Top 8 Things to Do in Crystal Beach, Florida

Do you like to feel like a local on vacation? If so, we recommend staying in the Crystal Beach neighborhood in Destin, Florida. This charming beachside community is home to pastel-colored beach homes with white picket fences. The sugar-white sand beaches are accessible via neighborhood beach accesses and dune walkovers that are conveniently located along Scenic Highway 98. Here is our list of the top 8 things to do when you stay in Crystal Beach, Florida:

1. Bike Crystal Beach Neighborhoods & Scenic Gulf Drive

One of our favorite things to do in Crystal Beach is bicycle through the neighborhoods and on the bike path along Scenic Gulf Drive. The Crystal Beach neighborhood is filled with pastel-colored homes and white picket fences, making it scenic and great for riding a bike along the tree-lined streets. Next head out to Scenic Highway 98 and cruise with the wind in your hair as ride along the beach highway catching glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico while stopping at points of interest along the way, including some of the area’s most popular beachside bars and restaurants. Click here to watch our YouTube video featuring our favorite spots to stop along the way. 

2. Camille’s Sidewalk Café

Located downstairs at the charming Beachside Inn, Camille’s Sidewalk Café has just what you need to start your day or unwind with a cold beverage and live music in the afternoon. Whether you’re needing coffee and breakfast items or fresh fruit smoothies and juice drinks or a cold beer when you come off the beach, Camille’s is our go-to spot to quench our thirst and our appetite. Address: 2931 Scenic Highway 98, Destin. 

3. Get Pampered at Salamander Spa at The Henderson

When we’re in need of pampering, the Salamander Spa in Crystal Beach is only a phone call away. Located within the Henderson Beach Resort, Salamander Spa is one of the best spas in Destin. Inspired by the beauty of the warm coastal waters, stunning beaches, and majestic parks, the spa offers a unique health and wellness journey tailored to your specific well-being needs. Salamander Spa features eleven exquisite private treatment rooms and a wet area with an experiential shower, whirlpool tub, Himalayan Salt Suite, sun-lit relaxation spaces, and a full-service salon. With a full list of spa and salon services available the hardest part is deciding which treatment to schedule. We’re a fan of the “Henderson Dreams” specialty treatment, which includes a customized mineral salt scrub with eucalyptus, a full body massage with warm mineral stones, and an invigorating foot massage while warmed in a relaxing cocoon wrap. Customize your treatment with lavender, ginger, neroli or Grapefruit and black pepper aromatherapy Oil. When your treatment concludes, we recommend relaxing in the lavender room with a glass of lavender bubbles for the perfect finale to a day of rest and relaxation. Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin

4. Savor a Romantic dinner at Beachwalk Café

With outstanding cuisine, personalized service, and unparalleled views, Beach Walk Café offers indulgent, romantic waterfront dining. Overlooking the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Henderson Beach State Park, Beach Walk Café is located within Henderson Park Inn on a stretch of private beach. Beach Walk Café offers dining experiences that allow guests to kindle the flames of romance while dining on delicious coastal fare. For the most romantic dinner on the beach, reserve Beach Walk Café’s Toes in the Sand dining experience. Enjoy a private table at the water’s edge with a dedicated server and watch the sunset into the Gulf of Mexico. Phone: (850) 650-2700 Address: 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin

5. Enjoy Gulf-front Drinks & Dining at Crab Trap

With spectacular views of the white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast, The Crab Trap-Destin is the original Gulf-front seafood restaurant. Located at James Lee Park, this beachside establishment is the perfect stop for any visit to Crystal Beach. The Crab Trap offers a wide variety of menu options, including fresh grouper sandwiches and tuna dip smoked on the Big Green Egg as well as tasty libations, including signature frozen drinks and margaritas. Have picky young eaters to please? The Crab Trap is ready with a menu just for kids and a special bucket they get to keep. Phone: (850) 654-2722 Address: 3500 Scenic Hwy 98 East, Destin.

6. Up Your Level of Relaxation with Yoga on the Beach

Whether you select a last-minute, drop-in with Destin Yoga by the Sea (Crystal Beach next to Crab Trap) for yoga on the beach or sign up for a yoga session out on the lawn at The Henderson Resort, you’ll be in the right place to up your level of relaxation. At Destin Yoga by the Sea, the instructors are laid back and on beach time. Bring a mat or borrow a mat. Kids welcome. Affordable pricing--$10 for drop in’s and all levels welcome to all classes. Destin Yoga makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of yoga at the beach. Classes offered daily (M-F) at 9:15 a.m. or Saturday at 9 a.m. Another option is yoga at the Henderson Resort. From morning yoga to sunset yoga to paddle yoga, there is something for everyone. Learn more online at The Henderson Fitness Center.

7. Toast Sunset on the Rooftop Bar at The Henderson Resort

Experience Destin's first rooftop bar! Sip a refreshing signature cocktail and enjoy lite bites while taking in breathtaking views of the Gulf coast and Henderson Beach State Park. The new rooftop bar is open on select days of the week. Visit the rooftop bar online to learn more. Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way 

8. Book a Vacation Rental in Crystal Beach

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties features a diverse collection of vacation rental homes and condominiums in the Crystal Beach neighborhood. View Crystal Beach rentals here. Or book a stay in a colorful, comfortable room at Beachside Inn in the heart of Crystal Beach. With 20 beachy guest rooms with kitchenettes, guests enjoy a comfortable room while being only steps from the beach. Remember to always book directly through Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee.

See you @ the beach!