Top Destin Bucket List Adventures for 2018

It’s a New Year and we know you’re ready to set your sights on a new list of adventures for your upcoming Destin vacation. As you search for things to do in Destin during your next spring, summer or fall beach getaway, we’ve outlined some of the fun bucket list adventures in South Walton and Destin, Florida: 

Snorkel Grayton Beach State Park Reef

Submerged several years ago by SWARA (South Walton Artificial Reef Association), this reef is now teaming with marine life. View fish, urchins, and even sea turtles while swimming around the collection of submerged concrete structures that form the shape of a Sea Turtle. Take this experience to the next level by visiting the Appleseed Kids 30A Sea Life Discovery Center in Grayton Beach prior to your excursion and/or join Joe Moore and his team for the guided tour of the reef. Appleseed Kids Sea Life Discovery Center is a non-profit organization that connects families to our local waterways through hands-on discovery, including lab studies and field science studies, experiential adventures. 

Helicopter Ride Along the Emerald Coast.

This activity is not new but one that remains on our list, especially since every experience is different. Flying over the Destin Harbor and peering down on the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you never know what you’ll see swimming down below. Dolphins, sea turtles, fish and sharks are some of the marine life that are frequently spotted from the air during a Timberview Helicoper tour. And as an added bonus, Timberview Helicopters is offering a Groupon for 51% off their 6- or 12-mile helicopter tour, but hurry this offer won’t last long. 

Arnett’s Gulfside Farm & Stables

Enjoy an adventure on land on a trail ride through Point Washington State Forest with Arnett’s Gulfside Trail Rides. The 20-acre horse ranch is only half a mile from the Gulf of Mexico and is adjacent to the 13,800 acre Point Washington State Forest. As an added bonus, guests of Newman-Dailey staying at one of our 30A properties will receive one complimentary adult trail ride with each day of your stay. Schedule a trail ride by calling 850-208-3114.

New Thrill Rides at The Track

The Track in Destin opened the mind-spinning Hurricane 360 along with a brand-new animated guest services last fall. The Track's Hurricane 360 shoots riders up about 40 feet in the air and around a full 360 degrees while spinning. (Minimum height: 4’ 2”; Minimum age: 10 years old). Or try the SkyFlyer, The Track’s 75-foot SkyFlyer launches guests into the air. Once harnessed in, the ride pulls riders up 75 feet and releases them, soaring through the air like a superhero. (minimum height: 4’ 2”) 

Chartered Fishing Trip from the Destin Harbor

Destin is known at the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village so make this your year to experience a Destin Fishing Charter. Head out of the Destin Harbor with an experienced captain and fish for snapper, grouper and many other species or head to deeper waters for sport fish such as sailfish. Captain Trey Windes of Outta Line Charter is a member of one of Destin’s oldest fishing families and is a Newman-Dailey extended family member. Or Captain Scott with Charter Boat Phoenix offers 5% off fishing excursions for Newman-Dailey guests. Tip: Bring your fresh catch to Brotula’s Seafood & Steamer along the Destin Harbor and they will prepare your catch for dinner while you relax and dine amdist the beautiful coastal setting.

Fly with Power Up Watersports

Ever dreamed of flying? Flyboards are the latest trend in the world of water sports and a "must try" on your next Destin vacation. Power Up Watersports offers Newman-Dailey guests 15% off their Flyboard flight and features a "no fly, no pay" policiy. With the assistance of an experienced instructor, they'll have you flying in under 10 minutes or your money back. Learn more at powerupwatersports.com. 

Start Planning Your Next Destin Vacation

Newman -Dailey Resort Properties features a wide array of premier Destin vacation rentals including beach homes and Gulf-front condominiums that are near these bucket list adventures. View our full collection online, including rentals at Hidden Dunes Resort, and Gulf-front condos at Jade East Towers near the Destin Harbor or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to help narrow your search. Always book direct to avoid hidden fees and get the best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach!