Featured image: Destin, Florida, is a great destination for solo women travellers to find rest and relaxation | Photo by 

Destin welcomes older women with accessible beaches and an active lifestyle

by Diana Eden

One of the loveliest things about Destin, Florida, is that the sand is some of the whitest in the world, and the wide beaches stretch miles and miles in both directions. The sand comes from the Appalachian Mountains and is made of finely ground quartz crystal, giving the appearance of sugar. The water is a dazzling green, unlike the Atlantic Ocean colours of the East Coast Florida beaches.

One of the Destin area’s many beaches is Grayton Beach. I found a few quaint shops, cafes, and a quirky sign that said “cute dogs, strange people.” Then, a quick walk on the boardwalk led to the sight of children searching for crabs in a shallow inlet, with the sea and more sand just beyond. Colourful umbrellas against the jade-colored water made for an incredible sight, not to mention the abundance of visiting seagulls and pelicans

Once a sleepy fishing village, Destin has developed into a vacation mecca that welcomes all ages as well as those with mobility needs. Not only is it considered safe for female travellers, but there are ramps, free beach wheelchairs, and friendly lifeguards, making the beaches along the Gulf accessible to everyone. Destin is a laid-back town that is pretty much shuttered by eleven p.m. Even the bars that attract the younger crowd close at 2 am and are mainly down at the docks.

In the height of “the season” (mid-May to mid-September) it can be hot and humid, but during a recent visit in June, my sister and I dined outdoors for every meal and were always kept comfortable by breezes from the water. In the winter months, it is cool at night (mid-to-high 40s) but temperate in the daytime (mid-60s). Many retirees come for two or three months in the winter from colder climates up north, but many locals love life here year-round.

Where is Destin, Florida

I was first introduced to the town of Destin in Florida in 2013. Previously, I had thought of Florida only in terms of Orlando (Disneyland), Miami (cruise port and Cuban culture), and maybe Tampa, Naples, and the Gulf Coast. But I’d never heard of Destin, situated in “the Panhandle,” right under Alabama and only 75 miles from Mississippi to the west.

“The Emerald Coast” was discovered by tourists relatively recently. Native-American inhabitants were there as early as the seventh century A.D. As of 1890, a few Choctaw Indians still lived in the area. Destin is named after Leonard Destin, a fishing captain from New London, Connecticut, who settled here between 1845 and 1850.

Unlike today, there was no easy way to get to Destin, but this changed in the mid-1930s with the construction of U.S. Highway 98 and the 1936 completion of the bridge across the East Pass. In the 1940s and 1950s, much of the growth came from military retirees stationed nearby. In the 1970s and 80s, condominium developers built the many high rises that dot the shore now, but the town wasn’t officially incorporated until 40 years ago.

Things to do in Destin

Driving around Destin, one notes how much the city retains its fishing village heritage. Buildings and eateries are named after the original settlers and fishing captains, and the harbour proudly boasts it houses the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida. There is even a small museum dedicated to Destin’s history. Every October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo, one of the longest-running fishing tournaments in the U.S., attracts anglers from all over the world to compete in a multi-species, 31-day event.

It goes without saying that fishing and boating are the top activities, but there are also many excursion opportunities for dolphin watching, sunset viewing, snorkelling, and swimming.

There is also a very active golf community. There are public and private golf courses, especially within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which is a 2,400-acre destination resort with over seven miles of beaches and bay front, four golf courses, 15 tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, and a 113-slip marina.

Since there really isn’t a town center per se, there is minimal walking unless you want to explore the Harbor Boardwalk, which stretches nearly a quarter of a mile. It includes new landscaping, lighting, and seating, with easy access to local fishing charter boats, restaurants, and water activities.

And if none of these more active choices is right for you, there are always the glorious beaches.

Destin’s accessible beaches

And if none of these more active choices is right for you, there are always the glorious beaches.

The Destin Fire Control District has a program that provides wheelchairs with beach-friendly tires from 9 am to 4 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Wheelchairs are also available at other beach access points, including James Lee Park, Shirah Street, and June Decker. You can also make a reservation for a beach wheelchair by calling (850) 837-8413.

Destin Wheels also has maps of beach access points marked as handicap accessible.

As part of a $12 million makeover of Norriego Point Beach, Access, and Park in Destin, an 8-foot-wide boardwalk accessible for those with disabilities will be built along the entire Destin Harborside. A 50-foot flexible “Mobi Mat” will help wheelchairs cross over the soft sand to reach the boardwalk. ADA-compliant restrooms are also in the works. More information here.

Here is a list of beaches that have free wheelchairs available and ramps to the beach. 

Where to stay in Destin, Florida

Since tourism is such a large part of Destin’s economy, there are plenty of accommodations of every type. Since many of Destin’s residents are snowbirds, when visiting from December through March there are an abundance of condos to rent through the major vacation rental companies. One smaller one we like is Shore Dream Vacation Rentals.

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has lodging spread through 30 neighbourhoods with 1,600 condominiums, houses, villas, townhomes, and hotel accommodations.

The Hilton Sandestin Beach is right on the beach. You might want to be near Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf where there are shops, restaurants, music, entertainment, boat rental and games.

Some lodging options in Destin offer handicapped beach access, including The Islander, Shoreline Towers, and SunDestin.

Where to eat

Seafood is, of course, the big draw here. You can dine at the elegant Louisiana Lagniappe or stop by the original Dewey Destin’s place on the harbor. The daily catch is advertised everywhere, from roadside shacks to the most upscale harbor-view establishments, so there is a wide range of prices to fit every budget.

One of my favourite places to lunch is The Back Porch, which proudly features a photo of its original building in 1964 on its menu. It has been going ever since and overlooks an active beach. I love its bright orange and yellow awnings and umbrellas, and at Christmas, Santa is planted in the sand, pulling a group of dolphins. When many of the “snowbirds” are in residence in winter, the beach is nearly deserted. From spring break until late September, it is crowded with tourists of all ages.

How to get to Destin

There is a small executive airport right in the heart of Destin, but the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is only 16 miles away and serves major airlines, including American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. More direct flights from cities in the U.S. are being added all the time.

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is an alternate airport 52 miles from Destin. It serves American, Delta, Southwest, and United. Search for a flight here.

Both airports offer rental cars, shuttles, Uber and Lyft, and limo services. Click here to find a rental car. 

One fun fact: Many of the beach scenes in the movie Jaws 2 were filmed in and around Destin in 1977.

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