Name: Dockside Watersports
Price range: $$$

Things to Do in Destin, FL

Welcome to Destin—emerald water, sugar‑white sand, and no shortage of ways to play. Use this local guide to plan beach days, boat time, family outings, great eats, and where to stay—then book your boat right here when you’re ready to hit the water.

On the Water

Crab Island (must‑do)

A shallow, emerald‑green sandbar just north of the Destin Bridge. It’s only accessible by water and is waist‑deep in many areas—perfect for floating, music, and relaxing. Expect the clearest water near high tide in spring–fall.

Pontoon rentals are available from Dockside Watersports as well as other providers in Destin and along the emerald coast.

How to go: Rent a pontoon or join a captained cruise from the Destin Harbor. Dockside runs dedicated Crab Island trips and tiki‑boat excursions.

Ready to go? Click here to book a pontoon for Crab Island online and depart from our docks in Destin.

Book Online

Dolphin & Sunset Cruises

Harbor departures run daily in season with frequent sightings and golden‑hour views around the pass and East Pass Bridge. Dockside is a destin tour operator.

Fishing (a.k.a. “The Luckiest Fishing Village”)

Destin is famous for easy access to deep water and a huge charter fleet—bottom fishing, trolling, and seasonal runs. Browse captains along HarborWalk Village and the marina boardwalk.

harborwalk villiage emerald grande destin fl harbor bridge

Off the Water

HarborWalk Village

Shops, live entertainment, fireworks nights in season, cruises, and activity kiosks lining the harbor—a lively place day and night. Check their event calendar for weekly happenings. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Henderson Beach State Park

A quieter beach option with nature trails, dunes, and picnic pavilions—great for families who want space and facilities. (Tip: arrive early for parking.) Destin FWB

Destin Commons & Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Open‑air shopping, dining, and seasonal family events at Destin Commons; indie shops and antiques in nearby Downtown FWB.

Events & What’s On

Destin Chamber Events Calendar – farmers markets, business mixers, seasonal shows. Destin Chamber
HarborWalk Village Events – fireworks, festivals, live music on the main stage (check monthly schedule). Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Events – festivals, food events, family activities region‑wide. View Events

Annual Events

These events happen each year in the Destin area

Shrimp and Grits Festival – February
A flavorful fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Local chefs and restaurants compete with creative takes on shrimp and grits. A popular culinary highlight of the winter season.
HarborWalk Village Mardi Gras Parade – March A lively spring kickoff featuring music, dazzling floats, and beads cascading through the streets of HarborWalk Village. It’s festive fun for all ages.
Billy Bowlegs – May
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is held along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida in Fort Walton Beach.
Fourth of July Celebration at HarborWalk Village – July 4
A long-standing annual tradition including live music, a vintage plane flyover, and dazzling fireworks over the harbor.
Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival – September
A gourmet celebration of local craft beers, bourbon, and burger creativity. Held in Destin Harbor, the event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. In 2025, it’s scheduled for September 20.
Destin Seafood Festival – Late September (kicks off Fishing Rodeo in October)
One of Destin’s most beloved traditions, the Seafood Festival features local seafood, live music, and waterfront family fun. In 2025, it runs from September 26–28 along the Harbor Boardwalk.
Destin Fishing Rodeo – October (month-long)
A historic, month-long fishing competition running since 1948. Anglers from around the world fish in pursuit of prizes—this is the reason Destin is known as “The Luckiest Fishing Village.”
Festival of the Arts (Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village) – October
Held annually in October (in 2025, October 25–26), this juried arts festival features fine art, live music, food, and family-friendly crafts—held at the cultural arts village in Destin.

Official Visitor Information

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau –
The official tourism site for Destin and Fort Walton Beach, featuring beach safety updates, trip ideas, event calendars, and local guides.
Visit Florida
Florida’s state tourism site with information on attractions, beaches, events, and travel tips across the Sunshine State.
Florida State Parks
Official state park site for exploring Henderson Beach, Grayton Beach, and other natural areas near Destin.
Gulf Islands National Seashore –
A protected stretch of coastline offering pristine beaches, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
City of Destin
Official city website with community events, parks and recreation details, and local services.
Destin Chamber of Commerce
Local business and community resource featuring attractions, cultural activities, and events.

