Creator, writer, and photographer for The Good Life Destin--a blog about Destin and the Emerald Coast
Nestled between the bustling cities of Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Okaloosa Island, Florida, is a serene slice of paradise on the Emerald Coast. Known for its stunning sugar-white sandy beaches, emerald green waters, bustling fishing pier, and a laid-back vibe that captivates tourists and locals alike, Okaloosa Island offers an idyllic escape. Sunset at the...
Are you looking for the perfect sunset on the beach in Destin, Florida? Or maybe you want to know the best dining options or boat cruises with a sunset view. Are you wondering why you’ve seen pictures of the sunset over the water in Destin but you go out to the beach and find it’s not there? There is a lot of confusion about the best places to watch the...
If your summer vacation in Florida includes 4th of July in Destin then you’re in luck because the Emerald Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking fireworks shows in Florida and there is certainly no shortage of them to help you celebrate Independence Day with a bang. July 4th Fireworks shows in the Destin area will take place on Destin Harbor, Baytowne...
Looking for where to watch the Boardwalk Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Pier? This post will give you all the details to help you find the perfect spot to watch them along with the entire 2024 schedule of fireworks shows. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk fireworks are set off at the end of the fishing pier exploding over the Gulf of Mexico. You can watch them from the...
Welcome to Episode 12 of The Good Life Destin Podcast. In this episode, we talk about the best places to watch the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks. These kick off on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and then continue on Wednesday nights through summer. Don’t miss them! My co-host Danica is a local real estate agent and also manages a bunch of vacation...
Welcome to Episode 11 of the Good Life Destin Podcast. This episode was recorded live on-location at the Gulf restaurant on Okaloosa Island. We tell you about our dinner and experience at the Gulf while also answering FAQs submitted by listeners. Topics include: Should I rent a car or is Uber/Lyft good? Where is the best place to find shells? Should a solo traveler...
Seeking the perfect spot to experience the dazzling fireworks displays in Destin, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, and beyond? The Destin region boasts some of Florida’s most stunning pyrotechnic spectacles, ensuring an abundance of mesmerizing shows that light up the night sky. The amount of fireworks displays in the Destin area often leads to confusion...
The Back Porch restaurant in Destin, Florida, is a beloved local seafood and oyster house that has been serving the Gulf Coast since 1974. It began in a small A-frame building right on the beach and quickly became known for its delicious Gulf seafood and the stunning views it offered. Back Porch at Sunset A few years after its opening, The Back Porch created the...
Are you looking for the best dog friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities in Destin? This post will give you all the best options to stay and play together. Pin This! I will also go over the rules for dogs on the beach in Destin, give details on my favorite resorts and condo complexes that welcome dogs, and offer some options for doggie day care if you...
Nestled along the emerald shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast lies the town of Destin, Florida–a haven for sun-seekers and fishing enthusiasts by day and nightlife excitement by night. As the sun dips below the horizon, this coastal gem comes alive with a plethora of entertainment options catering to every taste and preference. From chic rooftop lounges...
May is one of the best months to be in Destin. The first signs of summer start appearing with warmer weather, longer days, and kids getting out of school. This post will cover everything you need to know about what to expect in May of 2024, including weather, activities, crowds, and upcoming events. In my article about the best times to visit Destin, I ranked May as...
Norriego Point is a white sand peninsula located at the end of Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle. It is one of the 13 Public Beach Areas in Destin. One side of Norriego Point is located on Destin harbor across from Emerald Grande and Harborwalk Village and the other side sits on the East Pass which leads out to the Gulf of Mexico This post was originally written about...
Are you thinking of visiting the Destin area in April and what to expect as far as weather, crowds, events and activities? This post will help you decide if April is the best time for you to visit. April is an amazing time to enjoy the Emerald Coast. April in Destin is the bridge between spring break and summer. The weather warms up significantly from the sometimes...
Date: April 3, 2024 Time: 7:00 – 10:00pm Cost: FREE The Silent Disco Party is a free event at Harborwalk. Dance to your own beat with a silent disco experience in front of the Main Stage. Sanitized headphones are provided. Silent Disco is a fun event normally with 2 DJs each playing different music. Each DJ is synched to a certain colr so you can tell who is...
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Good Life Destin Podcast! In this episode we discuss everything you need to know about visiting Crab Island in Destin including how to get there, what to bring, alcohol and vendor laws, tips to plan your trip for the clearest water, and lots more! Here is my supplemental blog post with more details on what we discussed and...
Crab Island in Destin, Florida, is one of the most popular visitor destinations on the Emerald Coast—and for good reason! If you’ve ever visited the Destin area, chances are you’ve heard some mention of this popular sandbar. For many people, a Destin vacation is not complete without a day of swimming and hanging out at Crab Island on a hot sunny day. Me at Crab...
