Try one new
activity – Make a list of Destin activities you’ve considered trying while visiting Destin and commit to trying one this year. Whether it’s deep sea fishing, parasailing, stand up paddle boarding or fly boarding, we’ve got lots of great watersports options, so make this your year to give a new one a try!
Plan some
long weekend beach getaways – Sure, you plan your week long summer vacation to the beach each year, but have you considered a beach getaway in the off season or a girls’ or guys’ getaway weekend? If you haven’t experienced the beauty of October along with the migration of the Monarch Butterfly, it’s definitely worth the trip. And autumn weather is lovely!
Make
exploration a priority – Set out to explore a new out-of-the-way spot. Did you know we’re blessed with five
state parks and Point Washington State Forest within South Walton and Destin? These parks are filled with quiet trails and special treasures. Grayton Beach State Park features a trail that leads hikers through the untouched dune system. You’ll see how it feels to be the Choctawahatchee Beach Mouse, a protected species that lives within our dunes.
Give back– On your Destin vacation, plan to do one thing that makes Destin a better place to visit. Whether you clean trash off our beaches, volunteer at an area non-profit, share information about our fragile dune system or endangered sea turtles or make a donation to a local animal rescue group, there are lots of ways you can make a positive impact on this special beach community.
Try a new
vacation rental– Although you may have your favorite Destin vacation rental that you stay in year after year, this year consider breaking out and trying a new rental or a different beach community. If you always stay in a Destin condo, consider a luxury rental home. There are so many beach vacation rental choices, as well as new upgraded units. But don’t delay; summer rentals are already booking quickly!
Be a
photo journalist – Sure, we all take pictures on vacation, but this year set out to take award-winning photography of our beautiful beaches, lakes, dunes, wildlife and sunsets, among other sights. Not only will you be proud of your pictorial story, but there are local, regional and national opportunities to enter your work, including our daily newspaper, Northwest Florida Daily News. And really, can you ever have too
many photos of your favorite people on your favorite beach?
Try a new
South Walton or Destin restaurant– You probably have your favorite restaurants that you visit year after year, but this year resolve to try someplace new. There are so many delectable Destin restaurants that is a challenge even for locals to try them all. (This should be a continuing resolution each year; in fact, we’re adding it to our list, too!)
Find the
best margarita (or mojito or bloody mary or drink of choice) – Make a score card with qualities you look for in the perfect drink and then make a list of 3-5 spots that specialize in your cocktail of choice and head out for some fun taste testing. Socialize while you’re there by posting pics to their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page and be sure to tag us at #destinvacation. Hey, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.
Bring a friend – Do you have a friend who has never been to our beaches? Make a point of sharing photos and consider inviting them on your next trip to the beach. Not only will you enjoy the company, but imagine how great it will feel to see their smiles when they experience the beauty of Destin and South Walton beaches for the very first time. And you’ll always have the bragging rights that you introduced them to their new favorite vacation destination!
Check out a new event or local artist – Our area is blessed to have an abundance of amazing annual festivals. From Digital Graffiti to the 30A Songwriters Festival to wine festivals, art festivals and seafood festivals, there is a wide array of events worth planning a trip to the beach. Can’t make it for a festival? Try a new event while you’re here. From live music to live performances, be sure to check out the Beachcomber magazine’s events listing and experience some of the talented artists and musicians who call the Emerald Coast home.