15 Most Charming Towns and Cities Near Destin FL You Should Visit

Looking for stunning towns and cities near Destin FL to visit? From the bustling city of Tallahassee to the laid-back town of Grayton Beach, this article has them all!

Nestled along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin has achieved an impressive glow-up over the years having been transformed from a small fishing village to the sun-kissed popular beach destination it is today.

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Thanks to its strategic location along the coast, Destin is located in close vicinity to plenty of cute cities and towns in the region, and we highly recommend allocating time to explore some of them while visiting the area.

To inspire you, we’ve compiled a list of the best cities near Destin FL that you may love!

All the places listed are within a 2.5-hour drive from Destin and are great for either day trips or weekend adventures.

Cutest Towns and Cities Near Destin FL

From Grayton Beach to Fairhope in Alabama, here is a list of the most beautiful cities near Destin Florida you shouldn’t miss.

And to make browsing easy, we’ve categorized these cities near Destin Fl from the nearest to the furthest away without taking into account the direction.

1. Fort Walton Beach ( About 15 Minutes From Destin)

We start with the nearest destination! Fort Walton Beach is the closest city to Destin Florida and is just a 15-minute drive away.

This coastal destination offers a great balance of fun and relaxation with its sandy beaches, quirky museums, lovely fishing pier, and family-friendly attractions.

Whether you’d like to indulge in water sports, get some gelato, or have a dolphin encounter, you’ll be able to do all that and much more here.

Some fun spots we recommend include the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to watch dolphins, sharks, and rays shows, the Emerald Coast Science Center a hands-on science discovery center that kids will enjoy, The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island for an ultimate beach escape with upscale shopping and dining, Liza Jackson Park a recreation area with playgrounds, waterway to go boating, picnic benches and a large area of greenery to kick back and relax, Destin History & Fishing Museum to learn about the history of Destin, and Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone for a fun-filled day of riding on roller coasters and playing mini-golf.

And did you know that you can even take sandcastle sculpting lessons here?

Also definitely check out the Farmers Market if you’re going to be here on the second or fourth Saturday of the month!

So, if you were looking for the nearest city to Destin Florida for a quick day trip, Fort Walton Beach is the answer.

2. Sandestin ( About 20 Minutes From Destin)

Located just a 20-minute drive from Destin, Sandestin is often mistaken to be part of Destin though it is not.

Instead, the area is an expansive 2,400-acre golf and beach resort destination that’s hugely popular amongst those who want to have some relaxation and fun in a classy way.

The luxury resorts and hotels here will give you access to tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, powder-white sand beaches, and more.

Be sure to also pop by The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a vibrant hangout spot featuring a good selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, an arcade, and even an adventure zone complete with a zipline and rope courses!

So if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway where upscale dining, golf course resorts, and powder white sand beaches are just steps away, then Sandestin is one of the best areas near Destin Florida to consider.

Related Post: Airports Near Destin Florida

3. Grayton Beach ( About 30 Minutes From Destin)

Venture just a bit further down the coast and you’ll find yourself at the small, laid-back village of Grayton Beach reachable in just half an hour from Destin.

Home to Grayton Beach State Park which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the US with mesmerizing sunsets, hiking trails, and camping facilities and offers various water sports, and Western Lake a coastal dune lake, Grayton Beach is delightful to explore if you love the beach and forested nature.

Besides basking in the sun, leave some space in your itinerary to explore the pristine nature spots that are filled with walking trails and campgrounds, as well as plenty of recreational activities such as fishing, paddling, and kayaking.

Other popular attractions and hangout spots worth visiting in Grayton Beach include the Zoo Gallery to admire art, the Red Bar and the Grayton Beer Company for a drink at the end of the day, the Grayton Beach Art Wall, an outdoor art exposition, and the Underwater Museum of Art which is the first permanent underwater sculpture museum in the United States!

4. Seaside ( About 30 Minutes From Destin)

Famously known for being the filming location of The Truman Show movie starring Jim Carrey, Seaside is a picturesque little town that can easily capture your heart with its pastel-colored beach houses and glistening shore.

As one of the beautiful towns near Destin FL, Seaside is perfect as a day trip destination.

While you’re there, take some time to explore some of the landmarks of the town including the charming, whitewashed Seaside Post Office that’s unofficially named one of the most photographed post offices in the world, the Seaside Amphitheater to watch one of the many of events hosted here throughout the year, the Ruskin Place Park, and one of Seaside’s many quaint art galleries.

One of our favorite ways to explore the town is on a bike! It’s extremely easy to get around Seaside on two wheels thanks to its well-designed pedestrian and bike trails.

Related Post: Best Breakfast Places in Destin

5. Navarre ( About 30 Minutes From Destin)

Venture half an hour along the west coast of Destin and you’ll reach Navarre, a charming beach community located between Destin and Pensacola.

