Top 5 Reasons to Love Spring in Destin

January 13, 2022

Although winter is still upon us, a change in seasons is fast approaching. A popular spring destination, Destin comes to life each year when the cooler weather subsides, encouraging travelers to emerge from their winter hibernation. As air and water temperatures rise, our friendly communities and waterways become active with locals and visitors who can’t wait to get outside.

With spring paving the way for more daylight hours, we can’t help but get excited to enjoy even more blissful sunshine, incredible sunsets, and plenty of fun along the Emerald Coast. If you’re looking for a few reasons we love spring in Destin, here are our top five.

The Beach

By far, the main attraction along the Emerald Coast is the beach. The Gulf of Mexico runs parallel to our sandy shores, stretching for miles with several beach access points on the way. Destin’s beaches are pure white, powdery soft, and delightful underfoot. Famous for having some of the clearest water in Florida, our emerald waters are truly spectacular, and calm waves make it an excellent choice for families with small children.

With water temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees and days warming up to the mid-seventies, the beach is the place to be on warm spring days. Although the water may be cool for some in early March, you’ll be surprised how refreshing a quick dip is after lounging in the warm sun, playing volleyball, or throwing a frisbee on the beach.

Crab Island

Whether here for spring break with your family, on a girl’s vacay, or a couple’s getaway, a trip to Crab Island should certainly be on the agenda. Located north of the Destin bridge and accessible only by boat, you should experience it at least once during your time here. Initially, a tiny island south of Choctawhatchee Bay, this popular sand bar has become one of the hottest attractions in Destin. Rent a watercraft at La Dolce Vita, catch a ride, and join hundreds of other boats converging in the shallow water. Wade around and make new friends, play a friendly game of Kadima, or just float on a raft and catch some rays amid the festive atmosphere. The gorgeous backdrop will present photo ops all day long, and the whole family will have a ball soaking up the Florida sunshine.

Outdoor Dining

Springtime is prime time for dining outdoors along the Emerald Coast, lending an opportunity to take in the scenery, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy delicious seafood. Destin is packed with charming restaurants offering delightful menus showcasing delectable gems from the sea. Embrace the outdoors and let nature set the mood at an open-air eatery or beachside cafe for a casual lunch, relaxing dinner, or quick pitstop after the beach. You’ll find menus featuring seasonal ingredients and the freshest catch of the day prepared however you prefer. Sample grilled tuna, steamed shrimp, or a fried Amberjack sandwich while taking in unobstructed views of the Destin harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, or the Gulf of Mexico.

Dining alfresco in Destin is all about the atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent company, so relax with an ice-cold beer, order some tuna dip for the table, and let the kids try something new. Stick with us, and we’ll have you eating like a local in no time!

Endless Activities

A big part of Destin’s appeal is that there really is something for everyone. We’d be hard-pressed to pick just a few activities to highlight because there’s no limit to how you can spend your time here. If you’re looking for new experiences on the water, try parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico, paddle boarding in Choctawhatchee Bay, or kite surfing in nearby Fort Walton Beach. Looking for something a little less adventurous? Head to Henderson Beach State Park and explore the crystal-clear water and over 6,000 feet of sugar-white sandy beach. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of loggerhead sea turtles or our friendly bottlenose dolphins on your travels!

Of course, you can always enjoy the scenery on one of our pristine golf courses, many featuring challenging holes overlooking our beautiful waterways. Rent a kayak, book a fishing charter, or set sail on a sunset cruise and enjoy the natural habitat and breathtaking views. Snorkel the Destin jetties, explore our vibrant community on bikes, or simply relax on our sandy shores, drinking in every last drop of spring’s golden sunshine.

Fantastic Sunsets

There’s nothing better than spending an entire day at the beach until the sun begins to dip into the horizon. You’ll find plenty of spots offering delightful views as the sky transitions from a stunning blue to shades of fiery crimson and deep marigold. Casting sherbert hues across the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a sight to behold and the perfect way to end a perfect day. Pack a blanket and extra layers of clothing for the whole group so you can easily adjust to the mild drop in temperature, and don’t be in a hurry to depart. The colors will become more vibrant after the sun has set, so linger past dusk for a spectacular show not to be missed.

Our magnificent sunsets present excellent opportunities to book a photo session with a local photographer, and it’s a great way to create a beautiful keepsake you’ll cherish for years. Be sure to reference our blog on where to catch the best sunsets in Destin for optimal viewing times and locations.

Where to Stay this Spring in Destin

We hope to see you in Destin on your spring travels and look forward to sharing our beautiful community with you and your family. No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation rental, Scenic Stays has the perfect home or condo to make your spring vacation in Destin one for the books!

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