19 things you must know when living in Destin FL

One of my favorite cities to talk about is Destin, Florida. So, whether you're getting ready to relocate here or maybe just entertaining the idea of living here in Destin. Well, I'm going to share with you 19 things that you must know when living in Destin. And, I'm going to have just a little bonus for you at the end. So, make sure you stick around.

Alright! So, 19 things that you must know when living in Destin.

1. Make Sure that you Keep a Good Supply of Sunscreen on Hand

It does get pretty hot and bright and sunny out here in Destin. So, if you do plan on spending an extended period of time outdoors, whether you're going to the beach or spending a day out on the boat, or just going for a nice long walk. Make sure you lather up your sunscreen because you don't want to get all burnt up and end up regretting it over the next several days. So, make sure you keep plenty in stock for you and your family.

2. You might want to Keep an Umbrella on Hand

Whether you want to keep one in your vehicle or carry one in a small bag. It does get pretty unpredictable out here when it comes to the weather. So, you might go into one store and it might have some sketchy clouds up above and by the time you come out, it's down pouring. It could be the same way when you're ready out the beach. It could be nice bright and sunny when you get to the beach and the next thing you know it, there's a downpour. But, you probably already have your beach umbrella out there, but if you're out shopping or going out to restaurants or get your kids out, just keep a little umbrella on hand if you don't like to be out in the rain. So, if you guys don't care, just get wet or have a hat or a little poncho, or just throw a little hoodie on, whatever. But, if you don't like to get rained on, make sure you just keep an umbrella on hand.

3. Destin is actually getting their own High School now.

So, beginning August 2021, when the door is open, there will be Destin High School. That will welcome all these students that are attending grades 9 through 12. Before, they had to attend the Fort Walton Beach High School located in Fort Walton Beach. So, it's a longer commute time, but they don't have to worry about any of that anymore. They can attend in Destin, it's been a long time coming. So, congrats to the students that are going to be attending school in Destin or High School in Destin, grades 9 through 12, starting this summer of 2021. So, glad that you guys have your own high school now.

4. There's so much FUN for all ages in Destin

So, whatever age group you're in, or if you like to mix and match and do things that you would think only kids would do, you'll guarantee to have so much fun. You can go laser tag or ride go-karts, there are helicopter rides. Or, if you like to go indoors, there's bowling as an activity, and there's Hatchet throwing in the area, too. So, definitely make sure that you check out everything that you can do. Whether you want to go with people your own age or you don't mind joining the kiddos or if you have kids of your own, you definitely have some fun with or without your family.

5. There are Lots of Water Sport Rentals in the Town

So, if you don't own your own jet skis or pontoon or kayaks both, don't worry because there are plenty of places for you to go to be able to rent for the day. And then, you might eventually convince yourself to buy one of your own. Or, maybe you just don't have a place to store it, but no worries, you'll be able to still enjoy your water fun by checking out one of those rental places in the Destin area.

6. There are Several Boat Launches Around

Let's just say that you do on your own boat. So, if you don't own your own waterfront property and need a place to launch your boat, there's a Joe's Bayou, there's the Destin Marina and there's Legion Park, just to name a few. So, if you do plan on purchasing a boat, or if you have one of your own, you'll definitely be able to find a place for you to be able to get out there in the water without having your own waterfront home. If that's out of your budget.

7. Lots of Tourists during Spring and Summer Time

If you don't know already, just know that there are a lot of tourists and visitors during the spring and summertime in Destin. But, you can't really blame them because it is a beautiful place to live. I'm sure a lot of them were probably like you and they were just entertaining the area for a little bit, deciding whether or not they want to live here. So, we do have a lot of people that reach out to us wondering about what it's like to actually live here, but they visited the area so many times. So, they just reach out and try and get information as far as actually being a resident in Destin. So, we love to help those people out as well. But just know, if you do live in the area, you're going to see a lot of tourists around, lots of new faces, and lots of extra traffic on the roads. But, you'll just have to accept it because it comes with this territory.

8. Lots of Locals Too

It's not just the tourists that crowd the area, they are locals too. So, of course, all the locals want to take advantage of the area that they live in as well. So, you're going to see them out and about enjoying all the activities that a lot of the tourists and visitors enjoy as well.

9. Be Cautious of all the Pedestrians in the Area.

So, with so many people visiting the area, whether they're tourists or the locals out trying to get to the same places at the same time. Of course, there's going to be a lack of parking. So, people are out on foot trying to get to where they want to go. Just be cautious and watch out for those caution lights and the crosswalks. They did add some extra crosswalks in Destin to make it safer for the pedestrians. But you just have to make sure you put in your effort to keep them safe as well.

10. There are a Lot of Great Festivals and Entertainment in Destin

Just to name a few, there are Mac and Cheese festivals, there are Wine festivals, there are Barbecue and Seafood festivals, and there's live music and some small venues. So, there are so many things for you and your family to enjoy. Lots of nighttime entertainment as well. There are a lot of restaurants and bars that would have live music going on. So, just be prepared to have a list of places that you want to check out when you're in the area. When you live here, you can just have your schedule on your fridge of all the entertainment that's going on. So, it's great that there's always something to do throughout the year.

