There are many great options for lodging. The Best Western Fort Walton Beachfront is a funky boutique style hotel with playful art deco design. Destin West Beach & Bay Resort offers luxury condominiums with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico from their Gulfside units, while the Bayside condos overlook Choctawhatchee Bay. The Breakers is a favorite of many visitors to the area, with their great service and outstanding sights. And the newly renovated Emerald Coast Inn and Suites is popular for its vast amenities and great value.

Most locations tend to have a “best kept secret” when it comes to options for lodging. In Fort Walton Beach, that secret would have to be Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast. This beautiful B&B, nestled among 300 year old oak trees, is a fairly new construction, but was designed with the atmosphere of an older home. The porch with its wicker chairs and rockers provide a charming place to relax and get away from it all. Wake up to coffee as early as 7:15 am, while you wait for one of the best breakfasts you’ve ever had. Breakfast starts the day off with delicious offerings such as fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, tasty grits and even bread pudding. The generous servings will quench your appetite until well after lunch time. Aunt Martha’s is a great value, on top of providing a beautifully designed location to get away from it all.

Though there are many great restaurants to choose from in Fort Walton Beach, there are definitely some favorites. Big City Bistro has earned a reputation for great service and excellent food. Guests love their fresh seafood, chicken salad and crème brulee. The Bay Cafe is another wonderful choice for dining. Their melt in your mouth filet mignon and chicken piccata are among the best. Top it off with their delicious tiramisu. Some other terrific restaurants worthy of mention are Old Bay Steamer and Mullhollows Bistro 215. Fort Walton provides a nice change in dining from the usual tourist style restaurants.

Okaloosa Island, the beach front community of Fort Walton, is considered to be one of the best beaches in the area. This is also a popular attraction to the region as visitors find a terrific locale to enjoy the beach and water, restaurants, hotels and condos, shopping and entertainment. They also have volleyball nets and covered picnic areas.

The Fishing Pier at Okaloosa Island is famous for the large fish that can be caught from the pier. This extraordinarily long pier extend 1,262 feet from the shore. That is almost 1/4 mile! Fish anywhere along the pier or make your spot at the octagonal shaped area at the end. Anglers fishing from this pier have been known to reel in 100 pound tarpon, 40 pound king mackerel, a rare sailfish, tasty pompano and various other great catches. The pier welcomes the young and old, experienced and amateur.

Fort Walton Beach is a wonderful vacation spot to relax and enjoy nature and luxury. The friendly people and convenient location encountered here, cause visitors to return year after year.

Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast
http://www.auntmarthasbedandbreakfast.com/

Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
http://www.theboardwalkoi.com/

Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
http://www.okaloosaislandpier.com/

Fort Walton Beach is a post from: Inside Destin Florida

With its seven boats, Marler’s has the largest fishing fleet in Destin. They run daily dolphin cruises from the Hannah Marie and the Miss Florida. If you get hungry while on your 2-hour narrated cruise, a snack bar is available onboard. The cabin has heat and air conditioning, and of course they have restrooms. The cruise travels the Destin Harbor, then through the East Pass into the Gulf of Mexico, and to the Bay. Cruises are available for early morning, noon, or sunset.

Vacationers to Destin just love to see the dolphins up close and Marler’s seem to know exactly how to find them. They sometimes even swim right up to the boat. Of course, they don’t have a magical way to get the dolphins to cooperate, so it’s not guaranteed that you will see the dolphins. Even those guest who are not lucky enough to spot dolphins are usually still satisfied with the cruise as they enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant company. The captain always provides interesting information and stories during the travels.

Olin Marler’s also offers excellent deep sea fishing, specializing in bottom fishing and trolling. They supply the necessary bait, tackle, rods, ice and fishing license in the price of the trip. Experienced captains know the right places to go for the very best fishing and the knowledgeable staff will be there to assist in getting you rigged up and fishing.

This outfit aims to please everyone with their 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 & 12 hour fishing trips. And if you prefer an overnight adventure, they have that too. Their 50-foot boats are not fancy, but they are spacious and definitely sufficient. There are two bathrooms, so no waiting in line. Sleeping accommodations are available for the overnight fishing trips. For larger groups, they provide 65-foot walk around boats that accommodate up to 14 people for sleeping. These boats also have air conditioning, a microwave and two bathrooms.

To top off your trip, when you return to port, the crew will be happy to clean your fish, it’s included in your gratuity. There are even several conveniently located restaurants that will cook your catch for you to eat. You just cannot get fresher fish than that!

Your Captain will possibly be either Olin Marler, Bruce Marler or Greg Marler in this family run business. They suggest you bring sunglasses, sunscreen, hand wipes and a cooler with food and drinks for your trip.

