Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Destin?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Destin?

Most visitors spend five to seven days in Destin when visiting. The family-friendly beach town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the beaches, the food, the beautiful scenery, and the quaint shops.

Destin is a popular, family-friendly beach destination on the Florida Panhandle. The blue waters from the Gulf of Mexico stay very warm and the beaches have beautiful white sand. There are walking trails and peaceful dunes that make for a scenic place to explore. There are also state parks and natural areas where you can go to avoid some of the peak season crowds.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Destin? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one week enough time in Destin?

One week is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Destin. Many visitors prefer to spend five to seven days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the food, the beautiful scenery, and the quaint shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend a week in Destin

The beautiful beaches await you in Destin, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna ($75)
  • ORIGINAL Destin Tikis Fireworks Cruise ($65)
  • Sunset and Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin ($79)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Destin is Baytowne Wharf, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

Destin is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Sunset and Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin ($79)
  • FAMOUS & ORIGINAL Destin Tikis Sunset Cruise in Destin Harbor ($70)
  • Small-Group Banana Boat Ride at Miramar Beach Destin ($35)

Shopping in Destin is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

After you've explored most of Destin, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Destin. Plenty of amazing options are available.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Destin?

Two weeks is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Destin. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Destin as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.

Destin, Florida Destin, Florida

How to spend 2 weeks in Destin

With 2 weeks in Destin, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the beach town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this beach town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.


A few trip suggestions:

  • Experience Parasailing Just Chute Me Destin ($70)
  • Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna ($75)
  • Parasailing With Pelican Adventures ($63)
  • ORIGINAL Destin Tikis Fireworks Cruise ($65)
  • Sunset and Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin ($79)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Destin, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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