The Best of Destin Florida

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.

Learn more about all of Florida’s beautiful beaches here, or visit us on Pinterest.

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 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 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 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 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

Located 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.

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