Best Things to Do for Spring Break in Destin, Florida
Destin, Florida is one of the most popular spring break destinations for families with children and teens. Destin’s soft white sand beaches and emerald green waters provide a playground for all ages in an expansive outdoor setting. Beyond the beach, there are a variety of activities and experiences that will allow everyone in your group to have fun! In addition, when you stay with Newman-Dailey, you'll enjoy FREE activities with each day of your stay. Here’s a list of our favorite things to do in Destin for Spring Break.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
This individual watersport is fun and a great core workout. And, since you stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon. Get out on the water, either on the Bay, the Gulf, or a coastal dune lake along Highway 30-A, and paddle while peering down in the water to view marine life. For added fun, rent a paddle board near one of South Walton’s 16 artificial reef sites. If it’s your first time, check out our SUP Video for tips.
Biking
Biking is another fun activity in South Walton and Destin, Florida. Whether biking Scenic Gulf Drive and the neighborhoods of Crystal Beach or pedaling the Timpoochee Trail along Scenic Highway 30-A, it is fun to head outdoors and enjoy the sights with the wind in your hair. Local equipment rental companies, including LaDolce Vita and Rent Gear Here, offer hourly, daily, and weekly rentals. Another option for two-wheeled fun is to rent an electric bicycle from Pedego 30A or Ride-It ebikes and tour the beach towns of 30-A. The electric-charged bikes have pedal assist so when your legs get tired hit the throttle and say “hello fun!”
Parasailing
Parasailing is an exciting way to enjoy an aerial view of the Emerald Coast. When you launch high in the sky, you’ll be able to see all kinds of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks, as well as expansive views of the Destin Harbor and Okaloosa Island. Take advantage of our “Be Rewarded” program which includes one free parasail adventure per day with your Newman-Dailey vacation rental stay.
Sandcastle Building Lesson
Grab your group and plan for fun. All ages will enjoy learning professional sand sculpting tips and techniques from the team at Beach Sand Sculptures. During your session, you’ll receive instructions on how to create the perfect consistency of sand and build a 3 ½ ft. tall sandcastle! After you are provided tools and coaching, your group will be able to customize your castle and make it as ornate or simple as you wish. In the end, you’ll have a fun project on the beach and a masterpiece for a photo opp!
Rent a Private Boat
Enjoy a day on the water by renting a private pontoon boat from Destin Vacation Boat Rentals or La Dolce Vita. There are plenty of places to explore along the intercostal waterways. Whether you drive along the Destin Harbor or stop and cool off at Crab Island, a submerged sandbar in the Destin pass or explore the string of islands between Okaloosa Island and Navarre, your group will enjoy a change of scenery and view from the water.
Jet Ski
By renting a Jet Ski or Wave Runner, you’ll be able to satisfy your need for speed. Rent jet skis from a reputable local company such as La Dolce Vita or Destin Vacation Boat Rentals, and cruise the coast or take in the breathtaking views and watch for dolphins as you ride to Crab Island, the submerged sandbar at the Destin Pass.
Fly Boarding
For those who love adrenaline and excitement, consider trying hydroflight. Hydroflight uses a Flyboard to propel the participant into the air. The Flyboard is connected by a long hose to a jet ski and water is forced under pressure to a pair of boots with jet nozzles underneath, which provide thrust for the rider to fly up to 72 feet in the air! In Destin, we're proud to have one of the top hydroflight instructors in the world. Ben Merrell is a top-ranked athlete who has won numerous hydroflight competitions around the globe and has been featured in many magazines and YouTube videos for his achievements in the World of Hydroflight. His company, Power Up Watersports, offers the opportunity to try hydroflight first-hand.
Hike a State Park
Destin and South Walton are home to more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Some trails are paved and others are all-natural, so whether you’re looking for a leisurely bike ride or stroll or a heart-pounding, sweat-inducing adventure, there’s a trail in the area for you. In addition to Henderson Beach State Park in the heart of Destin, one of our favorite local parks is Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. With 1,600 acres of stunning bald cypress ponds, nature trails that traverse mountainous sand dunes, and two rare coastal dune lakes, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach offers hikers and bike riders plenty of natural beauty and 14 unique plant communities. Click here to watch our top picks for the best trails in South Walton and Destin.
Charter a Fishing Trip
Known as the World's Luckiest Village, Destin is the perfect place to charter a fishing trip. With the largest commercial fishing fleet, it's easy to find a captain and boat for your group. The captains handle everything and know the top spots for live bait fishing, trolling, sport fishing, and deep-sea bottom fishing. Family fishing and deep-sea fishing trips are available for half-day, all-day, overnight, and 2-3 day fishing trips. View our charter fishing partners online, which offer discounts for Newman-Dailey guests.
Book a Destin Spring Break Getaway
The best vacation rentals are going fast. Now is the time to book your Destin Spring Break beach getaway. Start planning by viewing our collection of South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. Flexible on your dates of travel? Wait until after Easter and use our special offer “Late Spring Fling” and save 10% off your vacation rental.
View Vacation Rentals Here
See you @ the beach!