Xtreme H2O Sports is family-owned with a home-grown, local crew that compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, where we live and work year-round. In no particular order, here is a list of ten of our favorite Destin Restaurants.

1. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant

Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant (the original) – One of Destin’s “must see” landmarks, and family favorite, Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant is located next to one of our Xtreme H2O Sports locations and the Destin Marina on Calhoun Avenue. Directly on the docks of the Choctawhatchee Bay, with beautiful views of Crab Island, Dolphins and daily sunsets. Casual dining on the docks and tasty seafood – enjoy an afternoon and evening Parasailing and Jet Ski Rentals followed with dinner and sunset at Dewey Destin! Click here to view their menu.

2. Harbor Dock’s

Harbor Docks is a local’s favorite, offering fresh and delicious seafood for over 40 years on the Destin Harbor. Perfect for family gatherings and celebrations or date night too with excellent outdoor dining and indoor seating with views as well! Famous for local, fresh seafood and amazing sushi offerings. Harbor Docks is located close to our Harbor location and it would be an excellent plan to rent a Pontoon Boat with us and visit Harbor Docks for lunch by water! Click here to view their menu.

3. Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano

Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano is an authentic Italian eatery in Destin perfect for families and date nights. Located in the heart of Destin (near Target and Winn Dixie). Vibrant décor with indoor seating, a beautiful bar as well as outdoor dining and reservations are accepted! Click here to view their menu.

4. The Harbor Tavern

The Harbor Tavern is one of our crew’s favorites for lunch on a busy day in the season and a spot to hit up afterwards for live music! Just walking distance from Xtreme H2O on the Destin Harbor, grab lunch to go for a picnic and rent your Pontoon Boat with us for a fun afternoon on the water. Harbor Tavern is great for families, to-go and a night out with adults!

5. Pepitos Mexican Restaurant

Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant has been pleasing Destin customers for over 20 years with excellent service and consistent, fresh and tasty lunch and dinner. With 4 locations in the area, plan to visit for authentic Mexican cusisine while you’re in town! Perfect for family get togethers, business lunch meetings, birthday party celebrations and more with private dining rooms and outdoor dining available! Click here to view their menu.

6. Marina Café

Marina Café is Destin’s most popular, fine-dining restaurant located on the Destin Harbor. Famous for amazing happy hour specials, sunsets and romantic evenings on the water. Ideal location to dine al fresco and watch the Destin Fireworks that are scheduled every Thursday during the season! Xtreme H2O Sports ‘Skywalker Parasailing’ location is on the docks directly behind the restaurant. Click here to view their menu.

7. Boshamps Oyster House

Boshamps Oyster House also located on the Destin Harbor is an awesome spot for lunch or dinner and Sundays are usually festive with live music and a great play area for kids and families- even dogs are welcome at Boshamps! Xtreme H2O Sports has a parasailing location right next door and it’s walking distance to the Destin Harbor district. Click here to view their menu.

8. McGuire’s Irish Pub

McGuire’s Irish Pub in Destin is part of your “bucket list” for dining while in Destin! No trip is complete without visiting this clever and tasty spot for lunch or dinner. Great for families or an evening with friends, but expect a wait during the season as it’s very popular! Located close to our Xtreme H2O locations, with fantastic views available from the top floor to span Destin’s East Pass, the Destin Harbor and Crab Island. Click here to view their menu.

9. Local Market

Local Market is a casual community restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner on Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida. Locally owned and operated and perfect for families with a wide variety of menu options. Click here to view their menu.

10. Louisiana Lagniappe

Louisiana Lagniappe is one of Destin’s most desired seafood restaurants with a lengthy menu full of many options and amazing views. Located inside Sandpiper Cove on Holiday Isle with beautiful views of the Destin Harbor open nightly for dinner. The wait is worth this incredible view and ambiance! Click here to view their menu.