Navarre is blessed with over a dozen public beaches with plenty of easy access points making it yet another ideal spot to get a tan and sea breeze.

If you love sea creatures, you’ll be delighted to know that there are some spots where you can interact and learn about them in this little town.

Two of our favorite spots are the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Centre and the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station.

These educational facilities are great for curious kids and adults alike, and you’ll get to learn about local marine life and species such as sea turtles, seahorses, artificial reefs, crabs, and more.

A visit to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is also a must! It’s the longest pier in the whole of Florida and you may get to spot dolphins and turtles if you’re lucky.

6. Niceville (30 Minutes From Destin)

Next up on our list of cities near Destin Florida is Niceville, a homey, tranquil city with a small-town vibe.

Located just a 30-minute drive up north from Destin, Niceville offers more than just sandy beaches and sunshine!

It’s the launchpad to explore plenty of natural attractions such as the Choctawhatchee Bay, Boggy Bayou, Turkey Creek Nature Trail, and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park.

The city is also home to Niceville Children’s Park where kids can play till they’re tired and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, a performing arts theater where you can catch a Broadway show or one of their student-run performances!

Otherwise, wind down at one of the city’s lovely community green spaces such as Lions Park, known for lovely sunsets, Niceville Dog Park which is perfect if you’re traveling with your furbaby, or Niceville Skate Park for those who want to try or polish up their skating abilities.

Related Post: Best Beaches in Detin FL

7. Rosemary Beach ( About 40 Minutes From Destin)

Continue along the coast and you’ll find yourself at Rosemary Beach, named one of the most romantic towns in America by CNN.

Located in one of the areas near Destin FL, Rosemary Beach is only a 40-minute drive away from Destin.

Most people flock here for a beach day, to check out the rare coastal dune lake in the Deer Lake State Park, or to stroll through gorgeous cypress trees at the Conservation Park.

You can also visit Inlet Beach located right next to Rosemary Beach and pop by the nearby Camp Helen State Park.

And don’t leave without treating yourself to fresh donuts, pastries, or home-cooked dishes from The Donut Hole!

8. DeFuniak Springs ( About 50 Minutes From Destin)

Located 40 minutes from Niceville is DeFuniak Springs, a small city with just over 6,000 people.

DeFuniak Springs is laid-back and historical! The city is dotted with approximately 200 interesting historic buildings and landmarks that you can check out, including the St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church, Walton-DeFuniak Library, the oldest library still in use in Florida, and the Chautauqua Building.

The centerpiece of DeFuniak Springs is, however, the world-renowned Lake DeFuniak known as one of only two rare, perfectly round spring-fed lakes in the world.

The scenic lake is encircled by beautiful Victorian-era homes, and is especially beautiful during the Christmas season as these homes are decorated in conjunction with the town’s coveted annual Christmas Reflections display!

If you visit in May instead, you’ll get to catch the town’s annual Lakefest, a week-long family-friendly celebration with lots of food, games, entertainment, and fun.

9. Pensacola ( About 1 Hour From Destin)

Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and is an easy hour-long drive from Destin.

Perched on the banks of Pensacola Bay, the city is vibrant and fun with lots to eat, see, and do from amusement parks to galleries, shopping malls, bars, historical buildings, and even a theater! You can easily spend a couple of days here if you’re up to doing some fun stuff.

Some popular attractions in Pensacola include the impressive National Naval Aviation Museum filled with over 150 amazing aircraft, including the likes of fighter jets and historic planes, the Big Lagoon State Park to see various archaeological sites and take part in recreational activities like canoeing, boating fishing, etc, Bay Bluffs Park, a nature preserve with walking paths, Sam’s Fun City an amusement and water park, and Palafox Street to shop at the famous farmers market and take in its electric vibe, among many other amazing spots.

Make sure to also take a stroll along the city’s beautiful historic district so you can take in the many charming buildings that seem to be frozen in time.

Related Post: Best Pizza Places in Destin

10. Panama City ( About 1.5 Hours From Destin)

Next up on our list of cities near Destin is none other than Panama City which is one of the most popular cities around Destin FL.

Affectionately known as the vibrant heart of the Emerald Coast, there’s plenty in store at Panama City for all types of travelers.

From an endless strip of beaches in Panama City Beach to family-friendly attractions, thrilling aquatic activities, yummy seafood eateries, refreshing state parks, to an exciting nightlife scene. Also, spend some time shopping in the bustling Pier Park,

For those traveling with children in tow, you won’t want to miss out on fun-filled attractions such as the tropical-themed Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park (the football-field-sized maze and mini golf courses are crowd favorites), and the ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory.

11. Chipley ( About 1.5 Hours From Destin)

Another popular city near Destin FL is the lovely Chipley located in the middle of Pensacola and Tallahassee.

