Vacation On Destin's White Sand Beaches
Ranked #1,598 in Travel & Places, #59,130 overall
Visit The Emerald Coast, Discover Destin Beach
Although Florida has been most famous for Miami, many are discovering the beauties of the Emerald Coast and the allure of Apalachicola. I know I am one of that number. In fact, Florida's Emerald Coast has been voted the "Best Beach Town in the South" by the readers of Southern Living magazine, in 2011.
The Destin area is great for families. No place better for reunions, it is a fun place to meet up with kids and grandkids. The beaches are clean and beautiful, there are plenty of things to do and see -and a completely relaxed atmosphere. There are lots of shopping opportunities. The clear waters, ocean breezes, and nice condos are the perfect backdrop for good memories and family fun.... and that is what makes this an area worth return visits.
Read on to find out about some of the great restaurants, attractions, hidden gems -all honestly reported from our family visits.
The Destin area is great for families. No place better for reunions, it is a fun place to meet up with kids and grandkids. The beaches are clean and beautiful, there are plenty of things to do and see -and a completely relaxed atmosphere. There are lots of shopping opportunities. The clear waters, ocean breezes, and nice condos are the perfect backdrop for good memories and family fun.... and that is what makes this an area worth return visits.
Read on to find out about some of the great restaurants, attractions, hidden gems -all honestly reported from our family visits.
Prepare To Have Fun in the Sun
Looking Good in Vacation Style
Gulf Coast Weather
In the Destin area
Current weather conditions in Destin, FL (32540)
Local Pollen Reports
86°F (Feels like 91°F)
Last update: 5/31/12 12:53 PM CDT
Humidity: 63%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 72°F
UV Index: 10+ (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.84in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 8mph From: Airport Conditions
Today
Fair
High: 86°F
Low: 77°F
Sunrise: 5:45 AM
Sunset: 7:43 PM
Friday
Jun 1
Partly Cloudy
High: 84°F
Low: 67°F
Sunrise: 5:45 AM
Sunset: 7:44 PM
Saturday
Jun 2
PM T-Storms
High: 86°F
Low: 75°F
Sunrise: 5:44 AM
Sunset: 7:45 PM
Sunday
Jun 3
Sunny
High: 87°F
Low: 78°F
Sunrise: 5:44 AM
Sunset: 7:45 PM
Area Festivals
We attended the Seafood Festival when there during our last vacation. I wasn't very impressed. It was very crowded and the long lines for the Seafood dampened my enthusiasm for the event. If you want to know more, they have a website.
Seafood Festival
Special Events Calender.
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Park
For more information, 850.650.2226
Destin's Fishing Tournament
The Sandestin Wine Festival
Must-Have Travel List for Florida
Be sure to pack some essentials
Don't forget to have sunglasses, a beach chair is nice, and a small insulated pack for water and refreshments.Be sure to leave the beach as clean as when you get there.
Don't forget your sunscreen...especially if you are from the North! Or have pale skin!
Most condos don't have beach towels, so bring a nice big beach towel. You can buy them at the outlets, but probably cheaper if you get them before you arrive in Destin.
I need to reiterate: if you come from the North and have fair skin (I do) use a powerful sunscreen 30+ and above right from first thing in the morning. I had thought I was protected enough but got badly burnt until I was more careful to slather on 55 SPF first thing in the morning and getting everything possibly exposed to the sun covered with sunscreen. !!!
Discover More of Destin
- Big Kahuna's
- Water slides, a wave pool, the Honolulu half pipe, and two lazy rivers. Plan on spending the day as...
- Olin Marler Charter Boats
- Located downtown near AJ's on the docks, Marler Charter Cruises offers the best in deep sea fishing...
- Blue Lagoon Watersports
- Make your vacation exciting by taking advantage of parasailing trips, dolphin excursions, sunset cru...
- Destin Harbor Dolphin Nature Sunset Cruise
- Cruise the emerald green waters around Destin, Florida for a sunset cruise. Enjoy a 2 or 3 hour suns...
- Glass Bottom Boat
- The only excursion vessel featuring underwater viewing, this narrated bay and harbor boat tour allow...