Bachelorette Party at Crab Island in Destin, Florida

Plan your Bachelorette Party at the beach! What better excuse for a girl’s trip to beautiful Destin, Florida. It’s become quite popular for brides-to-be and her family and friends to celebrate coastal style. Xtreme H2O Sports in Destin and Fort Walton Beach offers Pontoon Boat and Jet Ski Rentals for the ultimate party on the water! Offering a Double Decker Pontoon Boat with slide as well as standard, 24′ Pontoon Boat for up to 12 people. Plan a day on the water with your favorite ladies to celebrate this exciting time.

Pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and beverages, order fun floats and decorations and decide a theme to coordinate outfits for perfect photo ops! Many groups reserve multiple Pontoon Boats to accommodate big groups and we are happy to quote package pricing for Pontoon Boat, Jet Ski and Parasailing.

And, let’s not forget the guys – Bachelor parties at the beach are the best way to getaway with the guys and celebrate before the big day.

Call (850) 978-3060 for more information and check us out online at www.XtremeH2O.net. In addition, to helping with securing a fun and safe day at Crab Island, we are happy to recommend local accommodations, restaurants, party bus/ taxi service, spas and more!

Billy Bowlegs Parade 2021

Xtreme H2O Sports had a great time in the 65th Annual Billy Bowlegs Parade in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The Parade is a culmination of several days of community revelry, celebrating Billy Bowlegs Festival. The Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade was presented by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and they did such a good job to create a safe and successful event for the community!

Xtreme H2O Sports participated in the parade Monday evening and looks forward to supporting Bowlegs next year both on water and land! Our awesome crew decorated and prepared Xtreme H2Ofloat and enjoyed the crowds and festive parade-goers. Xtreme H2O Sports’ float was extra festive with The Lost Boys‘ sick beats and laser show! We appreciated the yummy donuts delivered while we were waiting for the parade to commence by Parlor Doughnuts, they were absolutely delicious! Xtreme H2O Sports rents Pontoon Boats and Jet Skis for the annual “Boat Party” associated with Billy Bowlegs from our locations in Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Click here for more information on the Billy Bowlegs Events. To reserve your Pontoon Boat and Jet Ski Rentals, call (850) 978-3060 or check us out online at www.XtremeH2O.net

10 Things You Must Do in Destin

Go to Crab Island Crab Island is a local favorite! It’s a sand bar located right underneath the Destin Bridge that is shallow enough to anchor and hang out all day! You have to have a vessel to get over there, and the best thing to rent is a pontoon boat you can spend the day relaxing on. Visit www.xtremeh2o.net or call (850) 978-3060 for more information!
Go Parasailing
- Parasailing is a fun way to explore Destin from a different view. It’s family-friendly, and 2 or 3 people can go at one time. Don’t want to get in the air but still want to watch your family? No problem, you can just ride! Visit www.parasailing-destin.com or call (866) 359-3114!
Rent a Jetski
- There are miles of beautiful emerald waters to coast through, and the best way is by renting a jet ski. You can get closer to wildlife and the gorgeous water on a Jet Ski than on any other vessel. Visit www.destinwaterfun.com or call (850) 898-1204!
Go on a Fishing Charter
- Destin isn’t called “The Luckiest Fishing Village” for no reason! We have some of the most active waters on the coast, and the best way to find out is through a charter. It’s just your family on the boat with a captain and crew, the best part is you get to keep what you catch! Visit www.DestinWaterFun.com or call (850) 898-1203!
Go on a Dolphin Tour
- A dolphin tour is the best way to safely observe the natural wildlife here in Destin. The best way to do so is on a jet ski tour, which allows you to get much closer to dolphins as they are not scared of the jet ski motor like they are of a boat! Visit www.destinwaterfun.com or call (850) 898-1204!
Visit the Beach
- The most popular beach is located on Okaloosa Island, called The Pier. Along with the beach, there are many shops and restaurants to fill a whole day. Visit https://m.facebook.com/OkaloosaIslandPier/ for more info!
Eat Local Seafood
- We have the best seafood on the Gulf and if you eat local, it’s going to be as fresh as possible. There are many great options, but two of the best are Harbor Docks and Dewey Destin’s!
Go Shopping
- The Destin Commons is a wonderful shopping center filled with your favorite stores, a movie theater, and restaurants!
Walk the Harbor
- Right in the heart of Destin lies a half-mile boardwalk that’s always bustling with activities. There are restaurants, shops, and even ziplining scattered in this strip. Visit www.emeraldgrande.com for more!
Watch the Sunset
- The sunsets in Destin are beautiful and the best way to enjoy them is on the water. Some companies even have sunset cruises during the summer. Visit www.xtremeh2o.net or call (850) 978-3060!

