Destin

[chris42503]

Just looking for some advice about Destin. Looking to take a family trip next summer and have never been to Destin. I'm just looking for ideas as to what areas are best and if any areas are to be avoided. Any ideas as to specific places and things to do are also appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Our resident doctor will be along shortly to coach you up. Rent a boat and take the family to crab island for some shell hunting.

 

[WettCat]

We stayed a few miles east of Destin a couple of weeks ago but did a drive back through the area to see some of our old haunts. Couldn't believe how crowded it has become.....beach umbrellas lined up 3-4 deep from one end of the beach to the other.

Strongly suggest looking into the 30A area instead.

 

[KentuckyStout]

For me it's tradition to eat a breakfast at the Donut Hole - the one on 98 at Santa Rosa beach, not the one on Harbor Blvd.

Back Porch and AJ's down at the marina are all go-tos in Destin. Check out the marina in the afternoon when the fishing boats come.

Head further east on 98 and spend a day in Seaside.

 

[drxman1]

Just looking for some advice about Destin. Looking to take a family trip next summer and have never been to Destin. I'm just looking for ideas as to what areas are best and if any areas are to be avoided. Any ideas as to specific places and things to do are also appreciated.

Thanks!

If you're going with the family, 30 A, Santa Rosa beach and Seaside might be more the play. Sandestin and everything to the east.

If you are going to party, I'd say more around the Destin Harbor.

If you are driving, just try to stay off 98 as much as possible, as this will be a traffic jam in the summer.

I just wouldn't book anything in Ft Walton Beach, not quite the same feel.

 

[Rex Kwon Do]

Donut Hole

Haven't yet, but have considered having them UPS me some of their goods.

 

[Dig Dirkler]

Just looking for some advice about Destin. Looking to take a family trip next summer and have never been...

Sounds like it's your destin-y to go.

 

[WettCat]

Donut Hole isn't anything special. Just a great vacation tradition for those who have gone back many times. Stopped by for breakfast a couple of weeks ago and walked when they said 45 minute wait.

And went to the Perfect Pig in Santa Rosa Beach with no wait. Ordered their Parmesan Crusted Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Two eggs, hand sliced sugar bacon, cheese all wrapped in grilled cheese with parmesan on the outside. Total surprise, one of the best things I've had in a long time. HIGHLY recommend.

 

[UK_Dallas]

30A. Unless you are hitting the grocery and cooking in the condo every night. Otherwise Destin traffic is awful.

 

[dgtatu01]

There really isn't anywhere I would advise avoiding. It's all pretty nice. Miramar Beach and Sandesrin are on the edge of the traffic so if you head east from there no traffic, if you head west towards Destin there is a lot of traffic. That's mostly at night around dinnertime though. We love it down there so no complaints for me, plus it's on central time so eating a little early to avoid waits and traffic for us eastern time zone folks is no problem.

 

[UKserialkiller]

OP is killing his family for insurance money.

 

[Ineverplayedthegame]

If you like people and traffic, you've found your spot. Otherwise drive about 3 hours east to St. George Island.

 

[chris42503]

Ok, I was looking at places that were right in the heart of Destin.... Sounds like this might be a bad idea. I'm not looking for my own private beach but also not thrilled about the sound of 3 - 4 rows deep of beach umbrellas.

 

[drxman1]

Ok, I was looking at places that were right in the heart of Destin.... Sounds like this might be a bad idea. I'm not looking for my own private beach but also not thrilled about the sound of 3 - 4 rows deep of beach umbrellas.

Yeah it will be crowded. Getting front row with the umbrellas-you better get there early. If you're staying at a decent place, it will be fine. Just be aware that 98 will be very congested.

 

[catsfanbgky]

Now that my boys are 18,21,24 Destin is no longer a option. We always stay at Calypso in PCB. If crowds are not your thing, might need to just hit up Navarre or Pensacola Beach. PCB is just a extra 40 mile drive, beautiful scenic drive, lots more stuff to do. There are a few smaller communities between Destin and PCB that may be more to your licking, plus there is a dog track outside of PCB. Your kids will love watching the doggies running.

 

[Bluewest]

If you're anywhere close to Destin, go to McGuire's. But I would stay at Carillon(15-20 minutes west of PCB.)

 

[KentuckyStout]

Oh yeah forgot - I usually go to Destin in September. No way I go there June-August, that's what amateurs from up north do.

45 minute wait at Donut Hole...lol. Learn Florida people.

 

[drxman1]

I'm not gonna hate on it, but I've never really been blown away by Donut Hole.

What's wrong with Destin now that your boys are older? Seems they'd be crushing the harbor.

 

[cole854]

Can be crowded during the end of June-mid August time frame….not bad before and after these dates, but there is a lot of exaggeration and clueless posts here. I was just there Aug 4 – 13 and it was perfect. Family has had a condo there for the last 12 yrs and have been going anywere from July 4th to mid-September, as well as Christmas and golf trips in the spring.


Destin is a great family spot w/ lots to do w/o being too commercialized.


Not sure where you are driving from but taking 75S to Chattanooga and cutting over to south of B-Ham via 59 eliminates tons of headaches on 65.

 

[cole854]

McGuires

Another Broken Egg

Bijoux

Marina Café

AJ’s

Miller’s Ale House is excellent for pub food and watching games.


And as mentioned, 30A area has some great local eats and places to venture to for a day.

 

[KentuckyStout]

I'm not gonna hate on it, but I've never really been blown away by Donut Hole.

