The call of Destin, Florida means different things to different people, but if some sort of fishing is on your Florida adventure to-do list, Destin provides the ultimate backdrop for your vacation – whether you’re coming by yourself, with a group of friends, or with your family.
Oftentimes if you want to experience an adventure vacation with world-class fishing, particularly with variety in mind, you need to visit some remote, off-the-grid location. That can be fun and occasionally exhilarating, but for most of us the associated hassles aren’t worth it. They’re often not kid- or family-friendly, they’re excessively costly and it takes extra time to get there and back – and frequently they don’t have the creature comforts that we’ve come to appreciate and expect.
A trip to the Emerald Coast, and to Destin in particular, is likely the best fishing adventure you can imagine. You can dive deep into one type of angling or sample from a buffet of options, but it’s the one place that has activities for everyone and no one will feel anything but fulfilled.
Why Destin?
Florida – from one end of the state to the other – has long been a dream destination for vacationers from around the country and around the world. We’ve made tourism and adventure our business for good reason: because the weather, natural resources and ease of travel are unmatched by any other vacation spot. But Destin is different from most other Florida adventures in all the best ways.
That starts with our location. Up here on the Panhandle, with water all around, you have quick access to points north, south, east and west. There’s the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport not far away, and major highways close by – all of the infrastructure needed to enter and exit efficiently, without being overgrown or overdeveloped like some other popular venues.
Then there’s our temperature, year-round climate – never too hot, never too cold, always just about right. You’ll get four seasons without the overbearing extremes. That’ll keep you comfortable as you pursue both water-based and land-based activities or just sitting in a chair enjoying a libation. We have great restaurants, bars and attractions, but the lure of Destin is the ability to be comfortably outside well over 300 days a year.
Destin Activities for Everyone
If you’re a hard-core angler, you might come to the Emerald Coast specifically for the fishing, but what if you just want a world-class angling add-on to your trip? Or if the family wants to do other things? There are literally endless numbers of activities to pursue for people of all ages, interests and physical abilities. Here are some of our favorites:
Gator Beach
It’s few and far between where you can have real Florida adventures like feeding a live alligator. But that’s exactly what’s possible at Gator Beach, which has become one of the most well-known gator farms in the country.
This spot is fun for the whole family with over 100 alligators on-site. It gives everyone the opportunity to get face-to-face with wild creatures and get an adrenaline rush from seeing them grab the food you offer. Feeding gators may not seem family friendly, but don’t worry, because Gator Beach makes it a safe process using specialized poles.
Plus, there’s much more than feeding at this attraction, including the chance to learn fascinating facts about these ancient reptiles. You can watch shows and demonstrations and then get your picture snapped while holding a live alligator. It’s actually free to get in, and then you pay for the extra experiences.
Henderson Beach State Park
If you’re looking for an affordable and fulfilling nature experience, Henderson Beach State Park offers fine white sand beaches and spectacular emerald-colored waters. You can lie in the sun or walk more than a mile of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Then, swim in the clear, calm and warm water, and think about adding an extra layer of fun with water sports and activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding.
There is a small fee required to enjoy this state park, but there is plenty to do once you’re inside. Beyond beach and water activities, the nature trails let you hike through coastal dune ecosystems where you’re likely to spot native wildlife.
You can even set up camp at one of the designated campsites, whether it’s with your tent or RV. You’ll have picturesque landscapes as your backdrop for the evening, and it’s okay to fish, picnic and grill here as long as you follow the park’s regulations. This particular state park receives a lot of positive feedback from visitors for being one of the most family friendly, off-the-beaten path Destin adventures.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is the perfect for-the-day activity if your family’s sick of the beach or wants some extra stimulation, especially for the kids. Here you’ll find water rides, feature slides and even a wave simulator.
The kids won’t want to miss the heart-racing Kowabunga Racer and Jumanji slides or the twists and turns of the Maui Pipeline and the Honolulu Half Pipe. These are just a few of the many water slides and pipes that are fun for adults and kids alike. Even if slides aren’t your thing, there’s something for everyone in the group here, with dedicated areas for younger adventurers—and, of course, the Lazy River so the parents can relax too.
This attraction also includes an adventure park, where you and your kids can feel like you’re flying through the sky on the Sky Coaster bungee ride. Plus, the whole family can play a round (or few) of miniature golf on the three courses with 18 holes each. You’ll putt along in a tropical setting with obstacles that will challenge everyone in a fun way.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Adults and avid golfers love the Kelly Plantation Golf Club. Go enjoy a round of golf while in town, and then you can tell your friends you experienced one of the state’s top-ranked courses. Maybe you’ll enjoy this course as a couple, or Dad can come here while the rest of the family is off having kid-friendly Destin adventures.
