Tallahassee To Destin: How To Get There & Stops To Make!

Are you looking at making a visit from Tallahassee to Destin on your Florida vacation? 

After spending time in the state’s capital Tallahassee, buzzing over to the beach in Destin is a great choice!

Both are well-known tourist destinations, although typically less busy than other major locations like Orlando and Clearwater.

There are a few different ways to get between these two cities, including flying or driving.

If you drive, there are also many great stops along the way to make your trip more exciting.

We’re going to walk you through the best ways to travel between Destin and Tallahassee, what to see along the way and a few other things that you need to know for your travels in this post.

Flying From Tallahassee To Destin: Airlines And Travel Time

While there is an option to fly between these two cities, unfortunately, it won’t save you much time or money.

Flights between these two destinations are long since they often have layovers and can be pretty expensive.

If you could fly straight between the two, it would only take about 45 minutes, but since there are layovers, most total flight times are between 5 and 8 hours.  Most have layovers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For a flight, you’d fly on American Airlines out of Tallahassee International Airport and then into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. 

Most flights cost over $600; some are nearly $1,000 for a roundtrip flight. 

So while flying may be an option that you’re considering, I’d recommend looking into driving as well, since it’s much cheaper and will get you to Destin faster!

Tallahassee To Destin: Driving Distance

From Tallahassee to Destin, the drive time is only about 2 hours and 40 minutes if you take the fastest route.  This is about 160 miles.

It’s along the interstate for most of the route, so it’s smooth and effortless driving!

If you’re hoping to avoid tolls, you can take the longer route, but it’s still only about 3 hours to reach Destin.

Route To Take Between Tallahassee And Destin

There are two main routes between Tallahassee and Destin.  You can choose between the two depending on if you’d rather get there faster or if you’d prefer to avoid tolls.

Via I-10W & Mid Bay Toll Bridge (Fastest Option)

If you want to get between these destinations the fastest way, follow this route.  It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Follow I-10W to Defuniak Springs, where you’ll turn onto Highway 331.  From there, drive the highway until Rock Hill, where you’ll turn and follow the road to the shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. 

Continue on State Road 20 until you reach Bluewater Bay, and then turn onto the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge, which brings you right to Destin.

This route does have tolls, which you’ll find on the bridge just before Destin.  It costs $4 one way for a 2-axel vehicle.

Via I-10W & Highway 331 Bridge (Avoid Tolls)

Looking to avoid tolls during your drive from Tallahassee to Destin?  You can easily do this without changing the route up very much!

You’ll still follow I-10W for most of the drive and exit the interstate in DeFuniak Springs onto Highway 331.

But once you reach Rock Hill, you’ll continue on the highway rather than turn off.

From here, follow the highway onto the Highway 331 Bridge, which brings you across the Choctawhatchee Bay to Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach.

You’ll then arrive in Destin shortly after!  This route takes just under 3 hours of drive time.

Are There Any Tolls On The Driving Routes?

If you’re taking a road between Destin and Tallahassee, you will come across one toll if you take the fastest route.

The fastest and most direct route leads you from I-10W onto the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge, which charges a $4 toll for two-axel vehicles in each direction.

You can avoid this toll by instead crossing the Highway 331 Bridge into Santa Rosa Beach.  From there, you’ll have just a short drive to Destin.

Is There A Shuttle From Tallahassee To Destin?

Unfortunately, there is no shuttle that will take you directly from Tallahassee to Destin.

However, if you aren’t interested in flying or driving yourself, you can take a Greyhound bus between the two locations.

The Greyhound bus line runs from the Tallahassee Bus Station to the Shell gas station in Fort Walton Beach.

Rides are available every day, leaving at 12:00pm and 6:00pm.  The ride takes about 4 hours to arrive, and tickets cost around $40 to $50.

It is important to note that the bus doesn’t stop in Destin, but instead in Fort Walton Beach.  So you’ll need to find transportation between the two.

Stops To Make Between Tallahassee And Destin

If you’re driving, there are plenty of great stops to make along the way to make your travels a bit more exciting.  Here are some of the best.

Lake Jackson Mounds State Park

Found right outside of Tallahassee, this unique Florida state park features seven Native American temple mounds, which are believed to have been of spiritual or religious importance to the Native tribes.

Today, you can hike on the trails that wind through the park and learn about the history of these unique mounds.

The park is also a historic site, so there’s no shortage of history to be learned during your visit.

Florida Caverns State Park

One of Florida’s most unique state parks can be found right along the drive from Destin to Tallahassee.

Florida Caverns State Park allows visitors to head underground and experience the world from a whole new perspective.

Embark on a cavern tour and admire the stalagmites and stalactites that hang from the ceiling.  Feel the cool air on your face as you wander around the beautiful caves.

If you want to tour the caves, be sure to book in advance, as the tours can sell out!

Panama City Beach

As you inch closer to Destin, spend a bit of time a bit further east on the Gulf Coast.  Panama City Beach is one of the first places to add to your drive time.

Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and teal Gulf water, Panama City Beach is a must-see tourist stop in Florida.

There are dozens of public beach access points, plenty of space to spread out on the white sand, waterfront restaurants with fresh seafood, and more.

✓ Check out the Highest Rated Sunset & Dolphin Cruises In Panama City Beach! 👈

Miramar Beach

Once you’ve made it to Miramar Beach, you’re basically in Destin. These two cities clash together and almost feel like one.

But really stopping in Miramar Beach to enjoy it is a must!  The stunning coastal town is known for its beaches and clear water.

Check out the beach, wander through the Village of Baytowne Wharf, or enjoy some water sports like snorkeling.

✓ Here are the best Dolphin Tours In Miramar Beach! 👈

Tallahassee To Destin – FAQs

What Is The Closest Beach Resort To Tallahassee?

The closest beach to Tallahassee is Mashes Sands Beach, which is about an hour away. 

Is It Worth It To Go To Destin?

Yes, Destin, Florida is worth the visit! It’s less crowded than other places like Clearwater and Miami but still has amazing beaches.

Why Is Destin Beach So Popular?

Known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin is popular among fishermen, beachgoers, and those looking to relax.

Its beautiful white sand beaches make it popular with Florida tourists.

Wrap-Up: Tallahassee To Destin

If you’re planning a visit from Tallahassee to Destin, you’re making a great choice!

These two destinations are popular for a reason, and they both make for a great vacation spot in Florida.

There are many ways to get between the two, but the most popular is driving.  It’s the fastest and cheapest, plus you can make fun stops along the way.

Either way, this vacation will be a blast for everyone, as you explore some of Florida’s top destinations.