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Destin may be busiest during the spring and summer, but autumn is still a fantastic time to visit the Emerald Coast. In fact, fall is sometimes called the “secret season” for Destin, as visitors get to enjoy great weather and a variety of fun activities while the crowds are pretty small.
We’ll share some of the best things to do in Destin in fall, from good food to special events to fun outdoor activities and more!
7 Things to Do in Destin in Fall!
While the water may still be warm enough to take a dip, there are a number of other things visitors will want to check out during the fall. From family fun to more adult-oriented activities, there’s something for everyone.
Check out some of our favorites!
1. Build a Bonfire on the Beach
A favorite fall activity no matter where you are, bonfires are always a blast and a great way to enjoy nature. From cooking gooey, delicious s’mores to feeling the warmth of the fire on your face, this family-friendly activity is made all the better when you get to view the Gulf and listen to the waves crashing against the shore.
In addition to your family and friends, you’ll want to bring along your favorite food and beverages, a comfy blanket, and a flashlight! Just note that you’ll need a permit to have a bonfire on the beach, but it’s easy to get one, and the South Walton Fire District makes the permitting process easy.
Click here to view some local beach bonfire experts.
2. Snap Some Family Photos on the Beach
Fall is the perfect time to capture some photos with the ones you love most, and there is no better backdrop for these memories than the emerald waters and cotton candy skies of Destin’s white sand beaches! With fewer crowds and earlier sunsets, fall provides the chance for visitors to use a beautiful background for a photo. Best of all, there are tons of beaches you can choose from up and down the Emerald Coast, including Miramar Beach, Henderson Beach State Park (be sure to check out the nature trails), Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and more!
You can take the photos yourself (be sure to figure out how to operate the timer on your phone), or book a local family photographer and leave the pictures to the pros!
3. Enjoy Some Aquatic Adventures
Although the weather is a little cooler in the fall, the temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy some watersports! Whether you want to jet ski, parasail, or set sail on a dolphin cruise, there are plenty of ways to have a blast while getting wet! You could even try your hand at scuba diving, if you want to see what’s going on beneath the waves and have the chance to see a spectacular array of fish and other wildlife.
But it’s important to remember that the sun’s rays are still strong in the autumn, so don’t forget your sunscreen!
4. Take Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons
Building a sandcastle (or any other type of sand-based art) is one of the classic beach activities, and it is especially fun to do so in the fall, when the temperatures are a bit mild. But while you can certainly grab a shovel and a bucket and make sandcastles yourself, you can also get lessons from sandcastle-building pros.
Just be sure to take lots of photos of your creations, whether you hire professional help or go it alone!
5. Check Out Some Indoor Activities
The fall weather in Destin is generally fabulous, but there are still plenty of indoor activities you can enjoy if your plans get rained out. Arcades are always a fun way to enjoy some indoor fun with the kiddos, and there are several you can visit from Fort Walton Beach to Panama City, including Fat Daddy’s Arcade, Dave and Buster’s, The Track, and more!
As a bonus, many of these arcades offer food and snacks, so you can quickly refuel for more video game fun!
6. Go Fishing
Fall is a great time to go fishing in Destin, as Destin Harbor offers easy access to some of the best fishing in the world! In fact, Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” by fishing enthusiasts because of the incredible angling opportunities it provides.
Tuna and sailfish are some of the best species to target during this time of year, and there are a variety of fishing charter trips you can join to try your luck! Also, if you’re visiting in November, be sure to check out all the fun things to do at the Destin Fishing Rodeo (we love watching the daily weigh ins).
7. Grab Some Grub at the Destin Seafood Festival
If you’re visiting in late September, you will definitely want to make some time to visit the Destin Seafood Festival. A three-day event that occurs on September 26th, 27th, and 28th, the festival offers some of the best freshly caught seafood available anywhere in the world!
But the festival is about more than just a food festival where you can dine on tasty treats prepared by incredible local chefs, there is also live music and local art to enjoy, as well as tons of cool souvenirs you can buy as a memento of your trip.
Book Your Fall Destin, Florida Adventure Now!
As you can see, there are plenty of fun events happening in Destin during the fall. And we didn’t even mention them all! You can also wade around at Crab Island, enjoy delicious drinks at the Bloody Mary Festival, or spend a day checking out the market shops, dining, and live music at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. In fact, the Wharf is home to the world-famous Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival each October.
But don’t take our word for it — visit Destin this autumn and spend time enjoying all of the benefits the off season has to offer! But you’ll want to start planning now and book your trip soon to have the best choice of vacation rentals.
