Tips on Avoiding Destin Tourist Traps

Destin Tourist Traps

People flock to the Destin beaches to enjoy the sun and the water. Don’t let tourist traps ruin your fun and put a dent in your wallet.

Souvenirs at Walmart

When you enter the Walmart in Destin, it’ll be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s your typical Walmart but it also has an enormous tourist section. Many of the prices are actually higher than other tourist shops in Destin. You’ll also want to avoid Walmart’s t-shirt airbrushing station. It looks like a great idea, but the locals may laugh at you and you’ll end up spending $40+ on a cheap t-shirt that fades quickly. If you really want an airbrushed t-shirt, go to one of the other shops that aren’t as crowded and have cuter designs.

Henna Tattoos

At several souvenir shops you can get a henna tattoo, however, these are not good quality. The henna is heavily watered-down, and you’ll be lucky if the tattoo lasts a week. They are relatively expensive and quickly wash off; a real henna tattoo should last at least a month. If you just want something fun for your vacation though, then this could be what you are looking for.

Dolphin Boats

There are dolphins everywhere in the Destin Harbor and bay, you do not need to go on a dolphin boat in order to see them. The dolphin boats are very crowded, expensive and do not even guarantee a dolphin sighting. Some of the boats are really small and there is little air-conditioned space; people fight over these spots. By the time a dolphin comes into view you don’t even care anymore. Take the kids to the Gulfarium instead; they’ll get a closer look at dolphins, and it’s less expensive. Another fun alternative would be to rent jet-skis. You have the same chance of spotting dolphins and, even if you don’t, you’ll have a blast.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Destin.