The Best of Destin Florida! Our Destin Travel Guide will provide everything you need to plan your trip to beautiful Destin, Florida. Stunning white beaches, challenging golf and world-famous fishing define the Emerald Coast city of Destin. Snuggled against the Gulf of Mexico in northwest Florida, Destin is rightfully famed for its sugar-white sands and emerald-hued waters. And due to its plentiful and always hungry underwater population, Destin is widely known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village.” Destin also harbors world-class resorts and rentals – and some of the best shopping and dining anywhere. So, come visit some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, and have a relaxing stay in sunny Destin. Visit the area beaches in Destin and along the Emerald Coast or visit us on Pinterest Here.
Destin Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Destin is in April and May when the water is warm, the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). If you visit any earlier, you risk cooler weather and chilly water. A summer trip will put you among the crowds and the peak prices. Although you might consider late summer and early fall, the temperatures can be sweltering and accompanied by rain. Average highs reach the high 80s in summer, while winter temps fluctuate between the low 40s and 60s.
Best Destin Area Beaches
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State ParkHenderson Beach State Park features 30-foot coastal dunes, sugar-white sand, and turquoise waters. Plus, this beach also features hiking trails to explore if you’re looking for an activity. You can also see native wildlife at Henderson Beach State Park, including dolphins, tropical fish, Loggerhead and green sea turtles.
Miramar Beach
Miramar BeachMiramar Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand along the Emerald Coast. The wide beaches can accommodate thrill-seekers looking for an adventure like a jet ski tour or parasailing ride. At the regional beach access for Miramar Beach, you’ll find parking, ADA-accessible restrooms, and a flag indicating the current surf conditions each day.
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Crab Island
Crab IslandCrab Island is a sand bar located south of the Marler Bridge in Destin that attracts boaters to its shallow waters. Over the years Crab Island has become a destination for paddle boarding, water volleyball, floating, sunbathing, and having a great time. There are charter companies that will bring you to Crab Island or pick you up, or you have to rent a boat to get there.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State ParkTopsail Hill Preserve State Park has more than 3 miles of beaches surrounded by towering sand dunes to feel truly secluded. This park is located in Santa Rosa Beach, just off Highway 30A. In addition to walking the beach, you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to get out on the water and cruise. There is also plentiful fishing here.
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James Lee Beach
James Lee BeachLocated near the Destin Commons and the Crab Trap restaurant, James Lee Beach is conveniently located and perfect for an afternoon by the sea. This beach has plenty of parking, picnic areas, shaded pavilions, restrooms, and more. The water is shallow and clear, so it’s great to play around with the little ones.
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What to Take to the Beach
A beach day can quickly go wrong if you don’t have the right supplies! When you’re planning a day at the beach, it’s helpful to have everything gathered and ready the night before so you can get out the door stress-free.
- Beach Towels and/or a Picnic Blanket
- Beach Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Sunglasses
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Sunglasses.
- Baby Powder (It helps with sand removal!)
- A book or magazine
- Sun Hat
Best Destin Restaurants
Dewey Destin’s Seafood $11 – 30
They use original Destin and Gulf Coast recipes, and are proud to serve seafood and other favorite area side dishes to local friends and out-of-town guests alike. While they maintain a casual atmosphere, they are serious about great tasting food. Therefore, Dewey makes it a practice not to use food warming lamps which he feels turns quality fish into chewy and rubbery leftovers. Telephone: 850-837-7525 Web: Dewey Destin Seafood.
Boshamps Oyster House $11 – 30
After a fabulous day fishing, playing on Crab Island or enjoying Destin’s sugar white beaches, tie off your boat, and let the Boshamps experience begin!! Boshamps wants to be the place to “take your family and friends” for an incredible, memorable experience…..combining the fresh, local, catch of the day, world famous Apalachicola oysters any way you like, the sunset of a lifetime, and wonderful southern hospitality. Telephone: 850-424-7406 Web: Boshamps Oyster House.
