Nonbeachy types

Question

Hi! My 17 year old son and I are coming for 48 hours by air, no rental car, staying next to Henderson Beach State Park. With such little time and we’re not the beachiest people but love to shop and eat🤣 where is the must eat and must shop at stores? We’re faux artsy so cheap and fun stores and love seafood so if you could only shop and eat for a day, is there an area recommended? Any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊😊

Answer

Destin is often thought of as a beach destination, but if you and your 17-year-old are more interested in shopping, eating, and exploring artsy spots, there are plenty of options even without a car. Staying near Henderson Beach State Park gives you access to nearby hubs via rideshare, scooter, or short bike rides.

For a concentrated day of shopping and eating, consider focusing on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and surrounding areas. This area combines casual, fun shopping with great seafood and waterfront views.

Shopping: The Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village have a variety of boutique shops and souvenir stores. For faux-artsiness, look for places selling local crafts, quirky beach-inspired décor, and fun gift shops. Stores like “The Fudgery” and local artisan pop-ups can provide unique and inexpensive items.
Seafood Restaurants: Being a seafood lover, you can enjoy fresh catches right at the harbor. Must-visit spots include “Dewey Destin’s Seafood” for casual, local vibes, “Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House” for a slightly upscale waterfront experience, and “AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar” for classic Destin favorites.
Other Fun Eats: For lighter bites or quirky food experiences, check out the ice cream shops, taco spots, and burger joints along HarborWalk Village. Many have outdoor seating overlooking the water, which adds to the ambiance.

Additional tips for nonbeachy visitors:

Walk the harbor area—it’s compact, so you can easily see shops, street performers, and small galleries without a car.
Consider a short harbor boat tour or dolphin cruise for something active but not beach-oriented.
If you want to explore beyond the harbor, rideshare or local trolleys can get you to midtown Destin or the Silver Sands Premium Outlets, which is ideal for bargain hunting and more artsy or quirky shops.
Even if you don’t go to the beach, a brief stroll through Henderson Beach State Park can provide scenic views and photo opportunities without requiring long beach time.

Overall, the HarborWalk Village area serves as the best one-day itinerary for shopping, casual faux-art exploration, and delicious seafood, all within easy walking or short rides from your accommodation.