Sunkissed Sisterhood: All Girls’ Getaway Guide to Destin
Planning a girlfriends’ trip to strengthen bonds, relax, and celebrate life with some of your favorite people on earth? Destin is one of Florida’s top destinations for having fun and making unforgettable memories with your best gals. 💫
From pristine white-sand beaches and incredible outdoor activities to a top-notch culinary scene and vibrant nightlife for a girls’ night out, this Emerald Coast gem truly has it all. Whether you’re traveling solo or gathering your sisters at heart to celebrate a birthday, engagement, or promotion, Destin promises a trip filled with unforgettable moments.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to make the most of Destin — whether you’re planning a getaway with your girlfriends or embarking on a solo adventure.
Before we start…
At Travel Life Vacations, we specialize in providing premium, boutique-style management services, offering guests private, resort-style luxury homes ranging from 4 to 11 bedrooms. We pride ourselves on creating an oasis where you can truly escape from everyday life!
Traveling to Destin with pets? First-time visitor? Looking for a family fun itinerary? It’s all covered in our blog. We have many more tips for you to have a trip of a lifetime and enjoy the perfect Destin getaway.
Ready for unlimited fun in Destin? Gather your girl gang and start exploring!
Getting a Tan and Relax on the Beach 🌴
The natural beauty of Destin is irresistible. With miles of stunning shoreline, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun for that coveted tan or unwind by the dazzling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The sugar-white sands of Henderson Beach State Park are a top destination for pristine, serene, and picturesque coastal experiences in Destin. This uncrowded beach is renowned for its powdery white sand, which feels like walking on velvet—perfect for lounging and sunbathing by the stunning emerald waters. The park’s towering sand dunes, dotted with native grasses, create a scenic backdrop that adds to its untouched charm.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with your best friends, the park offers plenty to enjoy beyond the beach. Activities like picnicking and hiking are a must, allowing you to explore the coastal ecosystem, including the dunes, vibrant wildflowers, and wildlife such as birds and small mammals.
Another must-visit beach in town is Crystal Beach, a charming, family-friendly destination known for its stunning sugar-white sand and vibrant turquoise waters. Lined with colorful beach cottages and conveniently located near popular dining and shopping spots, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, people-watching, and capturing idyllic coastal views.
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy 🛍️
A girl’s trip is not complete without some good retail therapy. The best shopping complex in town is Destin Commons where shopping is just a small part of the fun.
Destin Commons is a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment hub celebrated for its open-air design and vibrant atmosphere. From popular brands like Victoria’s Secret, Lululemon, H&M, Sephora, and Pandora Jewelry to local boutiques offering unique designs, you’re spoiled for choice in this shopping paradise.
When you’re ready for a break, Destin Commons offers a wide variety of restaurants and sweet shops for a well-deserved treat. Alternatively, head to The Lawn, an inviting area nestled in the heart of the complex. Relax in comfortable seating areas, challenge your girlfriends to a game of cornhole, or join a yoga or fitness class in this beautiful open-air space.
What’s more, don’t miss their colorful collection of murals by internationally acclaimed and local artists, which make great backdrops for photos.
Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day 🧖
A little pampering never hurts anybody. While in Destin, treating yourself to a spa day will undoubtedly elevate your experience in this Florida gem. From therapeutic massages and rejuvenating body treatments to luxurious skincare and invigorating body scrubs, it’s exactly what you deserve after a day on the beach.
Places like Spa98, Destin Day Spa, and Henderson Spa offer incredible services for the perfect spa day. Henderson Spa, for example, is a more luxurious option where you can enjoy a wide array of treatments and unique massages in a sophisticated ambiance—complete with a glass of champagne in hand. Cheers!
Adventure Time 🤿
Are you into relaxing outdoor activities, or are you an adrenaline-seeking kind of girl? Destin offers a mix of serene and thrilling adventures that blend excitement with breathtaking scenery. From paddleboarding and snorkeling to jet skiing and parasailing, each activity is also a chance to immerse yourself in Destin’s natural beauty.
Glide across the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Gulf or explore the serene Choctawhatchee Bay on a stand-up paddleboard. Discover vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, crabs, and even sea turtles, while snorkeling in the shallow, clear waters at Destin Jetties and Norriego Point. Experience the thrill of speeding across the waves on a jet ski, or soar high above the Gulf of Mexico while parasailing, taking in breathtaking aerial views of Destin’s stunning coastline.
