Are you planning a trip to Destin, FL, soon? How exciting! As we all begin to plan out trips for the rest of the year, there are many factors to consider. What sort of activities do you want to enjoy? How long will you stay? What’s your budget for the trip?
If money is tighter than usual this year, don’t worry! You can still enjoy time on vacation. You don’t have to spend a lot to have an unforgettable time in Destin! In fact, some of the best experiences here are completely free.
Whether you’re traveling with family, visiting with friends, or planning a quiet getaway for two, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your stay without breaking the budget. Here are a few of our favorite no-cost activities that let you explore, relax, and have fun while soaking in everything Destin has to offer.
Utilize Benchmark Management’s Xplorie Partnership!
When you book your Emerald Coast Stay directly with Benchmark Management, you get access to an entire inventory of exciting free activities, courtesy of our Xplorie partnership! All sorts of exciting activities are included in this program, from family-friendly activities like the Emerald Coast Science Center to helicopter tours of the coast, jet ski rentals, and sunset cruises!
Our Xplorie partnership allows you to take advantage of some truly incredible experiences here in Destin for FREE! Guests receive one complimentary ticket for each day of vacation, so use your passes wisely. It sounds too good to be true, but we promise it isn’t. Check out our landing page below to learn more about the process and browse all available Xplorie activities!
Go to the Beach
Soaking up the sun is still free, after all! And it’s one of our most favorite activities. Spend the day on the beach with your family and enjoy all the classics of a Florida vacation—sand between your toes, the hot sun shining down, and the gentle lull of waves all day long. We can already imagine it now!
The beach is jam-packed with free activities to keep you occupied. Build a sandcastle with your kids, lie back and read a book, or do some body surfing! We also love going on walks along the beach (sunrise and sunset provide the best free show nature has to offer, after all).
Try Your Hand at Shelling
Destin is a top destination for shelling, another great activity that’s free of cost! Henderson Beach State Park is considered a top beach for shelling, known for its gorgeous powder-white sand and unbelievably clear waters.
When the tide goes out, walk along the exposed sandbars and see what shell treasures you can find! Bring a mesh bag along to collect your findings (they make great souvenirs! Or, take a photo and toss them back for another lucky collector to stumble across). You’re most likely to see several species of starfish, sand dollars, and other seashells in widely varying shapes, colors, and sizes! Destin Beach is another great spot for shelling enthusiasts.
Visit Jolee Island
A day at the park is always fun, especially if you want to tire out your kiddos! Jolee Island is a local park perfect for the whole family. Your kids will love the playground, and there are also picnic tables, grills, and short trails to explore. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while you spend some time in nature.
Check Out Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf in Destin has so many activities to explore! These are the free activities available here:
- Adventure Land Playground – perfect for your kids to run around and let out some energy!
- Baytowne LIVE – listen to incredible live musicians on select dates this spring and summer! Check out the Baytowne Activities page for a full schedule.
- Movie Mondays – Watch a different movie outdoors every Monday at 8 PM!
- Boomin’ Tuesdays– Watch as the sky lights up with fireworks! Every Tuesday night, there’s a free show from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM.
- Wednesday Night Concert Series—Enjoy live music on the Events Plaza Stage every Wednesday! Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and get ready to hear some great local and regional talent!
- Thursdaze Lights Show – Another weekly summer classic, celebrate the magic of Baytowne Wharf under the stars with a lights show!
- Scallywag Sunday – From Sunday, May 18th, 2025, to Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, watch as featured pirate of the summer, Captain Davy, performs not just one, but two magic shows! Join him at 7 or 8 PM to witness the magic (literally!).
Save On Your Vacation By Booking Your Destin Stay Directly with Benchmark Management!
1 Bed, 1 Bath Destin Vacation Rental: Crystal Sands 112B
Well, there you have it! A vacation to Destin doesn’t have to break the bank, after all. Now that you have this comprehensive list of exciting free things to do in Destin, your trip is sure to be a blast—and stay on budget.
Of course, one of the most considerable costs involved in vacation planning is booking your accommodations. Going on vacation for a week or more can be expensive. You can cut costs when you book your stay directly with a local vacation rental company like us, though! When you book directly, you’re avoiding all the unnecessary third-party fees that come with utilizing companies like Airbnb and VRBO. Plus, you have a local team on-site to help if anything goes awry (which it shouldn’t!).
We have an incredible selection of Benchmark Management vacation rentals in Destin that will make your trip the greatest yet! Ready to make your dream vacation a reality? Browse our available Destin & Miramar Beach vacation rentals here and book your next trip directly with Benchmark Management!
P.S. If you want to stay on another part of the Emerald Coast, you’re in luck—we have rentals spanning from Destin to Panama City Beach, with several homes in the coastal towns of 30A as well. No matter what part of the Emerald Coast you choose to stay on, we’re confident your time here in sunny Florida will be a blast. Browse our full collection of Emerald Coast vacation rentals now!