Destinattractions

Breakfast / Brunch

• Crackings (opens in a new tab)

  Breakfast and brunch on Hwy 98 near the harbor: creative French toast, Benedicts and omelets.

  First come, first served; join the waitlist before you go. Closed Mondays.

  Directions to Crackings (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-0499

  7 min drive · 2.4 mi

  Online waitlist

• The Donut Hole (opens in a new tab)

  A Destin institution: breakfast all day, plus fresh donuts, pastries and pies to take away.

  Peak breakfast lines are long; buying donuts to go skips the seating line.

  Directions to The Donut Hole (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-8824

  8 min drive · 3 mi

  Expect a wait

• The Pancakery (opens in a new tab)

  Pancakes, waffles, crepes and omelets in a casual cafe on Hwy 98.

  Open daily for breakfast and lunch.

  Directions to The Pancakery (opens Google Maps)(850) 269-0791

  7 min drive · 2.5 mi

  Online waitlist

• Ruby Slipper Cafe (opens in a new tab)

  New Orleans-style brunch near Destin Commons: Benedicts, biscuits, shrimp and grits.

  Reserve or join the waitlist online.

  Directions to Ruby Slipper Cafe (opens Google Maps)(850) 660-7100

  12 min drive · 5.4 mi

  Reservations accepted

• Another Broken Egg Cafe (opens in a new tab)

  Southern-style breakfast and brunch at Destin Commons, with pancakes, Benedicts and beignets.

  Kids breakfast menu.

  Directions to Another Broken Egg Cafe (opens Google Maps)(850) 279-4266

  14 min drive · 6 mi

  Online waitlist

Fine Dining

• The Louisiana Lagniappe (opens in a new tab)

  Cajun and Creole seafood on the water at Sandpiper Cove, the closest fine dining to the cottage.

  No reservations; doors open at 4 PM, and arriving early beats the wait.

  Directions to The Louisiana Lagniappe (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-0881

  5 min drive · 1.7 mi

  Walk-in only

• Marina Cafe (opens in a new tab)

  A long-standing dining room over Destin Harbor: seafood, steaks and a deep wine list.

  Children’s menu.

  Directions to Marina Cafe (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-7960

  10 min drive · 3.6 mi

  Reservations recommended

• Pandora’s Steakhouse (opens in a new tab)

  Classic steakhouse at HarborWalk Village: steaks, prime rib and seafood.

  Book on OpenTable, online or by phone.

  Directions to Pandora’s Steakhouse (opens Google Maps)(850) 842-3001

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Reservations accepted

• Beach Walk Cafe (opens in a new tab)

  Fine dining right on the Gulf beach at Henderson Park Inn, with sunset views.

  Adults only: guests 13 and older. A good parents’ night out.

  Directions to Beach Walk Cafe (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-7100

  13 min drive · 5.7 mi

  Reservations accepted

• Bijoux (opens in a new tab)

  Gulf seafood and prime steaks with a French and New Orleans accent, in Miramar Beach.

  Essential March to August. Children’s menu; no beachwear.

  Directions to Bijoux (opens Google Maps)(850) 622-0760

  21 min drive · 11.4 mi

  Reservations recommended

• Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (opens in a new tab)

  Steak and seafood house inside the Hilton Sandestin; dinner only.

  Dress code from age 12 (no jeans, shorts or flip-flops). Closed Sunday and Monday.

  Directions to Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (opens Google Maps)(850) 622-1500

  25 min drive · 12.2 mi

  Reservations recommended

Kids / Family friendly

• Dewey Destin’s Harborside (opens in a new tab)

  Local seafood on Destin Harbor, run by the Destin family, with steaks for non-fish eaters.

  Open daily for lunch and dinner.

  Directions to Dewey Destin’s Harborside (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-7525

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Reservations accepted

• Fudpucker’s (opens in a new tab)

  Burgers and seafood next to Gator Beach, with a playground and a big deck.

