Looking for romantic activities to do for date night in Destin? You’re in the right place.
Tucked along Florida’s Panhandle, Destin has picturesque beaches, great fishing, and exceptional seafood restaurants. With perfect weather and amazing seafood, Destin is also one of the best places to spot dolphins.
To help you plan a fun and memorable trip, I’ve put together this list of the 15 best things to do in Destin for couples. From beach picnics to sunset tiki cruises, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Here are 20 fun things to do in Destin Florida for couples.
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20 Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
1. Go On A Tiki Sunset Cruise
Relax and enjoy drinks while sailing through the Emerald Coast on a sunset tiki cruise. This is a unique cruise in a vintage themed tiki bar.
You’ll get to spot dolphins, and get exceptional views of the sunset and harbor. They provide you with a cooler and ice to bring your favorite drinks on board, so it’s perfect for a romantic night out.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
2. Have A Picnic On Henderson Beach Park
Have a picnic on one of Destin’s most serene beaches at Henderson Beach Park. This is a pet-friendly beach park with excellent hiking trails, picturesque white sand beaches, and lots of amenities.
Tip: If you’re traveling with pets, see our list of the best pet-friendly beachfront hotels in Destin.
It has picnic tables, restrooms, showers, campgrounds, and boardwalks. You can rent out lounge chairs for half of the day for $30, or $50 for the full day to relax on the beach. Or, hike through the Henderson Beach Nature Trail to see coastal dune flora.
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway Destin FL 32541. Open 8am till sundown, 365 days a year. Entry costs $6 per vehicle.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
3. Visit Crab Island
Located just South of the Marler bridge in Destin, Crab Island is a unique floating bar area with food and drink vendors, music, and shallow crystal clear waters. Being only 1-4 feet deep, Crab Island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply walking around.
To visit Crab Island, you can rent out, or go on a floating tiki bar tour to relax around the area for a few hours. This tiki bar tour provides a cooler with ice so you can bring your own snacks and drinks, and it lasts 3 hours.
There’s also a Crab Island Shuttle, that costs $59 for 2.5 hour excursion tickets.
For tips on where to stay, read our article on the ten best hotels near Crab Island in Destin.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
4. Have A Sunset Dinner At Louisiana Lagniappe
For a fancy night out, have a beachfront dinner at Louisiana Lagniappe. Louisiana Lagniappe is an exceptional fine-dining seafood restaurant tucked along the harbor.
They serve New Orleans style seafood dishes, and you’ll get to enjoy hushpuppies and twice baked potatoes with every entree. From stuffed shrimp to fresh key lime pie, this is a must try place for foodies.
They also have outdoor dining so you’ll get beautiful views of the marina during sunset.
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541. Open daily 4:30-9:30pm.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
5. Go Parasailing
If you’re an adventurous couple, go parasailing over the Emerald Coast. You’ll get breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Destin as you soar 400 feet into the air.
This parasail holds two people side by side, so it’s perfect for couples looking for a thrilling activity.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
6. Learn Axe Throwing And Enjoy Ice Cream
Head to Axes & Ice Cream to get dessert and practice axe throwing. This unique ice cream shop has axe-throwing, mini-basketball, music, and serves donut ice cream sandwiches.
This is the perfect place to go for date night, and they allow you to bring your own drinks!
11394 US-98 Unit E, Miramar Beach, FL 32550. Open Mon-Thurs 2 to 9pm, Fri-Sat 12 to 11pm, Sun 12-8pm.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
7. Spot Dolphins On A Speedboat
With direct access to the Gulf Of Mexico, Destin is a prime location for dolphin spotting. One of the best ways to spot dolphins is to go on a boat charter or speedboat tour.
On this speedboat tour, you’ll get to see dolphins up close, swimming right along the boat. You can book the tour in the evening at for the perfect romantic night out.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
8. Have A Private Sunset Dinner On The Beach
For a special night out, enjoy a private sunset dinner on Fort Walton Beach. You’ll get to dine out on a private beach with rose petals, and enjoy a full meal with appetizers and desserts.
With a personal photographer, you’ll get to take professional photos so it’s perfect for special occasions.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
9. Try Key Lime Pie From The Donut Hole & Bakery
Stop by The Donut Hole & Bakery to try some of the best key lime pie in Destin. Key lime pie is Florida’s official state food, so it’s a must for anyone visiting for the first time.
The Donut Hole & Bakery serves fresh homemade donuts, hearty breakfast foods, and amazing key lime pie.
635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541. Open 6am-10pm.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
10. Relax On Princess Beach
If you’re looking for a serene, secluded beach to relax on, Princess Beach is the place to go. This beach has soft white sand, and crystal clear blue green waters.
It’s one of the quietest and least crowded beaches in Destin, so it’s perfect for a picnic.
