Destin Travel Essentials

• Located in Okaloosa County, northwest Florida, Destin has a humid tropical climate with warm, wet summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range between 53°F in winter and 83°F in summer.
• The wettest time of the year is June–September with over 12 rainy days per month. You can expect between 6 and 10 rainy days per month for the rest of the year.
• May–October is the warmest period of the year. July is the hottest month with average temperatures of around 90°F.
• The peak tourist season is in summer, from June to August. Expect higher hotel rates and crowded attractions at this time of the year.
• The best times to visit Destin are in spring, April–May, and autumn, September–October. Its when the weather and temperature are pleasant and the beach resorts are less busy. You can also find better hotel offers around these times.

• Plug type: A and B
• Electricity: 120 V
• Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
• International dialling code: +1 850
• Emergency telephone number: 911

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the main arrival hub for Destin. It’s connected to a handful of major American airports by flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Express, among others. The Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) also serve the area but are located further afield.

If you’re on a budget or want to travel through the States at a gentler pace, you can get to Fort Walton Beach, 8 miles west of Destin, by Greyhound bus.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is 8 miles north-northwest of downtown Destin, as the crow flies. It’s a regional airport with 2 runways and 1 terminal. It serves the major beach resorts of Okaloosa County, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Ocean City, Valparaiso, and Santa Rosa island.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Ground transport options to get to your hotel are as follows:

• Over 30 taxi companies, limousine, shuttle, and coach services are available at the airport. You’ll find them after exiting baggage claim.
• The Uber and Lyft pick-up areas are outside baggage claim, at the west end of the terminal.
• Car rental companies are located in the baggage claim lobby, on the lower level of the terminal.
• No public transport is available at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Fort Walton Beach Greyhound Station

The closest Greyhound bus station to Destin is on Miracle Strip Parkway South West in Fort Walton Beach, 8 miles west of Destin city centre.

The Greyhound Station is served by the Emerald Coast (EC) Rider public bus network. You can reach Destin on a Route 20 bus with a change to a Route 30 bus at Wayside Park, Okaloosa Island. Besides this convenient and very affordable option, you can also get to Destin by taxi or rideshare.

Travel tips

Downtown Destin is easily walkable, not least because it's mostly clustered around the Harbor Boardwalk. Here, you’ll find a lively scene with dining, shopping, and nightlife entertainment spots. However, you’ll want to get around the rest of the area easily and comfortably for your beach-hopping holiday in Okaloosa County, which has no less than 13 beaches.

Cycling is a great option for short rides, but for longer distances, depending on your budget, preferences, and destination, you can get around Destin by hopping on the free trolley, by public bus, taxi, rideshare, or rental car.

Taking a taxi in Destin

From Destin Sunrise Taxi (+1 850-586-5694) to City Cab Destin (+1 850-376-9125), 654Taxi (+1 850-654-8294), and many more, you won’t find it hard to get a taxi in Destin. You can find taxi lines in front of hotels and attractions.

Convenient yet rather expensive, getting around the city by taxicab is not your best option if you’re on a budget, although a taxi ride may be your only option to get back to your hotel if you’re a night owl. Note that tipping for taxis in the States is usually 15–20% of the fare. Most taxi drivers accept payment by credit cards, though sometimes reluctantly.

Uber and Lyft are the 2 main ride-sharing apps used in Destin. Their rates are slightly cheaper than standard taxicabs.

Travelling by public transport in Destin

Emerald Coast (EC) Rider is a public transport company operating in Destin and Okaloosa County. It runs 10 bus routes within the county. Routes 30, 32, and 33 are especially popular with visitors as they go along US Route 98 – the Emerald Coast Parkway. Most attractions and beaches are along these bus routes.

From single-ride tickets to all-day passes, monthly passes and more, there’s a good range of ticketing options available. Tickets and passes can be purchased at the EC Rider office (600 Transit Way in Fort Walton Beach) or onboard the buses from the driver. Note that all buses have a bike rack. Check out their website for further info.

A free trolley service known as the Island Shuttle is also available during the summer months. It’s run by the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council. It’s connected to the EC Rider Route 30 and goes along the length of Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.

Renting a car in Destin

Renting and driving a car is a favourable way of exploring Destin and Okaloosa County. It’s certainly more expensive than public transport, yet it gives you the freedom to go anywhere whenever you want.

Foreigners can use their standard driver’s license for up to 1 month in Florida. Expect traffic to be congested during the peak season, especially on the weekends. Off US Route 98, an internet-enabled mobile phone with online map apps is your best friend for finding your way.

Cycling around Destin

Cycling is a pleasant and healthy way of exploring Destin. Popular scenic rides include US Route 98, which has a dedicated bike and pedestrian path on the north side of the roadway that stretches for 5 miles east of Henderson Beach State Park. To the west, you can also reach Fort Walton Beach from Destin on the same highway. If you’re a serious rider, the nearby Walton County is home to over 200 miles of cycling trails.

You can hire a bike at rental companies like Rent Gear Here (+1 850-502-5984), Sweet Escape Rentals (+1 850-585-4160), and Telluride Sports (+1 850-217-6092), just to name a few.

Fat Tuesday Parades

• Every Tuesday in May–August
• Destin’s own version of Fat Tuesday, usually held in February or March. The parades are held from 7 pm to 11 pm every Tuesday, with live music, spectacular floats, and costumes.
• Where: HarborWalk Village

Destin Seafood Festival

• October
• A celebration of the richness of the Gulf of Mexico, from seafood prepared by local vendors and restaurants to art and craft stalls and live music performances.
• Where: Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Destin Harbour Boat Parade

• December
• A lighted boat parade celebrating Christmas. Held in the late afternoon, the parade ends with a fireworks show. Bars and restaurants lining the Destin Harbor Boardwalk offer pleasant places to end the day and watch the parade.
• Where: Destin Harbor

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Running for almost a quarter of a mile along the harbourfront, the Boardwalk is lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and attractions. It’s an all-day place to take in the Gulf of Mexico.

Indian Temple Mound Museum

Built next to a large mound that supported a temple used as the residence of the leader of the area’s native inhabitants, this museum exhibits artefacts of the American Indian way of life.

The Wesley House at Eden Gardens State Park

The highlight of the Eden Gardens State Park, which is a well-preserved 2-storey mansion dating back to the late 18^th century. It’s especially famous for its French furnishing from the same period.

Civil War Exhibits

Part of The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center, these exhibits take you back into time through historical objects and information about this grim episode in North American history.