  Kids menu. The free alligator exhibit next door passes the wait.

  Directions to Fudpucker’s (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-4200

  11 min drive · 4.5 mi

  Walk-in only

• The Crab Trap (opens in a new tab)

  Casual seafood on the beach along Scenic 98, good for big groups.

  No call-ahead seating; a beach playground keeps kids busy.

  Directions to The Crab Trap (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-2722

  16 min drive · 7 mi

  Walk-in only

• Boshamps (opens in a new tab)

  Busy seafood and oyster house on the harbor with live music on the back deck.

  Kids menu. Waits are long in season.

  Directions to Boshamps (opens Google Maps)(850) 424-7406

  10 min drive · 3.6 mi

  Call ahead

• Harry T’s Lighthouse (opens in a new tab)

  Seafood and American dishes with harbor views at HarborWalk Village; weekend brunch.

  Children’s menu.

  Directions to Harry T’s Lighthouse (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-4800

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Reservations accepted

• McGuire’s Irish Pub (opens in a new tab)

  Irish pub and steakhouse by the bridge, its walls papered with signed dollar bills.

  Often a long wait at dinner; go early.

  Directions to McGuire’s Irish Pub (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-0000

  11 min drive · 4.3 mi

  Walk-in only

• Emerald Coast Zoo (opens in a new tab)

  A small zoo north of Crestview with exotic animals and add-on encounters such as giraffe feeding.

  About an hour inland. Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays.

  Directions to Emerald Coast Zoo (opens Google Maps)(850) 682-3949

  60 min drive · 40 mi

  Plan a half day

• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)

  Dolphin and sea lion shows, a manatee habitat and animal encounters on Okaloosa Island.

  Encounters are booked separately, ages 5 and up.

  Directions to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (opens Google Maps)(850) 243-9046

  20 min drive · 9.3 mi

  Tickets online

• Gator Beach (opens in a new tab)

  A free alligator exhibit beside Fudpucker’s, with daily gator shows and guided feeding tours.

  Shows from noon; guided tours are booked online.

  Directions to Gator Beach (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-4200

  11 min drive · 4.5 mi

  Free to visit

• Big Kahuna’s (opens in a new tab)

  Destin’s big water park: slides and splash zones, plus mini golf on site.

  Open in the warm months (spring to early fall); buy tickets online.

  Directions to Big Kahuna’s (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-8319

  8 min drive · 2.8 mi

  Seasonal

• Emerald Coast Science Center (opens in a new tab)

  A hands-on science museum in Fort Walton Beach with live animals. A good rainy-day plan.

  Open Monday to Saturday in summer, Wednesday to Saturday the rest of the year.

  Directions to Emerald Coast Science Center (opens Google Maps)(850) 664-1261

  26 min drive · 11.9 mi

  Check hours

• Henderson Beach State Park (opens in a new tab)

  A state park beach on the Gulf in east Destin, with dunes and boardwalks.

  Since May 2026, every visit needs a day-use reservation booked ahead, plus the vehicle fee.

  Directions to Henderson Beach State Park (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-7550

  13 min drive · 5.1 mi

  Reservation required

• The Track Family Fun Park (opens in a new tab)

  Five go-kart tracks, including the three-level Wild Woody, plus rides, bumper boats and an arcade.

  Open daily all year; outdoor rides close in rain.

  Directions to The Track Family Fun Park (opens Google Maps)

  8 min drive · 3.3 mi

  Walk-ins welcome

• Pelican Adventures Parasailing (opens in a new tab)

  Parasail flights over the Gulf from Destin Harbor.

  Flyers 6 and up and at least 50 lbs; weather permitting.

  Directions to Pelican Adventures Parasailing (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-3825

  9 min drive · 3.3 mi

  Book online

• Escapology (opens in a new tab)

  Themed escape rooms for groups of 2 to 8, racing a 60-minute clock, in Miramar Beach.

