Top 8 Things To Do This Summer in Destin and 30A

May 24, 2022

Summer is almost here, but is your bucket list ready for your 2022 beach trip to Destin and 30A? If not, don’t worry! There are so many options whether you like to beach bum in the sun or go on an adventure at sea. Pack up your swimsuit and goggles, and check out our ultimate Summer 2022 bucket list.

Snorkel at the Artificial Reefs

Did you know there are 16 artificial reef sites spanning from Miramar Beach to Inlet Beach? The South Walton Artificial Reef Association is responsible for these habitats made of steel, Florida limestone, and concrete where marine wildlife can thrive. Each reef is unique, with some in fun nautical shapes like a dolphin off Miramar Beach and a seahorse. The reefs are accessible from the beach, so all you need is your snorkel and fins to make the most of a day spent in the water. Fish such as red snapper, cobia, and mackerel call the Gulf of Mexico home and may join you on an adventure around the reef. Dolphins and sea turtles could make an appearance, so be prepared to see plenty of wildlife in the crystal-clear Gulf waters.

Build a Sandcastle

Destin and 30A are known for some of their massive homes and famous architectural styles, and now is your chance to make your mark with a sensational sandcastle. Your building tools are a shovel and pail, and shells and seaweed offer the perfect accents and decorations. Want some advice from the experts? Sandcastle Rockstars offers beginner and masterclasses that the whole family can enjoy on the beach. This isn’t your typical sea shanty either. The three-foot beginner castle has trees and walls, and the five-foot master class is colossal with staircases, bridges, and more. Yours will be the envy of every other family on the beach with your fantastic castle.

Set Sail on a Pirate Cruise

What did the ocean say to the pirate? Nothing, it just waved! Cheesy pirate jokes are just a tiny part of the fun aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin. Every day the pirate ship sails through the Destin Harbor out into the Gulf of Mexico in search of perfect sunset views, playful dolphins, and pirates’ treasure. The lively pirate crew puts on a show filled with cannon blasts, sword fighting, and even a pirate lesson for the little ones. Every Thursday during the summer months, there’s a special fireworks cruise with a front-row seat to one of the best displays on the Emerald Coast.  Arrr you ready for a swashbuckling good time?

Ride a Go Kart

Adventure awaits along HWY 98 in Destin at the Track! A staple of every great family vacation in Destin, the Track has six different tracks ranging from kiddie tracks to Wild Woody, an elevated wooden track. In the spirit of competition, you can race your family to the finish line and brag about your victory for the rest of your trip. After you’ve felt the wind in your hair, head over to play a round of miniature golf or take a break from the heat in the indoor arcade. The possibilities are endless, and a full day at the Track is never a day wasted.

Experience the Back Waters of South Walton

While the Gulf of Mexico tends to be the star of the show on a vacation to Northwest Florida, the backwaters of South Walton offer an exciting alternative to the typical beach waves. The eco-tour of the backwaters, provided by 30A Airboat Adventures,  gives visitors the chance to explore nature on Florida’s third-largest river, the Choctawhatchee. During the tour on the small airboat, you can expect to see native Florida wildlife such as blue herons, egrets, and even alligators. The size of the boat provides a quiet and intimate experience that will allow you to fully appreciate the calming serenity of time spent on the water. It’s like no boat ride you’ve ever been on!

Grab a Sunset Drink

Sunsets and cold drinks go together like peanut butter and jelly. Destin and 30A boast some of the most incredible sunsets during the summer months, and area restaurants provide the tastiest accompaniment to the view. Harry T’s Lighthouse at HarborWalk Village overlooks the Destin Harbor with views of the East Pass out onto the Gulf. We recommend stopping by the upstairs bar for a margarita or frosty beer and grabbing a seat to take it all in. Heading east to 30A, the Pescado rooftop in Rosemary Beach is the place to be when the sun goes down. Not only is the view spectacular overlooking the homes and coast of Rosemary Beach, but the specialty cocktails will keep you coming back night after night. Whether you want something neat, straight up, or on the rocks, the Pescado bar will wet your whistle.

Try a New Seafood Restaurant

If you’ve been coming to Destin and 30A for years, there are probably several restaurants on your all-time favorites list. This year try branching out and dining somewhere new. Marina Café offers a variety of dishes, including sushi and pizza in the bar area and more upscale options in the main dining area. The fried oyster salad is a refreshingly sweet and savory twist on the typical fare. On days when you’re craving a classic southern dish, Blue Mabel in Blue Mountain Beach is the place to be. Gulf shrimp in the seafood gumbo will delight your tastebuds, and no one can resist a classic shrimp and grits dish. Save room for dessert because vacation calories don’t count.

Wednesday Night Concert Series

During the summer months, the Village of Baytowne Wharf hosts a weekly concert as a part of its Wednesday Night Concert Series. The shows are free at the Plaza Stage from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Many of the performers are local favorites and will have you dancing to the beat out on the lawn. The May series kicks off with fan-favorite Jessie Ritter on May 4th.

Summer 2022 is destined to be the best yet when you travel to 30A or Destin for a vacation. A day on the beach is great, but the trip is made even better with exciting activities, delicious food, and a thirst-quenching beverage. Plan your vacation today; the whole family will appreciate it!

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