It's tradition (or nostalgia) more than anything I guess - been going there for years and a trip down there wouldn't be the same without it.

 

[catsfanbgky]

I'm not gonna hate on it, but I've never really been blown away by Donut Hole.

What's wrong with Destin now that your boys are older? Seems they'd be crushing the harbor.

We love Destin, I guess the clubs and stuff PCB offers. I told them, "there is girls anywhere down here, you don't have to be in PCB." I think they like the idea of having more places to hit up in PCB, they where actually around the area when Dak Prescott got the ish beat out of him. They usually leave the condo around 7-8 and work the whole strip. Very jealous of them, in my prime I was not fortunate enough to have a place like PCB to go out looking for strange. They truly do not know the struggle.

 

[catsfanbgky]

It's tradition (or nostalgia) more than anything I guess - been going there for years and a trip down there wouldn't be the same without it.

That is my wife's deal with Mcguires. I mean it is not the best must have food around, but my wife will not leave and head back home until she gets to go eat the Reuben there. Myself, I like the beans, but I would go out of my way to make sure I have them, not the burger, good, but not "must have."

 

[drxman1]

Love McGuires, even miss their beer. Just a really fun place. Those Irish wakes will take their toll.

The bean soup is the best deal on the planet. Was rather partial to the pizza burger myself.

 

[KentuckyStout]

OP, don't forget to live-stream those beach pics of your family in white shirts and khakis directly to Facebook!

 

[RUPPsRevenge1]

Back Porch definitely a place to go. AvoI'd the public beaches and go down to the state park. You pay like 3 bucks to get in and you wouldn't believe how much that reduces the crowds. It is down by the Palms of Destin.

While the traffic is horrible, it can all pretty much be avoided. There are parrallel roads to the main strip. Simply go down a block or two and use those.

Enjoyable place, especially if you go at the right times. Some of the other beaches that were previously closed on the panhandle may be driving even more traffic to the area than normal (and it's normally bad).

 

[JamesIII]

Back Porch definitely a place to go. AvoI'd the public beaches and go down to the state park. You pay like 3 bucks to get in and you wouldn't believe how much that reduces the crowds. It is down by the Palms of Destin.

While the traffic is horrible, it can all pretty much be avoided. There are parrallel roads to the main strip. Simply go down a block or two and use those.

Enjoyable place, especially if you go at the right times. Some of the other beaches that were previously closed on the panhandle may be driving even more traffic to the area than normal (and it's normally bad).

Great insight. Where is the best place in Destin to get a tramp stamp?

 

[KentuckyStout]

Haha I keep hearing about traffic...lol. Are you kidding me, traffic? This is the Gulf we are talking about, right?

Are you people all from towns with a main street and a single red light? Sheesh.

Mah Gawd Ethel we been sittin' here on 98 for near 10 minutes in this here traffic, will it ever end, when does the Fudpuckers close??

Look, go in September if you can. Same beaches, same places to stay, same food...all with better weather, lower prices and less people.

 

[catsfanbgky]

Avoid the public beaches ??? How about you just get a condo that is Gulf front ? Then you do not have to drive to a beach and pay. Kid of stupid if you ask me. Also, I mean if you are going on a beach vacation (obviously the BEACH is a pretty important deal), why would you not be Gulf front ? I mean the beach is steps out your door, and pretty much there when ever you want it.

 

[WettCat]

Big difference in price going from ocean front to ocean view to one block off the ocean. Lot of people are on a budget.

 

[drxman1]

I mean, it's nice to see the ocean from your room...whether its worth a hefty difference in the rate, up to you.

For me the big deal is how far to the beach. Are we walking downstairs or packing up the car...now that is a big difference...IMO.

 

[KentuckyStout]

Packing up the car? To go to the beach? That should never happen. Ever.

 

[chris42503]

OP, don't forget to live-stream those beach pics of your family in white shirts and khakis directly to Facebook!

That will not happen.

 

[chris42503]

Haha I keep hearing about traffic...lol. Are you kidding me, traffic? This is the Gulf we are talking about, right?

Are you people all from towns with a main street and a single red light? Sheesh.

Mah Gawd Ethel we been sittin' here on 98 for near 10 minutes in this here traffic, will it ever end, when does the Fudpuckers close??

Look, go in September if you can. Same beaches, same places to stay, same food...all with better weather, lower prices and less people.

I love going on vacation in Sept.... Unfortunately my kids elm school does not agree with me on that one.

 

[chris42503]

I plan to stay in a condo / maybe a house that is on the beach. I was just wondering best area.....Destin, Sandestin, Miramar ect...

 

[WettCat]

I'm assuming most people already know this, but since it hasn't been mentioned....searching properties via VRBO and negotiating rates has always worked pretty well for us.

 

[RUPPsRevenge1]

Great insight. Where is the best place in Destin to get a tramp stamp?

Too bad last time I took your wife down there she only got a sunburn on her neck due to her face being down the whole time. Funny the tan line a face left on my mid section.

 

[RacerX.ksr]

Just looking for some advice about Destin. Looking to take a family trip next summer and have never been to Destin. I'm just looking for ideas as to what areas are best and if any areas are to be avoided. Any ideas as to specific places and things to do are also appreciated.

Thanks!

Are you going to remember all of this come next summer? Probably not, so concentrate on this. Miniature golf. They've got some whacky courses there, lol, talk to the locals, they'll point you in the right direction.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Destin also hosts a Papa John's. They say it rivals Gatlinburg.