The Village of Baytowne Wharf fireworks show is one of the most breathtaking displays in the Miramar Beach and Destin area, synched to a music soundtrack exploding over the Village lagoon. The Baytowne Wharf fireworks take place every Tuesday during spring break and summer as part of their “Boomin Tuesdays” event, and also during several other holidays...
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Good Life Destin Podcast! In this episode we discuss the best places to watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks plus tips on parking, traffic and more. Baytowne Wharf is located inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida. We also give the schedule of upcoming fireworks shows for spring and summer. My co-host Danica...
Looking for when and where to watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks? The Harborwalk Village Fireworks show is the largest display in the Destin area which means there are a lot of great viewing spot options. This post will give you all the information and tips you need to find your perfect fireworks spot along with the entire 2024 schedule of shows. I also published our...
Visiting Destin, Florida in March? March is an amazing time to be on the Emerald Coast and there’s no shortage of fun events in March to kick off the spring season. This post covers what to expect for weather, sunsets, events and activities during March in Destin. March in Destin will bring warmer weather and a sudden influx of crowds compared to the quiet of...
Looking for things to do in February in Destin and Miramar Beach? This post will cover all the best events in February and what to expect as far as weather, crowds, and activities. February sunrise in Destin February weather in Destin is mostly chilly mixed with some warm sunny days. There are more events to enjoy compared to January but overall this is still one of...
Welcome to Episode 8 of the Good Life Destin Podcast! In this episode we discuss the best places to watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks. You can see them from anywhere at Harborwalk Village but there are also other options that you might not have considered. We discuss these plus tips on parking, traffic and more. We also give the schedule of fireworks shows for spring...
Welcome to Episide 7 of the Good Life Destin Podcast. In this episode we discuss all the fun things happening in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Don’t pass up a visit here if you are in the Destin area–it’s a hidden gem! There’s so many new, fun places to check out! We also discuss the future of Fort Walton Beach including the construction at the...
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Good Life Destin Podcast. In this episode, we discuss all the fun things happening in March 2024 in Destin, Okaloosa Island and Miramar Beach. Including events, festivals, fireworks and so much more. We are so excited for so excited for spring on the Emerald Coast and hope this episode gets you excited as well! My co-host Danica is a local...
My name is Sarah and I am the writer, photographer, and creator of this site. I also manage a few vacation rentals here on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin and I would love for you to come stay at one of them on your next visit! When you stay at one of my units, I am always available to help with planning your visit and anything you might need while you are in Destin...
Looking for New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the Destin area? You’re in luck because because there are plenty of great options in Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island and Seaside. New Year’s Eve fireworks are a beloved and dazzling tradition celebrated around the world as the clock strikes midnight, marking the transition from the old year to the new...
Welcome to Episode 5 of the Good Life Destin Podcast. In this episode, we discuss Thanksgiving dinner options for 2023 in Destin. So if you are in town visiting or just don’t want to cook, this episode will give you some ideas of where to get a great meal! My co-host Danica is a local real estate agent and also manages a bunch of vacation rentals at Waterscape...
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Good Life Destin Podcast! In this episode we discuss everything happening in November 2023 in Destin. There’s a lot of great things to do from the Sparkling Wine Festival to Santa’s arrivals, fireworks, and more! Posts Related to this November Events Episode: Baytowne Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival 2023 Ultimate...
Welcome to our Halloween episode where we talk about what to do in Destin, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, and Miramar Beach for Halloween. We discuss events, fireworks, and safe trick-or-treating options for the kids! Posts Related to this October 2023 Episode October 2023 in Destin: Best Events to Welcome Fall Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks...
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Good Life Destin Podcast with Danica and Sarah. In this episode we talk about everything going on for the rest of October in Destin, Okaloosa Island and Miramar Beach. Events discussed include the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Saturday night fireworks on Destin Harbor, Wednesday Night concert series at Baytowne Wharf, Bubbly Baytowne, Emerald...
Welcome back to a new season of The Good Life Destin podcast! As much as I love the podcast, I’ve struggled in the past with keeping it up consistently. It’s also been tough to have conversations by myself on there, so I’ve always hoped the right co-host would come along who was knowledgeable enough about the area to have these conversations with me...
October is often cited as the best month in Destin by both locals and visitors thanks to the winning combination of cooler temperatures, lower crowds, amazing sunsets and lots of fall events and festivals. In fact, I ranked it #1 in my article “The Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida” for all these reasons and more. This post will give you plenty of ideas...
Captain Royal Melvin Park, aka the Gateway to the Harbor, is the newest park in Destin, Florida. This small sanctuary of nature in the middle of bustling Destin Harbor is ideally situated between Dewey Destin’s on the Harbor and Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer at 206 Harbor Boulevard. This park project has been in the works for awhile, but Destin visitors and...