Unanimous Thumbs Up for McGuire's Irish Pub
Great Place to Eat
Everyone seems to agree that this is a place for good food and fun. Mcguire's in Destin is right across the street from Harborwalk Village, a place to walk along the waterside, visit upscale boutiques and eat- if you don't decide on Mcguire's.Read reviews at Yelp.
Look at McGuire's Irish Pub Menu and give them a call
There is a cute souvenir shop attached, and we bought some t-shirts, shot glasses and other Irish flavored memorabilia, but the big draw is the food. Steak is a big favorite there. Try it- you won't be sorry. Also famous for their burgers, they won best burger in Destin.
Rent a Beach House
For us, that was the ideal place to stay
The General Area
Basic Beach Vacation Info
My Favorite Beach Plate by ilonagarden
The Beach is what I go to Destin for... those gorgeous white sands and emerald waters are the centerpiece of the area. There are plenty of things to do and places to eat, but when all is said and done it is the natural beauty of the area that makes it really special.
- Beaches of South Walton
- Maps, gallery of photos, information on Beaches along this stretch of the Emerald Coast
- Destin Area Shopping Directory
- find the shops, the outlets, the beachwear boutiques, etc
- Things To Do Destin Florida
- Destin Fl offers many things to do. See this page for more information.
- Welcome to the City of Destin!
- City of Destin site lists public access points to the beaches.
Beach Resort Footwear
Keep it comfortable and casual
These beach resort shoes are comfy and casual.
Buy before you go because they are pricey in the shops.
Buy before you go because they are pricey in the shops.
Harborwalk Village
shops,views, fun, and food
Harborwalk Village is a waterfront collection of stores, eating places, and some fun stuff for kids located right next to the Destin Harbor Marina. A small "locomotive" gives a ride, upscale stores offer a place to spend your money, and restaurants are bright, lively, and can be expensive. It is all pretty expensive - but an enjoyable place to see. Located across the street from Mcguire's and below the Emerald Grande Hotel.
Very sunny and hot in the daytime, I preferred visiting in the evening after sundown, the lights reflect on the water and the mood is upbeat.
Harry T's
Located within Harborwalk Village is Harry T's - a loud and sloppy restaurant, but with very decent food if you don't mind the high prices. I ate the catch of the day which happened to be snapper and buttery new potatoes. My husband had the "best Reuben sandwich I ever tasted". We were seated overlooking the bay which was very beautiful, just missing the sunset views which I'm sure can be spectacular...looking over the water and towards the bridge to Okaloosa Island.I thought the seafood was okay, and very overpriced... so while it was an overall good experience, I don't think I would choose to go there on my next trip.
Harry T's Menu
Very Good Asian Food
Chinese/Thai Food @ Lins Asian next to the Winn Dixie by Silver Sands Outlet. I recommend the panfried noodle dish.
The Boathouse Oyster Bar
taste the sea
A fun loving place where the oysters are shucked as fast as the guy can get 'em out, and the crowd is loud and happy. This place is tucked away and a bit hard to find... look for the "Boathouse Oyster Bar" sign as you near HarborWalk Village. They have lots on the menu besides oysters, but if you love oysters this is the place you want to go. One thing, though, is that you can't get them for take-out... oysters must be eaten on site.I ordered the baked oysters "Half and Half", two recipes of 6 each: one a butter,mozzarella,bacon, and onion smothered oyster- the other a cocktail sauce and cheddar cheese concoction . Both good.
Menu (PDF file):
Menu
Other Reviews
Trip Advisor
My Favorite Breakfast Place
Another Broken Egg Cafe
I had the ultimate crabcakes here, but no matter what you order from the menu this restaurant is a destination as far as I'm concerned. I bought the souvenir coffee cups, too. We tried it out on recommendation of my daughter and son-in-law, and they know how to pick 'em.I like everything about the pleasant inviting decor, the delicious food, and the menu selections. Everyone in our large party was happy. And that is a tall order!
If you want to know what other people thought, here's a review of the Destin locations.
