Posted on 6/13/2023

How to Spend a Weekend Getaway in Destin, Florida!

Weekend Stay in Destin Beach, Florida

Destin is the perfect vacation spot for a quick weekend getaway! If you are new to the area, it's wise to plan ahead to assure you are able to see as many attractions as possible for a fun-filled weekend on the Emerald Coast. Typically, the best time to visit is between March and November when the water is warm enough to enjoy! Although many prefer to visit in winter, some of Destin's top attractions will be closed during the off-season. From soaking up the sun on our white sandy beaches to indulging in some delicious seafood, and everything in between, we'll be diving right into the fun with an itinerary that's sure to make the most of your time for a weekend to remember!

Day 1:

Once you arrive in Destin, check in to your vacation rental or hotel, and get yourself settled, hit the beach, or relax and enjoy the amenities! Take this time to see what Destin is all about, soak up the sun, take a dip, and start your trip off right. Depending on the location of your rental, grab some lunch at one of Destin's top eateries before you hit the beach. Some of the best waterfront restaurants include Dewey Destin's, Boshamps, Pompano Joe's, AJ's, Whales Tail, The Back Porch & more!

Night 1:

After you spend the day soaking up the sun, you will likely work up a mean appetite! For a spot that's sure to please everyone in your party with its diverse menu, and large portions we recommend checking out one of Destin's staple restaurants, McGuire's Irish Pub. This famous pub is fun for all ages with live music, a fun atmosphere, and unique decor of millions of signed dollar bills stapled from ceiling to floor throughout the restaurant! McGuire's offers a late-night menu with options from their famous steaks and burgers to traditional Irish dishes, and pretty much everything in between!

Day 2:

A trip to Destin, Florida, would simply be incomplete without visiting the famous Crab Island! If you haven’t heard of this Destin hot spot, Crab Island is a sand bar located on the north side of the Destin bridge. It’s known far and wide for its stunning crystal-clear waters, whimsical wildlife, watersports, and amazing atmosphere.

Families, friend groups, and couples alike all enjoy the natural beauty and fun that Crab Island has to offer. Since it’s a sandbar, however, you may be wondering how to get there. Luckily, there is no shortage of vessels to take you to and from Destin’s favorite hangout. From shuttles and excursions to being the captain of your own pontoon, there are plenty of ways to get there, but below are a few of our favorites:

Renting a pontoon: Take the helm and captain your own Crab Island adventure by renting a pontoon! This is an activity the whole crew will love. And with 4, 6, and 8-hour options available, finding the rental that fits perfectly with your schedule is a cinch. Plus, renting a pontoon gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful waterways of Destin on your terms.
Jet ski rentals: Calling all adrenaline junkies! Jet ski rentals are the fastest and most thrilling way to get to Crab Island. Zoom through Choctawhatchee Bay with the wind in your hair, and explore all of the natural beauty Destin, FL, has to offer.
Tiki cruises: Tiki cruises are a fun and unique way to experience Crab Island and the Destin Harbor. With a professional captain leading the way, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy! They offer multiple cruises, as well, for daytime fun, catching the sunset, or even witnessing the harbor lit up at night for a unique perspective.

However you decide to get there, a trip to Crab Island is sure to be an unforgettable experience. This is the perfect way to spend day two of your Destin getaway, and after a fun day in the sun, it’s time to hit the town!

Night 2:

There are plenty of fun ways to spend an evening in Destin, as this charming coastal city has something for everyone in your group! After spending the day at Crab Island, however, you’d be remiss to witness it in all of its beauty at sunset. So, we recommend starting the evening out right with a walk down the harbor or by hopping on a sunset dolphin cruise.

From live music to local artists, to fun activities for the kids, there is no shortage of fun to be had on the harbor. With so much food, music, entertainment, and more, there is truly something for everyone at the Destin Harbor. The views are simply breathtaking, as this is one of the best places in Destin to catch one of their world-famous sunsets.

If you’re looking for a unique way to see the sunset in Destin, however, you may want to consider hopping aboard a Destin dolphin cruise! Dolphin cruises come in all shapes and sizes on the harbor, from fast boats that take you on an adrenaline-pumping ride through the Gulf, to slow and steady cruises that tour the harbor in search of dolphins. Either way, you’re sure to see the sunset from a whole new perspective on a Destin dolphin cruise.

After this, we highly recommend scoring some savory seafood from one of the many delicious dining options at the harbor since this is where the majority of dolphin cruises are located. Destin takes pride in sourcing fish locally for a truly authentic experience. Any local restaurant you choose, you’re sure to leave full and happy, but if you need some delicious options be sure to check out a few of our favorite spots!

Day 3:

Even though it’s the final day of your Destin getaway, this doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop! After filling up on one last meal from the previously mentioned restaurants, your vacation to Destin would be incomplete without one more trip to the beach. The area is home to Henderson Beach State Park and several other public beaches, which are the perfect places to really soak in Destin’s natural beauty. You can even take this one step further, and rent paddleboards, kayaks, or book a snorkel tour! Paddleboards and kayaks are a relaxing way to spend your last day on the Emerald Coast and allow you to see this beautiful city in a whole new way. For a truly unique perspective, however, snorkeling is the way to go. Destin is home to tons of marvelous marine life, which is one of the many things that makes Destin so unique.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to have a magical time in Destin on a weekend getaway. And if you’re longing for more of what this coastal city has to offer, you may want to consider extending your stay or booking a future trip! Either way, the crew at Compass Resorts is here to assist in making your vacation, present or future, the best it can possibly be.