Travel tips
Downtown Destin is easily walkable, not least because it's mostly clustered around the Harbor Boardwalk. Here, you’ll find a lively scene with dining, shopping, and nightlife entertainment spots. However, you’ll want to get around the rest of the area easily and comfortably for your beach-hopping holiday in Okaloosa County, which has no less than 13 beaches.
Cycling is a great option for short rides, but for longer distances, depending on your budget, preferences, and destination, you can get around Destin by hopping on the free trolley, by public bus, taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
Taking a taxi in Destin
From Destin Sunrise Taxi (+1 850-586-5694) to City Cab Destin (+1 850-376-9125), 654Taxi (+1 850-654-8294), and many more, you won’t find it hard to get a taxi in Destin. You can find taxi lines in front of hotels and attractions.
Convenient yet rather expensive, getting around the city by taxicab is not your best option if you’re on a budget, although a taxi ride may be your only option to get back to your hotel if you’re a night owl. Note that tipping for taxis in the States is usually 15–20% of the fare. Most taxi drivers accept payment by credit cards, though sometimes reluctantly.
Uber and Lyft are the 2 main ride-sharing apps used in Destin. Their rates are slightly cheaper than standard taxicabs.
Travelling by public transport in Destin
Emerald Coast (EC) Rider is a public transport company operating in Destin and Okaloosa County. It runs 10 bus routes within the county. Routes 30, 32, and 33 are especially popular with visitors as they go along US Route 98 – the Emerald Coast Parkway. Most attractions and beaches are along these bus routes.
From single-ride tickets to all-day passes, monthly passes and more, there’s a good range of ticketing options available. Tickets and passes can be purchased at the EC Rider office (600 Transit Way in Fort Walton Beach) or onboard the buses from the driver. Note that all buses have a bike rack. Check out their website for further info.
A free trolley service known as the Island Shuttle is also available during the summer months. It’s run by the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council. It’s connected to the EC Rider Route 30 and goes along the length of Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
Renting a car in Destin
Renting and driving a car is a favourable way of exploring Destin and Okaloosa County. It’s certainly more expensive than public transport, yet it gives you the freedom to go anywhere whenever you want.
Foreigners can use their standard driver’s license for up to 1 month in Florida. Expect traffic to be congested during the peak season, especially on the weekends. Off US Route 98, an internet-enabled mobile phone with online map apps is your best friend for finding your way.
Cycling around Destin
Cycling is a pleasant and healthy way of exploring Destin. Popular scenic rides include US Route 98, which has a dedicated bike and pedestrian path on the north side of the roadway that stretches for 5 miles east of Henderson Beach State Park. To the west, you can also reach Fort Walton Beach from Destin on the same highway. If you’re a serious rider, the nearby Walton County is home to over 200 miles of cycling trails.
You can hire a bike at rental companies like Rent Gear Here (+1 850-502-5984), Sweet Escape Rentals (+1 850-585-4160), and Telluride Sports (+1 850-217-6092), just to name a few.