Nearby Attractions & Family Fun

Emerald Coast Science Center
Interactive science exhibits and educational programs for kids and families.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
A popular seasonal water park in Destin with slides, lazy rivers, and mini golf.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Marine life exhibits, dolphin shows, and hands-on animal encounters right on the Gulf.
The Track
Amusement park with go-karts, mini-golf, bumper cars & boats, kids’ rides & arcade.

State & Regional Parks

Henderson Beach State Park
A scenic stretch of protected shoreline with sugar-white sand, nature trails, and picnic pavilions.
Grayton Beach State Park
Known for coastal dune lakes, pristine beaches, and excellent camping facilities.

Where to Eat (local favorites by vibe)

Gulf‑to‑Table Seafood: Harbor‑area standouts and beachfront staples draw crowds for fresh catches. (See crowd‑ranked lists for current top picks.)
Breakfast & Casual: Local guides call out dependable spots—from classic diners to bayside cafes.
Editor‑style Roundups: Recent “best of” lists highlight sushi, Thai, delis, and more—handy when you want something beyond seafood.
McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin – Iconic Irish pub with house-brews and hearty dishes.
The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House – Classic beachfront seafood destination.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – Gulf-to-table seafood with harbor views.
Camille’s at Crystal Beach – Southern comfort cooking above the sand.
Louisiana Lagniappe – Elevated Creole-style dining with a wine & oyster bar.

Local Breweries & Pubs

Destin Brewery – Local microbrewery with a family-friendly taproom and “The Deck.”
The Craft Bar – Destin – Gastropub near the harbor with extensive craft beer and scratch kitchen.
3rd Planet Brewing – Niceville’s first craft brewery hosting trivia, live music, and community events.
Idyll Hounds Brewing Company – South Walton brewery known for creative IPAs and coastal atmosphere.
Salt Hop Brewing – Fort Walton Beach taproom focusing on craft beer and community vibes.
Beach Camp Brewing Co. – Grayton Beach brewpub offering craft beers, BBQ, seafood, and cocktails on 30A.
Props Brewery & Taproom – Veterans-owned brewpub in Fort Walton Beach (check for current status).

Pro tip: HarborWalk is walkable, but dinner waits run long in peak season—join the list early, or plan late lunches and sunset cruises.

Places to Stay

Beachfront Condos & Resorts: Book direct with established resorts and condo managers for the best unit selection near the beach and harbor.
Central HarborWalk Stays: Staying near the harbor means you can stroll to cruises, shops, and restaurants without moving the car.

Itinerary Ideas

Half‑Day on the Water
Morning pontoon to Crab Island → float & picnic → slow cruise through the harbor → dockside lunch.

Family Day
Beach at Henderson → afternoon HarborWalk ice cream & arcade → sunset dolphin cruise → fireworks night (seasonal).

Couples’ Evening
Harbor stroll → sunset cruise → seafood dinner with harbor views.

Ready to go? Click here to book a pontoon for Crab Island online and depart from our docks in Destin.

Book Online

A Few Tips…

Parking: Harbor area fills fast. Use paid lots/garages near HarborWalk or ride share during events.
Best Seasons: Late spring and fall have warm water and lighter crowds; summer is peak with the most events and tours. Destin FWB
Safety at Crab Island: Take a pontoon to crab island or permitted watercraft only; currents can be strong around the pass—use a sober captain.

Book Your Boat

We launch on the Destin Harbor with quick access to Crab Island, the East Pass, and sunset routes. Reserve online for guaranteed availability; add a cooler, lily pad, or Bluetooth speaker at checkout.

If you and your family are staying in or around Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, & Navarre Beach, Florida, imagine spending your day in Destin relaxing at Crab Island or exploring the bay in search of dolphins! You can do both! Our Destin pontoon boat rentals are offered with different size engines and lengths to accommodate for your party type.

Our boats are comfortable, clean, and make it easy to navigate the Destin waterways. Want to go for a nice sunset cruise? Captain your own pontoon boat as you watch our famous Destin sunset. The possibilities are endless!

You are free to roam out in the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay, or hang out at Crab Island. This is the perfect rental if you want to cruise faster, fish, snorkel, or even dive!

We serve Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, & Navarre Beach, Florida.

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