The Best Things to Do in Destin in March

As Destin locals, we’ve learned the month of March is a sweet spot for taking a Destin vacation. As spring begins to bloom, Destin comes alive with events and activities. In March, temperatures are comfortable and ideal for outdoor pursuits. Comfortable temperatures in March make relaxing on the beach with the sun warming your skin while coastal breezes keep you cool simply dreamy. (Click here for Destin water temperatures by month).  

We polled our team of Destin locals to uncover the best things to do in South Walton and Destin, Florida in March.

Take a Hike – South Walton and Destin is blessed to be home to five state parks (Henderson Beach State Park, Topsail Hill State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park and Eden State Gardens) as well as Point Washington State Forest. These parks are filled with scenic trails through the area’s natural vegetation. This is one of the most biodiverse areas of the country and hikers have the opportunity to spot native wildlife including deer and fox as well as endangered species, including the Gopher Tortoise and Red Cockaded Woodpecker.

Ride a Bike – Whether you’re staying near Scenic Gulf Drive or Scenic Highway 30A, paved bike paths and sidewalks are ideal for beach cruisers. With the comfortable temperatures, March is the perfect month for exploring on two wheels. Whether you rent bikes or bring your own, pedaling through charming beach towns along Scenic 30-A or through the Crystal Beach neighborhood off Scenic Gulf Drive is a refreshing way to get fresh air and experience the area like a local. UPGRADE: Consider renting an electric bicycle from Pedego 30-A and say “hello fun!”  These motorized bicycles are a blast and allow you to go farther with no fatigue. Not sure where to go? Try a Pedego Eventure Tour and have an experienced local tour guide show you all the “local spots” and side streets. 

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – Destin locals love to celebrate and the Irish Holiday is no exception. The City of Destin celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a fun Grogg March pub crawl along the Destin Harbor starting at 6 p.m. or head across the street to McGuire’s Irish Pub for traditional Irish fare and brew. The popular local restaurant pulls out all the stops for a day of feasting and debauchery. Along Scenic Highway 30-A, the 12th annual 30A St Patrick's Parade brings the Irish celebration to the towns of 30A. The festive parade travels west on 30A and culminates in an Irish festival at Gulf Place Town Center in Santa Rosa Beach. Learn more at  www.30aparade.com.  

Seaside Half Marathon – One of South Walton's most popular events, the Seaside® School Half Marathon & 5K takes place Sunday, March 1st beginning at 7:00 AM. Established in 2003 to raise funds for the Seaside® Neighborhood School, the Race has become a huge community affair, drawing in more than 4,000 runners annually from around the world. Both the 13.1-mile half marathon and the 5K start in downtown Seaside® on Scenic Highway 30-A and continue along Scenic Highway 30-A and back again. The race concludes back in Seaside for the after party. All half marathon finishers will receive a unique race medal and all 5K and half marathon finishers receive a gift from long-time race sponsor Vera Bradley. 

Now is the time to plan your March beach vacation! View our premier collection of South Walton and Destin beach vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach! 

*Pictured Grayton Beach State Park courtesy of SoWal.com