Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on February 16, 2023
If you are hungering for an old-fashioned Florida beach escape, then Destin is the ideal destination. Featuring white-sand beaches and gorgeous turquoise waters, there are always fun and relaxing things to do in Destin.
However, staying in a Destin timeshare means that your comfort level goes way up as many other attractions are located conveniently nearby. The beach may be the highlight in this Florida Panhandle city, but don't let that make you miss the many other exciting and memorable activities.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico with Panama City to the east and Pensacola to the west, Destin is approached by land or from the air. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is a few miles away. Some travelers will arrive via the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which is 52 miles away, or the Pensacola International Airport, which is 56 miles away.
Destin, along with neighboring Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach, has a reputation as an upscale family destination. The main east-west roadway in the community is U.S. 98. For most travelers, 98 is a major orientation point, and you'll probably spend much of your time along or a few miles from this roadway along Interstate 10.
Primarily known for its stunning coastline, Destin sits along nearly 30 miles of beaches that have been certified by the Clean Beaches Council as "Blue Wave" beaches. Regardless of which stretch of sand you choose to visit; you're guaranteed to be delighted.
When it comes to the beaches in Destin, you're spoiled for choice. Henderson Beach State Park is the most popular beach here. Situated in the center of the area, this park is covered with gorgeous white sand and stunningly clear waters. Dip your feet into the waves and look down. Chances are good you'll see fish swimming beside you.
If you're looking for a beach that's a bit quieter and less frequented, head to Crystal Sands Beach. This beautiful coastline is one of the secret things to do around Destin. Don't let its lesser fame fool you. This is an extraordinary beach, and it doesn't charge an entrance fee like Henderson Beach State Park does.
Crab Island isn't precisely an island. In fact, it is a submerged sandbar that features calm, shallow waters where people love to gather. Though it has had a reputation as a party spot in the past, most visitors today say that this is a fun, family-friendly destination. Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and others make their way here to enjoy some fun in the sunshine and warm water.
Whether you lounge or play games in the water, Crab Island is a memorable attraction. Be sure to take advantage of the floating food purveyors that pepper the waters. You can find everything from authentic barbecue to a delicious hot dog.
This is easily one of the most popular things to do in Destin. Within the village is a quarter-mile long boardwalk, and all along its length is an endless collection of restaurants, bars, shops and fun attractions.
Just up the hill from the boardwalk is a sizable parking lot, and entrance to the Boardwalk and the Harborwalk Village is free. Stroll westward toward the Destin Bridge if you are looking for the charter boat docks. This is also the area that has the most stores and other attractions.
Walk eastward to discover a portion of the boardwalk area that feels more like a circus midway. Try your luck with various games of chance, browse through the eclectic offerings at the booths or enjoy an open-air meal.
The boardwalk is a wonderful place to watch boats, catch a fireworks show or pick up some souvenirs. This also is the place to rent a kayak or paddle board or arrange for a Jet Skiing excursion.
Speaking of things to do in Destin, most visitors are excited to get out on the water. You'll have many ways to accomplish this. Some tourists are anticipating a deep-sea fishing adventure that can only be considered complete after landing a trophy fish.
Others prefer to watch wildlife. For them, a dolphin cruise is the perfect option. Some of these tours are conducted on glass-bottom boats that make it easier to see the wildlife swimming beneath you. Other cruises combine wildlife viewing with a chance to photograph the glamorous sunset.
Yet another option is a snorkeling cruise. Usually lasting about two hours, these excursions are welcoming to the whole family and provide all of the equipment you need for a fun and relaxing adventure.
When you're not relaxing at your timeshare property, you might want to spend a few hours shopping. One popular local spot is the Village at Baytowne Wharf. It's located inside a gated community, but visitors are welcome. Simply tell the guard that you are there for the shops. It's a cute area with many shops and restaurants plus special events held throughout the year.
Several shopping centers are found in Destin. These include Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Destin Commons Mall. Whether you are looking for recognizable brand names or something a little more unusual, you'll probably find it at one of these malls.
With consistently beautiful weather, it's no surprise that golf is one of the most popular things to do in Destin. Kelly Plantation Golf Club is probably the most well-known course in the region. It's perched on the edge of Choctawhatchee Bay, providing spectacular views as well as play. Emerald Bay is another local favorite, but there are several other courses in the area around Destin.
