Destin is served by the small Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), with a wider range of flights from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Pensacola (PNS), each roughly an hour's drive away.
A car is effectively required — public transit is minimal. The Emerald Coast Trolley runs seasonally along Highway 98 in summer. Traffic on Highway 98 can be heavy during peak season, so allow extra time.