Beach Walk Café $31 – 60
Beach Walk Café, known as the “Most Unique Dining Experience in Destin”, is located inside the Henderson Park Inn. Enjoy unobstructed views of the Gulf overlooking more than a mile of the world’s most beautiful and secluded beaches with spectacular sunset views. In this idyllic private setting Beach Walk Café features an intimate atmosphere with dining available inside, with a cozy fireplace and magnificent views of the coast and outside on the verandas of the Inn overlooking the emerald waters of the Gulf. Telephone: 850-650-7100 Web: Beach Walk Café.
The Other End $11 – 30
The Other End has a unique atmosphere with one area offering a wooden deck with bar seating and round deck tables, and another turf area equipped with long picnic tables and surrounded by shrubs and citrus trees. This atmosphere creates the perfect ambiance to enjoy craft beers, wine, and pub style cuisine. With 16 beer taps, delicious burgers, specialty duck fries and beer cheese, nightly specials, local live music, and breathtaking views, The Other End is quickly turning into a favorite hangout for locals. Telephone: 850- 428-1534 Web: The Other End.
Louisiana Lagniappe $31 – 60
Louisiana Lagniappe has consistently served only the freshest seafood and steaks. The Gulf seafood is prepared with a Creole flair, the attire is casual, yet an upscale waterfront dining experience is provided for the entire family. Open year round, Louisiana Lagniappe is the spot for a memorable dining experience on all levels. With there being hundreds of restaurants in Destin, Lagniappe is consistently ranked in the Top 10 restaurants on TripAdvisor and wins the Award of Excellence every year. Telephone: 850-837-0881 Web: Louisiana Lagniappe.
Best Destin Bars & Nightlife
Duck Duck
Are you tired of the hectic routine? The constant bickering of your boss and want some peace and quiet. Then just waddle your way into Duck Duck. One you enter their nest you will never want to leave. Located right on the Destin Harbor, come hang out at the locals spot and quack it up with your friends. Live music and DJ’s through the week, you can unfluff your feathers and float on. Their duck inspired drinks will bring a smile to your bill! Telephone: 850-200-0026 Web: Duck Duck.
McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s Irish Pub first opened in 1977 as a small neighborhood pub in a shopping center. McGuire’s is in Pensacola’s original 1927 Old Firehouse. Inside the pub you’ll find a turn-of-the-century, New York Irish Saloon themed 615-seat restaurant. Telephone: 850-650-0000 Web: McGuire’s Irish Pub.
The Wine Bar
The Wine Bar in Destin is located at the Shoppes of Paradise Key (just West of the Destin Commons). Chan’s The Wine Bar is a great gathering sport for lunch serving delightful sandwiches and salads. Enjoy a night out in Destin with prime steaks and fresh seafood for dinner. Pair with wines from their award-winning list. Browse their extensive selection of artisan cheeses & join them for their daily happy hour special – a carafe for the price of a glass (11am – 6pm). Telephone: 850-269-2909 Web: The Wine Bar.
The Other End
The Other End has a unique atmosphere with one area offering a wooden deck with bar seating and round deck tables, and another turf area equipped with long picnic tables and surrounded by shrubs and citrus trees. This atmosphere creates the perfect ambiance to enjoy craft beers, wine, and pub style cuisine. With 16 beer taps, delicious burgers, specialty duck fries and beer cheese, nightly specials, local live music, and breathtaking views, The Other End is quickly turning into a favorite hangout for locals. Telephone: 850- 428-1534 Web: The Other End.
Mellow Mushroom
At Mellow Mushroom, they’re committed to providing the best hand-crafted cocktails, premium wines and freshest local craft beer available. Each Mellow caters to their community by partnering with their local breweries, distilleries and vineyards while also bringing you the time-honored favorites that they know you love. At Mellow, quality is their passion and they want to share it with you. Telephone: 850-650-6420 Web: Mellow Mushroom.
The Best of Destin Florida Hotels
I can attest to the fact that Destin is BY FAR one of, if not THE best beach in Florida. I used to live there!! I grew up on the Destin shoreline and know that when it comes to Destin and the surrounding area. You are talking about some of the most beautiful areas in all of the world!!