11. There's Tons of Shopping Opportunities

So, if you are a Shopaholic, you're in luck because there is so many places to go when it comes to retail shopping in Destin. Just to name a couple of the major places, there's the Destin Commons, it's your outdoor shopping scenario. Tons of stores to choose from. There's also restaurants, there's a Starbucks, World of Beers, Chipotle. And, there's also the movie theater, there's AMC. And, you can also check out the Silver Sands Outlet that has some of your higher name brand store such as a Coach and Nike and Skechers just to name a few. So, if you do like to go shop, you will definitely be in heaven in Destin.

12. Lots of Restaurants

There's also a lot of restaurants for you to choose from. So, no matter what it is that you like or what you're craving, whether if it's Japanese food or Chinese food, BBQ, Seafood, of course, Mexican. Whatever your taste buds desire, you will definitely be able to find the right place in Destin. I do have a video out for the top recommended restaurants in the Destin area. So, make sure you check that out.

13. Great Investment Opportunities

There's great investment opportunities in Destin. So, whether you live here or not, you have the great opportunity to invest in real estate, for example. Whether you want to purchase a rental, a big vacation rental or Airbnb, you can purchase a condo, townhome, a beach house. They all make pretty good money out in this area. So, if you want to invest in real estate, make sure you reach out to us, we can definitely help you out with that. Or, if you want to own your own local business in the area, lots of opportunities for that as well. There are a lot of local businesses that do very well, whether if it's one of those businesses that rent out your water sport fun activities, or if you want to do food trucks little small businesses that serve ice cream or desserts or quick little finger foods that does well at that, just pretty well out in the beach areas, especially when people just want to take a break from laying out in the sun or playing on the water and get them some quick to eat, something cold to drink. You will definitely have a great opportunity for Investments whether it is in the food industry or retail. For those people that want to purchase some memorabilia out from the Destin area, or if you want to invest in real estate, do amazing investment opportunity in Destin.

14. Plenty of Employment Opportunities

There's plenty of employment opportunities as well. So, if you are relocating here and you are looking for a new place to work or if you currently, already live in Destin and you are looking for a change of scenario from where you already work or just need a job in general. You have plenty of options in whatever industry that you're interested in or whatever your skills are in. Whether if it's retail or restaurants, hospitality, you will definitely be able to find something that fits you and your skills in the Destin area.

15. Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park

Let's just say that you like to spend time in a water but not necessarily go out to the beach and you don't have a pool, check out Big Kahuna's Water Park. That is a great place to go for fun. It's located right off of Highway 98. You can't miss it when you drive by. They are closed during the colder months of the year, obviously. But, in the spring and summer time, it's on and poppin at Big Kahuna's.

16. Destin is Located near Military Bases.

So, if you are a veteran or an active duty service member, and you do want to live in the Destin area, but concerned about how far it is to the bases. Well, there's a little bit of a drive, maybe about 45 minutes to get to, Hurlburt Field or Eglin Air Force Base, really, depending on the time of day and the time of the year. You also have Tyndall Air Force Base that's located in Panama City. So, that is further out but especially for retirees that are looking for a place to go and enjoy their retirement life, but still want access to bases in the area. Just know that you are pretty close and you can enjoy the base access and your beach life all in the same area.

17. Fishing

If you live in Destin, you need to know that you are living in the world's luckiest fishing village. Yes, that is what Destin is known for. So, if you like to fish for fun, or if you like to catch some good eating, you are in great luck in Destin, Florida. 

18. Uber and Lyft

Keep in mind that Uber and Lyft drivers are always the option. Destin is a great entertainment place, so there are a lot of drinking opportunities. So, we don't want you to miss out on some of that fun and we want you to be safe as well. So, just make sure you keep your Uber app or your Lyft app on hand, and still have your fun and make it home safely.

19. Park your Vehicle in Designated Parking Areas.

Make sure you park your vehicle in designated parking areas only. We don't want your vehicle to get stuck or even get a parking ticket. So, even if you're trying to find a spot closest to where you're trying to be, sometimes it's not worth risking getting a ticket or getting stuck. But just make sure you find a nice spot to work and just deal with the walking distance that you have.

HarborWalk Village

And now, for that bonus that I promised you. If you are one that likes to enjoy so many activities all in one day. If you like to eat, you like to drink, you like to shop, if you like to listen to live music, you like to ride on jet skis or get on pontoons. If you like to get on a sunset dolphin cruise or ride on a pirate ship. You can do it all from a place called HarborWalk Village. It's located right near the Destin Bridge next to the Emerald Grand, a huge building, can't miss it. As if you enjoy all these activities and you want to do it all from one place. I highly recommend that you check out the HarborWalk Village.

Well, that's all I have for you today guys. If you would like to know more have any questions, feel free to call/text us at 850.320.7757 or email us at Admin@WhittemoreGroupRE.com