Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in Destin

Sunset on the beach.

Our number one pick for romance in Destin is to watch the sunset on the beach. Bring a blanket or a couple of beach chairs along with a cooler of drinks and snacks and settle in as the sky comes alive with gold, orange and pink hues. Need drink ideas? Check out our Dailey Happy Hour series. Or do you prefer wine? Since glass bottles are not permitted on the beach, simply grab a couple of govinos, pour your favorite bottle of wine into a plastic decanter, and pair with meats and cheeses from Chan’s Wine World. Voila! You’ll experience the magnificent beauty of sunset along the coast and the powerful feelings of love that follow.

A Helicopter Tour.

For a completely different and romantic way to see the Emerald Coast, book a tour with Timberview Helicopters. Your love will fly high as you’re lifted high above the emerald green waters of Destin’s coastline. Couples will take a seat in the helicopter’s cozy cabin as a certified pilot lifts off for either a 6-mile scenic tour or the 12-mile "JAWS" run, featuring spectacular aerial views of the Destin Harbor, and coastline.

Sunset Cruise aboard the Solaris.

Picture yourself setting sail on a 125-foot yacht with the person you love. This experience is available year round aboard SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris Yacht. And for Valentine’s Day, the team at the Solaris has added a family-friendly Valentine’s Day Brunch cruise to their offering this year. The brunch menu includes a two-course brunch, and kids will enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu, including their choice of Chicken Tenders and Mac-n-Cheese or traditional Biscuits and Gravy. Or try the adults-only Valentine’s Dinner & Dancing cruise that includes a decadent three-course meal that ends on a sweet note with delicious Red Velvet Cake.

Dinner at a Gulf-front Restaurant.

While there are many great options for Gulf-front dining some restaurants are more romantic than others. Our favorite romantic restaurants in South Walton and Destin, include Camille's and Beach Walk Restaurant in Crystal Beach, as well as Vue on 30A and Fish Out of Water on Scenic Highway 30-A. View our full list of the best romantic restaurants in Destin, Florida here. 

Moonlit Walks Along the Beach.

Walking the beach at night is one of the most romantic ways to disconnect from life and reconnect with someone you love. There are far less people on the beach at night providing the perfect setting for privacy and romance. As you walk hand in hand with the soft glow from the moonlight illuminating the Gulf and a sea of stars overhead, it may feel as though you’re in a dream. It’s a great time to reminisce about special memories as you walk together or dream about adventures to come. Up your game by bringing a blanket and libations and take a moment to sit on the beach and star gaze. With little light pollution you’ll be amazed at the massive volume of stars and planets that are visible from the beach.

Couples Massage at Salamander Spa.

One of the top spas in Destin, the Salamandar Spa at the Henderson offers an incredible couples experience in the Couples Suite! Available with any treatment, couples can book a side by side massage and then enjoy an additional 25 minutes to enjoy a private room with a shower, soaking tub, and private balcony overlooking Henderson State Park. Add to the indulgence and order the lavender bubbles, put on robes and nestle in on the private balcony and toast your love!

Henderson Beach State Park Nature Trail.

Among our “A” list experiences for romance in Destin, hiking Henderson Beach State Park is at the top of the list. The three-quarter mile, pet-friendly trail meanders through ancient sand dunes and coastal scrub oak. The trail continues over a high dune, which was developed around the remnants of a bunker that was built decades ago when the military used the area for training purposes. When you reach the vista, you’ll be able to see the Gulf and much of the park. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view. While you’re right across the street from Walmart, you’ll feel a million miles away from it all.

Ebike Ride Along A Scenic Highway.

Have you had the pleasure of riding an electric bike? If not, you’re in for a real treat. This super fun experience provides the perfect vehicle for fun and romance. Rent bikes at the Pedego store in WaterColor, and head into WaterColor where you’ll find low country architecture, tree-lined streets and tons of charming parks and fountains. Make your way to Scenic Highway 30-A and continue your adventure over Western Lake and into Grayton Beach State Park or head to history downtown Grayton Beach for a drink at the Red Bar or a tasty fresh meal at Chiringo. Looking to ride in Destin or Crystal Beach, consider renting from Emerald Coast ebikes, which offers special day rates for Newman-Dailey guests, and head out on Scenic Gulf Drive for a fun day of exploring Gulf-front restaurants and neighborhood treasures in Frangista and Crystal Beach. It's an exciting way to zip around and explore the Emerald Coast while adding fun to your romantic adventure. Click here for Destin bike rentals, including traditional Coastal Cruisers and ebikes. 

Shard Shop – Make Artistic Love Together.

One of our favorite places to let our creativity flow is at our favorite local artist, Mary Hong, Shard Shop. Schedule a date and make art from shards of recycled glass with your love and walk away with a commemorative piece that you created together. Call 850-231-0544 to schedule artistic love.

Eden State Gardens.

One of only a couple of historic locations along the Emerald Coast, Eden State Gardens combines history and a gorgeous scenic setting overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Encompassing 163 acres, the focal point of the park is the beautifully renovated two-story mansion built in 1897 featuring elegant white columns and a wrap-around porch. Bring a picnic lunch and eat on the lawn below the moss-draped live oaks and feel like you’re the main characters in a fairy tale. Hold hands and walk down to the dock and peer out to the Bay and see if you can catch a glimpse of the dolphins that frolic in the calm inland waters. The park also includes approximately one mile of hiking trails that allow access to the natural areas as well as ornamental gardens that bloom at various times throughout the year.

Book Your Romantic Escape. 

With all the romantic things to do in Destin, you'll want to get a room (literally), so check out our collection of South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online. Need help narrowing your search? Then call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-850-837-1071. To take advantage of nightly savings, click here for details.

See you @ the beach!