Here, you’ll get an 18-hole championship golfing experience on a premier course by notable designers Fred Couples and Gene Bates. If you need any gear or guidance, you’ll find top-notch facilities with a pro shop, practice areas and lessons from PGA professionals right on site. There is also a grill that’s open to the public for when you need a bite to eat.
The club itself was designed around a lush stretch of coastline along Choctawhatchee Bay, and the meticulously maintained greens and fairways of the course are as beautiful as the landscape. While you’re enjoying the scenery, you’ll also encounter natural hazards along the way where you might catch a glimpse of local wildlife, giving you the excitement of Florida destinations.
Urban Air Adventure Park
To give your kids a Destin adventure they’re sure to remember, try Urban Air Adventure Park. This indoor park is a perfect addition to an adventure vacation, yet it’s also a good backup option for when you need a day out of Florida’s sunshine or if a rainy day keeps you from outdoor activities.
This attraction is a place where your kids can get out their energy through climbing, a ropes course, laser tag, trampolines and a bunch of other activities. There’s so much to do, you can make a day out of it, and there’s also a cafe on site for taking a break and refueling between activities.
HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Villagegives you a fair-like atmosphere that’s ready and waiting for whenever you and your family visit. Enjoy the regular activities, but don’t forget to check if any events are happening during your stay, as this locale hosts festivals, college game days and concerts. This is a free, public spot to visit; you just have to pay for parking.
Your whole family can walk around and enjoy a carnival-style shooting game, a maze with mirrors and other fun games. If anyone’s extra adventurous, try The Destin Zipline and see the city around you as you soar over the ground.
There are a variety of restaurants here for when your group gets hungry, where you’ll find fresh-as-can-be seafood along with other favorites. Sit down for a meal, or simply grab some ice cream, a coffee or a sandwich from one of the snack and quick dining stops along the way.
While you’re at HarborWalk Village, you can also browse gift shops to find mementos of your trip and clothing stores with surf clothing, water sports apparel and beachwear.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. You couldn’t exhaust all of the options in ten lifetimes, but if you want to try, we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Have a Great Charter Boat Fishing Experience in Destin
For you adventurous types, especially those with a streak of Jack London or Ernest Hemingway running through your veins, the fishing will be the draw on your epic Florida adventure. Bring the family or leave them to their own devices but assess our seasons and our offerings and we’ll put them up against any “destination fishery” worldwide. When you push off from the dock, you never know exactly how the day will go or what you’ll catch, but you know that you’re in the proper zone for success.
Fortunately, Destin has a well-developed charter fleet and fishing infrastructure, including bait shops. There are tons of options to find the right charter for your group and your goals. The best charters include top-notch equipment, considerations of safety, an understanding of the likely species you’ll encounter, and a desire to please the customers. The worst ones are unsafe or may just end up turning into an expensive boat ride. There are all sorts of gradations in between, and there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, but if you ask the right questions, and take certain factors into consideration, you’re more likely to skew towards the side of excellence.
What’s to Catch Around Destin?
Many conversations start with snapper, including species such as gray snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper, and the highly desirable red snapper. The latter, which fight like banshees and taste divine, grow to record proportions here. Some of the red snapper can live a few hundred feet deep, so if you want to learn about structure fishing and marine electronics (while catching one of the best-tasting fish on earth) they’re the ones you want to target.
Some other tasty fish include mahi mahi (AKA, dorado or dolphinfish), which are brightly colored, taste incredible, and reproduce multiple times a year, so there’s no harm in harvesting them. They’re lightning fast and can grow up to 80 pounds.
Grouper are another popular fish, with various types residing here. They include Black, Goliath, Nassau, gag, red, Warsaw, yellowfin and yellowmouth. The Goliath lives in gnarly wrecks and will test your physical fitness. Several others live on the bottom, but we often catch them trolling artificial lures in the winter, too.
You want to catch a billfish? We have tasty swordfish, which are best caught at night, and majestic sailfish that jump and swim like underwater cheetahs. There are also tuna and spotted seatrout and cobia, all renowned for their plate worthiness. If you time it right, you can often catch several of these in the same day.
Adventure and Entertainment in the Same Place
Besides the superior fishing itself, what’s the best thing about an adventure fishing trip to Destin? It’s the opportunity to do something every minute, do nothing at all, or find some happy medium in between those extremes. After catching the delectable table fare of your dreams, take it home or to a local restaurant and get it prepared to your liking. Or just sit back, toes in the sand and a cold drink in your hands – it’ll give you an opportunity to reflect back on that glorious experience and to look forward to the next one.
That’s the best thing about a Destin fishing vacation: realizing that it met your spiritual and physical needs and then planning the next one. Finding an experienced charter captain is the first step in tying that all up together. Get going on your Florida adventure today and prepare to be drawn back to the Emerald Coast again and again and again.
Book your fishing adventure trip on the Finest Kind Charter Boat!