If you’re needing a boat for a parties, reunions or meetings, they rent out boats for these special occasions. Fishing fleets are offered year round, seven days a week, as long as the weather cooperates. Some of the fish you can plan to catch will include king mackerel, bonita, grouper, red snapper, amberjack and black fin tuna.

Olin Marler’s provides not only some of the best fishing in Destin, but also some of the best prices. They aim to provide a great experience for a reasonable price.

Olin Marler’s Charter Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
102-B Highway 98 East
Destin, FL 32541
Fishing: 850-837-7095
Dolphin Cruises: 850-654-7113
http://www.olinmarlercharterboats.com

Also, be sure to check out our list of the best discounts and coupons for Destin, FL to save money on things in to do in Destin, Florida. And our list of the best restaurants in Destin, FL will give you 10 great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, our list of the best places to stay in Destin will give you plenty of accommodation options.

Olin Marler’s Charter Fishing & Dolphin Cruises is a post from: Inside Destin Florida

Depending on weight and wind conditions, guests will parasail in groups of two or three. So those that get a little nervous can ride with a friend right beside them to help with those jitters. You even get to decide if you get wet or not. Just let the captain know and he can see to it.

No previous experience in parasailing is required and kids as young as six years old can share in this unique experience. The combined weight of those parasailing together must be at least 90 pounds, but no more than 450 pounds.

The captains and crew at Just Chute Me! will quickly let you know that parasailing is not a scary experience, but rather is serene and peaceful. With their slow and gentle take-off and landing, they offer the feeling of floating in the air. Early mornings are by far the best time to go when the temperatures are mild and the winds and water are calmer.

Just Chute Me! in Destin, Florida is open for business from March to October with the hours of 8 am until sunset daily. Reservations are required, so be sure to call at least 2-3 days ahead of time during the peak season of June through August. If you’re planning on coming with a large group, give them a little more notice of no less than 4-5 days.

The parasail boat holds up to twelve passengers, so if there’s room for those who choose not to parasail but just want to go along for the ride, the crew is glad to have you. While the fee for parasailing is $65 per person, the price to ride along is $25. From start to finish, the boating experience takes a little over an hour. Once in the boat, you’ll travel through the Destin Harbor and then through the Destin Pass into the Gulf of Mexico. If the seas are too bumpy there, the captain will take you to the Choctawhatchee Bay for its calmer waters. When you arrive at that destination, the parasailing fun will begin! With the 800 foot towline, parasailers will rise to a height of about 500 vertical feet to enjoy the peace and tranquility of soaring above the earth while enjoying an outstanding view.

With more than 17 years of expertise and over 100,000 flights, Just Chute Me! definitely has the experience and know-how to make your parasailing adventure a terrific experience. The captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed Masters. Captains and crew members are thoroughly trained in all areas of parasailing, boat handling and flight procedures. In addition, they are members of PAPO (Professional Association of Parasail Operators). Safety of their customers is their first priority. Parasailing is all they do and they pride themselves at being the best.

Just Chute Me!
US Hwy 98 on Destin Harbor – at Baby J’s Cafe and Aloha Pontoon Boat Rentals
194 Harbor Blvd.
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 650-4630
http://www.parasaildestin.com

Also, be sure to check out our list of the best discounts and coupons for Destin, FL to save money on things in to do in Destin, Florida. And our list of the best restaurants in Destin, FL will give you 10 great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, our list of the best places to stay in Destin will give you plenty of accommodation options.

Just Chute Me! Parasailing in Destin, FL is a post from: Inside Destin Florida

Whether you’re an experienced rider or it’s your first time, this is a great way to spend a few hours or even a day in Destin. Before you go out on your own, Chris is there to teach the ropes of riding and and to offer terrific suggestions on where to go and what to do. He often goes out and rides with groups who invite him. Whatever your need, Chris tries to oblige.

Scooter rental rates range from $35 – $125 depending on demand and length of rental. They offer hourly, half day (3 hours) and full day (6 hours) rentals. A special treat that is very popular is their Sunset Scooter Rental. It offers two-hours to cruise along the bay during sunset. They often run a special Monday to Wednesday which are their slower days. For this special, they have a limited amount of scooters available for only $60 for all day rental. Reservations are required to take advantage of this great deal. Be sure to check their website or call ahead to confirm the specials.

When renting for the full day, you can tour Destin, ride to a swimming area, go out to eat, or anything else you want to do. It’s just a great way to get around. Customers love to explore Destin by riding to places they never would have gone without the scooters.

