Destin's Emerald Waters

This site is your all-in-one guide to planning and booking the perfect Destin vacation. From a local’s favorite restaurants, hotels, and activities to the beach gear and travel essentials you’ll want to bring along, everything you need in one place. Each page highlights must-do experiences and must-have items to make your trip easier, more fun, and completely stress-free!

Explore what Destin offers

Destin’s Best Eats Fresh seafood, waterfront dining, and local favorites.

Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi

Trendy sushi + seafood on the harbor.

Book a Table (OpenTable link)

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

Upscale island‑style dining with great cocktails.

Reserve Now (OpenTable link)

Margaritaville – Destin

Fun, casual, great for families and groups.

Reserve a Table (OpenTable link)

LandShark Bar & Grill – Destin

Beachy vibes, burgers, seafood, and drinks.

Book a Table (OpenTable link)

The Melting Pot – Destin

Fondue is a date‑night favorite.

Reserve Now (OpenTable link)

Bonefish Grill – Destin

Seafood, cocktails, and a polished atmosphere.

Book a Table (OpenTable link)

Commelfo Restaurant

Modern European cuisine with a stylish vibe.

Reserve Now (OpenTable link)

5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill

Waterfront dining with a fun, tropical atmosphere.

Book a Table (OpenTable link)

The Edge Seafood Restaurant

Waterfront dining with impressive crab claws.

View Menu

Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer

Steamed platters, shrimp & grits, harbor views.

View Menu

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Southern coastal cuisine with a great outdoor deck.

View Menu

The Back Porch

Beachfront dining with chargrilled amberjack.

View Menu

Destin's Best Hotels

Henderson Beach Resort

Luxury beachfront resort with pools, spa, and incredible Gulf views.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fthe-henderson.html

Henderson Park Inn (Adults‑Only)

Romantic boutique hotel right on the beach, perfect for couples.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fhenderson-park-inn.html

Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Iconic resort overlooking the harbor with huge suites and top amenities.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Femerald-grande-at-harborwalk-village.html

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Massive resort with beaches, golf, restaurants, and family activities.

Link: : https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fresorts%2Fcity%2Fus%2Fsandestin.html

Pelican Beach Resort Beachfront condos with great views and easy access to the water.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fpelican-beach-resort.html

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Full‑service beachfront resort with restaurants, pools, and spa.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fhilton-sandestin-beach-golf-resort-and-spa.htm

Hampton Inn & Suites Destin

Great value, great location, and consistently high traveler ratings.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fhampton-inn-suites-destin.html

Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin

Modern, family‑friendly, and close to beaches and attractions.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fhome2-suites-by-hilton-destin.html

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Upscale, walkable location near shops, dining, and entertainment.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fhyatt-place-sandestin-at-grand-boulevard.html

Fairfield Inn & Suites Destin

Clean, comfortable, and close to Henderson Beach State Park.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Ffairfield-inn-suites-destin.html

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Reliable, modern, and perfectly located for exploring the area.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fcourtyard-sandestin-at-grand-boulevard.html

Village Inn Destin

Budget‑friendly option near the harbor and local attractions.

Book Now: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2629&awinaffid=2733208&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fvillage-inn-of-destin.html

Destin's Most Fun Activities

Dolphin Cruise

One of Destin’s most popular activities.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Dolphin-Cruise/d25549-28890P2?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter

Floating paradise with shallow turquoise water.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Crab-Island-Double-Slides-Pontoon-Charter-with-Captain/d25549-330757P3?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Snorkeling and Dolphin Experience

Explore reefs, fish, and crystal‑clear water.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Delightful-Snorkel-and-Dolphin-Tours/d25549-423241P2?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Sunset Cruise

Perfect for couples and families.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Sunset-Dolphin-Excursion/d25549-415896P2?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Parasailing

Epic views of the Emerald Coast.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Parasailing/d25549-125570P8?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Jet Ski Rentals

Fast, fun, and great for exploring. *Meet up in Fort Walton Beach

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Jet-Ski-Rental-in-Destin-and-Fort-Walton-Beach/d25549-129193P31?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Private Vacation Photoshoot on Destin Beaches

Private photoshoot on the white-sand beaches of Destin.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Private-Holiday-Professional-Photo-Shoot-in-Destin/d25549-172188P35?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Banana Boat Ride in the Gulf of Mexico

Banana boat ride out of the activity-filled Destin Harbor.

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Banana-Boat-Tour/d25549-26499P1?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Real Pirate ship, cannon firing, and dolphin sightings

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Buccaneer-Pirate-Cruise/d25549-485979P1?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Destin is “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Destin-Florida-Fishing-Adventure-with-Capt-Chuck/d25549-342037P2?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Big Kahuna’s Water Park

Slides, lazy river, and family fun.

Link: https://bigkahunas.com/destin/

Crab Island Tiki Bar Cruise

Sail around Destin Harbor on a floating tiki bar

Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Destin/Harbor-Sightseeing-Cruise/d25549-117922P5?pid=P00284927&mcid=42383&medium=link

Destin Must‑Haves

A great Destin trip starts with the right gear. These essintials keep beach days easier, water adventures safer, and your whole trip a lot more comfortable. Perfect for anyone heading to the Emerald Coats!

Beach Day Essentials

  • Reef‑Safe Sunscreen Protect your skin and Destin’s clear water. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XGPM32/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Sand‑Proof Beach Blanket Shake it once and the sand falls right off. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073NYKNL4/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Quick‑Dry Towels Lightweight, packable, and perfect for condo or beach bag. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM98WW1H/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Beach Chairs (Lightweight & Foldable) Easy to carry, comfortable, and ideal for long beach days. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ2Y1KRJ/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Beach Umbrella or Sun Shade Stay cool and protected during peak sun hours. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0846Q5PLY/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Beach Toys for Kids Buckets, shovels, molds — perfect for sandcastle days. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X1BGD9Q/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

Crab Island & Water Gear

  • Waterproof Phone Pouch A must for boats, floats, and waist‑deep water. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082R2TMRV/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Floating Wrist Strap Keeps your phone or GoPro from sinking. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GUZEZL4/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Dry Bag Protects keys, wallet, towels, and electronics. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZCUCO0/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

Travel Comfort

  • Portable Mini Fan Clutch for hot days and long waits. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2NHF55F/?tag=everythi02ea3-20

  • Packing Cubes Keep your suitcase organized and stress‑free. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S35399Y/?tag=everythi02ea3-20