Reachable via a 1.5-hour drive, Chipley is a simple, charming, and friendly little city that was founded in 1882 but before that, it was called Orange!

You won’t find huge malls, arcades, or much city life at Chipley but it’s filled with nature preserves, parks, and historical landmarks.

Some of our favorite attractions in and near Chipley include the Seacrest Wolf Preserve, a non-profit organization dedicated to wolf and wildlife conservation where you can get up close and personal with the friendly wolves, Falling Waters State Park which is home to the tallest waterfall in Florida known as Falling Waters Falls, Boat Lake Swimming Park, Swamp Offroad Park, great for adrenaline junkies, and Florida Caverns State Park where you can take a guided tour through the caves.

12. Port St. Joe ( About 2 Hours From Destin)

Formerly a bustling port and destroyed by hurricanes twice, Port St. Joe has an affectionate nickname given by its residents: “a small town with a big heart”.

We have a soft spot for this friendly and compact city! It’s easily walkable and offers swim-friendly waters, as well as a lovely waterfront marina and green spaces for those who want a breath of fresh air.

As with most of the towns or cities along the coast, you can swim, snorkel, fish, feast on seafood, and sunbathe on the many beaches of Port St. Joe.

Beach and water activities aside, we suggest taking time to do some sightseeing and explore its historic downtown, and be sure to check out the bay since it’s a popular nesting spot for sea turtles!

If you’re keen, we highly recommend popping by the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center where you can learn about turtle conservation and even volunteer if you’d like.

Another attraction that makes Port St. Joe one of the cities near Destin worth visiting is Cape San Blas Lighthouse. It was initially part of Cape San Blas but it moved to Port St. Joe due to beach erosion.

13. Fairhope, Alabama ( About 2 Hours From Destin)

If you want to get away from Florida Panhandle for a while, one of the cities near Destin FL to consider is the endearing Fairhope in Alabama.

Famous for its jubilee (where various crabs and shrimp species float to the shores of Mobile bay leaving the deeper ends of the water), Fairhope is a cute resort side suburb nestled on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay, a 2-hour drive from Destin.

The city is lots of fun to explore whether on foot or on a bike! Stroll along the romantic Fairhope Municipal Pier, shop at quaint local boutiques downtown, or have a picnic and take in the views of Mobile Bay at North Beach Park.

Craving a sweet treat on a sweltering day? Pop by Mr. Gene’s Beans, a local favorite ice cream shop and cafe that has served the people of Fairhope for over 25 years.

Order a classic Fairhope Float for a quintessential tourist experience here! You’ll fall in love with the refreshing combination of frozen yogurt, coffee, and whipped cream.

14. Cape San Blas ( About 2.5 Hours From Destin)

Continue on a 20-minute drive from Port St. Joe and you’ll reach Cape San Blas, a narrow stretch of land that curves around St. Joseph Bay.

The cape is home to the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, one of the most highly-rated beaches in the whole of America. You can also find some of the oldest and tallest dunes on any coast in Florida right here!

In addition to water sports and beach activities, you can also indulge in other outdoor activities such as camping (besides a full-fledged campground, the state park also has well-equipped lodging homes and cabins that you can spend a night in), hiking, bird-watching, and biking.

Another unique and popular activity at Cape San Blas is scalloping! You can book a tour while you’re here and learn to dive into the ocean and catch some scallops with your own hands.

15. Tallahassee ( About 2.5 Hours From Destin)

We’ve saved the best for last! The last city near Destin FL on our list is Tallahassee, the inviting state capital of Florida.

Tallahassee is the largest city in the Florida Panhandle region and is often described as having a youthful college-town demeanor thanks to its massive student population.

There’s much to see and do in Tallahassee, whether you’re a history buff, culture seeker, or nature lover.

Some of our recommended spots to add to your Tallahassee bucket list include the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee Museum, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Railroad Square Art District, Goodwood Museum and Gardens, Mission San Luis, Florida State Capitol building, and Tom Brown Park, a 255-acre city park with mountain biking trails, baseball fields, tennis courts and more.

If you’re here for the weekend, be sure to also pop by the Downtown Market in downtown Tallahassee which is open every Saturday except in the winter months!

And if you love playing with cats while having a drink, be sure to check out 2 of the best cat cafes in Florida, Tally Cat Cafe and Fat Cat Cafe both in this electric city of Tallahassee.

Final Thoughts on the Best Cities Close to Destin Florida That are Worth Visiting

We hope you enjoyed reading about the many lovely towns and cities near Destin!

The Florida Panhandle is most definitely more than just long stretches of sand and sun and these towns near Destin FL are a true testament to that.

Depending on the sort of trip you’re looking for, there are bound to be cities or towns close to Destin FL that will appeal to you. Have fun planning your sunny Florida road trip!

But before you go, consider sharing this list of cities and towns around Destin FL if you found this article helpful!

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