Things To Do In Destin For Couples

Destin, Florida is a great destination for a couple looking for a blend of love, exploration and relaxation in the beautiful Emerald Coast. Here are some of the best things for couples to do in Destin for Couples to give you the best memorable experience:

Sunset Cruise
How about enjoying the view of the Gulf of Mexico during the sunset while taking a cruise with a company such as Destiny Water Adventures? They offer you many cruises and allow you to relax with your partner and sipping your favorite drinks, as many cruises offer unprivate pontoon. Look out for dolphins who usually come to play. It is the best way to relax and soak in the romantic feelings.

Beach Day at Henderson Beach State Park
Spend a day reclining on the sugar-white sands and going swimming in the crystal clear waters of Henderson Beach State Park. Bring a picnic, rent some chairs on the beach, or just hand in hand walk the shoreline. The serenity and natural beauty are perfect for romantic couples who want to be freed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Parasailing Adventure
Parasailing together is a great, romantic, and thrilling experience too. Tandem rides are offered by companies such as Wet-N-Wild Watersports which permit you an eagle’s eye view of Destin’s coastline, beaches and turquoise waters. It will be unforgettable, shared adrenaline rush and stunning scenery.

Romantic Dinner with a Gulf View
Or, treat yourselves to a dinner at a waterfront restaurant like Boshamps Oyster House, or perhaps one at Beachwalk at Henderson Park Inn. The fresh seafood like oysters, shrimp or gulf fish is savored while the bar patrons take in the panoramic views of the Gulf. Some spots also offer toes in the sand dining on the beach for an extra special touch.

Kayaking or Paddleboarding
You can rent a tandem kayak or stand up paddle boards and paddle the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay or the Gulf. There is a lot of marine life such as dolphins or turtles where you can see them up close while having fun and being active with other people. There are rentals widely available on the coast.

Wine Tasting
Sample Northwest Florida’s exclusive muscadine wines known for their sweet, aromatic notes at a local spot. For a casual, intimate afternoon – pair it with a charcuterie board. Destin does not have wineries, but wineries hosting tasting events and/or winery bars are common in areas nearby along the Emerald Coast.

Stroll the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Stroll leisurely down the Destin Harbor Boardwalk in the evening. Perfect for couples, the twinkling lights, charming shops and relaxed yet lively atmosphere it is! Cocktail stop, live music listen, enjoy together the waterfront ambiance.

Dolphin Jet Ski Tour
For an adventurous thrill try a jet ski dolphin tour, like the Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure. Sail across the water together, explore the popular Crab Island sand bar, and hunt for merry dolphins. This represents a balance of living conditions, natural beauty and in which thrill seeking couples can enjoy themselves.

Painting Date Night
Head to a local art studio like Redbird Art Experience for a couples’ painting class. You can bring your own wine or snacks and you will have step by step instructions to create your own masterpiece. You will get a souvenir of the time together and plus.

Helicopter Tour
Take helicopter tour to see Destin from above. But, coastal routes along the reefs, beaches, and marine life are also possible options, like Destin Helicopter Tours. A unique way to enjoy the area’s beauty and create lasting memories in a romantic way.

Destin’s natural charm meshes with some activities to make it an adventure or a wonderful place for intimacy depending on what you’re in the mood for: relaxing or exciting. Enjoy your couples’ getaway!

Best Sunset Cruise Tips

If you are thinking of taking your couples to a sunset cruise in Destin, you need to take the following practical and very specific tips into account to make it the best it can be.

Book in Advance
Peak seasons (spring through fall) are open to sunset cruises. Make sure to make your reservation with a reputable company at least a week ahead of time, such as Destiny Water Adventures or Sunventure Cruises. If not available, aim for smaller, private or small group options (6 – 12 people max) to not fill it with people.

Time It Right
Cruise for about 1 – 1.5 hrs before sunset. For sunset, this flight departs around 4:15 – 4:30 PM and Destin is about half an hour east of the Gulf, so leaving about an hour before sunset allows you beautiful golden hour looks and an epic sunset. On March 05, 2025, sunset is about 5:45 PM CST. Ask the provider for exact times which change seasonally.

