Leisurely Evenings: Enjoy the lingering summer weather

The kids are back in school, and the tourists have all but abandoned the beaches, restaurants and businesses that make up the city of Destin; but the long summer evenings and the glorious warm weather still linger, giving locals the perfect opportunity to enjoy the calm evening hours with outdoor social activities. Here are a few ideas of things to do with the extra daylight hours.

Picnic at the beach/park

Grab a blanket and some snacks and head to the nearest public beach access or city park for a fun, relaxing evening. Catch the sunset just after 7 p.m., and make the evening fun by challenging kids to spot blue heron, pelican, sea gulls and other local wildlife that are active in the evening.

There are 13 public beach accesses in Destin listed HERE

Destin also boasts 17 public parks listed HERE

Fishing

Known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has no shortage of great on-shore fishing spots.  Clement Taylor and Mattie Kelly Parks offer docks that are great for casting a line, or for a challenge try beach-side surf fishing at any Destin beach.

For the brave of heart, a climb out across the jetties of East Pass will be sure to yield a great catch.   

A salt-water shore-line fishing license is required for on-shore fishing and can be obtained free at any sporting goods store such as Bass Pro Shop, or retailers that sell hunting or fishing equipment, or at the county tax collectors' office.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a few license-free saltwater fishing days a year. This year the days include September 6 and November 29.

Barbeque

Fire up the grill and cut up the watermelon, grilling is the most nostalgic way to celebrate the summer evenings.

If you don’t own a grill, Henderson Beach State Park has six pavilions complete with charcoal grills. Entry to the park is $6 per car or free for Destin residents with a pass that can be obtained through city hall or the community center.