Cruise the Gulf’s Waters for Some Surprises 🐬
One of the most beautiful things to do in Destin is taking a sunset dolphin cruise — a magical way to experience the beauty of the Emerald Coast while getting a chance to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Destin Harbor, painted in hues of orange, pink, and gold. Dolphins are frequently seen frolicking in the water, providing an adorable sight.
These cruises are designed to be a relaxing experience, often accompanied by music, friendly guides, and refreshments. If you’re traveling with your favorite girls and want something more intimate, renting a private charter for a personalized and exclusive experience is a great idea.
Dining With the Girls 🍝
No matter where you go, exploring the culinary scene is always a highlight of any trip. Destin is home to charming local gems offering not only delicious food but also cozy, friendly atmospheres that perfectly complement your beach getaway.
For a fantastic morning meal in town, you can’t go wrong with Capriccio Café, which adds a European touch to Destin’s dining scene with its Italian coffee and crepes. Another excellent choice is Another Broken Egg Café, where you might just have one of the best crab cake Benedicts of your life. If you’re enjoying their brunch, pair it with a refreshing mimosa for a winning combo.
Popular lunch spots include Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House, known for its fresh Gulf seafood and stunning harbor views, and The Local Market, ideal for a laid-back meal with artisan sandwiches and smoothies.
Make dinner extra special by visiting Beach Walk Café, a fine dining restaurant with a beachfront ambiance — perfect for celebrations. Alternatively, head to Harbor Docks, a Destin classic offering sushi, fresh fish, and a relaxed, casual vibe.
Time for Cocktails & Music 🍸
What’s the best way to celebrate the end of an incredible day in Destin? A girl’s night out! Enjoy the bustling nightlife of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” by exploring hotspots filled with great music and refreshing signature cocktails.
Some of the best venues in town, known for their friendly crowds, great tunes, and delicious drinks, include AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, featuring live music, a tiki bar, and a vibrant rooftop deck; McGuire’s Irish Pub, a quirky must-visit for its signature cocktails and dollar-bill-covered walls; and The Rooftop Bar, an elegant spot where you can sip well-crafted cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf — sunset drinks here are a must!
Visit Instagram-Worthy Spots for the Perfect Shot 📸
Beyond great memories, great photos are amazing souvenirs you can bring back from your time in Destin. The town is filled with picture-perfect spots offering spectacular backgrounds and opportunities for epic shots.
One of our favorite spots in town for taking photos is the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Here, you can capture colorful fishing boats, luxury yachts, and charter vessels docked along the harbor. Don’t miss posing with the famous “Welcome to Destin” sign or capturing the boardwalk’s twinkling lights after sunset, which create a magical atmosphere for nighttime photography. Other incredibly picturesque places include Norriego Point, which boasts picture-perfect sunsets with calm, clear waters, and the Okaloosa Island Pier.
Take Fabulous Day Trips 🚗
Exploring Destin beyond its downtown and beaches is a great way to fully experience the beauty of the region.
Crab Island, a popular sandbar located just north of Destin’s Marler Bridge and accessible only by boat, is a favorite destination for locals and visitors. Here, you can anchor your vessel and enjoy activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and floating in the shallow, crystal-clear waters that feel like a natural pool. The ultimate way to experience this stunning spot is by renting a pontoon boat. If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a private one and bringing your own drinks and playlist for a memorable day under the Florida sun.
Another fantastic idea is to explore the chic towns along 30A, a scenic stretch of coastal highway in Florida’s Panhandle that runs along the Gulf of Mexico between Destin and Panama City Beach. Towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach offer quaint vibes and unique shopping opportunities, adding extra charm and fun to your trip.
Stay in a Chic Vacation Rental ✨
Staying in an elegant vacation rental during a girl’s trip offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and fun. Destin is home to beautifully designed spaces with modern amenities, like spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and Instagram-worthy decor, ideal for bonding and relaxation. Many feature extras like private pools, hot tubs, and balconies with stunning views, adding a touch of luxury to your getaway. Whether you’re hosting a wine night, lounging by the pool, or preparing a group brunch, a vacation rental creates a cozy and stylish home base for unforgettable memories.
Wondering how to make the most of your vacation in Destin?
Stay like a local by booking one of our Travel Life Vacations rentals. Our private, resort-style luxury homes come in various sizes, from 4 to 11 bedrooms, perfectly tailored to accommodate your needs.
In this world of commonality, we strive to build and manage unique homes for an uncommon experience we know will leave you wanting to come back again and again.
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