What other reasons do you need to go to Destin? As it’s one of the top vacation spots in the South, many come to the city for its beaches. But most shore towns don’t survive on the beach alone – think of the Jersey shore and the Boardwalk – and Destin has its share of activities to attract vacationers to rent a house or condo for up to a week at a time. While, yes, the beach is the true reason many come to Destin to vacation for a week, other activities involve the other natural resources and the arts in and around Destin. Destin.com recently compiled a list of various activities to do in Destin in honor of the city’s quarter-century birthday. The article gives a more detailed run-down of things to do in Destin and surrounding Emerald Coast towns, but here are some highlights:

*The beach. Aside from standard activities on the beach, Destin’s beaches are known for being places to watch marine life and go fishing.
* The arts. Although Destin is still an up-and-coming city, the area still has a strong arts presence, including both visual and performing arts. Art and performing festivals do come to Destin and, as they vary with seasons, check online to see what is available.
*State parks. Various state parks are around Destin and the 30A area. Activities like hiking and yoloing (stand-up paddle boarding) are often done in these various parks, some of which include secluded beaches and dune lakes.
*Golf clubs. Regardless of whether you stay at a resort or at a rental property, the area in and around Destin has many golf clubs.
*The Destin History and Fishing Museum. Destin may be a younger city, but the area has a history as a fishing town.
*Exploring route 30A. Whether you choose to drive or bike it, 30A has various smaller shore towns with their own attractions.
*Shopping. From the latest retail to antiques, Destin has various shopping centers and malls, including the Silver Sand Outlet Mall, that attract many vacationers and locals.

Destin is known for its white sand beaches with emerald green waters, but, aside from the beaches and shopping, the area has many outdoor activities. An article about outdoor activities in Destin lists several activities in the area. As Destin is becoming more of a vacation destination year by year, the area has expanded its activity offerings, but these activities in nature have been an attraction for years. In the case of this article, the writer drove from Dallas to Destin for a vacation. With the rental – and even housing – industry booming in the area, finding things to do isn’t difficult. But, when the beach and shopping gets dull, Destin and the towns along 30A have several options involving their natural resources.

As mentioned in this article, one activity to do along the lakes in the Destin area is yoloing. Yoloing, or stand-up paddle boarding, is offered in classes in Destin. Aside from its ocean coast, Destin has various dune lakes and at these inland lakes is where yoloing is a common activity for vacationers. Similarly, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking activities are available in the area at Blackwater River State Park. Blackwater River, best known for a river with a sand bottom, is an hour drive north of Destin and the river is often open for all of the mentioned activities.

Hiking is another common activity in the area as, in addition to Blackwater River State Park, Destin has other parks, including Topsail Hill Preserve Park. This particular park is known for having secluded white sand beaches and various trails.

As Destin’s vacation industry has been in the rise in recent years, the area keeps on having more entertainment and activity options. While the beach will remain Destin’s main spot for vacationers, the area boasts other activities in nature. If you plan on renting a house or condo for a few days to a week in Destin, these activities are offered throughout Destin and other areas of the Emerald Coast with state parks.