Few things capture the essence of fall like football and there’s no better place to enjoy it than Destin Harbor. With its stunning views of the emerald waters, bustling marina, and vibrant sunset skies, Destin offers an unparalleled backdrop for cheering on your favorite team.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking to soak in the game-day energy, the harbor boasts an array of spots where you can catch every play while savoring the beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Watching football at Destin Harbor isn’t just about the game—it’s an experience that pairs the thrill of sports with the relaxing charm of coastal life. The crisp autumn air mixes with the scent of fresh seafood, and just beyond the screens, the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a sports bar or the laid-back vibe of a waterfront grill, Destin Harbor has a spot for every kind of fan. So, grab your jersey, gather your friends, and get ready to discover the best places to cheer, sip, and soak up the magic of football on the water.
I’m not personally much of a football fan (unless you could trying to catch glimpses of Taylor Swift at the Chiefs games), but I actually love sports bars and the energy of all the football fans on game day, so this list is still from my personal experience. So below is a list of my favorite game-day spots on Destin Harbor. All these choices have food and drink specials during the game and plenty of TVs of course!
Tailfins Alehouse and Oyster Bar
Nestled along the bustling Destin Harbor, Tailfins Waterfront Grill is a prime spot to enjoy fresh seafood, stunning views, and your favorite sports games. Known for its lively atmosphere and unbeatable location, Tailfins offers three stories of dining and entertainment with panoramic views of the water. Whether you’re seated on the open-air deck or inside by the bar, you’ll be treated to a vibrant blend of harbor life and coastal charm while enjoying the game.
Tailfins is a top destination for football fans, thanks to its ample TVs strategically placed throughout the venue to ensure you won’t miss a single play. The casual, laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot to gather with friends and family, whether you’re rooting for your team or just soaking up the game-day energy. Their menu features a variety of mouthwatering options, from fresh Gulf shrimp and crab legs to burgers and wings, perfect for satisfying any appetite.
Tailfins is a 3-level restaurant, and all are a great football-watching spot. There is a big Jumbotron TV on the top floor with additional TVs all around the bar. It is indoor/outdoor open air environment, with the seating on the edges having amazing panoramic views of Destin Harbor.
Level 2 of Tailfins is completely enclosed, but there are TVs all around the bar so it’s a good choice for a chilly day. Sometimes they only open 1-2 levels of Tailfins so the 2nd floor is often closed.
Level 1 of Tailfins is my favorite spot. They redid the outdoor part of the bar with bigger TVs after closing for a fire that occurred in April of 2024. It looks amazing having the big TVs right in front of the bar. They took out some of the draft beer choices in order to make the bigger TVs fit, but there are still plenty of great options.
The other nice thing about the 1st floor is it opens up to the Boardwalk on Destin Harbor, so it’s always a lively atmosphere of people walking by and boats coming and going. There is also live music daily at the tiki hut on this level so you get a bit of everything.
Location and Parking Tips for Tailfins
Tailfins is located right on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk next to AJ’s Seafood and Oyster House. You can walk there from any spot along the boardwalk or Harborwalk Village or park in the Tailfins parking lot on highway 98. Parking is free all year in their lot for Tailfins patrons.
Harry T’s Lighthouse Restaurant
Harry T’s Lighthouse restaurant, located in Destin, Florida, is a premier destination for football enthusiasts seeking a vibrant game-day experience. Situated on the Destin Harbor, it offers patrons picturesque waterfront views alongside a lively sports atmosphere. It’s also one of the easiest places to find at Harborwalk Village. Just look for the big lighthouse!
Equipped with over 20 big-screen TVs and two large projector screens featuring DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket, Harry T’s ensures fans can catch all the action, regardless of their team’s affiliation.
There are TVs on both levels, but the downstairs bar and restaurant area are particularly noted for their immersive football-watching environment, with the game audio enhancing the sports bar ambiance. For those preferring an outdoor setting, certain sections of the patio also broadcast games, allowing guests to enjoy the game along with stunning harbor views.
Harry T’s proudly hosts several football fan clubs, fostering a communal atmosphere for supporters. Notably, it serves as the gathering place for the Emerald Coast Gator, Seminole, and Sooner Fan Clubs. The Destin Seminole Club frequently organizes FSU watch parties at Harry T’s, complete with raffles and exclusive specials, contributing to a spirited environment on game days.
Similarly, the OU Club of the Emerald Coast has designated Harry T’s as its official meeting spot, making it a hub for Oklahoma Sooners fans.
It’s so festive and sports themed during the big games that you might feel awkward and out of place if you aren’t there to watch football. In that case you can still enjoy the atmosphere away from the TVs in the outside dining area or upstairs.
Location and Parking for Harry T’s
Harry T’s Restaurant is located directly on the harbor in the center of Harborwalk Village, directly in front of the Emerald Grande Resort.
It’s a little bit of a walk from the main Harborwalk outdoor parking lot, but you can get much closer by parking in the Emerald Grande parking garage. The entrance to the garage is near the resort lobby check-in area. Harborwalk guests who are not staying at Emerald Grande are still allowed to utilize the parking garage.
When you enter the garage, you are actually on the 3rd level because most of it is below ground. To get close to Harry T’s, circle around and down to go 2 levels down all the way to level 1. When you get to level 1 of the garage, look for the entrance to Harborwalk Village and park right near it. From that spot just walk through the hallway and you will come out on the lower level of Harborwalk Village directly in front of Harry T’s restaurant without having to walk down any stairs or take an elevator.
Harborwalk Village charges $20 to park during the busy season, from about May through October. It varies a bit depending on events, but luckily most of football season is free parking. When they are charging, ask Harry T’s if they have any coupons to offset the parking charge. They have done that in the past so you never know.
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster House is another favorite spot for watching football games on Destin Harbor. The combination of a vibrant football-watching atmosphere with appealing game-day specials and a strong sense of community, make it a top choice for both local and visiting football fans in Destin.
AJ’s boasts a massive outdoor Jumbotron, providing an unparalleled viewing experience for fans. The spacious courtyard is furnished with tables and barstools, fostering a lively and communal atmosphere.
Indoor seating is also available, with multiple TVs situated in both the upstairs and downstairs bars, ensuring that every guest has a clear view of the game.
Also if you don’t want to be as immersed in the game at AJ’s, you can sit closer to the harbor where you can enjoy the sounds of live music or watch the charter boats coming while still keeping an eye on the TV.
Location and Parking Tips for Ajs
You can walk to AJ’s from Harborwalk Village along the Boardwalk or you can park at the AJ’s parking lot on Highway 98. There is an overflow parking lot across the street if the main lot is full. Parking is free for AJ’s patrons.
I hope this post helps you find the perfect place to catch the football game on Destin Harbor!
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