How to Get to Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida is a pristine vacation destination on the Florida Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico. The area is fondly called the Emerald Coast for its crystal clear green waters and white sugar sand beaches. It's easy to choose Destin for your next vacation, but how do you get here?
Travel by Car
Interstate 10 (I-10) is a convenient route to Destin from other southern cities. I-10 runs all the way across the southern United States, through Los Angeles, Phoenix, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, and Jacksonville. At its closest point, I-10 is just 50 miles north of Destin. U.S. Route 98 is another popular east-west highway, which runs directly to Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin, and Miramar Beach.
Interstates 85 and 75 (I-85 and I-75) provide clear routes to Destin whether you’re driving north from Miami or south from Michigan. Both steer you from your home to I-10, then to U.S. Route 98, and afterward straight to Destin. Perhaps, you could say, all roads lead to Destin.
Once you're here, driving is easy. There can be traffic during busier months, like spring break and summer. Although, it’s usually easy to find parking at beaches, restaurants, and popular attractions. So, roll down the windows, crank the tunes, and relax while cruising along the Gulf Coast. You can even take the scenic route, Scenic Highway 98, for a peek into Destin’s colorful beachside paradise lined with palm trees.
Travel by Plane
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest airport to Destin. It's located just 16 miles away in Valparaiso. Airlines flying into VPS include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, and United Airlines.
Other airports serving the area include:
- Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport - 52 miles from Destin
- Pensacola International Airport - 56 miles from Destin
- Tallahassee International Airport - 165 miles from Destin
If you’re looking for an even more authentic Destin experience, then peruse Destin’s private airports. You can use your own private jet or charter a single-engine plane to fly into Destin Executive Airport.
While you’re staying in Destin, you can also go to Destin Executive Airport and pay for a helicopter tour of Destin to navigate the area from above.
For more information on traveling to Destin, FL, contact us! Our friendly local team can give you recommendations on transportation and activities before your trip and once you're here.