  Under-18s need a parent-signed waiver.

  Directions to Escapology (opens Google Maps)(850) 842-4885

  22 min drive · 11.4 mi

  Reservations recommended

• Luther’s Kayak Rentals (opens in a new tab)

  Single and tandem kayaks for paddling the harbor and Norriego Point.

  Kayaks are not allowed out to Crab Island.

  Directions to Luther’s Kayak Rentals (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-8733

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Reserve online

• The Village of Baytowne Wharf (opens in a new tab)

  A walkable village at Sandestin with shops, food and free evening concerts, movies and fireworks.

  Events change with the season.

  Directions to The Village of Baytowne Wharf (opens Google Maps)(850) 267-8186

  26 min drive · 13 mi

  Free to visit

• AJ’s and Club Bimini (opens in a new tab)

  A waterfront bar on the harbor; upstairs, Club Bimini turns into a dance club at night.

  Under-21s leave Club Bimini after 9 PM.

  Directions to AJ’s and Club Bimini (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-1913

  11 min drive · 4.3 mi

  21+ at night

• Boathouse Oyster Bar (opens in a new tab)

  A small, loud, open-air oyster bar on the harbor with live music most of the day.

  Directions to Boathouse Oyster Bar (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-3645

  11 min drive · 4.1 mi

  Walk-in

• Harry T’s Lighthouse (opens in a new tab)

  Restaurant and bar at the mouth of the harbor, with game-day screens and weekend karaoke.

  Karaoke Friday and Saturday at 9 PM, March to August (21+). HarborWalk fireworks Monday and Thursday nights in summer.

  Directions to Harry T’s Lighthouse (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-4800

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Walk-in

• Coyote Ugly Saloon (opens in a new tab)

  A late-night saloon at HarborWalk Village with DJs on Friday and Saturday.

  Open 7 PM to 4 AM.

  Directions to Coyote Ugly Saloon (opens Google Maps)850-460-7065

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Late nights

• AJ’s on the Harbor (opens in a new tab)

  Live bands on the harbor deck, with DJs upstairs at Club Bimini.

  Directions to AJ’s on the Harbor (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-1913

  11 min drive · 4.3 mi

  Nightly

• Boathouse Oyster Bar (opens in a new tab)

  A tiny harbor-side bar known for performers who joke with the crowd.

  Directions to Boathouse Oyster Bar (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-3645

  11 min drive · 4.1 mi

  Every day

• Boshamps (opens in a new tab)

  Local bands on the back deck over the harbor, early-evening sets.

  5:30 to 8:30 PM on the current schedule.

  Directions to Boshamps (opens Google Maps)(850) 424-7406

  10 min drive · 3.6 mi

  Thu, Fri, Sun

• Baytowne Wharf concerts (opens in a new tab)

  Free outdoor concerts on the Events Plaza stage at Sandestin.

  Seasonal series, 7 to 9 PM; check the calendar.

  Directions to Baytowne Wharf concerts (opens Google Maps)(850) 267-8186

  27 min drive · 13.1 mi

  Wednesday nights

• Destin Princess and Destiny party boats (opens in a new tab)

  Shared bottom-fishing trips of 4 to 14 hours, with bait, tackle and license included. Good for families and first-timers.

  Fish cleaning is extra.

  Directions to Destin Princess and Destiny party boats (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-5088

  11 min drive · 4 mi

  Book ahead in summer

• HarborWalk Charters (opens in a new tab)

  A booking office for a fleet of private charter boats, from 4-hour trips to overnights.

  Directions to HarborWalk Charters (opens Google Maps)850-837-2343

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Book ahead in summer

• The Harbor Boardwalk fleet

  Most of Destin’s charter boats tie up along the Harbor Boulevard boardwalk. Walk the docks and compare boats and booths.

