If you are looking for a fun day trip, I highly recommend checking out Crab Island in Destin, Florida. It’s a great place to go with friends and family because it has so many different things to do.
You can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the mangroves by water or take a walk on the beach. There are also plenty of places to eat and even get fresh seafood from the local fishermen.
After exploring all that this island has to offer, head to one of the many bars on the pier for drinks and some live music! We’re excited to share our Crab Island visitor’s guide, so let’s dive in!
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About Crab Island
Crab Island is one of the most popular attractions for those visiting Destin, Florida. The name ‘Crab Island’ is a bit misleading because it makes you think that it is a real island. It was once an island, created by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s when they dredged Destin Pass and created the Embarcaderos to stabilize the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico.
Sand from the project was later dumped into Choctawhatchee Bay and formed the small island that eventually became known as Crab Island. As time passed, drifting sands from the Gulf of Mexico, aided by the occasional hurricane, began to erode the ruined island.
You can find Crab Island on the north side of the Destin Bridge and at the south entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay.
Things to do on Crab Island
relax on the beach
What can you do on Crab Island? The most common thing when visiting Crab Island is to relax on the soft white sandbar. There are plenty of places to sit with your friends or family and enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast weather!
take a meal
The Crab Island SandBar is a great place to grab something to drink and eat. You can also buy fresh seafood at the Crab Island SandBar, and if you’re looking for drinks, Joe’s Crab Shack is a great place to grab a drink while you watch the sun set over the ocean.
Go swimming
You can also swim at Crab Island. The water is clear enough that you can see all the fish swimming in it. There are even stingrays hanging from the dock!
Just be careful when swimming because the water is quite deep. It can be dangerous if you are not used to swimming in this type of water, we recommend you to wear a life jacket when swimming.
go kayaking
Kayaking on Crab Island is another fun activity for people of all ages. You can rent kayaks at the dock or you can bring your own and paddle out to the sandbar.
If you’re not a very good swimmer, I recommend renting kayaks because if something happens, you can get back to the dock more easily than if your paddleboard has a problem.
Rent a water inflatable
If you have an extra $70 to spare, I recommend renting one of the fun inflatables at the water park. They are very funny! Jump and ride them or play on an obstacle course, water trampoline and more!
How to get to Crab Island
The closest major cities are New Orleans and Birmingham, both about 215 miles away. If you are coming by plane, the closest airport is Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Crab Island
The best time of the year to visit the crab island for people who want a summer vacation is from the months of May to September. This is because the weather during this time of year can be considered hot and dry with low risk of rain.
With an average high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 77, the weather is quite comfortable for most travelers. These yearly temperatures will vary, which means you should check the average highs and lows before your trip.
The Best Places to Stay in Destin, Florida
Hyatt Place Sandestin on Grand Boulevard
The Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard is located near the Grand Boulevard Town Center near the beach. This hotel has a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, fitness center, free buffet breakfast, bar/lounge, coffee shop, and much more.
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
The Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard is located in the commercial district of Miramar Beach. The hotel has a restaurant, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, coffee shop, bar/lounge, and more amenities.
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
The Hampton Inn & Suites is located downtown near the beach and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. This hotel is smoke free and has a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy. Like an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour gym, a children’s pool, free Wi-Fi and much more.
Ending
If you are looking for a fun day on the water, Crab Island is your place! There are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, from swimming and shoreline walks to kayaking.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Crab Island visitor’s guide, we think it should be at the top of your vacation wish list the next time you’re in Florida! Happy travels!
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