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What if I told you that you didn’t have to book a trip to the Caribbean for a white sandy beach vacation? If you’re dying for some beach therapy in the United States, there is no better place than Destin, Florida.
Over 4.5 million people travel to the Florida panhandle each year to relax and recharge. Since the 1970’s this has been a mecca for family-friendly holidays, honeymooners seeking romance and a favorite destination among retirees looking to escape the cold.
Destin is located along the Gulf of Mexico on what is aptly named the Emerald Coast after its gleaming white sandy beaches and warm glistening turquoise waters. This makes it the perfect choice for fun-filled, sun-kissed getaways.
But choosing the best place to stay in Destin can be a monumental task. With so many options, it can be hard to decide what area to stay in.
That’s why we created this little guide highlighting three of the best spots. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on Downtown Destin & Destin Harbor, Miramar Beach and Crystal Beach.
Let’s get started!
Crystal Beach
Reasons to stay
Crystal Beach is a honeymoon haven with its sugar sand beaches and glimmering waters of teal and aqua. It’s a place that people come to relax in the sun and let their cares drift away with the sound of the ocean waves. You’ll also love the 1950’s vibe of this tiny town with its adorable pastel beachfront cottages and palatial mansions.
Places To Play
Found along scenic Highway 98, this posh beach town has lots to see and do. While the beach itself isn’t quite as busy as Downtown Destin and Destin Harbor, there’s definitely enough here to keep you busy.
Here are three top things you’ll want to do during your stay
- Henderson Beach State Park – Located adjacent to Crystal Beach, where you can explore nature trails and spend the day fishing
- Historic Bike Tour – Grab a bike and head out for a tour in Crystal Beach’s sleepy beachside neighbourhoods. There will be tons of beach access along the way, allowing you to take a break and even have a picnic if you wish.
- Destin Commons – Voted the best place in Destin to shop with a myriad of designer brands and stores to browse through. There are also lots of dining options available as well.
Spots To Dine
Crystal Beach has an abundance of fabulous places to dine. Since it is such a popular place for weddings, there’s no shortage of romantic restaurants where you can watch the sunset by candlelight.
- The Crab Trap – After a day on the beach, you must head over to the Crab Trap for locally sourced seafood, where you can sit seaside and enjoy your meal right on the beach.
- Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe – Foodies approve! Camille’s is a Crystal Beach highlight you can either choose to have a fine dining experience in the restaurant or stop by the cafe for a smoothie and a world-class sandwich
- 790 On The Gulf – Does an insta-worthy fine dining experience on the beach sound like something you’d love to do? Us too! Check out their romantic package for 2 with a complete dining set up for dinner on the beach that’ll make you feel you’re on the set of The Bachelor.
Miramar Beach
Reasons To Stay
Miramar Beach isn’t exactly a part of Destin, but most people still consider it close enough with only a short 10-15 drive to downtown. This is a great option for young families and families with lots of kids with just the right mix of family-friendly activities and less crowded beaches than in Destin Harbor.
You’ll love Miramar Beach for its easy-breezy vibe. When guests stay here, they fall in love with it for the panoramic views of the Gulf coast, the old-school nostalgia of the beachside neighbourhoods, not to mention all the cool little coffee and surf shops mixed in.
Places To Play
Here are three top things you’ll want to do during your stay:
- Grand Boulevard at Sandestin – If you’re a fashionista and no trip is complete without finding a brand new outfit, you’ll want to hit up Grand Boulevard. But it’s not all shopping here. This entertainment complex is an attraction in its own right with dining, a cinema, a fitness center and cultural events that the whole family will enjoy.
- Village of Baytowne Wharf – This place is a hidden gem that not enough tourists know about. We recommend planning to enjoy the village in the evening. You can have or drink or two in one of the taverns, meander through the interesting little shops and be entertained by all the live music and street performers. Whether a night out with the family or for a date night, you’re going to love it here.
- Miramar Beach Parasailing – Ever dreamed of flying? Well, now you can. With Miramar Beach Parasailing, you can take to flight over the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and get an exclusive bird’s eye view of the Emerald Coast.
Spots To Dine
Not to be outshone by the other areas in Destin, Miramar is home to some incredible dining experiences.
Here are just a few of our recommendations
- Maple Street Biscuits – You haven’t lived until you’ve had breakfast at Maple Street Biscuits. This place does things with food that we’ve never even contemplated, but we’re so glad they did. This place is a culinary experience not to be missed.
- Pepitos Mexican Restaurant – Got a hankering for some authentic Mexican food? Stop on in at Pepitos for their fresh salsa made daily, premium burritos and a wide selection of Margueritas.
- Sushimoto – This small, locally-owned restaurant is a treasure. With all the readily available fresh seafood on the Gulf Coast, this sushi is a delight. Treat yourself, and head on over!
Destin Harbor & Downtown Destin
Reasons To Stay
Destin Harbor & the Downtown Destin area are the epicentres of fun and activity in this beautiful city. Home of the largest fishing charter fleet in the country, otherwise known as “the luckiest fishing village in the world,” Destin Harbor and Downtown Destin draw a huge crowd each year. From the world-class fishing, shopping, attractions and nightlife, this place offers non-stop fun.
Places To Play
Here are three top things you’ll want to do during your stay
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets – take advantage of the deep discounts at this vast shopping outlet.
- Big Kahuna’s Adventure & Water Park – only a short drive or walk from anywhere in Destin. Try your hand at their magical tropical mini-golf course, get your adrenaline pumping on one of their waterslides, or take it easy in the lazy river. The whole family is sure to have a blast here.
- The Track – grab the kids and spend a few hours over at the Go-Kart Track. It’s the perfect activity for days when the weather isn’t quite cooperating with beach plans. There’s also an arcade and bumper boats where you are more than welcome to unleash your competitive side.
Spots To Dine
Choices! Choices! Choices! There are so many incredible restaurants to choose from in Downtown Destin and Destin Harbor that you’ll wish you had more time in the day to try them all. With that said, we’ve done our best to try and narrow them down for you.
Here are just a few of our recommendations
- Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – With “the world’s luckiest fishing village” as their backyard, Boshamps is the authority of fresh seafood dishes that are sure to delight. This restaurant is a fine dining experience not to be missed.
- Dewey Destin’s Harborside – A rustic seaside restaurant known for its steaks and fresh “catch of the day” menu is what an authentic night in Destin is all about. Great food, great service and great views! What more could you ask for?
- Marina Cafe – Destin’s most awarded restaurant is another must if you’re in the Destin Harbor area. This restaurant not only has world-class food but world-class views of the sunset. Marina Cafe is destined to be a family favourite.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – the three top areas in Destin, Florida, for your tropical vacation. We hope this breakdown of the reasons to stay, play and dine helped. But, the truth is that regardless of where you choose to stay in Destin, there will be no shortage of talcum powdery white sand, ocean views and seascape memories to last a lifetime! And if you want to try another neighbourhood you could always plan to come back next year, right?
Happy Travels!
