Melissa’s guidebook
Food scene
Most of these suggestions are local favorites not big chain restaurants; we have those in the area too if that's what you are looking for. If your wanting to eat somewhere you will only find around here try some of these places.
Stewby's Seafood Shanty
235 Santa Rosa BlvdNeighborhood Cafe
417 Mary Esther Cut Off NWAli's Bistro
171 Brooks St SEThe Gulf
1284 Marler AvenueMcGuire's Irish Pub of Destin
33 US-98Donut Hole Bakery Cafe
635 Harbor BlvdCrab Trap, Fort Walton Beach
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEBuffalo's Reef
116 Eglin Pkwy NEDewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant
9 Calhoun AveAsiago's Skillet
110 Amberjack DrSightseeing
Pretty views for dining, boat rentals, dolphin cruises, small concerts, and shopping. Fun for the whole family.
138 locals recommend
Destin Harbor Boardwalk
102 Harbor BlvdPretty views for dining, boat rentals, dolphin cruises, small concerts, and shopping. Fun for the whole family.
Shopping
DeFrance Antiques
230 Eglin Pkwy SEVery unique place with a little bit of everything.
Destin Commons
4100 Legendary DrSilver Sands Premium Outlets
10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy WBaytowne Wharf Boulevard
Entertainment
Here are a few suggestions of things to do when you need a little break from the beach.
The Rachet Hatchet
304 Perry Ave SERegal Sun Plaza
427 Mary Esther BlvdGulfarium Gift Shop
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEBig Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
1007 US-98Destin Laser Tag
20011 Emerald Coast PkwyWild Willy's Adventure Zone
1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEHurricane Lanes
34876 Emerald Coast PkwySurge Trampoline Park
300 Mary Esther BlvdPublic Beach Access
John C Beasley Park
1550 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEGulf Islands National Seashore
1 Gulf National Sea Shore DrTraveler advice
Getting around
Traffic
If you are staying in the height of the season you will be in traffic. 98/Miracle Strip Pkwy is the only road that runs from Navarre to Miramar Beach almost everything fun is on this road. This means that everyone doing anything beach or tourist related will be on this road at some point. My advice to you is start your day early if you want to hit the beach. This way you get great parking and you miss the traffic.