Since we are approaching Spring Break time, I thought I would roll out a few travel guides that I have had in my draft box and needed to finish up. Destin is near and dear to my heart, so hopefully this list helps you out!

We have traveled to Destin for my entire life (we even lived here for a short time when I was an infant) and it has always been one of our families favorite destination spots. We have been lucky enough to have a condo here for many years that my Dad left to my brothers and I and it has always been one of my happy places. Destin is a one hour drive from where we live in Pensacola/Gulf Breeze, FL and it always feels like a nice escape for us. It has great restaurants, beautiful beaches, shopping and a lot to do with the kids! I have rounded up some of our favorite things to do and places to stay in Destin below. I hope this helpful for you!

HOW TO GET TO DESTIN

Fort Walton Airport is your closest airport to Destin. You also have an option to fly into Pensacola or Panama City airport which are both less than 1.5 hours away.

WHERE TO STAY IN DESTIN

D E S T I N

We stay in our condo in Marbella when we go, but here are a few other condo options to consider that are all very close to where we stay. There are tons of homes available on VRBO and on rental markets if you are looking for larger homes in the area. But here are a few condos and hotels that I am familiar with.

Emerald Grande at Harbor Walk Village
Henderson Beach Inn
Oceania Condos
Sandpiper Cove

S A N D E S T I N

Sandestin Hilton
Baytowne Wharf Village
Hotel Effie –
this is a new luxury hotel with a rooftop pool that is really nice.

WHERE TO EAT IN DESTIN

Harbor Docks (serves breakfast)
2 Birds Coffee + Cafe (serves breakfast)
The Breakfast Table Cafe (breakfast and lunch)
Bochamps
Chan’s Wine Bar
Louisiana Lagniappe*
Red Onion organic
Bric a brac
Burrito Del Sol
La Paz
Moe’s BBQ
The Back Porch
The Harbor Tavern
McGuires
Vinny McGuires
McGuire’s Sushi
Local Market Destin
Herberts Specialty Meats (great for pre-made options to cook at home)
Mimmos Italian
Beach Walk Cafe at Henderson Beach Inn**
Ruth Chris**
Marina Cafe **

** astrick indicate more expensive options

WHERE TO EAT in Sandestin, FL

The Surf Hut
Vintage Wine Bar**
Cantina Laredo
Fat Clemenzos
Emerils Coastal Italian**
Tommy Bahamas
Whales Tail
Pompano Joes
Seagar’s Prime Steak & Seafood**
Commelfo Restaurant** – this one is brand new in May 2022
Fleming Steakhouse**
Restaurants in Baytowne Wharf

WHAT TO DO IN DESTIN, FL

Rent a boat – Anchor Up at Crab Island (a must-see)- We love to rent pontoon boats or a double decker slide boat.
Head to the Beach – Henderson Beach State Park is a great public access. We also like to rent chairs behind the Back Porch Restaurant as well.
Explore Harbor Walk Village – Shops, restaurants, bars, Kids Adventure Park, Choo Choo Train, Pirate Ship and more
Big Kahuna’s Waterpark
The Track – Rides/Arcade/Go Karts for Kids and Adults
Shopping at Destin Commons
Shop at Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Explore the Village of Baytowne Wharf – Shops, Restaurants, Playgrounds, Kids Activities, Bars
Grand Boulevard – Shop, Restaurants, Movie Theater, Splash Pads for kids and more
Take a 45min to an hour drive down 98 to explore 30A / Seaside area
Golf – Lots and lots of golf around Destin
Book a fishing Charter
Take a ride to the West over in Fort Walton Beach and visit the Gulfarium with your kids
Book Rick at Beach Sand Sculptures to give your family an epic lesson in Sandcastle Building.