Well I live in Clearwater Beach, so I have to say that it is right up there too 🙂 Destin is beautiful though, with the gorgeous white sand. And I agree, this IS one of the most beautiful areas. But then I can be kind of partial to Florida 🙂
Leahrae, I really took interest in your Airfare tab. It was quite informative. The reason I choose that particular area of your website, is because I have a family of 5. This next coming January We will be traveling t Vietnam…..excited!
So your explanation of when to buy tickets was very cool indeed. I did not know the many ways to purchase tickets….so this way of doing it could possibly save us a $1000.00. I did however could not find any beaches for Vietnam? If you could find out about the best beaches or Islands to go to near Saigon it would be greatly appreciated because we will be staying for a month or more.
Looking forward to your response.
Regards,
Matthew
Hi Matthew! Yes, I planned on doing that particular area 🙂 I have just not gotten to it yet. But for you, I will go ahead and get busy on the best beaches and/or islands in the Saigon area. I will email you the link so you can determine what options are best for you. Thanks for asking, and I look forward to helping you!
This is a great post. When I think about travel I will refer to your site because it would give me some guide. Love this, thanks.
You are welcome Dino 🙂 Glad you find it helpful and please let me know if I can help you make your plans!
Leahrae,
The Fishing charter sounds like a great idea to me. Did a business trip out of Clearwater Beach and we caught Barracuda and King Mackerel. The Barracuda was great on the BBQ when we got home.
Have a 11 year old, do you have any information on Mini Golf or Go Carts in the Destin area. This is the place my brother and his family goes every year, they rent a house on the beach for the 10 or more that go at one time.
John
Yes, John we actually went to a miniature golf and go cart place. It is all next to Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Great area with LOTS of things for kids to do. Ripleys was interesting, but I think my son liked the mini golf and go karts the best.
Great site and very informative. Destin is an amazing destination for beaches. I highly recommend Mcguire’s Irish Pub! You will not leave hungry and their drinks are amazing too.
You have been there! And I TOTALLY agree about McGuire’s. Great food and great drinks situated in Destin where the beautiful white sandy beaches are, what is not to love? Thanks for reading Erik 🙂
Hi Leahrae,
What an amazing site you have put together here. Makes me so want to book a get away very soon. You have gathered a lot of great information, suggestions and ideas in one place. Your site is easy to navigate. I will definitely be checking back to see what other ideas and suggestions you will come up with.
Thank you Monika 🙂 I am always adding information on different beach destinations, so do be sure to check back. I am glad you enjoyed Beach Travel Destinations!
Hi Leahrae,
I enjoyed reading your about page. I have to agree who doesn’t like warm sand and being on the beach listening to the Ocean. I live in Illinois but lived in Charleston SC for a while and loved it. I saw you had a link to Mellow Mushroom on your website and it brought back some memories because they have good beer and pizza.
Your website is very professional looking and if I ever need to get away I know where to go.
I’m going to bookmark your page on my computer so I can revisit it often.
Keith
Thank you so much Keith. Yes, there is more than one Mellow Mushroom, and they are awesome! Thanks you for visiting my Destin Travel Guide!
What is not to like about your site? The only thing that I can think for you to add would maybe be some of your own experiences and your own travels. Maybe some more pictures.Other than that I really like your site and how its set up. You have everything I would be looking for when planning a vacation.
Thank you Philip, and yes I plan on adding my personal experiences. You are the second person that has suggested that, so I will do 🙂
Your site seems to have all the content for someone to plan a full vacation. Congrats for that. My advice if I had any would be to make it a little more personal by adding a page of your personal experiences. Try and give or provide information on your favorite places you’ve been. This might help customers trust your site more and help them pick a vacation that they didn’t even know they wanted.
Overall, like I said, your site is well layout and is easy to browse through. Good luck with everything.
Regards,
Shawn
Thank you Shawn, Yes I have thought about doing that. I have been to most places I have listed so far. And some, I do say it is a personal favorite for me 🙂 But, I like your idea! Thanks for visiting!
