Visitor Guide
Some ideas to make your Destin vacation one to remember
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Destin East Jetty You can’t visit Florida’s Coast without making time to see some of the local aquatic life! The “east jetty” is within walking distance down the beach to the west from the condo and is a great location for snorkeling. We recommend checking the tides schedule and go at high tide for the best experience. You can walk down the beach (15 min walk) with your own gear, drive and park at O'Steen beach access (paid parking), or schedule a snuba or snorkel tour that departs from the harbor.
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HarborWalk Village HarborWalk Village has many available activities including water sports and rentals but it is also where you find parasailing, zip-lining, live music, seasonal weekly fireworks (which you can even view from the condo), shopping, and fabulous culinary experiences. |
Crab Island Visit the famous Crab Island. It is accessible only by water through guided tour or renting your own vessel. While there, play water volleyball, swim, float, sunbathe, whatever floats your proverbial boat! |
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Gulfarium Approximately 8 miles away from the condo is Gulfarium marine adventure park. Delight in watching dolphins leap and sea lions play during spectacular shows! Or participate and interact directly with these and other remarkable marine animals including stingrays, sharks, and otters in our new interactive programming. Enjoy educational exhibits and beautiful ocean views. Open daily at 9am. |
Big Kahuna's Big Kahuna is the largest water park on the Emerald Coast and is 1.6 miles away. This large and constantly expanding water park has over 40 water attractions for sliding, splashing or just basking in the sun and, for night-time fun, miniature golf, go-kart tracks and several thrill rides. |
Boating or Fishing The Gulf Coast is home to a wide variety of fish species and Destin is a great place to launch a fishing trip. There are fishing charters available for deep sea fishing trips, kid and family friendly trips, and even party boat fishing trips. If you are an experienced saltwater angler and enjoy the spirit of competition, consider visiting Destin in October and participating in the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Founded in 1948, this is a significant piece of Destin history and the ultimate fishing tournament! And when you aren’t on the water, you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Destin Seafood Festival that kicks off the Rodeo! |
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Pontoon, WaveRunner or Paddle Board Rentals Rent a paddleboard or bike. The island is a great place to explore on a bike. Paddle boarding is great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Depending on water conditions, you can rent boards and use them in the gulf or the harbor. Luher's Pontoon, Kayak, Wave Runner Rentals
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Golf Cart Rentals Golf carts are a fun way to get around the island. They can be parked in parking lot at the complex but must have parking pass. displayed (and counts toward two allowed spaces). |
Destin Fishing and History Museum This is great for a rainy day. Experience the historic and educational exhibits detailing early Destin life from the 1830s. Witness the birth and evolution of a fishing industry that has become the heritage of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village". View over 60 mounts of fish caught by anglers in Destin waters and learn about local fish and fishing. See the restored "Primrose", Destin's last seine boat and the original first post office building that served the early pioneers. |
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Silver Sands Premium Outlets Silver Sands Premium Outlets are 9.5 miles away. The center is home to 110 designer and name brand outlet stores offering savings of up to 65% off everyday. Shoppers can find extraordinary deals at Coach, Columbia Sportswear, Banana Republic, Gap Outlet, J.Crew, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Under Armour, Vera Bradley, and more. |
The Village of Baytowne Located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. This setting within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is the perfect spot to spend a vibrant afternoon or evening. |
Destin Commons Close by is Destin Commons, a beautifully landscaped, pedestrian-friendly area and a great family venue where children will love to play in the interactive water fountains. Also for the younger guests, a nautically/pirate themed outdoor playground features a 1,750 square foot soft play area with various creatures from the sea, slides, and a treasure chest! Destin Commons also has a mini-train for the kids. Destin Commons features over 75 shops and restaurants, including Godiva Chocolates, AMC Movie Theaters and Bass Pro Shop. |
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DINING
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Lousiana Lagniappe Louisiana Lagniappe is our personal favorite. For over thirty years it has been known for Gulf seafood with a Creole flair. Our favorite dishes are grouper pecan and their special "fish in a bag." The attire is casual, yet an upscale waterfront dining experience is provided for the entire family. They serve fresh seafood and steaks. It opens at 4:30pm daily year round. Reservations are not available, so we recommend going early for shorter wait. Parking is limited but valet is available. It is also walking distance from the condo. |
The Local Market The Local Market is open 7am - 3pm for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. Our personal favorite is their specialty burger available on Saturdays. They also have excellent ice cream (try the coconut) and daily blue plate specials. |
The Back Porch Enjoy the breathtaking Gulf views from the Back Porch while sipping on your favorite beverage and enjoying some of the best Gulf seafood on the coast. They are known for fresh Appalachicola oysters. Their smoked tuna dip is delightful. They are also famous for char-grilled Amberjack. |
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Donut Hole This is a "must visit" donut shop in Destin. It offers a variety of fantastic breakfast foods to choose from including bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, and of course fresh housemade donuts! The keylime pie is also delightful. Go early because the most popular donuts sell out. Be prepared to wait in line but it is worth it. |
Dewey Destin There are two locations, the original on Calhoun Ave and Dewey Destin's Harborside. We recommend visiting the original location for a unique experience. You will travel down the gravel drive and you're immediately transported into old Florida. This location may be a shack on the water, but it offers a nice view of Crab Island and fresh seafood. At this location, you do not have a server, but rather order at a window, grab a seat, and take in the view. |
Harbor Docks Harbor Docks serves fresh seafood and sushi and Thai dishes. It is located on the harbor and offers dining with a view. Try their fried green tomatoes which are served with tomato jam and goat cheese. |
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Boshamp's Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House located on the beautiful Destin harbor, will spoil you with spectacular sunsets, sensational "Gulf to Table Southern Cuisine", and family-friendly service all in a fun, relaxed casual atmosphere. We recommend the "True Alabama Feta Cheese Dip" and the "Snapper Destin." |
LuLu's LuLu’s serves scratch-made menu options with recipes created by Lucy Buffett (Jimmy Buffett's sister) herself. From seafood favorites to allergy-friendly choices, there is something for everybody. We recommend the gumbo and raw broccoli salad. |
McGuire's McGuire's is an Irish pub that opened in Destin in 1996. You will find the same 'Turn of the Century New York Irish Saloon' feel in this large Destin Pub. And if you'd like to enjoy a view of the harbor - step upstairs on the deck, great place to enjoy dinner and enjoy the nightlife with some of the best bands around! They are open late night until 2am every day of the week. |