Have you ever experienced decision paralysis?! Because SAME. And honestly, Destin doesn’t make choosing any easier; in the best possible way! With so many incredible places to eat, things to do, local businesses to discover, and beautiful spots to explore, sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to start.
That’s exactly why we created our Best of Destin Guide! We’ve partnered with some amazing local businesses to put together a go-to resource that helps take the guesswork out of enjoying everything the Destin area has to offer.
Whether you’re planning your next family vacation, visiting for the weekend, or lucky enough to call Destin home, we’ve got you covered! You’ll find recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, what to do, places to explore, and local favorites worth adding to your list.
And because the best recommendations often come from YOU, we want to hear your favorites too! If there’s a Destin restaurant, activity, business, or hidden gem you love that isn’t included yet, drop it in the comments! We’re always adding to our resources and want this guide to be one you come back to again and again.
Thank you to our sponsors below.
PLACES TO EAT
EMPANOLA DESTIN
Empanola Destin is a family-owned restaurant located in Destin, Florida, specializing in fresh-baked gourmet empanadas inspired by flavors from around the world. We offer more than 21 unique empanada varieties, along with specialty coffee, refreshing beverages, and homemade desserts. Our mission is to provide high-quality food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, Empanola Destin delivers a delicious and convenient dining experience every day.
4618 Opa Locka Ln, Destin, FL
WHERE TO STAY
There are a ton of options in terms of where to stay in Destin! Here are some things to consider when you are researching:
+Beach Access: If you aren’t staying at a condo with beach access, you will need to look into where your closest access points are. Make sure to take note of that especially if your group are big fans of the beach!
+Will you have a car? Most people like having a rental car in Destin unless you plan to spend most of your time at your rental home/condo. If you would rather not have a car you can plan for ride share cost.
+Neighborhood vs Condo: There are several developments where you can easily rent a condo. There are also many airbnb options in neighborhoods. Depending on your group and your preferences, it is nice to have choices!
Here are some specific areas to look into:
- Fort Walton Beach / Okaloosa Island
- Miramar Beach
- Crystal Beach
- Holiday Isle
- Sandestin
- Harborwalk Village
Red Flag Day Tips
Red flag (and double red flag) days can throw a bit of a wrench in your beach plans during your beach day. While they aren’t necessarily fun, they are definitely for your safety. So it’s important to follow the rules and we are here to help. Here are some ideas for things to do on a red flag day.