Parking located off Miracle Strip Parkway on Santa Rosa Island. There are no lifeguards or facilities on site.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
11. Stroll HarborWalk Village
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a lively boardwalk with small boutiques, cafes, food vendors, live music, and seafood restaurants.
You can stroll along the boardwalk, go zip-lining, or go on a boat charter to spot dolphins. They also have fireworks every Thursday from Memorial day to August during summer.
102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541. Costs $20 for parking.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
12. Solve An Escape Room
Head to Escape Zone 60 to try solving an escape room with your significant other. You’ll have an hour to solve puzzles, clues, and challenges to escape a room, so it’s the perfect date night activity.
From zombie apocalypse to crime scene themed rooms, this is a unique way to spend time outside of the beach.
415 Mountain Dr STE 7, Destin, FL 32541. Open daily 12-9pm. Costs $28. Book now.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
13. Get Breakfast At Crackings
One of the best breakfast restaurants in Destin is Crackings, that’s just 5 minutes from the boardwalk. Cracking serves New Orleans style breakfast dishes, from bananas foster, to beignets and grits.
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, this is the place to go. Make sure to try their signature crosseignets, a mix between a croissant and beignets!
979 US-98, Destin, FL 32541. Open 7am-2pm, closed Mondays.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
14. Get A Couple’s Massage
To relax outside of the beach, get a couples massage at one of Destin’s many spas. Hui’s Massage and Salsa Foot Massage offer couples massages, are highly-rated, and within minutes from the boardwalk.
Hui’s Massage: 114 Palmetto St, Destin, FL 32541, open 9am to 8pm. Salsa Foot Massage: 511 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, open 10am to 10pm.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
15. Play Mini Golf At Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is a small amusement park with pirate themed mini-golf, laser tag, bumper carts, arcade games, go-karts, and more.
This is a fun way to spend time outside of the beach, and they have a frozen yogurt bar on site. They’re located on Okaloosa Island, just 10 minutes from Destin’s boardwalk.
1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Open Mon-Thurs 12-8pm, Fri 12-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
16. See Dolphins At Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Gulfarium Marine Park is a large aquarium that has dolphin shows and a variety of animal exhibits. You’ll get to pet dolphins, watch dolphin shows, and even swim with stingrays.
They’re just minutes from the Okaloosa boardwalk, so there’s many excellent seafood restaurants nearby.
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Open 9am to 4:30pm daily. Admission costs $29.95 for adults (13+), and $21.95 for children (3-12). Get Tickets Online
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
17. Sample Wine At Emerald Coast Wine Cellars
Stop by Emerald Coast Wine Cellars to sample and shop for specialty wines. This shop has free wine tastings, a great wine selection, and a gift shop selling snacks and gift baskets.
They’re located on Miramar Beach, just 15 minutes from Destin’s boardwalk.
1708 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL. Open 10am to 6pm daily.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
18. Take A Picture With A Baby Gator
With live music and entertainment, Fudpuckers Beach Bar is a great place for a fun date night. They have an alligator park where you can feed, hold, and take photos with baby alligators.
They also serve everything from key lime pie to fried gator bites, so it’s a must visit restaurant for anyone visiting Florida for the first time.
20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541. Open Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Costs $5 for a bag of gator food, $10 to hold and take photos with alligators.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
19. Shop At Destin Commons
Located in the heart of Destin, Destin Commons is an outdoor shopping mall with over 85 stores and restaurants.
It has an AMC movie theater, bowling alley, and some of the best restaurants in Destin. This is the perfect place to stroll around, watch a movie, and dine out on a date night.
4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541. Open Mon-Sat from 10am to 9pm, Sun 11am to 7pm.
Things To Do In Destin Florida For Couples
20. Enjoy Drinks And Music At McGuire’s Irish Pub
Head to Mcguire’s Irish pub to enjoy traditional Irish food, drinks, and live music. This small pub serves everything from homemade root beer, to shepherd’s pie and boxtys (fried mashed potato balls).
They have a gift shop to explore as you wait for a table, and a great atmosphere for a fun night out. It’s just across the freeway from Destin’s boardwalk, and they’re open till 2pm daily.
33 US-98, Destin, FL 32541. Open Mon-Sat 11am-2pm, Sun 10am-2pm.
Also read:
- 20 Unique Things To Do In Cocoa Beach Florida
- 20 Exciting Things To Do In Sarasota Florida At Night
- 31 Fun Things To Do In Panama City Beach With Kids
Summary
Destin has incredible seafood restaurants, lovely weather, and picturesque white sand beaches.
Whether you’re looking to cruise over the Emerald Coast during sunset or have a fancy beachfront dinner, Destin has something for everyone.
For more ideas on where to go during your stay, read our article on 20 unique things to do in Destin!
