24 Hour Guide to Winter in Destin, FL

Got 24 hours to kill? Destin, Florida and surrounding areas are the perfect in-a-day vacation. From family fun to local food, this trip is sure to relax you.

When to go and where to stay

If you’re going to Destin during the off-season, late September to early October is the time. One, you’re in Florida… so it’s still warm! Two, you’ve got the chance to enjoy the Destin Food Festival. If you want to stay nearby, the Emerald Grade at HarborWalk Village is right in the middle of the action! With shopping and entertainment just downstairs, you don’t need to leave the hotel area during your entire stay. I recommend you make a couple trips out, however.

What to eat

For breakfast, head to one of our many Tropical Smoothie locations… we’re home to the original Tropical Smoothie! I’d recommend Thai for lunch, which should be hard since that’s probably the most popular cuisine in Fort Walton Beach, Destin’s neighbor. I personally frequent Thai Hut Garden. Now dinner might need reservations… TradeWinds has pasta, seafood, and pizza.

What to do

Don’t let the cold water keep you from the beach! There’s fewer people and clearer water, so you’ve got to do sunrise or sunset at the jetties. Be sure to squeeze in a round of Goofy Golf, too. They’ve been around for over 50 years, weathering the worst hurricanes (and vandals).