Visiting Destin, Florida in March? March is an amazing time to be on the Emerald Coast and there’s no shortage of fun events in March to kick off the spring season.
This post covers what to expect for weather, sunsets, events and activities during March in Destin.
March in Destin will bring warmer weather and a sudden influx of crowds compared to the quiet of February as the snowbirds head home and the spring vacationers start to arrive.
March through October is considered the tourist season in Destin versus November through February which is “off-season”.
Late March and early April are the busiest times in spring because most school spring breaks occur in that time period. Then there will be a slight crowd drop in mid-April and early May before summer season officially hits on Memorial Day weekend and the crowds ramp up again for summer.
In my article about the Best Times to visit Destin, I ranked March as 9th on the list (only ahead of December, January and February). So while it’s not exactly my favorite month in Destin, I do appreciate it as a warm welcome to spring and a waking up from the dead of winter.
Putting all the months into a rating scale was tough and only my personal opinion, so it’s entirely open to debate. Also the 9th spot doesn’t make March a bad time to be here. There’s not really a bad time to be in Destin!
My lower rating for March in Destin mostly takes into account that it’s still a bit chilly for swimming at the beach. Also that we get our biggest surge of college age visitors during March as opposed to the family demographic that dominates summer and fall.
Most condos and hotels in Destin and Miramar Beach impose a minimum age of 25, so we don’t get as much of the typical spring break crowd as other Florida cities. There is increased security on the harbor and beach during March and early April to keep everything smooth and safe.
All things considered, March is a great time to visit Destin. What March lacks in perfect beach swimming weather, it makes up for it in events, fireworks and coastline sunsets that you will only see for a short time in spring and fall. All this will be covered in detail below.
March Weather in Destin
March in Destin is a warm welcome from the inconsistent and mostly chilly weather of January and February. It can still feel surprisingly cold at times in March if the sun isn’t shining.
-Destin March Average High: 70
-Destin March Average Low: 46
-Destin March Average Gulf Water Temperature: 66
-Destin March Average Rainfall: 5.8
March weather will usually be warm and enjoyable when the sun is out but chilly when it goes down or on a cloudy day.
Many people will find the Gulf of Mexico water too cold for swimming in March, but you will definitely still see some people in the water, especially on a warm sunny day.
There should be plenty of nice sunny days in March to lay out on the beach but if swimming is high on your priority list, look for accommodations with a nice heated pool.
Most resorts with heated pools will still have the heater running in March when needed, but it’s always best to call ahead to check.
I wrote an article here that will help you find the best pools in the Destin area: The Best Resort Pools in Destin, Florida.
March Sunsets in Destin
Daylight savings time will start on Sunday March 12th which will be a nice change from the darkness of winter evenings with longer days and later sunsets.
During the first few weeks of March, the sun will set about 5:45pm but once the clocks change forward, it will set between 6:50pm and 7:05pm for the remainder of the month.
Sunsets in Destin are spectacular in March and no visit to the Emerald Coast would be complete without making plans to watch the sun sink below the horizon at the beach at least once.
Due to our unique south facing beaches, the sun only sets over the gulf in Destin during the winter. March will be the final month to see the sunset over the water from most areas at the beach until late September when it will be moving back out to sea again for winter.
Below are some maps to give you an idea of the direction of the sunset throughout March. It will vary slightly if you are more east or west of Destin due to the curve of the coastline. The red line represents the sunset direction and the blue line is sunrise.
The sun starts to set over land in Destin around late March, as you can see from the above sunset direction graphs.
The Florida panhandle is one of the only beaches like this since the rest of Florida (and most of the U.S.) have beaches that face either east of west. I wrote a more detailed article about sunsets in Destin here.
I use a phone app called SunCalc to find the exact direction of the sun on any specific day from your particular location. It’s free and really easy to use. You can also buy the PhotoPills app with more detailed features and precise sun mapping.
March Activities in Destin
The water sports companies open up again in March after most of them being closed all winter.
Destin Harbor comes to life in March with fishing charters, dolphin cruises, Crab Island tours and other types of seasonal businesses ready to eagerly greet spring visitors.
One of the first sign’s of spring in Destin is the water taxi boat out on the harbor which also happens in early March.
If you are visiting Destin Harbor or staying anywhere on or near it, the water taxi is a great way to get around the various harbor destinations while enjoying a boat cruise.
For more detailed information about the water taxi, I wrote an article about it here: Destin Water Taxi ~ The Best Way to Travel the Harbor.
March Events in Destin
March is when the Destin area will start to come alive again with events after a slower winter. Both Harborwalk Village and The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host weekly spring break events during their busiest weeks of late March and early April.
