Ultimate 5-Day Road Trip in Destin, Florida

Day 1: Beach Day Bliss

Destin, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Donut Hole

Indulge in freshly baked donuts and a hearty breakfast to kick start your day.
Drive 10 minutes to Henderson Beach State Park.
$10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Henderson Beach State Park

Unwind on the pristine white sand beaches and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Drive 30 minutes to Grayton Beach State Park for lunch.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Chiringo

Enjoy delicious seafood tacos and a laid-back beach atmosphere at this coastal restaurant.
Drive 20 minutes to Seaside for an afternoon stroll.
$20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Seaside

Walk along the charming streets, browse unique shops, and admire the pastel-colored houses.
Drive 1 hour to Panama City Beach for dinner.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Runaway Island

Savor fresh seafood while enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico at this beachfront restaurant.
Head to your hotel in Panama City Beach for the night.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, Florida

8:30AM

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast and specialty coffee at this popular cafe.
Drive 20 minutes to St. Andrews State Park for outdoor activities.
$15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore St. Andrews State Park

Go hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling in the park's pristine natural surroundings.
Drive 30 minutes to Panama City Marina for lunch.
$25, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Capt. Anderson's Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood and enjoy waterfront dining with views of the marina.
Drive 15 minutes to Shell Island for an afternoon of beachcombing.
$10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shell Island Exploration

Search for seashells, sand dollars, and maybe even spot dolphins along the pristine shores.
Drive 40 minutes to Pier Park for shopping and entertainment.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hook'd Pier Bar & Grill

Enjoy a casual dinner with seafood specialties and cocktails overlooking the pier.
Head back to your hotel in Panama City Beach for a good night's rest.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historic Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Table Cafe

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at this cozy cafe known for its Southern-style dishes.
Drive 30 minutes to Fort Walton Beach Landing Park for a morning stroll.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Indian Temple Mound Museum

Explore the area's Native American history and artifacts at this fascinating museum.
Drive 15 minutes to The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for a marine show.
$30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Black Pearl

Dine on fresh seafood and Southern cuisine with waterfront views at this popular restaurant.
Drive 20 minutes to Okaloosa Island for an afternoon on the beach.
$20, 2 hours

3:00PM

Beach Time at Okaloosa Island

Relax on the sugar-white sands, swim in the emerald waters, and soak up the sun.
Drive 10 minutes to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for a dolphin encounter.
$50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dolphin Encounter

Get up close and personal with dolphins through interactive experiences at the marine park.
Head back to Fort Walton Beach for dinner at The Boardroom Pub and Grub.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discovering Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach, Florida

8:30AM

Breakfast at TC's Front Porch

Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast with ocean views at this beachfront restaurant.
Drive 20 minutes to Navarre Beach Marine Park for outdoor activities.
$10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Navarre Beach Marine Park

Go paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply relax on the pristine shores of the marine park.
Drive 15 minutes to Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center for a visit.
$5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Lagerheads on the Gulf

Savor fresh seafood and Gulf Coast specialties at this beachside restaurant.
Drive 30 minutes to Gulf Breeze for an afternoon at Gulf Islands National Seashore.
$15, 2 hours

3:00PM

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Explore pristine beaches, nature trails, and historic forts in this protected coastal area.
Drive 1 hour back to Destin for dinner at Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House.
$30, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes and oysters while overlooking the Destin Harbor.
Return to your accommodations in Destin for a restful night.
$40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Farewell to Destin

Destin, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancakery

Delight in a variety of fluffy pancakes and breakfast delights at this popular eatery.
Drive 20 minutes to Destin Harbor Boardwalk for a morning boat tour.
$50, 2 hours

10:30AM

Boat Tour at Destin Harbor

Embark on a scenic boat tour to spot dolphins, cruise along the coast, and enjoy the sea breeze.
Drive 15 minutes to Henderson Beach State Park for some beach time.
$10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Beach Relaxation at Henderson Beach State Park

Soak up the sun, swim in the Gulf waters, and unwind on the pristine shores of this state park.
Head back to Destin for lunch at The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House.
$20, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

Feast on fresh seafood and oyster specialties with panoramic views of the beach.
Drive 30 minutes to Crystal Sands Beach for an afternoon of relaxation.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Crystal Sands Beach

Unwind on the powdery white sands, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy the sunset over the Gulf.
Head back to Destin for a farewell dinner at Harbor Docks.
$30, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Harbor Docks

Savor fresh seafood and Gulf Coast fare at this waterfront restaurant overlooking the harbor.
Conclude your road trip with wonderful memories as you head back to your accommodation for the night.
$40, 2 hours
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