Visiting Destin in the winter is the stuff dreams are made of. You're likely escaping the frigid temperatures back home and hoping to enjoy a blissfully sun-kissed vacation - and you won't be disappointed. Aside from an average high of seventy degrees (F), Destin has tons of winter-only activities that you've got to be a part of!
December heralds the official arrival of winter, but you won't need a parka on the Emerald Coast. You will, however, need your bathing suit to watch (or participate in) some of the most righteous kite boarding Florida has ever seen. Thigh-high winter waves make it slightly challenging, but definitely possible.
Although you're leaving your snow pants and fleece-lined jacket at home, bring a few sweatshirts for those crisp Destin nights. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is perfect for an evening stroll after you've had dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants that back right up to the Gulf. Watch the moon rise to the melodic swell of the ocean currents while you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk - or head for a more secluded pier for a little "alone time."
Every January, Destin hosts their annual Antique Show and Sale - and they've been doing so for more than the last four decades. Dealers from all over the state show up at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds to peddle their wares; some of the best bargains find their way here, so the 3-day show is definitely worth a visit.
The Gulf Coast Bridal Fair has been a popular stop for visitors and locals alike; it's an annual event held at the Emerald Coast Conference Center. Vendors and contractors from all over the country flock to strut their stuff and offer wedding planning advice, honeymoon deals, and of course, showcase the latest and greatest in bridal and evening gowns.
February sends out smoke signals to avid fishermen all along the Emerald Coast. The Florida Sportsman Fishing Show is an annual two-day exposition held at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds hosted by Florida Sportsman Magazine, and they cover everything from selling tackle to giving seminars and demonstrations on sports fishing. Spend a day browsing through all the booths, entering contests, and purchasing new fishing gear - many vendors even offer free shipping to tourists who can't manage to fit things in their luggage for the trip home.
February is also the last month to score deep discounts on the back nine, too - since Florida golf picks up during the spring, most courses slash their greens fees during the winter months. Cart and club rental is significantly less expensive than it will be during the spring, so make some reservations and tee off at some of the country's most popular courses!
Destin is the perfect winter getaway; the ocean is warm enough to swim in, the beaches are comfortable and inviting, and there are so many activities that you won't find anywhere else. You'll have so much fun exploring that you may even start planning your next trip before you leave!
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If you go to Destin in the winter, you can buy a wedding dress, hip waders, a Louis XV chair, and then kite board. Just not all at the same time. Don't stress, though, you can stash your new goods in the luxurious vacation home you rented from Zonder.com while you golf and board and swim to your heart's content! (Again, not all at the same time. Pace yourself, people!)