Drivers must be 18-years of age with a valid drivers license. Helmets are provided and should be worn at all times while riding. Florida law requires eye protection as well. Sunglasses work just fine.

Mobile Scooter is determined to offer unique and enjoyable options for Destin vacationers and residents. Chris and Mistelle know that people love to get on the water, and felt the market was missing some more affordable options. So their newest addition to the business is Banana Boat Rides!

Banana Boats are long inflatables that look like long sharks or whales and hold up to six riders. Be sure to look on their website to see these adorable boats. Riders get to choose between a gentle and pleasurable tour of the Destin Harbor, or a wet and wild ride in the open waters of the Gulf. You just let them know which you prefer and they customize your ride. Banana Boat rides are $20 per person for a 25 minute ride. For your safety, life jackets are provided in a variety of sizes, including children’s.

Mobile Scooter puts a great deal of importance in making sure their customers have a great time. They’ll help in anyway they can to put a smile on your face!

Mobile Scooter
109 Harbor Blvd. (Emerald Coast Pkwy)
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 687-1626
http://mobilescooterrental.com

Also, be sure to check out our list of the best discounts and coupons for Destin, FL to save money on things in to do in Destin, Florida. And our list of the best restaurants in Destin, FL will give you 10 great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, our list of the best places to stay in Destin will give you plenty of accommodation options.

Mobile Scooter Rental in Destin, FL is a post from: Inside Destin Florida

Since many of the beach areas in Destin, FL are considered private and are reserved for guests of hotels that sit on them, Henderson Beach offers a great place to enjoy the best beaches Destin has to offer. For the small fee of $6 per car, visitors can park their car for the day as they enjoy a fun filled time on the beach. Park hours are conveniently set at 8 am to sunset daily.

Plan to stay the day and bring a picnic lunch or grab one of the grills under the pavilions to cook out. They have picnic tables, restrooms and drink machines. The pavilions are the only shaded areas in the parks, so you may want to bring an umbrella to sit under for breaks from the sun. They also have two outdoor shower areas to wash off the sand and salt water.

At the beginning of the nature trail, kids will find a much appreciated playground with a view of the ocean. After taking a hike on the trail, parents can sit in the covered area out of the sun to rest while they watch their children play. The nature trail is one of the few spots in Destin where you can enjoy the coastal dune ecosystem and wildlife.

Depending on the season or just the day, many guests to this state park are lucky enough to spot various wildlife on the land or in the water. Birds of many types, whether they be wading birds, migratory birds or shore birds, are often spotted during the spring and fall seasons. Dolphins are often seen, and occasionally small reptiles or even sea turtles.

Be sure to watch for the colored flags that will found at the beaches. They are there to inform visitors of the swimming conditions. Green flags indicate that the water is safe, yellow shows the need to stay close to shore and be cautious, while purple means that marine pests are present. Those bad jellies! Double red flags are the ones to really watch out for. They signify that there is absolutely no swimming allowed due to high winds and undertow currents. Be sure to play it safe and always take these flags seriously.

Pets are permitted in the park, but only in the parking lot, on the nature trail and on the sidewalk in the day use area. They are not allowed on the beach, playground or any park buildings. Be sure to check the website for other rules concerning your dear pets.

Many guests to Destin particularly love Henderson State Park for its beautiful campgrounds. They offer 60 campsites and provide electric and water hookups. Campers have access to private air conditioned and heated bathhouse facilities. They also have a separate boardwalk with beach access, outdoor showers and a playground. These amenities are reserved just for campers. Nightly campground rates are only about $30 and include water and electricity. The grounds are kept extremely clean and the staff is great.

If you’re staying at a hotel or condo located right on the beach, you won’t really have a need for this park, but for those looking for a great location to enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature of Destin, this is the perfect spot especially if you are looking for a campground in Destin, FL.

Henderson Beach State Park & Campground
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-7550
Camping – (800) 326-352
http://www.floridastateparks.org/hendersonbeach/default.cfm

Also, be sure to check out our list of the best discounts and coupons for Destin, FL to save money on things in to do in Destin, Florida. And our list of the best restaurants in Destin, FL will give you 10 great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, our list of the best places to stay in Destin will give you plenty of accommodation options.

Henderson Beach State Park & Campgrounds is a post from: Inside Destin Florida

Thoughts of a gourmet kitchen shop will bring images of kitchen utensils, coffees, teas, wine gadgets and cookbooks to mind. And you will finds lots of that at Kitchenique in Destin, FL. Visitors to Destin love coming here to find all these luxury kitchen “essentials.” This is one of those true gems where it is really fun to browse and look for a long time. You’re sure to find at least a few items you must take back home with you. It is also a great place to purchase wine while you’re in town.