Looking for things to do in Destin? Walking on the Destin Marler bridge is a great fun and free activity where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Destin. A breathtaking scene of Destin Harbor is the first glimpse of Destin for many arriving visitors as they cross the Marler Bridge from Okaloosa Island. The center of the bridge is the highest point where...
Destin, Florida is famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, attracting tourists all year round. However, one of the best-kept secrets about visiting Destin is the lower crowds and more relaxed atmosphere during the fall. Fall in Destin (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) means less crowding than peak summer months, thanks to various factors. As fall marks the end of the...
The Destin Fishing Rodeo is an annual fishing tournament that takes place during the entire month of October in Destin, Florida. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a rich history of fishing, and the Fishing Rodeo is a celebration of this heritage and a showcase of the area’s bountiful marine resources. The event has...
Are you thinking of going Parasailing while you are in Destin, Florida? Parasailing might look intimidating or downright scary but it’s actually a very calm and enjoyable experience. Parasailing is an activity where you sit in a harness suspended from a parachute which is being towed by the boat below. Parasailing is a great chance to see Destin from a totally...
Looking for the perfect beach to visit in Destin? There are 13 public beach areas in the city of Destin, Florida and they are all different sizes with different amenities. This post will cover each one in detail with descriptions, tips, and photos so you can find your perfect beach in Destin. 13 public beach accesses might sound like a lot, but it’s actually...
Thinking about visiting Destin, Miramar Beach or somewhere on the Emerald Coast during the Christmas season? My guide to Christmas in Destin has everything you need to know about the best of the holiday season. In this post I will cover all the best holiday events and parades, where to see amazing Christmas lights, Christmas photo spots, and restaurant options for...
Destin Beach Cameras are the best way to get an accurate look at beach and water conditions in the area since they change day-to-day and minute-to-minute. I check the live beach webcams in Destin, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, and Sandestin almost daily and in this post I will share my favorite ones with you. Maybe you want to check the beach cameras to get excited...
Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor is one of the oldest traditions along the Emerald Coast. The 67th annual Blessing of the Fleet in Destin, Florida will take place on Thursday, May 9th 2024. This post will cover details about the history of this event and when and where to watch. The Reel Legend boat at the Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor Blessing of the...
When is the best time to visit Destin, Florida? Most people would say the best time to visit Destin is October or May if you want the perfect combination of beautiful beach weather, fun events and amazing sunsets without the higher crowds of summer. The actual answer of the best times to visit Destin will be different for everyone. It depends mostly on your overall...
Are you planning a trip to Destin in August and wondering what to expect? This post will cover everything you need to know about August in Destin, Okaloosa Island and Miramar Beach as fas as weather, activities, crowds, and upcoming events. (Updated for 2023) Destin Beach, Florida In my article about the best times to visit Destin, Florida, I ranked August as 6th on...
The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival takes place every year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The 2023 event will take place on Saturday, November 18th from 4:00-6:00pm. The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is an evening full of holiday spirit, delicious appetizers, and of course...
Are you planning to visit Destin, Miramar Beach, or Okaloosa Island in June 2024? This post will cover everything you need to know about what to expect as far as weather, crowds, sunsets, activities, and upcoming events. In my article about the Best Times to visit Destin, I ranked June as 3rd on the list, so it’s pretty high on my favorite months here...
A beach bonfire is a perfect addition to your Destin, Miramar Beach, or 30a vacation which is why so many visitors have a beach bonfire on their Emerald Coast Bucket List. There’s something magical about watching a beautiful sunset with family and friends by the flickering warmth of a beach bonfire accented with the sound of crashing waves. This post will cover...
Destin Water Taxi is the most fun and efficient way to travel around Destin Harbor. You can skip the traffic and parking hassles and combine traveling to your destination with a scenic boat ride. Destin Harbor is full of fun things to do and places to explore, but getting there comes with plenty of traffic and parking issues in busy season, so that’s when you might...
If there’s anywhere in Destin that will transport you back to the old fishing village of the 1800s, it’s the Destin History & Fishing Museum. Front entrance at Destin History and Fishing Museum The Destin History & Fishing Museum is located at 108 Stahlman Avenue at the foot of the Destin Bridge. It sits directly across the street from the Destin...
Are you ready to try stand up paddle boarding on Destin Harbor? This guide will help you understand the general layout of the harbor and navigate all the different areas you can explore from your paddle board. This article is equally relevant to kayaking on Destin Harbor. Paddle boarding on Destin Harbor is less challenging than the Gulf of Mexico so it’s ideal...
Looking for the best place to sing karaoke in Destin, Miramar Beach and Okaloosa Island? If you are here on vacation, that’s the perfect time to sing karaoke if you are new at it or nervous about it, because you will probably never see the people again. I spent my entire life never having the nerve to try karaoke because I don’t consider myself a good singer...