Destin Area Information

Activities for Your Destin Vacation

Destin, Florida is widely known as the "Luckiest Fishing Village in the World." Deep sea fishing is very popular and Destin hosts many fishing tournaments. Fishing isn't the only attraction though ... the sugar white beaches, the mild climate, and the clear blue-green waters are a big attraction!  

Destin also boasts several shopping areas including the Destin Commons Mall, which includes many restaurants and a movie theater.  The Destin Commons Mall is an outdoor mall with fountains, playgrounds and sitting areas. It is one of the more popular places to visit in the Destin area. There is also a designer outlet mall in the area called "Silver Sands Outlet Mall" with many designer outlet stores.  

The harbor area has shopping, dining and boating. Don't miss taking a dolphin cruise, where you are pretty much guaranteed to see a dolphin! There are several water parks in the area and water sports are plentiful on the bay side as well as the gulf side of the island.  

If golf is your game of choice, there are several championship golf courses to play.

Fishing Charters

Fishing
Abundant deep sea fishing is available throughout the year.  Pick these charters up at the Destin Harbor.

Destin Fishing Charters - 850 685 1396

 

HarborWalk Charters - 850 837 2343

 

Harbor Walk Marina - 850 337 8250

 

Olin Marler's Charter Boats - 850 837 7095

Golf in the Destin area

Golf
The Destin area boasts many private and public golf courses in very close proximity to our vacation properties. Please see the list below for some golf courses that you may want to play. There are several others too all within about 6 miles!  The Fall and Winter are our OFF Seasons. Our Rental rates are LOW and Green Fees are LOW too! Come play Golf and Save Big $$$ between Labor Day and March 1st! The weather is usually very nice and allows us to play all year! We look forward to hearing from you!

     
Bluewater Bay Golf Resort - 850-897-3241

 

Kelly Plantation Golf Club - Call for tee times – 800-811-6757

 

Emerald Bay Golf Club - 850-837-5197

 

Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club - Call for tee times – 850-837-6191

 

Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club - 850-650-7800

 

Seascape Golf & Tennis Resort - Public course with a driving range.  Features 18 holes, par 71, 6100 yards.  Call for tee times – 850-654-7888

 

Golf Garden of Destin - Public, lighted golf course and ten-acre practice area. Features 9 holes, par 29, 2455 yards.

Pompano Joes

Restaurants
If you love fresh seafood, Destin is the place to be! But no matter what your food preference, Destin and the surrounding area offers a plethora of fine dining and casual eating options to please any palate! Here are some suggested restaurants:

Pompano Joes
On Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach. This casual restaurant and bar is popular with the tourists and locals alike. It sits on the beach and has tremendous views of the beach and the Gulf. The bar is fun too ... don’t miss the beach level bar. Walk to this restaurant from most of our properties! 

Capt. Dave's on the Gulf
On Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach right at the county line. This restaurant also sits right on the beach with spectacular views! Walk to this one from many of our vacation properties! 

Kenny D's
On Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach close to the county line. This is a cajun-style seafood restaurant just across the street from the beach. Walk to this one from many of our vacation properties! 

Whales Tale
On Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach. This restaurant and bar sits right on the beach and is a popular place to have a drink and watch the activity on the beach. It has an outdoor deck for enjoying the Gulf breeze! 

Camille's
On Scenic Gulf Drive in Destin. This is a cajun-style restaurant sitting across the street from the beach in the Crystal Beach area. 

AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar
On the harbor in Destin. Famous restaurant and bar overlooking the harbor in Destin. AJ's is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. Live music is played in the bar area. 

Hog's Breath Saloon
A well known barbecue restaurant and bar with live music and a dance floor, located on the north side of HWY 98 in Destin. Also offers take out service. Don't miss the gift shop where you can buy one of their famous Destin Hog's Breath t-shirts! 

The Back Porch
Located on the beach in Destin. This seafood and oyster house is a favorite restaurant for tourists. Try the smoked tuna dip!

