Why Go:

White sand, emerald water, new development and clean. This destination in the Florida panhandle is accessible and an easy way to get to a great beach. The secret is out though.  I've been going there since 2000.  Still one of my favorite destinations.

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Accommodations:

Sterling Sands Condo: great location, pool. Disclaimer: haven't been there in awhile

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort:

     *Beachside: huge condo on the beach, amenities of the resort is a plus

     *Baytowne Wharf: lots of options here but not on the beach

Destiny by the Sea: look in this neighborhood for wonderful homes through VRBO

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Restaurants/Bars:

*Back Porch: great lunch on the beach, long time restaurant, won't disappoint

*Dewey Destin's Seafood: original shack on the water, grouper sandwich is a must

*McGuire's Irish Pub: dollar, dollar bills. Irish food with great hospitality

*Boshamp's: southern style seafood on Destin's harbor, great atmosphere & food

*Donut Hole: breakfast, be prepared to wait in line & yes, it's worth the wait

*Boathouse Oyster Bar: great harbor dive bar with live evening music

*Old Bay Steamer: drive to Ft Walton for the best King Cab Legs, ritual for me

*Doc's Oyster Bar: up by the airport, grilled oysters are the real deal

 

Things to Do:

*Enjoy the beach, white sand, emerald water, sunsets & relax...really, do it

*Deep sea fishing:  best in the panhandle

*Inshore fishing: check out Captain LW with ICX

*Silver Sands Outlet Mall: easy way to spend a rainy day or if you like shopping

*Destin Harbor Boardwalk: evening/dinner on the harbor, check out the boats 

*Crab Island: rent a pontoon & look for the island in the bay during low tide

*Bayside Wharf- Sandestin development with shops, bars & restaurants, great for kids

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Craft Beer Scene:

Destin Brewery is worth a visit.  Grayton Beer Co, Oyster City Brewing & Sweetwater Brewery (420 Pale Ale) will show up at a lot of the bars/restaurants.  

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TripTimmy Travel Tips:

If going during the summer or fall break, traffic can be horrific so plan on extra time to cross the Bay Bridge and to go out to dinner, just saying... Best seafood market is Sexton's: fresh grouper, red snapper, shrimp & scallops.

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