It’s officially HOT along the Gulf Coast and if you’re dreaming of ways to cool down, you’re not alone. Luckily, Destin has some solid options when it comes to beating the heat. Whether you want to cool off with your kids at a splash pad or stop by an air-conditioned coffee shop to sip on a cold brew, here are a few local spots where you can chill out this summer.
Henderson Beach State Park. My go-to spot for a beach day! Take a dip in the Gulf, enjoy a beach read from the shade of your umbrella, or take your standup paddle board for a spin. Pro tip: get there early during peak summer months and holiday weekends because the parking lot can fill up. Henderson Beach State Park is open daily from 8am to sunset.
Splash Pad at Captain Leonard Destin Park. The kids will love running through the fountains and you will probably want to join them! There’s also a bayside beach if you’d rather go for a swim.
Pink Coyote Dessert Co or Dewey’s Snoballs. When we want to cool down with a sweet treat, we head to Pink Coyote for their homemade summer berry cobbler ice cream or a New Orleans snoball from Dewey’s. Luckily they share a location so there’s something for everyone in the family.
Destin Commons. Whether you want to pop into the air-conditioned stores, get an acai bowl from Formula Fresh or let your kids run around in the splash pad, there are multiple ways to beat the heat at Destin Commons. Want to sit in the AC for a couple hours straight? Go see the latest summer hit at the AMC theater!
Beachside Beauty. Escape the heat and treat yourself to a pedicure or facial at Beachside Beauty. You can sit in the AC and enjoy being pampered!
Maas or East Pass Coffee Co. Sometimes a cold brew in an air-conditioned coffee shop is the the only real cure for a hot afternoon. Get some work done on your laptop, catch up with a friend, or get your drink to go! Maas and East Pass Coffee Co. are both locally owned gems serving up great coffee and vibes.
Urban Air. If you want to let your kids burn off some energy while you sit in a cool, dark room, check out Urban Air. This indoor trampoline and adventure park is great for all ages. They even offer a “Jumperoo” time for kids five and under on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 10am. Plan to visit frequently? Their Unlimited Play Summer Pass is an all-access 90-day pass that gets you unlimited visits.
Destin History & Fishing Museum. Take a break from the sun and check out the exhibits at Destin History & Fishing Museum. You’ll learn about the early pioneers from the 1830s and the history of the fishing industry, from seine boats to the boats that you see in the Destin Harbor today. Exhibits feature impressive fish mounts, diving gear, the Destin Fishing Rodeo gallery, and more.
The Gulf! Whether you want to jet ski, parasail, snorkel, or just cruise around on a pontoon boat, there’s nothing like being out on the water with a coastal breeze and taking a dip in the water.
A local spring. Just an hour away from Destin, there are several freshwater springs where the water is 68 degrees year round. Vortex Springs, Morrison Springs, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park (pictured below).
Hot days, cool plans — save this list next time you need a quick cool-down in Destin.
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