Choose the Right Vessel
Choose a boat according to your vibe. Although catamarans (like the Sunventure I) have the stability and open decks to view unobstructed, the pontoons are cozier and more laid back. Splurge on a private charter if you can which can start at $250 – $300 for 2 hours giving you full control over the experience.

Bring Layers
It has also gotten breezy on the water after sunset (and temps could drop to the 60s°F) as late as March. Bring a small light jacket or sweater, and blanket if you need to warm up and snuggle. Bulky coats are to be avoided—you will be cozy, not restricted.

Pack Smart
And really most cruises allow BYOB so bring a bottle of wine or champagne or a couple of beers (they will most likely also provide cups or a cooler). You’ll add a small snack like cheese and crackers — nothing messy like saucy wings that you can wipe on your clothes. Don’t forget your phone or camera for photos and your phone or sunglasses and a hat for glare.

Pick the Best Spot on Board
Make sure you check in and secure a good seat 15–20 minutes early. Look for the bow (front) or an upper deck if available; this way you have better views where fewer people get in the way of the shot. If you want to have quiet conversation over noise from the motor, avoid sitting near the engine.

Know the Route
Ask about the itinerary beforehand. Dolphin sightings, open water sunset views or calm waters and coastal scenery can be found while cruising along the Gulf of Mexico or near Crab Island, or cruising along the more northern Choctawhatchee Bay routes. Pick it based on wildlife or pure horizon.

Enhance the Romance
If the crew allows, bringing a small Bluetooth speaker will earn you a personal playlist for the road. Mellow and soft acoustic or chill tunes will provide soundtrack without drowning out the nature. Some operators will toss in a toast or photo op if it’s a special occasion; mention it when you book.

Check the Weather
Destin’s March weather is all over the place, 70s°F one day, rainy the next. Watch a forecast (NOAA Weather or Weather Underground both work) a day or two out. Additionally, if it is cloudy out, the sunset could still be beautiful with diffused colors, but it could be canceled by high winds or storms. Check to see if the rain policy has confirmed: almost all will reschedule.

Tip the Crew
And if the service is good, tip 15–20 percent of the cruise cost (cash is best). Typically, you should tip for a $50–$100 cruise to $10 to $20 per person. Happy crew = happy vibes.

Pro tip: Cruises with a ‘dolphin guarantee’ or focus on the environment are best if you’re into the wildlife — March is a fine time to see dolphins before other summer cruisers. Just relax, enjoy the moment and let the Gulf magic work.

Best Beach Picnic Spots

For couples seeking where to have beach picnics, Destin has some fantastic beach picnic spots that boast great scenery, accessibility, and that very laid back beach atmosphere. These are the best choices for the ultimate romantic and relaxing trip on the Emerald Coast:

Henderson Beach State Park
What’s Great About It: There are 6,000 feet of pristine sugar white sandand emerald green water and plenty of room to spread out. The addition of natural dunes and sea oats creates a private, romantic feeling.

Paved parking, picnic tables, and pavilions are located near the entrance, though for a quieter experience you can take your basket 5 or 10 minutes walk down the shore. It is practical due to restrooms and rinse off showers.

Since early 2025, entry costs $6 per vehicle. Get there early (before 10AM) to get a secluded spot, aside from MARCH when the spring breakers start arriving. They are really here to soak up all the rays and get the most out of the sun to avoid a tanline!
Location: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541.

Crystal Beach Access
Why It’s Great: Crystal Beach is a less crowded alternative to the usually busier downtown stretch, and its sands and waters are soft and clear with a friendly neighborhood feel. Ideally, the perfect place for a low key picnic with the sound of Gulf waves as your backdrop.

The Good: Picnic Perks: free street public access (if you can find it) plus a short walk to the sand. It is BYO everything, which is good, as with no facilities it keeps things simple and intimate.
Tips: Set up near the waterline but as the tide can flow in both places, check a