Winter is the perfect time for an escape to Destin, Florida! While much of the country is stuck with bone-chillingly cold weather, the Emerald Coast offers a very inviting climate. Featuring average highs in the low 60s, vacationers in Destin can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, along with plenty of indoor attractions as well. To help you make the most of your getaway, Summerplace INN Inn has put together a guide to six of the best winter activities in Destin FL.
1. Dolphin Tours
Destin is home to a large community of dolphins who enjoy the Emerald Coast’s warm waters all year round. The most convenient way to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures is by taking a dolphin cruise on The Southern Star, an 80-foot long glass bottom boat. Profiled on CNN and National Geographic, The Southern Star lives up to its famous slogan, “expect a miracle”. Follow the link to learn more about seeing dolphins in Destin.
2. Golfing
The comfortable winter weather in Destin is ideal for playing golf. Our favorite place to hit the links is the Regatta Bay Golf Club. This par-72 course was named one of the “Top Places to Play in North America” by Golf Digest. Regatta Bay is known for its luxurious amenities, such as circulating beverage carts, chilled apples on the 1st and 10th holes, and GPS-equipped golf carts.
3. Museums
Visiting museums is another one of the best winter activities in Destin FL. One of the most popular museums in town is the Destin History & Fishing Museum, which includes more than 75 mounts of locally caught fish and an excellent exhibit on the Emerald Coast’s Native American heritage. Another great museum is the Air Force Armament Museum. Located at Eglin Air Force Base, this awesome attraction showcases military aircrafts that date from WWI to the present.
4. Shopping
Shopaholics are sure to get their fix in Destin! Our city is home to a number of fantastic shopping complexes where you can find souvenirs, add to your wardrobe, or just walk around and browse. Some of our favorite spots for enjoying a little retail therapy include Destin Commons, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, and The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
5. Bicycling
Bicycling is a wonderful way to take in Destin’s beautiful scenery. From the 18.6-mile Timpoochee Trail to the 5-mile Scenic Highway 98, the Emerald Coast is filled with gorgeous bike paths for visitors to explore.
6. Special Events
The winter months bring a number of special events to Destin. Here is a quick look at some of the popular seasonal festivities:
Christmas Celebrations (December)
New Year’s Eve Street Party at the HarborWalk Village
30A Songwriters Festival (January)
Parrot Head Chili Cook-off (February)
Valentine’s Day (February)
Mardi Gras (February)
