Top 8 Things We Love About Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida is a popular vacation destination. As locals, we appreciate the special benefits we receive from living along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast. Here are our top 8 reasons why we love Destin, Florida: 

1. The Weather

Destin enjoys a mild year-round climate with summers in the high 80s and cool winter days in the 60s and 70s.  Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 46°F to 88°F and is rarely below 32°F or above 92°F. The warmest months are July and August with an average high-temperature of 88.3°F (31.3°C). 

2. The Soft White Sand Beaches

Our sand is so white and powder-soft that from a distance it can be mistaken for snow. This is because it’s made up of pure quartz crystal that has been ground down from the Appalachian mountains and now rests along our shores. The soft sand is a feet-favorite. In fact, it's so pure it even squeaks when you walk on it.

3. The Fishing

Coined the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin is proud to be home to the largest charter fishing fleet in the nation. With in-shore and deep-sea fishing opportunities abound, it’s a fisherman’s paradise. From cobia and snapper to tuna and marlin, the fish are plentiful and local captains know the “hot spots" for the best catch.

4. The Fresh Seafood

While the fishing is fun, the real fun is enjoying the fresh catch of the day for dinner. Whether you cook your fish filet at home or head to one of the area’s award-winning restaurants, fresh seafood dishes are a favorite of locals and visitors alike. At Brotula’s Seafood & Steamer, the QR program shows diners exactly where and when their dinner was caught, or diners can arrange to bring in their fresh catch right off the boats and have Chef Al perfectly prepare it.

5. The Watersports

Most locals love being on the water and either own a boat, have friends with a boat (the best!) or are part of a boat rental club. For visitors in town, there are a wide variety of boat rental options. Many families and groups choose a pontoon boat rental or Destin boat rentals offer boats of all sizes. In addition to boating, we love watersports including jet skis, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, hydrofoil boarding, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, among others. Bottom line, we LOVE that Destin is the perfect location for those who enjoy the outdoors and time on the water. Guests of Newman-Dailey enjoy exclusive watersports discounts and special offers.

6. The Sunrise and Sunsets

There are not many coastal destinations where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset on the same day. We are blessed to get to watch both daily. Whether you head out early to watch the sunrise in the east with your morning cup of Joe or head to the beach at the end of the day to watch the sunset in the west, it’s an impressive show of color and each one is different. We love heading to the beach to toast the sunset and cast our wishes to the Gulf. 

7. The Fun Festivals

We are spoiled with some of the best festivals in the Southeast. Whatever your interest, there is probably a festival that touches your interests. Love music? Check out the 30A Songwriters Festival (January), Moon Crush (April & October) and Mattie Kelly Concert Series (May-June) for incredible live music by talented up-and-coming and well-known artists. Love food, wine & libations? Check out the Gumbo Festival (February), Shrimp & Grits Festival (February), Mac N Cheese Festival (March), South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (April), Smoke on the Coast BBQ Festival (July), Seafood Festival (September), Eggs on the Beach- Big Green Egg Festival (October), Bloody Mary Festival (October), Harvest Wine & Food Festival (October), and Seeing Red Wine Festival (November). Love art? ArtsQuest (May) and MKAF Festival of the Arts (October) juried art shows feature talented local, regional and national artists. Local festivals are a fun way to enhance any visit to Destin, Florida. 

8. Marine Life

Last but definitely not least, we love and appreciate our local marine residents. From endangered sea turtles that nest along our shores (May-October) to the dolphins that gracefully swim through Harbor and along the coastline, the local marine animals always make us smile. Whether taking a dolphin cruise or swimming off short with a sea turtle or stingray, it is always a memorable experience. Just remember to always keep your distance and look but don't touch marine life. Sharks also call Destin home so it's important to always be aware of your surroundings and know the flag conditions (purple flags indicate marine pests are present). Many of the animals that live along the coast are endangered, and we are passionate about the preservation and protection of our marine species. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a great place to safely meet our animal ambassadors, and learn about their unique role in our ecosystem.

Ready to Plan Your Next Visit to Destin? 

When you’re ready to visit and discover what you love most about Destin, we invite you to view our collection of Destin vacation rentals online , which include locations along 30A, Miramar Beach, Crystal Beach and Destin, Florida. Need help narrowing your search, call one of our local vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 and ask for local recommendations. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee.

See you @ the beach!