Best Things to Do in Destin for the Holidays

Best Thanksgiving Tradition

We love celebrating Thanksgiving at the beach. It’s a great place to bring the family together in a beautiful scenic setting while enjoying a feast in a private, safe vacation rental home. Our favorite tradition after reconnecting with family, preparing family recipes, and consuming more food than we thought was possible is holding an annual beach bonfire. It is always a special evening to toast the sunset with your loved ones and then gather around a warm fire on the beach under a blanket of stars. While the kids run around and search for ghost crabs and warming marshmallows for s’mores, the adults gather with their favorite libations and enjoy time together in a spectacular setting where the flames seal in the memories of the special evening on the beach. Bonfires are only permitted in Walton County so call our friends at Beach Services Inc to arrange a bonfire near Pompano Joe’s, White Diamond Beach Service for bonfires at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, or La Dolce Vita for bonfires along Scenic Gulf Drive and 30-A. the beaches of South Walton.  Bonfires include permitting, 2-hours of firewood, 10 beach chairs, one table, tiki torches, and s’mores.

Best Christmas Tradition

Celebrating the Christmas holidays at the beach in a Destin vacation rental is a joy for many. For families that arrive to town early, we suggest experiencing our favorite Destin holiday tradition—The Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade. Held the second Sunday in December along the Destin Harbor at HarborWalk Village, festively decorated boats with holiday lights and décor line-up and travel west from Boshamps to the Destin Bridge. Find a viewing spot on the docks or at one of the harbor restaurants including AJ’s, Brotula’s, Margaritaville, East Pass or Harry T’s. The evening ends with a bang as they shoot fireworks over the Destin Harbor and set the sky aglow.

Best New Year’s Day Tradition

Start a new New Year's Day tradition and take the plunge. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is hosting its fifth annual Pelican Plunge on Okaloosa Island on Friday, January 1, 2021. Participants will take a refreshing dip into the Gulf of Mexico in support of the Emerald Coast Foundation (ECF).  The Pelican Plunge opens at 10:30 am for check-in and at 11:30 am all participants will line up near the water and a countdown to the official “Plunge.” After the plunge, participants will enjoy a socially spaced, good time gathering, which includes a free cup of gumbo, DJ, awesome raffle prizes, and New Year's Day drink specials. Pre-register for only $21 and or register the day-of for $25. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds raised go to support the children of the ECF! For more information about the 2021 Pelican Plunge, please visit www.theboardwalkoi.com Participants and guests are highly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and disperse across the beach to allow for proper social distancing. Face coverings are encouraged and hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout The Boardwalk.

Plan Your Best Holiday Getaway

Now is the time to book your holiday getaway to the beach and celebrate your family's holiday traditions in Destin, Florida. View our collection of South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. Book your holiday celebration of three nights or more and enjoy 10% off* by using promo code: BREAKFREE. 

See you @ the beach!

*Some restrictions apply. Click here for details.