Top Springtime Activities in Destin, Florida

Rent a Bike and Go!

There is a wide array of paved paths as well as dirt paths through Point Washington State Forest that are ideal for exploration. Spring temperatures make it extremely enjoyable to head out on two wheels and explore the coast. Whether you bike down Scenic Gulf Drive or the Timpoochee Trail along Scenic Highway 30, biking the paved bike paths that meander along the coast is a fun, springtime activity.

Dine Outdoors.

Spring is the perfect time to be outside and we are blessed with exceptional Destin restaurants and sidewalk cafes that are perfect for dining alfresco. As an added bonus, many restaurants feature spectacular views of the Gulf. Some of our favorites include the Tarpon Club upstairs at Bud & Alleys, the patio at Vue on 30A, Pompano Joe’s, Crab Trap, Camille’s sidewalk café at the Beachside Inn, Brotula’s, Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant, the Back Porch and Jackacuda’s overlooking the Destin Harbor. 

Listen to Live Music.

During the spring, the Destin area comes alive with the sound of music. Live music venues all along the Emerald Coast feature live performances on various nights throughout the week. Highlights include live music every Wednesday in Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin as well as in the Seaside Amphitheater (both are free and bringing a blanket or lawn chair is recommended), and Concerts in the Village on Thursdays at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village-Destin (April-May). In addition for those 21+, AJ’s features live music most nights throughout the spring and summer months. Check out a list of spring live music events here. 

Drink Wine/Drink Craft Beer.

Whether you’re a wine lover or a beer drinker, Destin has it all. Wine enthusiasts love the spring wine events including Sandestin Wine Festival (April), the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (April) and the Destin Charity Wine Auction (April). In addition, weekly wine tastings around town including Alys Beach on Tuesdays, and Chan’s Wine Bar Wine Tastings on Wednesdays, are always fun spring traditions.

For beer lovers, touring the Emerald Coast’s craft breweries including Idyll Hounds, Grayton Beer, Destin Brewery and Props Brewery provide a fun taste of the local craft beer scene and special spring brews. Try them all in one place at the Craft Bar or World of Beer at Destin Commons.

Go for Ice Cream.

Not a drinker or not 21, enjoy the next best thing…Ice Cream! Local ice cream shops open in the spring with new flavors and delectable treats. For those on 30A, try Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, and in Miramar Beach visit Kilwins at Grand Boulevard with two dozen different flavors or stop by Ben & Jerry's at the Market Shops at Sandestin. And in Destin, Sugarland Candy & Ice Cream at HarborWalk Village is oh so delicious or head down the street for Shake’s Frozen Custard.

Enjoy Art.

Among the many ways to enjoy art in Destin and South Walton, is the annual ArtsQuest Art Festival hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Among their many signature events, ArtsQuest is the original. Launched in Grayton Beach decades ago, the beloved annual event is now held at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin to accomodate its popularity, and growing number of participants and attendees. In addition to ArtsQuest, the area is filled with galleries featuring local artists works. For those interested in letting their artistic side bloom, check out hands-on art studios, such as the Glass Deer and Mary Hong's Shard Shop, where you can create custom artwork--the ultimate souvenir from your visit to the beach! 

Relax at the Beach

Of course, all of these fun springtime activities complement the most popular thing to do in the spring in Destin--Relax on the beach!

Plan Your Spring Break Escape to Destin

Have you booked your spring beach getaway yet? If not, we invite you to view our premier South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to narrow your search. Plan your stay for the late spring and save 10% with our “Late Spring Fling" special offer. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee.  

See you @ the beach!

*Some restrictions apply. Not valid for stays at the Beachside Inn.