Shopping in Destin as an attraction emerged with the opening of Destin Commons in 2003. Over 95 stores including Bass Pro Shops, Belk, Whole Foods Market, and AMC Multiplex IMAX Movie Theater. City Food Hall is coming in Spring 2022 and should be a great addition for food and fun.
Center to Destin’s history is its fishing fleet, the Destin harbor, and East Pass from Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a day walking the harbor in the afternoon to see what the fleet is bringing in. There are many options for quick bites and beverages while you stroll. The annual Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place the entire month of October. There are other fishing tournaments throughout the fishing season with Cobia (Yum!) in spring, King Mackerel, and Red Snapper in summer.
Book a tee time for golf at Indian Bayou, Kelly Plantation, or Regatta Bay. You won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget Destin also offers offshore/inshore/shoreline fishing (charters of all types and sizes), golf courses, boating, water sports, sunsets, shopping, and renowned restaurants. We hope you enjoy this area we refer to as paradise.
Whether you own property in Destin, are looking for Destin short-term vacation rental properties, or are just visiting, Destin will be you and your family or group’s best beach escape venue. And PMI Destin-30A’s professional property managers will relieve you from the headaches, care for your asset, and achieve maximize revenue and profit performance.
Destin activities and attractions:
Crab Island Rent a boat and visit this large shallow water sandy bottom sandbar just north of the Destin bridge. Water is spectacular at high tide. All ages need to be careful because the tide here is very strong; stay attached to lines and do not try to swim against the tide.
Henderson Beach State Park Small fee of $6 per vehicle to enter and access to beach, parking, nature trails, and restrooms.
Also, The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, and James Lee Beach aka Crab Trap Beach.
Dining in Destin: has something for everyone but the Gulf is a focus.
Boschamps Seafood and Oyster House Waterfront dining, casual Gulf-to-Table dining experience. Procure much of their own seafood from their own seafood company. It’s all fresh and delicious. We start with oysters and tuna dip. Sometimes Gumbo. Pecan Grouper, Catch of the Day Grilled, or a Shrimp or Snapper/Grouper basket. Drinks are strong, especially the Maker’s Miller’s Way. We miss Flamingo Café but Boschamps is wonderful. The problem is everyone knows it. Try lunch or weekday dinner to avoid a long wait, or be prepared to have a few rounds watching the folks and harbor traffic.
Dewey Destin’s Widest selection of fresh fish, sandwich, or meal. Harbor location or the Original location overlooking Crab Island. Will also grill your catch from your fishing charter.
Harbor Docks Great food from their harbor location since 1979 with their own wholesale seafood market since 1981. The first in Destin to serve sushi in 1988 by Chef Yoshi. Hey Baby and Spider rolls are our Fav’s but don’t miss the spring rolls, grouper anyway, cobia in season, and stuffed shrimp.
Camille’s Same great Harbor Docks fresh fish and service in Crystal Beach.
Boathouse Oysters, drinks, and music on the harbor. Local and repeat guest favorite.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster House An institution on the harbor. Huge indoor space and an even larger outdoor stage area that is home to events for just about any special day. A must during the October Destin Fishing Rodeo for leaderboards, weigh-ins, grand-stand seating, beer/bar kiosks, and merchandise.
790 Florida Seafood Recently moved from their Old Hwy 98 waterfront location to a new spot, outparcel just west of the Destin Walmart. Start with seared tuna and/or one of several delicious gumbos or bisque. Happy hour is usually 3-6 pm daily with eats and premium liquor specials.
La Paz Tex-Mex since 1993 in the center of Destin off Gulf Shore Drive. Shrimp tacos are great. Margaritas made with fresh-squeezed citrus.
Louisiana Lagniappe Since 1984 in Sandpiper Cove off Gulf Shore Drive on the far east side of the harbor. Gulf Seafood with a Creole flair. Carpool or rideshare, limited parking, especially in season. We have to do their Grouper Pontchartrain at least annually. Blackened Redfish is also a good choice.
McGuire’s Irish Pub This second location of Pensacola’s legendary Irish Pub opened in 1996. Senate Bean Soup for pennies, yes! View of the East Pass (don’t miss the 2nd-floor bar/deck), Destin Bridge and Crab Island, Strong cocktails (premium wells), and a menu that has something for everyone. Great beers that have been brewed onsite years before it was a ‘thing’. Beware the Irish Wake. Don’t miss the Hickory Smoked Prime Rib or St. Patty’s Day here.
The Craft Bar Gastropub Florida style. Extensive ever-changing craft beer selection. Impressive small batch and specialty liquor menu. Knob Creek Old Fashion (Smoked or not) or Perfect Martini. For eats any burger, Ahi Tuna BLT or Fried Chicken are delis. Do the fries, share if you must.
Pazzo Italiano Great pasta and wood-fired pizza. Authentic Italian dining in a comfortable upscale atmosphere.
Ruth Chris Steakhouse Great central location in Destin with valet parking. Solid steaks, wine list, and service. The NOLA-inspired outdoor Courtyard Bar is awesome. Michael Thomas is usually on sax in the East Bar Wed-Sat 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Callahan’s Restaurant and Deli Full bar, great food, and a relaxed comfortable family atmosphere. Deli offers deli salads, sandwich meats, cheese, and Choice Steaks. Most menu dishes are larger portions. We love the Country Fried Steak (share for two sometimes) and all sandwiches and salads with house-made dressings. Closed Sunday and Monday.
First Watch Breakfast or lunch. Tasty and healthy or filling, you choose. Depending on how late we were out and what is on the agenda we like multigrain pancakes, eggs with biscuits and turkey sausage gravy, or avocado toast with egg over easy. Great coffee. Tasty salads and sandwiches as well.
Donut Hole Don’t mind the name, it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner her 8 am-8 pm. Love the pancakes and eggs benedict ala Gulf Coast…swap the Canadian bacon for crab cakes! Deserts are handmade and the key lime pie is one of the tops on the coast. Locations in Santa Rosa Beach and Rosemary Beach as well.