Harbor Docks
Restaurant and bar on the harbor off Hwy 98 in Destin. Famous with tourists and locals alike. Harbor Docks has great sushi! Expect a long wait time to be seated during season.

Destin Commons Mall

Shopping
There's no shortage of shopping in Destin! Here are a few suggestions:

Destin Commons Mall 
This outdoor mall has become very popular for locals and tourists alike. Destin's number one tourist attraction! This is the place to see and be seen. Don't miss the many stores -- over 80 well known local, national and international retail shops -- plus popular restaurants and bars. There is also a Rave movie theater with 14 screens and stadium seating. The grounds include a playground and dancing water fountain for the kids to enjoy. Sit at one of the many benches or outdoor restaurants and cafes to watch the kids or the passers by. Located at the corner of the Mid Bay Bridge and Hwy 98 in Destin.

Silver Sands Factory Stores 
Over 100 brand name and designer outlet stores. This is the nation's largest designer outlet center. Located on HWY 98 in Miramar Beach near Sandestin.

The Village Shops at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Enjoy outdoor dining, movies, live music and shopping at the many stores in the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin's bayside. Park at the main gate on the north side of HWY 98 and ride the shuttle boat to the Village. Also check out the events page on the website ... there is always something interesting happening at Baytowne Wharf!

Other Activities

Other Activities

If you get tired of basking in the sun or hitting the links, there are tons of other activities available in Destin and the surrounding areas. Here are a few for your consideration:



Fun on the Water
Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Cruises
Pick these up at the Destin Harbor. Several boat charters go out during the day and evening to tour the area in search of dolphins. Spectacular fun to be had on these double decker boat cruises. Spend 2 hours cruising the harbor, Gulf of Mexico, Destin Pass and the Choctawhatchee Bay. See dolphins play in their natural habitat!

Southern Star Dolphin & Sunset Cruises - 850-837-7741 

Olin Marler's Charter Boats - 850-837-7095 

Boogie's Water Sports - Offers dolphin sightseeing trips on glass bottom boats. Other water sports rentals available, such as parasailing, pontoon rental and waverunner rentals.  850-654-4497

 

 


Fun in the Water

Big Kahuna's Water Park
On HWY 98 in Destin. Spend the day in this huge water park! Park includes waterfall, wave pool, river ride, go carts, water slides, and miniature golf!  850-837-4061.

Emerald Coast Scuba 
Learn to scuba dive! PADI Instructor training center.  850-837-0955

Ride On Surf School - Learn to catch some waves!


 

Just Plain Fun

Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island - Enjoy the marine show and aquarium rain or shine!  850-243-9046.

FantaSea Scooters - Enjoy riding scooters, electric cars and scoot cars along Scenic Gulf Drive.  850-654-7772 

The Track Family Recreation Center - Fun for the whole family can be found at The Track -- miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, kiddie rides, thrill rides and an indoor game room.

   

Live Music 

Café 331 - Variety of live music most weekends.  Hwy 331 North at Bay Bridge, Santa Rosa Beach – 850-622-3335

Bud and Alleys - Open-air bar upstairs overlooking the Gulf, live music on Fridays and Saturdays.  2260 W Hwy 30-A, Seaside – 850-231-5900

Ocean Club - Features house bands  8955 Hwy 98 West, Miramar Beach – 850-267-3666

Old Florida Fish House - Soul, pop and current hits on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  E. Hwy 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach – 850-534-3045

Pandora's - Live shows Tuesday through Sunday.  Corner of Hwy 30-A and Hwy 283, Grayton Beach – 850-231-4102

Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club - Gulf front, variety of bands Friday and Saturday.  4801 W. Hwy 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach – 850-267-2305

The Red Bar  - Jazz band Tuesday through Saturday starting at 7 pm.  70 Holtz Avenue, Grayton Beach – 850-231-1008

The Village Door at the Village of Baytowne Wharf - Live bands (check schedule online for details)  Located in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin – 850-267-0140