Destin Area Information

Go ahead and break out of your usual routine and try something you haven't done before. The Emerald Coast offers its visitors great opportunities for fun, excitement and, of course, relaxation! Click on an area of interest and learn about what our are has to offer:

AMUSEMENT Family fun and excitement abound in this vacation paradise! Make your choice of thrills, water-fun, or a challenge of speed! Big Kahuna's Lost Paradise -- A family theme park located across from the Resort. Big Kahuna's features more than 40 water attractions, including four kiddie areas. Big Kahuna's also features two go-kart tracks and mini golf. (850) 837-4061 The Track Family Recreation Center -- A recreation complex featuring Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Kiddie Rides, Bumper Boats, Mini Golf, Arcade and Bungee. (850) 654-4668 BOATING Boaters and sailors of all abilities levels find area waters perfect for setting out in all varieties of boats. Hundred of miles of scenic Gulf waters, bays, bayous, inlet and lakes make exploring by boast a favorite pastime. Choctawhatchee Bay extends about 30 miles from east to west, one of the largest inland bays in the country. Sailing enthusiasts from all over the world are attracted to its beautiful waters. If you don't bring your own boat, crafts of all kinds are available for rent or charter. Everything from windsurfers to sunfish to pontoon boats and canoes can be rented by the hour or for extended times. EVENTS In addition to the sugar-white sands and the clearest water you've ever seen, Destin - Ft. Walton Beach offers a wide variety of special events year-round. No matter what time of the year, the weather is terrific and the events are plentiful. So, whether you fancy the chance to catch a record-breaking cobia or to see some of the country's finest art, you'll find it here in Destin! For more detailed information please call the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-322-3319. FESTIVALS Mayfest Music Festival ... DESTINed to be GREAT! Annually in May The harbor-front setting of HarborWalk, make outdoor concerts and Mayfest the perfect place to be the third weekend of May! Stroll through this family festival of over a hundred, sought-after artists and crafters, sample the seafood Destin is famous for, and enjoy free, live entertainment! Mayfest is a well-orchestrated tradition for the entire family. A 'tad to do' in Tadpole Town offers kids of all ages games and rides, as well as their own arts and crafts booths to choose from. The breathtaking view of HarborWalk and all the fun of Mayfest can be found just east of the Destin bridge, between Capt. Kidd's, Hooters and The Lucky Snapper restaurants. Catch the Fun at the Destin Seafood Festival Annually in October Located in the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," the Destin Seafood Festival has been chosen as one of the top ten festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society! Organized by the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2007 Destin Seafood Festival will be the 29th year of this prestigious festival. The Destin Restaurant Association, consisting of a true sampling of Destin Area Restaurants exemplifies "The Taste of Destin," and must be experienced! The sights and sounds surrounding the Destin Seafood Festival include the picturesque, waterfront setting of HarborWalk, fine arts and live, nationally-known music entertainment. Mayfest and Destin Seafood Festivals memorabilia include a poster and a tee shirt designed by local artists and judged by the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. These are annually collected items that can be purchased at the festivals. Plan to stay in Destin during these fun weekends of May and October … its DESTINed to be GREAT! Call (850) 837-6241 or e-mail the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@destin.net for more information. FISHING Destin has earned the title "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," and so it's no wonder it harbors the largest charter fishing fleet in Florida with over 200 boats. An off-shore shelf dips straight from Destin's East Pass to 100-foot depths within 10 miles, making it internationally recognized as the quickest deep-water access on the Gulf of Mexico. Over 20 species of edible game fish are always in seasonal runs, one being the famous billfish. There are plenty of party and charter boats waiting to take you out for