FYI: NEED TO KNOW

Xtreme H2o Parasail, Dolphin Tour via Waverunners, Jet Ski and Pontoon Boat Rentals of Destin, Florida, recommends that you bring:

Your photo ID
Sun Screen
Towels
Water-proof camera
Flippers, diving mask, and goggles
Toys, floats, and water wings
for the youngsters
Your open mind, joyful spirit,
and adventurous heart

Florida law requires the driver of the Jet Ski / Waverunner to be 16 years of age. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must have a valid state or government issued photo ID and a Florida Boaters License or complete a boater’s safety education test. We offer the 25-question multiple choice test for a fee of $3.00. You MUST present a valid I.D. with your birth date in order to take the test. Click here to take the online test now.

Xtreme H2O Watersport’s Parasailing, Dolphin Tour via Waverunners, Jet Ski and Pontoon Boat Rentals promise a memorable, once in a lifetime experience that you will be telling your grandchildren about. Your safety is our first concern. We want you to have a big fun time, but we take our responsibility of your safety very seriously. We only ask that you do the same.

To learn more, check pricing and availability and make your reservation online at www.XtremeH2O.net.

Flashback Friday – Destin, Florida

Destin and Fort Walton Beach Florida are famous vacation destinations and have grown rapidly over the last 50 years! Affectionately called the “Emerald Coast” – this region of Northwest Florida has become one of the most popular locations for vacations, destination weddings, family reunions, business conventions, spring break trips and large scale events. The nickname, ‘Emerald Coast’ was chosen for the gorgeous emerald-green waters aligning our beautiful snow-white sandy beaches!

The initial inhabitants to the Destin/ Fort Walton Beach area were Native Americans dated back to seventh century A.D. Although there are discovered artifacts dating back centuries, Destin and Fort Walton Beach did not become municipalities until less than a century back!

Florida Girl Deep Sea Fishing Party- Boat

The area is, and has always been appealing due to the illustrious fishing industry and beautiful seascape. For many decades the region was strictly seasonal with summer vacationing guests and very little traditional businesses. Today, Destin and Fort Walton Beach have prosperous year-round residents and a booming tourism enterprise!

See what all the hype is all about with a trip to the Emerald Coast. No trip is complete without seeing the area by water! Check out Destin’s infamous Crab Island with a Pontoon Boat Rental. And, meet Destin’s unofficial mascot, the Bottlenose Dolphin up close and personal on our Jet Ski guided Dolphin Tour! Get a bird’s eye view of the area Parasailing Destin. Catch dinner while making lifetime memories with an exciting Fishing Charter.

Xtreme H2O Watersports has 4 locations in Destin and Fort Walton Beach and are your one-stop for fun on the water. Give us a call to help plan your activities today! (850) 978-3060

Parasail Trip with free Dolpin Tour

At Xtreme H2o Sports, we want you to have a great time on the water and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that. Even if it means slowing down for a second so you can check out a pod of dolphins. We schedule Parasailing all day, every day and can almost always say we see dolphins! Dolphins like to chase the wake of the Parasail boat and often our customers are blessed with dolphins jumping the boat’s bow and creating quite a show. Get your money’s worth while you’re vacationing and book our exciting Parasailing excursion with “built-in” dolphin show! Learn more about parasailing here.

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