Laura's Guidebook
Food scene
Be Thai
334 Eglin Pkwy NEThey have the best Pad Thai!
SoiBistro
234 Miracle Strip Pkwy SWGreat atmosphere and delicious sushi.
Seriously delicious and instagram worthy Açaí bowls! This is a locally owned and operated food truck, give him some business!
15 locals recommend
Sunset Bowls
211 Florida Pl SESeriously delicious and instagram worthy Açaí bowls! This is a locally owned and operated food truck, give him some business!
Good food with a great atmosphere. I love coming here and sitting by the water and chatting with friends.
106 locals recommend
The Gulf
1284 Marler AvenueGood food with a great atmosphere. I love coming here and sitting by the water and chatting with friends.
This is a local favorite with tons of great food options, including the best steak on the Emerald Coast! They don’t take reservations and the wait on the weekends is usually kind of lengthy, but it’s worth it. Grab an Irish Wake while you wait to be seated!
318 locals recommend
McGuire's Irish Pub of Destin
33 US-98This is a local favorite with tons of great food options, including the best steak on the Emerald Coast! They don’t take reservations and the wait on the weekends is usually kind of lengthy, but it’s worth it. Grab an Irish Wake while you wait to be seated!
Stewby's Seafood Shanty
235 Santa Rosa BlvdBoshamps Seafood and Oyster House
414 Harbor BlvdAJ's on the Bayou
200 Eglin Pkwy NEThe Shack
104 Miracle Strip Pkwy SWRick's Crab Trap
178 Eglin Pkwy NEThe Boathouse Landing
124 N John Sims PkwySightseeing
Come out here in the early morning and evening with your favorite book. There’s nothing more peaceful!
41 locals recommend
Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
139 Brooks St SECome out here in the early morning and evening with your favorite book. There’s nothing more peaceful!
It’s a little bit of a drive and you’ll need a day pass to access the village, but it’s well worth the views. I love going here to people watch and stroll around
89 locals recommend
Village of Baytowne Wharf
9300 Baytowne Wharf BlvdIt’s a little bit of a drive and you’ll need a day pass to access the village, but it’s well worth the views. I love going here to people watch and stroll around
Great place for kids or anyone who loves marine life!
232 locals recommend
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEGreat place for kids or anyone who loves marine life!
Great food, sights, and activities- the HarborWalk Village has it all!
295 locals recommend
HarborWalk Village
34 Harbor BlvdGreat food, sights, and activities- the HarborWalk Village has it all!
Fun activities
Tired of the beach and bars? Check out these places!
The Rachet Hatchet
304 Perry Ave SEWho knew throwing axes could be so much fun?
Escape Zone 60
1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEThis is my favorite place to do escape rooms!
Crab island is a must in the summer for party-goers! Rent a boat, paddle board, or take the water taxi out and spend the day at the famous Crab Island
82 locals recommend
Crab Island Cruises
Crab island is a must in the summer for party-goers! Rent a boat, paddle board, or take the water taxi out and spend the day at the famous Crab Island
Wild Willy's Adventure Zone
1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEBeach Access Points
Henderson Beach State Park
Emerald Coast PkwyCrab Trap, Fort Walton Beach
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SEJohn C Beasley Park
1550 Miracle Strip Pkwy SETraveler advice
Don't miss
The Sunday Thai farmer’s market is a must!
Located at the Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple in FWB. Open from 10am-1pm. Be sure to bring cash where it will be converted to tokens- you’ll be able to return the tokens if you don’t spend them all.
Don't miss
Thursday night fireworks!
Every Thursday (in the summer months) the Harborwalk in Destin has a firework show starting around 8:30. There are lots of other attractions and eateries on the harborwalk, including a real pirate ship that you can take a short cruise on!
Don't miss
Dolphin Cruise!
There’s tons to choose from, but if you love seeing marine life in the WILD, make sure to book your spot on a dolphin cruise!
Getting around
Ubers and Lyfts are the best way to get around
Be mindful of the price surges at night, otherwise ride-shares are the best way to get around if you don't have a car.