Sunny Destin’s white sand beaches, exhilarating water sports, and endless entertainment always make for an amazing vacation. This popular beach destination is conveniently located on the Florida Panhandle, close to some of the most popular destinations and beach towns in the U.S. Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Shores, New Orleans, Atlanta — some of the best cities in the nation are closer to Destin than you think, so pack your bags and get ready to make a splash on the Emerald Coast!
Nearby Cities By Car:
Panama City Beach, FL: About 1 Hour by Car
Another jewel in the crown of the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is just an hour’s drive from Destin (about 47 miles). That’s just right for a day trip to do some snorkeling, splash at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park with exhilarating slides and rides, or lounge on the sugar sands at Henderson Beach State Park.
Tallahassee, FL: About 2.5 Hours by Car
Tallahassee, Florida’s illustrious capital city, is just 2 hours and 30 minutes from the sunny shores of Destin. Make the short drive to embrace the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and take a sport fishing charter on the Gulf of Mexico, play a round of golf at one of Destin’s world-class golf courses, or shop the array of boutiques, luxury stores, and malls when you’re not soaking up the sun.
Pensacola Beach, FL: Under 1.5 Hours by Car
You’re just a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Destin in Pensacola Beach! After taking in Pensacola’s historic sites and scenic Big Lagoon State Park, head to Destin for more sun-soaked fun. Stroll the Destin Harbor Boardwalk’s eateries, bars, and shops, then kayak through the emerald Gulf waters to reach the famous Crab Island to chill and swim in the shallow water.
Gulf Shores, AL: Under 2.5 Hours by Car
Gulf Shores is awesome, but since it’s just 2 hours and 20 minutes from Destin, you can’t pass up a quick road trip to reach the clearer waters and bright-white sands of Destin! Arrive and sip frozen margaritas from your beach chair overlooking the Gulf, visit Gator Beach Alligator Park, or go parasailing with exhilarating dips and incredible views over the Gulf.
New Orleans, LA: About 4 Hours by Car
The Big Easy sits just 4 hours and 10 minutes from Destin. After checking out the famous Bourbon Street and French Quarter, you’re only 250 miles away from the dazzling shores of Destin. When you get here, head to HarborWalk Village to find an awesome place to dine by the waterfront, then set out on a pirate-themed or dolphin cruise at sunset to take in the coastal views.
St. Augustine, FL: About 5.5 Hours by Car
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. with some truly beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, but you can shake things up and discover something new by traveling 5.5 hours to Destin. Marvel at manatees swimming in Choctawhatchee Bay, zip around the Gulf on jet skis, and enjoy delectable fresh seafood at one of Destin’s top-rated waterfront restaurants.
Nearby Cities By Plane:
Atlanta, GA: Just Over 1 Hour by Plane
Imagine: you can leave at 11 a.m. and be in Destin in time for lunch when you fly out from Atlanta — flights to Destin take just 1 hour and 5 minutes on average. Road trips from Atlanta to Destin take about 5.5 hours, which is just enough time in the car to build the anticipation for a refreshing swim in the Gulf and taking in the views from your hotel balcony!
Chicago, IL: 2 Hours Away by Plane
Trade the Windy City for a little windsurfing in Destin — the Emerald Coast is so welcoming if you’re ready to escape the noise, crowds, or winter weather in Chicago. Take advantage of the abundant sand, sun, and surf in Destin, just 2 hours from Chicago by plane. Otherwise, settle into the car for a 14-hour road trip covering 922 miles between the two cities!
Nashville, TN: Under 1.5 Hours by Plane
The neon lights and country music of Music City are great, but there’s no white sandy beach to be found and no Crab Island (we checked). Good thing it’s just 1 hour and 25 minutes away from Destin by plane. Be sure to BYOB: bring your own banjo. Driving to Destin from Nashville takes longer, about 7 hours on average with 450 miles to travel.
So, How Far Is Destin From Your City?
Getting to Destin from nearby cities by car takes anywhere from 20 minutes from Fort Walton Beach to 5.5 hours from St. Augustine. Traveling by plane via the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport? Flying to Destin from nearby major cities takes anywhere from an hour from Atlanta to about 2 hours from Chicago.
Whether you’re traveling one hour or five to reach Destin, the welcoming sugar sand beaches, thrilling water sports, emerald Gulf waters, and buzzing Harbor Boardwalk packed with waterfront dining and attractions all make the trip to one of the best beaches in the U.S. more than worthwhile.