Kitchenique is personally owned and operated by Vicki McCain. Vicki has been in business for over 24 years and she really knows what she’s doing. She is a hands on lady who cares about her customer. She offers great service and a terrific selection of kitchen specialty items at reasonable prices.

So all of that is great, but you haven’t heard the best part yet. Probably the most treasured thing about Kitchenique is the cooking and wine tasting classes. Both her local and visiting customers love to take part. Vicki teaches many of the classes, but she also enlists the help of various local chefs to come in and offer their expertise. The classes are held in the store at Vicki’s state of the art demonstration kitchen. They range in price from a reasonable $20 to no more than $45 per person. They fill up quickly, so be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot. Just looking at the list of offered classes will make your mouth water.

Many regular visitors to Destin like to make their reservations far ahead of time as they’re planning their trip just to be sure they get in. It’s one of their favorite things to do when they are in Destin. Some of them enjoy it so much that they fit in two or three classes during their trip. These classes are so much fun, as you gain new cooking ideas, meet interesting people and eat the delicious food! Just go to the website and look at all the classes she will have during your trip and choose the best ones for you.

Vicki and Kitchenique hope that you will “taste the time of your life” as you enjoy their cooking school and gourmet pantry while you’re in Destin, FL.

Kitchenique
36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy
Suite 111
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-0432
(800) 476-2918
http://www.kitchenique.com

Also, be sure to check out our list of the best Destin coupons to save money on dining and many other things in to do in Destin, Florida. And our list of the best places to eat in Destin, FL will give you 10 great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, our list of the best hotels in Destin will give you plenty of options for places to stay.

Kitchenique Gourmet Kitchen Shop is a post from: Inside Destin Florida

The Best Things to do in Destin, FL

1. Olin Marler’s Charter Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
   102-B Highway 98 East
   Destin, FL 32541
   Fishing: 850-837-7095
   Dolphin Cruises: 850-654-7113
   http://www.olinmarlercharterboats.com
2. Just Chute Me!
   US Hwy 98 on Destin Harbor – at Baby J’s Cafe and Aloha Pontoon Boat Rentals
   194 Harbor Blvd.
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 650-4630
   http://www.parasaildestin.com
3. Mobile Scooter
   109 Harbor Blvd. (Emerald Coast Pkwy)
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 687-1626
   http://mobilescooterrental.com
4. Henderson Beach State Park & Campground
   17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 837-7550
   Camping – (800) 326-3521
   Camping Reservations – www.ReserveAmerica.com
   http://www.floridastateparks.org/hendersonbeach/default.cfm
5. Kitchenique
   36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy
   Suite 111
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 837-0432
   (800) 476-2918
   http://www.kitchenique.com
6. Southern Star Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
   HarborWalk Village – Marina Level
   100 Harbor Blvd, Suite A
   Destin, FL 32541
   (888) 424-7217
   (850) 837-7741
   http://www.dolphin-sstar.com
7. Dockside Water Sports
   228 Harbor Boulevard
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 428-3313
   (850) 837-2622
   http://www.boatrentalsindestin.com
8. Golf in Destin (4 of the best courses are listed below)
   Emerald Bay Golf Club
   4781 Clubhouse Dr.
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 837-5197
   (888) 465-3229
   http://www.emeraldbaygolfclub.com

   Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club
   465 Regatta Bay Blvd.
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 337-8080
   (850) 650-7800
   http://www.regattabay.com

   Kelly Plantation Golf Club
   307 Kelly Plantation Dr.
   Destin, FL 32541
   (800) 811-6757
   (850) 650-7600
   http://www.kellyplantationgolf.com

   Indian Bayou Golf Club
   1 Country Club Dr. East
   Destin, FL 32541
   (850) 837-6191
   http://www.indianbayougolf.com

9. Air Force Armament Museum
   100 Museum Dr.
   Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542
   (850) 651-1808
   http://www.afarmamentmuseum.com
10. The Track Recreation Park
    1125 Hwy. 98 East
    Destin, FL 32541
    (850) 654-4668
    http://www.destintrack.com

If you’ve been to any of these attractions in Destin, Florida then let us know what you thought by using the comment section below. If you know of other things to do in Destin, FL that belongs on this list then be sure to let everyone know as well!

Also, be sure to check out our list of the best Destin coupons to save money on dining and many other things in to do in Destin, Florida. And our list of the best places to eat in Destin, FL will give you 10 great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, our list of the best hotels in Destin will give you plenty of options for places to stay.

The Best Things to do in Destin, FL is a post from: Inside Destin Florida