  Directions to The Harbor Boardwalk fleet (opens Google Maps)

  11 min drive · 4.1 mi

  Walk and compare

• Destin Fishing Rodeo (opens in a new tab)

  A month-long tournament held every October since 1948, with free public weigh-ins every day.

  Weigh-ins 10 AM to 7 PM on the docks at AJ’s. Anglers fish from a registered charter boat.

  Directions to Destin Fishing Rodeo (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-6734

  11 min drive · 4.3 mi

  October only

• Kelly Plantation Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

  An 18-hole course by Fred Couples and Gene Bates along Choctawhatchee Bay.

  Directions to Kelly Plantation Golf Club (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-7600

  15 min drive · 6 mi

  Tee times required

• Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club (opens in a new tab)

  18 holes in east Destin that welcome public play, with a restaurant on site.

  Directions to Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club (opens Google Maps)(850) 337-8080

  16 min drive · 7 mi

  Tee times required

• Indian Bayou Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

  A semi-private club in central Destin with daily-fee play.

  Directions to Indian Bayou Golf Club (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-6191

  13 min drive · 4.5 mi

  Tee times required

• Emerald Bay Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

  A Bob Cupp-designed course in a gated community east of Destin.

  Directions to Emerald Bay Golf Club (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-5197

  17 min drive · 7.8 mi

  Tee times required

• Baytowne Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

  Resort course at Sandestin, near the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

  Directions to Baytowne Golf Club (opens Google Maps)(850) 267-8155

  24 min drive · 12.5 mi

  Tee times required

• Raven Golf Club (opens in a new tab)

  Championship course at Sandestin that once hosted a Champions Tour event.

  Directions to Raven Golf Club (opens Google Maps)(850) 267-8155

  29 min drive · 13.7 mi

  Tee times required

• Crab Island Shuttle Boat (opens in a new tab)

  A captained shuttle that drops you at the sandbar for about three hours.

  The ride only; floats and food are extra.

  Directions to Crab Island Shuttle Boat (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-2628

  11 min drive · 4.1 mi

  Book ahead in summer

• Tailfins Tiki Tours (opens in a new tab)

  A small-group captained tiki boat to Crab Island; bring your own drinks.

  Booked through Expedia; up to about 16 guests.

  Directions to Tailfins Tiki Tours (opens Google Maps)

  10 min drive · 3.9 mi

  Book ahead in summer

• More Crab Island trips on Viator (opens in a new tab)

  Shared and private Crab Island boat trips with reviews and instant booking.

  Directions to More Crab Island trips on Viator (opens Google Maps)

  Book online

• Boogies Watersports (opens in a new tab)

  Jet skis and pontoons (single and double-deck), with optional captains, plus parasailing.

  Open March to November; closed December to February.

  Directions to Boogies Watersports (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-4497

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Seasonal

• Destin Vacation Boat Rentals (opens in a new tab)

  Pontoons, double-deckers with slides, jet skis and fishing boats.

  Jet ski drivers 18 and up; fishing-boat renters 25 and up.

  Directions to Destin Vacation Boat Rentals (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-2628

  Book ahead in summer

• Kitty Hawk Kites (opens in a new tab)

  Kayak and paddleboard rentals by the hour, day or week, from a harbor dock.

  Year-round; paddle to Norriego Point and the East Pass.

  Directions to Kitty Hawk Kites (opens Google Maps)1-877-359-4447

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Call to reserve

• Viator: Destin water tours (opens in a new tab)

  Dolphin, sunset, Crab Island and snorkel trips in one place, with reviews.

  Directions to Viator: Destin water tours (opens Google Maps)

  Book online

• Viator: everything in Destin (opens in a new tab)

  Viator’s full Destin page, including fishing, tours and day trips.

  Directions to Viator: everything in Destin (opens Google Maps)

  Book online

• Southern Star Dolphin Cruises (opens in a new tab)

  About 90 minutes of dolphin-watching from HarborWalk Village, by day or at sunset.