Below are details about the special spring break events at Harborwalk Village and Baytowne Wharf along with information about other events happening in March in Destin and Miramar Beach.
Harborwalk Village March Events 2024
Spring Break at Harborwalk Village starts in mid-March with weekly spring break events listed below and live music on Saturday nights at the events stage.
The parking fee at Harborwalk Village is $20 this season so keep that in mind as you make your plans. The City of Destin has a lot across the street on Zerbe Street that is currently $15.
Do not park illegally in nearby restaurants or across the street at the McGuires parking lot. The tow trucks are watching for people who park there and run across the street to Harborwalk.
Silent Disco Party at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Wednesdays March 13th, 20th, & 27th (also April 3rd)
- Time: 7:00 – 10:00pm
- Cost: FREE
The Silent Disco Party is a free weekly event at Harborwalk on Wednesdays during spring break. Dance to your own beat with a silent disco experience in front of the Main Stage. Featuring DJ Chubby & DJ/VJ Doc Roc. Sanitized headphones are provided.
Under the Sea at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Thursdays March 14th, 21st, & 28th (also April 4th)
- Time: 3:00 – 6:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Search for hidden treasure and magical mermaids featuring Little Adventures Mobile Outpost Station where your little one can enjoy an under the sea themed game, touch tank aquariums with LIVE critters, and more. Captain Davy will also have a live pirate and music performance on the stage.
St. Paddy’s Day Family Party at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Saturday March 18th 2023
- Time: 1:00 – 4:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Celebrate the luck of the Irish at HarborWalk Village this St. Paddy’s Day with an afternoon of family fun. Featuring a live performance of Irish Dance, Kid’s Crafts and a Leprechaun Treasure Hunt. Individual merchants will feature food and drink specials in celebration of St. Paddy’s Day.
More info about Harborwalk Events: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
Fireworks and Country Concert
- Date: Fridays March 15th, 22nd, & 29th (also April 5th)
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Get in the coastal country spirit by enjoying live music, beverage samplings, and line dancing by the main stage & a fireworks finale at 9pm!
Band Line up:
March 15th: The Aces
March 22nd: Salt Water Revival
March 29th: 8sec Ride
April 5th : Jerry McCottle
I wrote an article here about where to watch the Harborwalk Village Fireworks and other tips for fireworks nights: Best Places to Watch the Destin Harborwalk Fireworks
More info about Harborwalk Events: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin March Events 2024
Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort also has a spring break series of weekly events. The Baytowne Spring Break series runs for 3 weeks from late March to early April. Below are those events in addition to a few other extra in March.
Scallywag Sundays at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Sundays March 24th and 31st 2024
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Featured pirate Captain Davy performs his live show on the events plaza stage where he does magic tricks, sings, tells jokes, and makes balloon animals. Kids of all ages love Cap’t Davy.
The show is on two Sundays during spring break and then resumes again in summer.
Movie Mondays on the Lawn at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Mondays March 18th and 25th (Also April 1st) 2024
- Time: 7:15pm
- Cost: FREE
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up on the Events Plaza Lawn for a featured film. The event takes place every Monday during spring break and then resumes again in summer.
March 18th movie: Shrek
March 25th movie: The Lorax
April 1st movie: Peter Rabbit
Boomin’ Tuesdays Fireworks Night at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Tuesdays March 19th & 26th (Also April 2nd) 2024
- Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm (Fireworks at 8:30)
- Cost: FREE
Enjoy lawn games and dancing with DJ Mike Whitty in the Baytowne Events Plaza from 6-8:30pm then watch as the night sky lights up with a breathtaking fireworks show over the Lagoon at 8:30pm.
The Baytowne Wharf Fireworks are one of my favorite shows in the area because they are synched to music and also feature a lot of unique shaped fireworks. There are lots of places in the Destin area to see fireworks over the summer but Baytowne is the only place to see them in March.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Baytowne Wharf fireworks including all the upcoming scheduled dates here: Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks
Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Wednesdays March 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th (Continuing on Wednesdays through Fall) 2024
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
The Wednesday Night Concert Series returns to Baytowne starting in March and continuing every week through spring, summer and fall on the Village Lawn and Events Plaza Stage.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks to enjoy the perfect spring temperatures with live music from a different band each week. The concert series will feature both local and regional talent from a variety of genres.
WNCS March 2024 Music Schedule
- Live Music Schedule
- March 6: Forrest Williams Band
- March 13: Boukou Groove
- March 20: The HooDoos
- March 27: The High Aces
Fly Guy Thursdays at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Thursdays March 21st & 28th (Also April 4th) 2023
- Time: 2 shows at 6:30 pm and 8:30pm
- Cost: FREE
Fly Guy Thursdays is a weekly show at Baytowne Wharf where you can watch fly-board extraordinaire and pro-athlete, Ben Merrell, flying over the Village Lagoon.