My Favorite Oysters
at the Shrimp Shack in Seaside
I know it is a bit of a run to get over to Seaside, but it is a nice attraction. While you are there looking at the little shops and all the pretty houses, get some Apalachicola oysters at the Shrimp Shack. They are addictively delicious.The beach directly behind the eating area is pretty and there is a great smoothie trailer across the street.
Want to know more about oysters?
Destin Commons
An outdoor mall with many little shops and the usual: Starbucks, Loft, Talbot, Victoria Secret,etc. Anchored by a giant Bass Pro Shop, you can't miss it on Highway 98.I enjoyed the many different shops strung along the pleasant walkway, had great smoothies and fresh sandwich at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Stop at the information desk for a map and ask for the coupons.
Don't miss their "Life is Good" shop, where you can get lots of the newest designs of your favorite t-shirts.
Destin Commons website
Destin Info List
Important Links
- Destin on Wikipedia
- The wikipedia entry for Destin Florida
- Destin on Tripadvisor.com
- find hotels, restaurants, and reviews
- City of Destin Beaches
- get info on the area's beaches: access locations and safety.
- Emerald Coast
- official information, live cams, things to do and places to stay
Our Latest Destin Beach Vacation
Another great time of fun in the sun
My family and I revisited my favorite haunts listed here during our 2011 trip. I still like Another Broken Egg, and the oysters from Shrimp Shack were still excellent.We spent more time getting items at "Fresh Market" during this vacation, and found they sell oysters 'Rockefeller' there. The wrap sandwiches, bakery items, and salads were just wonderful. Very good fresh fruits and juices, too. We highly recommend this as a choice for many lunch and light dinner times.
Destin Area Events
Destin, Florida Annual Events Calendar
There are always all sorts of fun events going on including the annual ones like the Seafood Festival, the Beach Kite Festival and the Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival .
Emerald Coast Events:
-watch this space for up coming events or check the website link-
For info and in depth descriptions, see the Calender of Events
Best Time To Visit
September is one of the best times to visit. Off season rates, more comfortable temperatures.
Gulf Coast Shopping
My Favorite Beach Tshirts
Best Quality - Cutest Design
These are my favorites for quality,colors, and cuteness. The other t shirts I loved were from a shop in Seaside called, appropriately enough "Seaside".
Must Have...Beach Towels!
and good suntan lotion
These are beach essentials and a handy travel guide for Destin.
“Time for feel good music”
Life is Good Radio
Listen to some good tunes while you visit.
Destin Stuff
Pictures to remember
Explore the Area
visit Seaside while you are on the Emerald Coast.
Get ready for the beach
Beach gear for maximum fun
Love It At This Beach!
Make plans to visit again...
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Destin Beach Vacation
Make Plans
Don't miss it
Say You Were Here
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looniestlove
May 25, 2012 @ 2:20 am | delete
- very nice lens i like it so much, very interesting, thanks for sharing hope to be able to visit this wonderful place some day
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futurefocus57
Mar 27, 2012 @ 9:44 pm | delete
- Going here on Friday. Can't wait.
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TeamSTM
Jun 20, 2011 @ 7:46 am | delete
- Wow, with Beach Season now; this is a Beach I would like to see and visit!
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Ilona1
Jun 21, 2011 @ 10:06 am | delete
- you and your family would love it!
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aardvarkapparel
Jun 13, 2011 @ 7:12 pm | delete
- I haven't been to those beaches....looks nice. I've been to Sanibel beach in Fl...also great.
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Other Travel and Vacation Ideas
Important!
Who was Mattie Kelley?
She was an important pioneer of modern Destin, and the arts foundation which gives summer concerts is named in her honor. Find out about Mattie Kelley, and how to enter an art contest.
For the Kids
Flickr photo credits:
photos linked to photographer's page
Thanks to ...
chiacomo, babasteve, sands6pack, ddyates,photos_by_chrystal
by Ilona1
After many years of going to Lake Erie, we started to vacation in South Carolina, while in recent years we have enjoyed the Emerald Coast of Florida. more »
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Be At The Beach
All year around
Seaside 2012 Wall Calendar
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 05/31/2012)
Good feelings and memories everytime you look at the date.
Kids Love Playing In The White Sand
great beach toys
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 05/31/2012)
Lots of fun playing in the sand, building sand castles.