  Directions to Southern Star Dolphin Cruises (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-7741

  11 min drive · 4.2 mi

  Book 48 hours ahead

• Brooks Bridge Marina & Dry Storage

  Dry storage, wet slips and trailer storage at the foot of Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach.

  Bridge construction runs until about 2027.

  Directions to Brooks Bridge Marina & Dry Storage (opens Google Maps)(850) 243-7861

  20 min drive · 9.6 mi

  Trailers welcome

• Destin Vacation Boat Rentals storage lot (opens in a new tab)

  A fenced short-term lot for boats, jet skis and trailers up to 35 ft, in Fort Walton Beach.

  Directions to Destin Vacation Boat Rentals storage lot (opens Google Maps)(850) 650-2628

  Book online

• Legendary Marina (opens in a new tab)

  A very large indoor dry-stack marina by the Mid-Bay Bridge, for boats 15 to 50 ft.

  No trailer storage mentioned.

  Directions to Legendary Marina (opens Google Maps)(850) 337-8200

  15 min drive · 6.5 mi

  Dry-stack only

• Shalimar Harbor Marina (opens in a new tab)

  Enclosed dry-rack storage and wet slips in Shalimar (formerly Shalimar Yacht Basin).

  Directions to Shalimar Harbor Marina (opens Google Maps)(850) 651-0510

  30 min drive · 13.9 mi

  Call for space

• Miramar Self Storage (opens in a new tab)

  Local self-storage with RV, car and boat spaces, about 9 miles east.

  Tight for very long rigs.

  Directions to Miramar Self Storage (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-3951

  19 min drive · 9.7 mi

  Boat spaces

• A Storage Solution of Destin

  Self-storage near the bridge with drive-up units.

  Ask whether outdoor boat or trailer spaces are open.

  Directions to A Storage Solution of Destin (opens Google Maps)(850) 312-8260

  7 min drive · 2.7 mi

  Call to confirm

• Public Storage, Gulfstarr Drive (opens in a new tab)

  Self-storage in Destin (formerly Storage Max).

  Ask about vehicle spaces; boats must fit a 20 ft space.

  Directions to Public Storage, Gulfstarr Drive (opens Google Maps)(850) 792-9784

  14 min drive · 6.5 mi

  Call to confirm

• Destin Marina ramp

  A single-lane ramp by the Marler Bridge, facing Crab Island.

  Trailer parking is scarce in summer.

  Directions to Destin Marina ramp (opens Google Maps)(850) 837-2470

  12 min drive · 4.4 mi

  No overnight parking

• Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area

  Destin’s main public ramp: five lanes, about 47 trailer spaces and restrooms.

  First come, first served; go early in summer.

  Directions to Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area (opens Google Maps)(850) 654-5184

  12 min drive · 4.4 mi

  Daily fee

• Ross Marler Park

  A two-lane county ramp on Okaloosa Island with about 20 trailer spaces.

  Open from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset.

  Directions to Ross Marler Park (opens Google Maps)

  19 min drive · 9 mi

  Gated hours

• Adventure Marina ramp (opens in a new tab)

  One narrow, shallow lane on Santa Rosa Sound by Brooks Bridge, with limited trailer parking.

  Bridge construction nearby.

  Directions to Adventure Marina ramp (opens Google Maps)(850) 581-2628

  20 min drive · 9.7 mi

  Small fee

• Liza Jackson Park

  A Fort Walton Beach ramp on Santa Rosa Sound.

  The park is being renovated until about March 2027; check before you go.

  Directions to Liza Jackson Park (opens Google Maps)

  27 min drive · 12.2 mi

  Under renovation

• East Pass Marina (opens in a new tab)

  Next door to Destin Pointe: daily and weekly transient slips, not a public ramp.

  Call to ask about launching.

  Directions to East Pass Marina (opens Google Maps)(850) 749-2040

  11 min drive · 4.1 mi

  Slips only