When a location is really popular with visitors, it follows that outstanding timeshare properties will spring up in the region. This is certainly true in the case of Destin.
More and more families are flocking to this beautiful beach destination every year, and this means that there has to be excellent accommodations available to welcome them. Timeshares in Destin provide the perfect backdrop for your vacation.
That's because timeshares generally offer a broader menu of attractions and activities than the typical resort hotel. In addition to a weekly schedule of hosted activities, guests have unlimited access to game rooms, fitness centers, outdoor BBQ pits and more. Gorgeous swimming complexes, which frequently include lazy rivers and slides, await families who are looking for a place where they can play together.
On-site amenities may include restaurants and spas where adults can book indulgent personal services. Kids' clubs are available for the little ones to give parents a welcome respite and an opportunity for a date night.
Your accommodations at a Destin timeshare are no less impressive. Luxuriate in a private bedroom and bath. In the common living area are spacious seating and a large flat-screen television for family movie night. Making meals is a cinch in the full kitchen, and there's even a dining room around which everyone in your party can gather.
If you're looking for things to do in Destin, you'll find no shortage of possibilities, and when you choose a Destin timeshare for your accommodations, chances are good that you'll never want to go home.
With our position as a Featured Reseller for Wyndham timeshares, you’ll notice a distinct Wyndham flavor to the resorts shown below. However, Wyndham also has more timeshare resorts in Destin than any other major timeshare company and there are a lot of buyers placing offers on Wyndham timeshares in Destin – which is how we arrive at these rankings.
Sitting on a unique location next to Stewart Lake, Wyndham Majestic Sun is also only about 100 yards from the magnificent beach with direct beach access. Toss in a fishing line in the lake or head over for an amazing beach day – it’s your choice. Take a dip in the pool, soak in the hot tub, grab a game of golf or take in the watersports like jet skis or wind surfing. One-, two- and four-bedroom suites make it all possible.
Located right at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Emerald Grande provides easy access to all of the shops, restaurants, bars and activities for this impressive waterfront destination. Whether it is hitting the beach, multiple pools, heading out for a boat ride from the marina or indulging in a massage, you’ll have numerous activities to enjoy. All from your one, two-, three- and four-bedroom suite.
Close to Henderson Beach State Park, Club Destin Resort is just across Hwy 98 from the beach and only a half-mile from the Big Kanuna's Water Park. Centrally located to all the best spots like HarborWalk Village and Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, you’ll enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sun deck, hot tub, movie room and arcade game room for the kids. Choose from studio, one- or two-bedroom suites – all with kitchens, living and dining area and Wi-Fi.
Offering a more laid-back vacation experience with cottage-style accommodations, Wyndham Beach Street Cottages provides a more residential-type feel to your visit. You’ll have multiple swimming pools, picnic and barbeque area and plenty of space for sunbathing unless you want to take a quick boardwalk stroll over to the beach. Plus, you’ll also have access to the amenities at Wyndham Majestic Sun. Studio and one-bedroom accommodations provide the comfort you need.
As part of the upscale Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Wyndham Bay Club II has everything you need for a special Destin getaway. World-class golf courses, top tennis facilities, 30 onsite restaurants across the Sandestin complex and shuttle service to the beach and the Wharf are just the start of the amenities and services you’ll see. Multiple swimming pools, children’s pool and activity program, bike rentals and watersports offer fun for everyone. Afterwards, relax in your two-bedroom suite with 1215 square feet of living space, full kitchen, two bathrooms, washer/dryer and more.
Formerly known as Embarc Sandestin, this newly acquired Hilton timeshare resort is Hilton’s first vacation ownership venture on the Florida panhandle. Part of the epic Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort complex with views of Choctawhatchee Bay, Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has it all. Swimming pools, hot tub, volleyball court and private beach area add to the fun, all available from your studio, one- or two-bedroom suite with kitchen, king-sized bed and private balcony.
We understand there are a number of timeshare resorts in the Destin area, and your favorite may not be on this list. If you have any questions about these or other resorts, send your questions to us on our Contact Us page or call our licensed agents on 877-624-6889 so we can help.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years of experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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