Encompassing an area of about 8 square miles, Destin isn't a difficult city to maneuver. There are 13 public access points for visitors wanting to spend a day on Destin's clean white sand or in the Gulf's emerald green waters. The main road in this city is U.S. Highway 98 – also commonly known as the Emerald Coast Parkway – which runs the length of the Gulf of Mexico coast and is lined with attractions, restaurants and lodging options. Most attractions are on this south side of the peninsula. Destin's city center is on the westernmost tip of the peninsula.

A number of golf courses, such as the Kelly Plantation Golf Club, dot the peninsula. One of the most popular clubs is the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which also has lodging and attractions along the Gulf and bay sides.