Must Do's in Destin, FL For Taylor Swift Fans (Swifties)
Taylor Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” just dropped and we are officially working our lives away to pay for a timeshare in Destin, Florida. Taylor’s reference to Destin in her new hit song “Florida!!!” has sent search trends for the state of Florida generally, and Destin specifically, through the roof. And with summer right around the corner we decided to put together a Swiftie-friendly guide to exploring Destin and all of its awesome, must-do activities. Whether you’re blasting “Blank Space” on a pontoon in Crab Island, shaking it off on the dance floor on a dinner yacht, or shedding your cardigan on a sunset dolphin cruise, this list of Taylor-inspired excursions are sure to make this summer in Destin anything but cruel.
Table of Contents
- It’s a Love Story
- Wildest Dreams
- Fun in the Sun
- Eat and Drink Like Royalty
- Style and Swag
- Enchanted by Destin
- Curtain Call
Destin, FL: It’s A Love Story Baby Just Say Yes
Destin Harbor and Harborwalk Village
Destin, Florida sits along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle–the heart of the Emerald Coast. White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and fabulous weather year-round make “the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” a destination for everyone from Swifties to anglers, families, young professionals and more. In fact, while Destin proper is home to only 13,000 permanent residents, the Destin-Fort Walton Airport has seen over 1 million visitors come through its doors every year since 2017 (Taylor’s private jet surely being among them). Indeed, every year, millions of folks flock to this once-quiet beach town to escape the daily grind. Destin has done a great job growing with demand, and now boasts a variety of great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife to go along with their picturesque sand, water, and outdoor activities. With all of these perks, it’s easy to see why paying for a timeshare in Destin is high on our Swiftie to-do list.
Making Your “Wildest Dreams” a Reality
Destin has a little something for everyone. From the beach to the boardwalk, shopping, nightlife, aquariums and beyond, Swifties and normies alike have no end of options morning, day, or night.
Fun in the Sun
Blast your favorite T-Swift tunes on a boat at Crab Island
You don’t need to be Taylor Swift or Lana Del Ray to realize that the only thing snowy about Destin’s beaches are the white sands. Indeed, when it comes to things to do in Destin it starts and ends with the water, the waves, and the sand. One might even go so far as to say that there’s a melody of adventures waiting to be sung. Dive into the rhythm of excitement at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where the ocean’s stars (Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, among others) dance gracefully in their aquatic stage. For those seeking to ride the waves, renting a pontoon or jet ski paints the perfect backdrop for an adrenaline-fueled escapade. Cruise the Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay and visit Crab Island for a party like none other. And, finally, what better way to serenade the sunset than aboard a glass-bottom boat, where dolphins playfully harmonize with the waves as you belt out your favorite tunes during a karaoke session under the starlit sky. Finally, rock out at Big Kahuna’s waterpark where you can choose to either go heavy metal on the many slides and wave pools or go coffeehouse acoustic on the lazy river.
Eat and Drink Like Royalty
Some call them snow-white sands, some call them sugary sands. Either way, Destin boasts a melody of culinary flavors to be sampled and savored as if they were Taylor’s albums. Start your culinary journey with a hearty feast at McGuire’s, where the ambiance is as warm as the Irish stew and the laughter flows as freely as the ale. For a brunch fit for a songstress, make your way down to the Pancakery, where stacks of fluffy pancakes sing to your taste buds with every bite. Dive into the depths of flavor at Boshamp’s, where the freshest seafood takes center stage in a symphony of Gulf Coast delights. And when the sun dips low, there’s no better place to sip on a classic margarita than Margaritaville, where the salty breeze and the rhythmic waves provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening on the water. In Destin, every meal is a verse, every dish a chorus, and every sip a melody, echoing the harmonies of Taylor Swift’s timeless tunes.
Style and Swag
Discover deals at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
We are never, ever getting back together. Unless, that is, you want to go shopping. Begin your Gulf Coast shopping spree at Destin Commons, where trendy boutiques beckon with the latest styles, echoing the sophistication of Taylor Swift’s chic wardrobe. Next, wander through the Village at Baytowne Wharf, where quaint shops nestled along docks and stone streets exude a charming allure reminiscent of Swift’s nostalgic melodies. Harborwalk Village invites you to shop with a view, its waterfront boutiques offering a taste of coastal elegance that Taylor herself would adore. For the savvy shopper seeking steals and deals, Silver Sands outlets await, boasting designer discounts that rival Taylor’s own flashy finds. And for those who treasure the thrill of a vintage gem, Destin’s hidden treasures await at spots like Harvest House and Plato’s Closet, where every thrifted treasure tells a story just waiting to be sung.
Enchanted by Destin’s Sights and Scenes
After you’ve made Swift work (get it?) of Destin’s fun and the food, ensure you see its top landmarks before you go. Begin your symphony at the center of it all–the Destin Harbor. The mouth to the Atlantic and the separator between Destin and its neighbor Fort Walton Beach, behold the rhythm of bustling boats as they harmonize with the whip of the sea breeze, inviting you to set sail on a voyage of exploration. Do you head to sea and open waters or cruise the Choctawhatchee Bay towards Crab Island? Speaking of Crab Island, this is the place to bust out some Taylor tunes and party like it’s 1989. An epic sandbar located in the middle of the harbor, you will need a boat to get there. Enjoy a vibrant chorus of emerald waters and floating fun, where time dances to the beat of laughter and relaxation. Next, not far away, stroll along the picturesque melody of Harborwalk Village, where small shops and sweet melodies serenade your senses, offering a crescendo of local delights. Finally, find harmony in the tranquil cadence of Henderson Beach State Park, where pristine sands and azure waves create a serene sonnet of natural beauty. Here you can recreate the 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album cover (seagulls are included) or simply pause and soak in the lyrical tranquility of the Gulf Coast. Each landmark plays a part in composing a symphony of memories you’ll carry long after your vacation ends.
Destin, Florida: A Curtain Call
Guitars and good times on the Emerald Coast
As the curtain falls on our whirlwind tour of Destin, Florida, it’s evident that this coastal gem is more than just a backdrop to Taylor Swift’s lyrics—it’s a destination where dreams are woven into the fabric of reality. From the pulsating rhythm of Destin Harbor to the buoyant melody of Crab Island, each stop sings a verse of adventure, beckoning travelers to dance to the beat of the Gulf Coast. So what are you waiting for? Book that timeshare down in Destin and we’ll see you this summer in “Florida!!!”