Sink your toes into the warm sand, then wade into the sugar-like shores of Sandestin in northwestern Florida. When you want to explore, head out toward the abundant activities in the city and on the coast. Enjoy golfing, shopping, boating, swimming, and dining. Sandestin vacation rentals range from condos with balconies featuring an oceanfront view, to luxury beachfront homes that offer easy access to the water. Make your vacation unforgettable with fun in the sun and adventurous outings. Check out the top 15 things to do in Sandestin.
1. Experience Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar and Grill
Dinner at Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar and Grill treats your family to a night of fine dining with seafood fresh from the area. However, this bar and grill also offers entertainment with nightly performances by dueling piano players. Make a request or tap your toes to the tunes before, during, or after your feast.
2. Fly With JetPack Destin
Thrill seekers love to test their skills and abilities. Indulge the thrill seeker in your group with a jet pack experience from JetPack Destin. This water sport outfitter features instructional guides that accompany you on your water journey while soaring over the coast at high speeds.
3. Rent a Boat From Sunshine Water Sports
See the waves and the blue waters on the Gulf of Mexico up close with a leisurely boat ride for the day. Just minutes from your Sandestin vacation rental, you can opt to rent a pontoon boat from Sunshine Water Sports or Destin Vacation Boat Rentals. If you’re looking for more speed, these outfitters also supply jet skis for vacationers and locals.
4. Rent Bikes From 3A Bike Rentals
Get some exercise and see the Florida woodlands with a trek on the 19-mile Timpoochee Trail that takes you around coastal dune lakes and neighborhoods. Stop at one of the art galleries in town when taking a break from cycling or take a dip in the water at one of the 16 beaches throughout South Walton. Get all of the biking equipment and the bikes you need from 3A Bike Rentals or Big Fish Bike Rentals, conveniently located in South Walton.
5. Enjoy a Round of Golf at the Emerald Bay Golf Club
Sharpen your skills on the golf course with 18 holes surrounding by palm trees and ponds. Within minutes from your Sandestin vacation rental, you have access to The Links of Sandestin, Emerald Bay Golf Club, Ft. Walton Beach Club, and Indian Bayou Golf Club. Choose a course that matches your skill level and then enjoy some rest and relaxation at the club house with lunch or dinner.
Find the perfect Sandestin vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
6. Indulge in Chocolate and Fudge at Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream
A sweet treat is in order after a day at the beach, and Sandestin’s Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream shop delivers. Choose from hand-dipped ice cream on cones or in a sundae, or purchase some chocolate and fudge to take back to your vacation rental.
7. Head to The Track at The Track Family Recreation Center
Adventure is waiting for you at The Track Family Recreation Center in Destin. Spend the day or the evening riding bumper cards, bumper boats, or go-karts. Challenge the family to a competitive game of miniature golf or hop on board the Ferris wheel to see the city. The adventurous souls in your group can sign up for a bungee jump that features a 75-foot plunge.
8. Splash at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
Slide into an exhilarating pool of water when on bard one of the 40 water attractions at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. This waterpark is home to not only water attractions, but also a race track, Sky Coaster, and miniature golf course. Let the kids enjoy the kiddie area, too, that features a low-depth pool, smaller slides, and fountains.
9. See Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin Air Force Base is located just minutes from your Sandestin vacation rental and includes the Air Force Armament Museum. View interactive displays that take you through World War I to present-day wars. You can also browse vintage air crafts used by the military and weaponry on display.
10. Bet on the Races at Ebro Greyhound Park
The adults in your group can try their hand at gambling while watching live greyhound races at the Ebro Greyhound Park. Stand outside near the track to see the races live or relax in the on-site restaurant with your favorite beverage after placing your bets.
11. Get in Some Retail Therapy at Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Shop until you drop at the Silver Sands Premium Outlets that puts you in touch with more than 100 outlets stores that are both nationally and locally owned. Pick up a souvenir from your Florida vacation or browse through the designer items at stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Polo Ralph Lauren. Make a day of your shopping trip at the Grand Boulevard at Sandestin to browse through art galleries, dine at the local restaurants, or settle in for a movie at the 10-screen movie theater.
12. Familiarize Yourself With Nature at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a popular area for vacationers seeking 3.2 miles of secluded beaches, a birding trail, and 25-foot dunes. Rent a canoe from Tygar Jon’s Beach Rentals or The Rental Shop 30A and paddle on one of the coastal dune lakes adjacent to the park.
13. Opt for a Spa Experience at Serenity by the Sea Spa
If you need some additional rest and relaxation, venture from your Sandestin vacation rental to Serenity by the Sea Spa. This specialty spa offers massages, facials, hair and nail treatments to help you feel relaxed and refreshed for your next adventure.
14. See Marine Creatures at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Travel a few miles to Fort Walton Beach to encounter marina animals who make their home in Florida. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park features sea turtles, sea lions, dolphins, and harbor seals. You can spend the day swimming with the dolphins, feeding fish and penguins, or snorkeling with stingrays.
15. Tour the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center
Learn more about the history of the Northwest Florida communities with a visit to this cultural center that includes the Civil War Exhibit Building and the Fort Walton Temple Mound. You can walk through the Garnier Post Office Museum or take in the artifacts at the Indian Temple Mound Museum and Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum at this center.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Sandestin vacation rentals on Tripping.com.