The Hydroflight show takes place on Thursdays during the 3 weeks of spring break and then resumes again in summer.
There are 2 shows each evening. The night show has colorful lights on the water jets and Ben will hand out glow necklaces.
St. Paddy’s Day Delight
- Date: Sunday March 17th 2023
- Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Featuring Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and Live Music on the main stage from Shenanigans. Guests can also enjoy merchant specials around the Village of Baytowne Wharf for St. Paddy’s Day all night long!
More info about Baytowne Wharf Events: Baytowne Wharf Events Calendar
Other March 2024 Events in Destin
Most of the biggest events in March in Destin are happening at Baytowne Wharf and Harborwalk Village but there are a few other things happening around town that I’ve listed below. I will update this post if and when other events get announced.
Destin Commons Mac & Cheese Festival
- Date: Sunday March 10th 2024
- Time: 12:00 – 3:00pm
- Cost: Adults=$25 Kids=$15 VIP=$45
This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists inspired by the South’s favorite comfort food at Destin Commons. Local restaurants far and wide will bring their best macaroni masterpieces to compete for the best mac-n-cheese in town.
There are three categories that each local restaurant can win: Judge’s Choice Award, People’s Choice Award, and Kid’s Choice Award. Guests are invited to taste each delicious vendor and then cast their vote for their favorite- all the while supporting a charitable cause.
More Info: Destin Commons Mac & Cheese Event
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect trip to Destin in March!
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
Shop my Destin Photography Prints, Books, and Vacation Rentals
Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. 
If you enjoy my posts, please consider supporting my blog by shopping my products. I appreciate every sale, and it helps me continue to put out quality free content for you. Thank you SO much 🙂
What an amazing list of things to do! Something for EVERYONE! Thank you so much for compiling this list. It is sooooo helpful.
Thanks Sarah! We recently moved to Destin, and with your help, we shouldn’t miss any of the fun events! Any idea when the weekly Thursday night Fireworks on the Harbor will resume? I was caught by surprise by the ones a few weeks ago (Mardi Gras week?).
Hi Charlie, the Mardi Gras fireworks were actually for a wedding at Emerald Grande. They don’t normally have them that time of year. They are scheduled to start back up Memorial Day weekend but no one knows if that will happen. I am being told by the companies involved maybe a 50/50 chance right now. I will keep you guys posted! Be sure to sign up for my email list because I will update there on the summer fireworks!
Thank you so much Danica. Unfortunately most events were cancelled but maybe next year. Such crazy times!
Wow!! This is a huge list of events for March and I am so excited to see some activity after a 2020 spring shutdown! May our lives continue normally from now and forever more!
I agree, it’s nice to see so many things coming back this year!
Thank you so much for making this list! This is a huge help for us newbies. Really appreciate all the effort that went into it.
We’re arriving in town late on Sunday March 28th and we want to buy one of your puzzles. What’s the best way to do that?
I’m glad you find it helpful, thank you!
We have never been to Destin and will be booking a house to rent for the month of March 2022. While we are a little concerned about the weather, your blog convinced me to book. I cannot wait to check out Baytowne Wharf.
Looking forward to what you have to say about March 2022 events and activities.
Thank you
March is hit or miss with the weather but if you have a whole month then it should not be as much of a concern because there will be plenty of nice days in a month. Baytowne is fun and it’s the only place where they have spring fireworks. Enjoy your visit and I will update this article for 2022 next season!
Trying to find out what is happening the first week of march
Sarah please check the email links to order your books on Amazon. The link would not work for me and I tried several times for either book. I already have the Ultimate Destin Bucket List and have bought it for friends. It’s a great comprehensive book on Destin! I was interested in the Destin activity book for kids. We have a condo in Miramar Beach and have Grandsons. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in compiling the monthly list of things to do! We’ll be back down in March and look forward to putting it to good use!
Hi Nancy, I fixed the links. Thank you SO MUCH for pointing the broken links out to me. I really appreciate it. I am glad you are enjoying the Bucket List book!
There isn’t as many events that week because the spring break events start half way through the month. I will update if I hear of anything!
Hi there,
Not sure what your name is. Really enjoyed reading all about Destin. There isn’t anything about this area that you haven’t covered. I love it! Since I live in CA and own a house on Barracuda is it possible that I can come to your shop to buy a nice painting? I would hate to order and have it shipped to CA as opposed to buying here. Thanks so much!
Hi Ginny, I don’t have a local shop but I am happy to ship or drop off locally. Feel free to send me an email anytime or check out my Etsy shop. I am also from California 🙂