Your day-by-day plan

1
Coastal Scrub Primer
Morning:The Henderson Beach State Park nature trail through rare coastal scrub, then a Gulf swim.
Breakfast & coffee:The Back Porch
Afternoon:Slow beach hours; learn the flag system and turtle-season etiquette (lights out and holes filled, May through October).
Lunch:Great Southern Cafe
Evening:Sunset at Norriego Point, then dinner on the water at Dewey Destin's original.
Dinner:Seagrove Village Market
Insider Tip:Stay off the dunes entirely; the sea oats holding them together are the reason this coast exists.
2
Dune Lakes Day
Morning:A dawn paddle on Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park, one of the rarest lake types on Earth.
On the water:Boogies Watersports
Afternoon:The Deer Lake State Park boardwalk over the dunes, then lunch at Stinky's Fish Camp.
Drinks & nightlife:Beach Camp Brewpub
Evening:An early supper at The Red Bar, then stars from a dark 30A pull-off.
Drinks & nightlife:Cajun Corner Sports Bar and Grill
Insider Tip:Watch for an outfall, the rare moment a dune lake breaches the beach and pours tea-dark water into the emerald surf.
3
Preserve Day
Morning:Topsail Hill Preserve: the tram or the long walk to one of Florida's most pristine beach miles.
Breakfast & coffee:East Pass Coffee Co.
Afternoon:A hike or ride on the Point Washington State Forest trails (Eastern Lake loops run 3.5 to 10 miles).
Lunch:Back Beach Barbecue
Evening:A quiet dinner and an early night; tomorrow is a water day.
Dinner:Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
Insider Tip:The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport is a superb conservation stop; it runs school programs on weekdays, so check the public-day schedule.
4
Bay Day
Morning:A clear-kayak or eco-paddle tour over the seagrass flats: rays below, dolphins likely.
On the water:Navarre Beach Ski & Sail
Afternoon:The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, the sea-turtle rescue and rehab operation that turns a tourist stop into a conservation one.
Family fun:Big Kahuna'S
Evening:A local-catch dinner on the harbor; ask what's in season and vote with your order.
Dinner:Borago Restaurant
Insider Tip:Anchor and stand only on sand, never seagrass. Prop scars take years to heal.
5
Springs Day
Morning:Drive north and swim Morrison Springs: free, 68 degrees, absurdly clear.
Breakfast & coffee:Raw & Juicy Alys Beach
Afternoon:The spring boil and a cypress picnic at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park.
Lunch:Amavida Coffee Roasters
Evening:Back to the coast for a simple grilled-fish dinner.
Dinner:Stripes Pub & Grill
Insider Tip:Spring water holds 68 degrees year-round; on a summer afternoon it's the best free thrill in Florida.
6
Navarre Sanctuary Day
Morning:Drive west and snorkel the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary reefs, a short swim off the sand.
Snorkeling:Flippers Snorkel Adventure Destin
Afternoon:The Sea Turtle Conservation Center, then a walk on Florida's longest Gulf pier.
Lunch:Andy D's Beachside Restaurant & Deck Bar
Evening:A casual dinner back in Destin; start the species list tally.
Drinks & nightlife:Papa Joe's Hideaway
Insider Tip:Bring your own mask and Navarre is a free aquarium. Morning flat water is the window.
7
Oak Canopy & Out
Morning:An Eden Gardens State Park morning under the moss-draped oaks, the coast's gentlest ecosystem finale.
Breakfast & coffee:Ben & Jerry’s
Afternoon:A farewell local-catch lunch, then pack.
Lunch:Bayou Bill's Crab House
Evening:Depart lighter than you came; that's the leave-no-trace joke.
Dinner:TC's Front Porch
Insider Tip:Eden's bayou overlooks at midday are the best shaded birding perch on the itinerary.