the fishing thrill of your lifetime! GOLF From challenging links designed by world-renowned architects to panoramic enticements engineered by Mother Nature, the golf courses on the Emerald Coast capitalize on woods and wetlands for scenic contrasts. Within a 15 minute drive of Pelican Beach are many of the area's finest golf courses: Bluewater Bay, Regatta Bay, Kelly Plantation, Indian Bayou, and Emerald Bay! Additionally, Pelican Beach offers golf packages which includes play on many of these courses. Please inquire when making your reservation. HISTORICAL The Emerald Coast is rich in historical treasures ... from the distant past to more recent times. Both military museums are outstanding exhibits and make great family entertainment! National Museum of Naval Aviation -- Pensacola Third largest air and space museum in the country with over 170 aircraft on display, flight simulator and IMAX theater. Admission is free to museum. (850) 453-2389 Air Force Armament Museum -- Eglin Air Force Base Exhibits of aircraft and armaments dating back to World War I. Great for adults and kids! Free. (850) 882-4062 Indian Temple Mound Museum -- Ft. Walton Beach Houses more than 4,000 native American artifacts as well as a temple mound. (850) 243-6521 NATURE/SCIENCE Nature plays a large role in life on the Emerald Coast. The area is abundant with wildlife and a variety of habitats and eco-systems. FOCUS Center Science Museum -- Fort Walton Beach Enjoy a unique and inspiring museum filled with more than 200 touchable, workable exhibits, including optical illusions, a nature discovery room, and interactive hurricane. (850) 664-1261 Gulfarium -- Fort Walton Beach. Continuous shows everyday featuring dolphins, sea lions, sharks, turtles, and more. (850) 243-9046 The Zoo -- Gulf Breeze Catch the Safari Line Train and ride through a 30-acre wildlife preserve. Or venture upon the elevated boardwalk that overlooks Gorilla Island. More than 700 animals awaits you at The ZOO. (850) 932-2229 RESTAURANTS The Destin area is renowned for it's quality and variety of dining establishments! FINE DINING Fine dining in Destin does not require a coat and tie. Casual is the rule -- and dress shorts are very acceptable in all restaurants. Guglielmo's La Fiamma 529 E Highway 98, Destin 850-654-9880 Great northern Italian. Reservations suggested. Criolla's Restaurant 170 E County Hwy 30A, Destin 850-267-1267 Rated as one of the top-ten restaurants in Florida. Reservations suggested. Louisianna Lagniappe 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin 850-837-0881 Located in the Sand Piper Cove resort property. Good food and reservations are not accepted. Get there early to avoid an hour wait. DINNER & DANCING Harbor Docks 538 E Highway 98, Destin 850-837-2506 Locals favorite for lunch and dinner. Best sushi bar in Southeast US! Outdoor deck overlooking the Harbor is the "Dance Place". AJ's Seafood & Oyster House 116 E Highway 98, Destin 850-837-1913 The upstairs deck overlooking the Harbor is the dancing place. Sunday afternoon and evening is the locals place to be. The downstairs restaurant is always an excellent lunch or dinner choice. Hog's Breath Saloon 541 E Highway 98, Destin 850-837-5991 Food is good and the band is a great dance band. Get ready for a late night here! LUNCH & DINNER Chan's Market Cafe @ Sandestin Market 850-837-1334 Best wine cellar around. You pick your selection from the cellar and you pay liquor store price without corkage fee. Great menu. Capt. Kidd's Seafood Buffet 100 E Highway 98, Destin 850-650-1666 Largest seafood buffet on the coast. Good value. Dinner only. Lucky Snapper 76 E Highway 98, Destin 850-654-0900 Good food and great view of the harbor! Destin Commisary Memphis-style Bar B Q. Very good and catering is available. The Rib Shack605 E Highway 98, Destin 850-837-9314 Award-winning Bar B Q and catering. Great Scotts 837 E Highway 98 in Shores Shopping Center, Destin 850-654-9344 The best sandwich shop around! CATERING Blue Mountain Catering 850-259-8021 no other choice -- Jim Richard is the best! SHOPPING The Destin area is renowned for it's quality and variety of shopping excursions! Silver Sands Factory Stores 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin The largest designer factory store center in the nation! Outstanding selection of designer labels! Destin Commons Mid-Bay Bridge and Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin Destin's Destination for Fashion, Food, and Film