I seem to always be hearing of friends or family headed somewhere warm. Problem is I’m never going with them. Canadian winters are fun fro winter sports but leave people like myself hiding over the furnace for months. Your site makes me want to jump on a plane right now. Very easy to find info on related topics fro anyone planning a vacation. My wife and I have not been on a holiday “alone” for over 10 years. It is time to do so, don’t you think? Thanks for letting me remember how much I liked to travel, I will be planning a trip somewhere, anywhere soon.
Great Shawn I am glad I let you remember what it is like to be on vacation! Florida beaches are awesome, you will love it and if your wife loves sunshine and the ocean, she will as well! Thanks for reading my Destin Travel Guide!
Are you kidding? This is simply fantastic. What is there not to like? You have poured tons of applicable information into your website. Absolutely fantastic.
To begin let’s look at your About Me. You begin with a very inviting phrase where you state that you love going to the beach. It is so simple, yet so very inviting to those who love the beach. You made me a friend just with that statement.
Next we get drawn in to the wonderful photos of these great destinations. You provide us with enough detail that my trip is already planned based on your suggestions. I can see it in my mind’s eye. But, I know that will not happen so why even look? Then I click on the other pages.
Yes, the other pages tell me that it is possible so long as Leahrae is by my side. I can secure travel, I can negotiate, I can even get the right beach gear because you have already reviewed it for me.
I particularly liked the Valentine’s Day post that begins with been there, done that. Ouch! I hope my wife does not read that…! That is solid writing.
I guess that my question to you is whether you feel that this is well done or not. Thank you for allowing me to take a look at your wonder website. You certainly set the bar high.
Thank you so very much Tony. Shoot, I set high standards for myself LOL. I just want to try to get my love for the beach out there to everyone, and provide good solid information that will help them have a fantastic time. Your comments mean a lot to me, it means I am doing what I want to be doing! Hope to see you in Florida!
I sure am sold on going to Destin Florida now. Your page is such a thorough guide, that I would feel confident I could get the most out of a vacation there. I love the way that you have $ to rate the pricing at each location. It is easy to follow and spot out.
Thank you for the helpful information!
You are very welcome Kameron! I am glad I have you sold on visiting Destin, and you will love the beaches, the warm tropical air and all the fun stuff to see and do. Thanks for reading!
Coming from the Caribbean, where beaches and tourism are big business, I could not agree more that beaches are very attractive for any destination. I’ve never heard of Destin but after a bit of research I think that while the beach is a great attraction, it is just the beginning. Community life, culture and so many other things to do make this spot in Florida a must visit destination.
Thanks for sharing
I have to agree with you Kevon. The reasons you talked about are exactly why I really love a lot of places in Florida. The atmosphere, the community, the experience, all that on top of great Florida beaches and warm tropical air. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
I just fall in love with the Florida Beaches ! I will be planning my next holiday there.
Which month is the best time that you would advise me to visit ?
Your article is filled full of information
Interesting Bars and Restaurants list and yes I want to see bottlenose dolphin.
The Hotels list looks good too but does Florida have “homestay” ?
Looking forward to your reply, thanks.
Hi Jaclow, yes, you will love Florida! I know I do. It really depends on what type of weather you want, and that sort of thing. I like the water to be warm as well as the weather. So that is anytime between March and October. Now June thru the beginning of September will be crowded. Some beaches not as crowded as other, but still more people than normal. That leaves us with March thru May (May being the best) and September thru October, with September the better because the water will be a little warmer. Yes, you will find Homestay in Florida. There are several choices 🙂
I have always thought about going to Destin with my family but have not made the trip yet. Your post gives me the motivation to put a trip together. Thank You so much for the great information.
You are very welcome Marc. You will love it here. My family and I went last summer for a week, and we had a great time. There is something for everyone. As not everyone wants to stay close to a beach.
Destin looks like a really great holiday location. Is there any hotel you recommend for families?
The Embassy Suites and the Best Western are the best for families, but actually all the hotels I listed are. The B&B, not so much. That is definitely more for couples. Thanks for reading Mike!