EXCITING adventures in destin
details of 'happening' events
CRAB ISLAND
Crab Island is a can’t-miss destination on the Emerald Coast! Popular with celebrities like Keith Urban and Emeril Lagasse, this gorgeous area attracts thousands upon thousands of vacationers each year. To help you make the most of your getaway, the Henderson Park Inn has put together a guide to 4 things everyone should know about Crab Island in Destin FL.
1. It’s Not Really an Island
The name Crab Island is a bit of a misnomer. Back in the day, this popular spot really was an island, but sand carried by the Gulf gradually wore it away over the years. Today, Crab Island is an underwater sandbar. The water ranges from 2 to 10 feet deep and is waist-level in many areas. Situated at the entrance of Choctawhatchee Bay, Crab Island offers lovely views of the Destin Bridge.
2. It’s Only Accessible by Boat
Crab Island is located a good distance away from the shore and is only accessible by boat. The strong tidal currents and heavy boat activity simply make it too dangerous for swimming. If you’re comfortable navigating on your own, we recommend renting a pontoon boat from Destin Vacation Boat Rentals. Ranging from 20 – 24 ft., these spacious boats offer plenty of seating and bimini tops for shade.
Visitors who would prefer to let someone else do the driving can sign up for a Crab Island tour with Sunventure Cruises. These 3-hour excursions are led by a Coast Guard-licensed captain who will provide entertaining narration during your scenic boat trip. Once the ship drops anchor, guests will have plenty of time to explore the sandbar before heading back to shore.
3. It’s Not Just a Party Scene
Crab Island in Destin FL has developed something of a reputation for being a party scene, and there is some truth to this perception. During the spring and summer months, the sandbar hosts live entertainment and DJs on a floating stage, which draws large crowds of folks looking to enjoy the music and sip some adult beverages. Guests will find floating vendors that offer excellent drink specials.
However, partying is far from the only thing to do on Crab Island. Visitors can have some fun on the inflatable slides and obstacle courses at the Crab Island Water Park, eat lunch at the floating Water World restaurant, or just kick back and catch some rays. It is totally up to you what type of experience you want to have on Crab Island!
Regardless of your preferred activities, all visitors to Crab Island should keep their wits about them in case of strong tidal currents.
4. It’s Especially Beautiful at High Tide
If you can, try to visit Crab Island during high tide. This time of day brings breathtaking turquoise water to the sandbar. To find out when high tide is, check a tide chart or consult with your boat rental company or tour provider. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this stunning water!
fALL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
The Festival of the Arts, one of the Southeast’s premier art festivals showcases over 65 premier artists plus collaborative artists from the United States and Europe. Artists compete for $10,000 in cash awards representing 18 different mediums in an outdoor walking exhibit production. Additional amenities include live music, a food bistro, wine and beer garden, and an adult/student collaborative art exhibit.
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents the 25th Annual Festival of the Arts featuring over 65 fine artists from the United States who will be exhibiting their original art ranging from acrylic, ceramics graphic printmaking, metal, watercolor, collage, digital art, jewelry, clay, pen and ink, mosaic, mixed media, photography, oil, fiber, sculpture, pottery, wood and more.
Explore a diverse palette of artistic styles and spend time meeting the artists, discovering their inspiration, and adding to your own collection.
Enjoy live entertainment both days included in your admission fee.
Local food trucks and restaurants will be serving your favorite cuisine. MKAF will be selling beer and wine. Festival Admission$5 per AdultFree to MKAF membersFree to Children under 12 The admission cost provides funding for MKAF community and outreach initiatives.
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents the 25th Annual Festival of the Arts featuring over 65 fine artists from the United States who will be exhibiting their original art ranging from acrylic, ceramics graphic printmaking, metal, watercolor, collage, digital art, jewelry, clay, pen and ink, mosaic, mixed media, photography, oil, fiber, sculpture, pottery, wood and more.
Explore a diverse palette of artistic styles and spend time meeting the artists, discovering their inspiration, and adding to your own collection.
Enjoy live entertainment both days included in your admission fee.
Local food trucks and restaurants will be serving your favorite cuisine. MKAF will be selling beer and wine. Festival Admission$5 per AdultFree to MKAF membersFree to Children under 12 The admission cost provides funding for MKAF community and outreach initiatives.
FISHING
- Did you know Destin is known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village? And it’s home to the largest charter fishing fleet in the country. A favorite thing to do in Destin for adults is to go fishing. You can try your hand surf fishing on our beach or charter a boat and drop a line in some of the best fishing spots in the Gulf.
baytowne wharf
Discover the Heart and Soul of SandestinLocated along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. This spectacular setting, all within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is the perfect spot to spend a vibrant afternoon, evening, week, vacation, or you can be one of the lucky few who frequently experiences Baytowne Wharf through home ownership.
Featured Events
Baytowne On IceMonday, October 26th - Sunday, January 31st
Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Baytowne on Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, our seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Ice rink is open October 26th - January 31st. Hours vary daily.
Featured Events
Baytowne On IceMonday, October 26th - Sunday, January 31st
Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Baytowne on Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, our seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Ice rink is open October 26th - January 31st. Hours vary daily.
PADDLE BOARDING
- Paddle boarding is one of the best things to do in Destin for adults. Dolphin
- Reef, which is near Pompano Joe’s, is a favorite place to paddle in the Gulf. Here you can see dolphins and sharks and dive for sand dollars. But if you’re looking for slightly calmer waters, we suggest Musset Bayou in the Bay where you can find porpoises, sting rays, redfish and more.
- …
BAYTOWN WHARF
CONTINUED
Tribute WeekendFriday, November 6th - Sunday, November 8th
Cost: FREE
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is thrilled to be bringing back Tribute Weekend this fall! Rock out the weekend and enjoy live music from great tribute bands. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and meet us on the events plaza lawn for a jam-packed weekend of incredible talent.Friday, November 6th | Tusk | 7-9pmSaturday, November 7th | Departure | 7-9pmSunday, November 8th | Satisfaction | 2-4pm
Sparkling Wine & Holiday LightsSaturday, November 14th
Time: 4-6pmWebsite: www.baytownesparklingwinefest.com/
Start the holiday season with a special sparkling event during our 8th Annual Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights, Saturday, November 14th. This sparkling event will feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the season with carolers, and a sneak peek of our first tree lighting of the season!Tickets on Sale NOW!