FREE Things to Do in Destin this Summer

When you plan a summer beach vacation in Destin, Florida, it's great to know there are lots of fun FREE things to do once you arrive. While relaxing along our white sand beaches is the #1 free activity, we've rounded up some of our other favorite things to do in the summertime that are available at no cost. 

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Beach Bonfire (Miramar Beach)

The Royal Palm Grille hosts a public beach bonfire with free admission, seating, and parking every Monday and Friday from 6-9 p.m. Whether you visit with the family and make smores or cuddle up and enjoy as the flames dance through the night, the beach bonfire is a fun finale to a great day at the beach. The beach bar is located on the beach across from Seascape Resort and The Royal Palm restaurant. Head down the stairs to find the huddle of beach chairs and smiling faces. S’mores supplies and drink specials are available if desired (no off-site food or beverages). Address: 1096 Scenic Gulf Dr., Miramar Beach, FL.

Fireworks Show (Destin & Miramar Beach)

Harbor Walk Village and the Village of Baytowne Wharf host fabulous fireworks shows each week! Head down to the Destin Harbor on Monday nights where Harbor Walk Village hosts a silent disco followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. On Tuesday, the Village of Baytowne Wharf hosts "Boomin' Tuesday) with fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. (Memorial Day through August 6th). The fireworks are followed by a DJ dance party in the event plaza. In addition to Mondays and Tuesdays, fireworks shows are planned for all holidays, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. *Shows are weather permitting; Check Facebook for updates.  Addresses: Harbor Walk (34 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541); Village of Baytowne Wharf (9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550)

Little Adventures (Destin & Okaloosa Island)

Hosted by the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Department, Little Adventures FREE classes teach kids and families new skills while learning about the wonders of the Gulf Coast. Their event calendar offers an array of free beach classes that range from lessons on how to catch and identify local wildlife, surf fishing, snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. With convenient locations along the Emerald Coast, including Crystal Beach just steps from the Beachside Inn, there is free fun just around the corner. Learn more about Little Adventures programs in our blog and view the Little Adventures event calendar to book your next adventure today. 

Live Music & Performances  (Destin)

Harborwalk Village and the Village of Baytowne Wharf also offer plenty of other free live entertainment, including live musical performances. Harborwalk Village features live music on the outdoor stage most summer nights. At the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin nightly events range from magic shows on Sundays to concerts on Wednesday to live flyboard performances on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Featured bands play a diverse array of family-friendly genres that delight audiences of all ages. Addresses: Harbor Walk (34 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541); Village of Baytowne Wharf (9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550)

State Parks (Miramar Beach & 30A)

Thanks to the Walton County Tourism Department State Parks in Walton County offer FREE Admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The area's Gulf-front State Parks, including Topsail Hill State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park, are filled with hiking trails that provide up close and personal views of the area's diverse terrain and ecosystems as well as breathtaking views of the beach. Addresses: Topsail Hill State Preserve (7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach), Grayton Beach State Park (357 Main Park Rd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549), and Deer Lake State Park (6250 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach) 

Splash Pad (Destin)

Looking for a place to take the kids to cool down beyond the beach? Head over to Destin Commons to enjoy their free outdoor splash pad in the center of this outdoor shopping and entertainment center. Kids can run around and play, while adults sit under shaded benches or take turns shopping at nearby stores. In addition, Destin Commons hosts live music, small markets, and cooking competitions as well as holiday parades. Learn more about Destin Commons online. Location: 4100 Legendary Dr. Destin 

Theatre Performance (30A)

Seaside Repertory Theatre hosts live performances of some of your favorite children's story tales with a twist. Performances range from Jack and the Beanstalk on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Seaside Amphitheater to Rapunzel on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Alys Beach to The Adventures of Pinnochio on Wednesdays at 6:30 in Rosemary Beach. All actors love kids and their craft and aim to make every performance memorable. Visit the Seaside Rep online for more information and location details.   

Gator Shows (Destin)

One of the best FREE Destin experiences is Gator Beach at Fudpucker's. This alligator park has everything from a baby alligator exhibit to a real-life alligator habitat with over 100 juvenile and young adult alligators. Learn about Florida alligators and enjoy a FREE alligator show every day at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., or 6 p.m. These events quiz the audience on games that involve "fact or fiction" gator facts. Guests of Newman-Dailey also receive a FREE gator bait to feed the alligators (view offer under Rewards/dining). Optional VIP experience (paid) allows guests to get face-to-face with these reptiles and hold a gator for a photo opp. Learn more about Fudpucker's Gator Beach online. Address: 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin

Book Your Summer Destin Vacation

 Start planning your summer Destin vacation by viewing our collection of Destin vacation rentals online. Looking for a certain size or location? Let our team of friendly, local vacation specialists provide recommendations and narrow your search by calling us at 850-837-1071. To view more ways to save, view our Guest Rewards page to learn about our FREE activity passes and partner offers. Be sure to book direct with Newman-Dailey to avoid third-party fees and receive our best rate guarantee.  

See you @ the beach!