Visiting Destin in February 2026: Weather, Events, and Local Tips

Looking for things to do in February in Destin and Miramar Beach? This post covers what to expect this time of year, including weather, crowds, activities, and the events happening around town.

February weather in Destin is mostly cool, with a mix of chilly days and the occasional warm, sunny surprise. Compared to January, there are more events and more to do, but February is still one of the quieter months when it comes to crowds.

It’s typically the second-coldest month of the year here, just behind January. The upside is peaceful beaches, long quiet walks along the shoreline, and a much slower pace than what you’ll see later in spring.

Most of the visitors you’ll see in February are snowbirds escaping colder northern winters. Many of them stay through the end of the month before heading home.

You may also notice a small uptick in visitors toward the end of February as a few colleges with early spring breaks begin to arrive, but the real spring break crowds don’t show up until March.

Late February is also when things start to feel like they’re waking back up. Parasailing chutes begin popping up in the sky again as watersports companies reopen after winter closures.

Winter sunsets and sunrises are one of the biggest perks of visiting Destin this time of year. It’s the only season when you can see the sun set directly over the Gulf of Mexico from the beach.

In February, the sun still sets fully over the water. By March, it begins shifting back toward land, and by April it’s mostly disappearing behind buildings instead. If sunsets are your thing, February is a great month to soak them up.

This changes as you move east toward the 30A area, where the curve of the coastline allows you to see sunsets over the water for much longer (with the tradeoff of fewer beach sunrises). I go into more detail here: Sunset in Destin, Florida: The 6 Best Places to Watch.

Sunrise and sunset times in February are much earlier than in summer. Sunrise falls roughly between 6:12 am and 6:37 am, while sunset ranges from about 5:22 pm to 5:44 pm, depending on the date. Early mornings are especially quiet, and it’s not unusual to have the beach almost entirely to yourself at sunrise.

February is also a good month to find discounted hotel rates and off-season pricing on condos. Many places shift to higher spring rates on March 1, so this can be a nice window for a more affordable visit.

I ranked February near the bottom of my list in The Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida. It’s not my favorite month overall, but there are still plenty of events and bright spots as we wait for warmer weather and the arrival of spring. And honestly, there aren’t many bad months in Destin.

February Weather in Destin

Average High = 64 degrees
Average Low = 40 degrees
Average Gulf Water Temperature = 64 degrees
Average Rainfall = 5.7 inches

Winter air along the coast often feels colder than the temperature suggests. Fifty degrees in Destin can feel much chillier than fifty degrees in a drier inland climate.

Humidity and steady winds off the Gulf give the cold air a sharper edge, especially after the sun goes down. It’s one of the things visitors are most surprised by during winter here.

February Events in Destin and Miramar Beach

Brunch Fest at Harborwalk Village

Brunch Fest is a popular February event at Harborwalk Village that combines waterfront views, live music, and a self-guided brunch crawl through the harbor.

The 2026 Brunch Fest takes place on Saturday, February 7 from 12:00–3:00 pm. Guests check in, receive an event cup and lanyard, and then stroll through the village sampling brunch bites and drinks from participating vendors.

More than a dozen local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries typically participate, offering brunch-inspired food samples along with options like mimosas, Bloody Marys, and bubbly for guests 21 and over. Live music plays throughout the afternoon, and the harbor setting makes this a relaxed, easy event to wander at your own pace.

Brunch Fest is family-friendly. Kids tickets (ages 5–10) include food tastings and a non-alcoholic drink, and children under five can attend free with an adult ticket. A non-alcohol sampling ticket is also available for anyone who prefers to skip the drinks.

VIP tickets are offered for those who want early entry and a quieter start to the event. VIP guests are allowed in one hour early, which usually means shorter lines and first access to food and drink samples.

Brunch Fest is a ticketed event and typically sells out in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead if this is something you want to attend.

Tickets and more information can be found here: Harborwalk Brunch Fest Information

Sandestin Gumbo Festival at Baytowne Wharf

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is one of the biggest and most well-known February events in the Destin area. Held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, this popular festival draws a large crowd each year and has become a winter tradition for both locals and visitors.

In 2026, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival takes place over two days, with a kickoff event on Friday, February 20, followed by the main festival on Saturday, February 21. The Saturday event is the primary draw and typically runs from midday through the afternoon.

The main event on Saturday features a large gumbo cook-off with restaurants from around the Gulf Coast serving samples and competing for top honors. Guests with tasting tickets can sample gumbo throughout the event and vote for their favorites.

In addition to gumbo, the festival also includes the Best Bloody Mary at the Beach competition. Local bars and restaurants serve their Bloody Mary creations, and attendees cast votes to help decide the winners.

Live music plays throughout the day, including performances by Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, and there are activities set up for kids, making this a family-friendly event.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is located inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, but it is always open to the public. You do not need a ticket to walk around the village during the festival, but tasting wristbands are required to sample gumbo and Bloody Marys. The event is held rain or shine.

Tickets and more information can be found here: Sandestin Gumbo Festival Information

Shrimp and Grits Festival on Destin Harbor

The Shrimp and Grits Festival returns in 2026 for its 7th year and continues to be a popular February food event in Destin. Local restaurants and chefs compete by serving their own versions of shrimp and grits, with attendees voting for their favorites.

New venue: This year, the festival moves to a new location at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Cultural Village in Destin. The larger space allows for more room to spread out and includes a grassy general admission area that is flat and wheelchair accessible, along with paved paths connecting accessible parking to restrooms.

The event is a ticketed festival and includes food tastings, drink options, and live music. In 2026, the festival also features a live concert performance, making it a mix of food-focused competition and entertainment.

VIP tickets include assigned seating, which is also fully accessible. General admission guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs for the concert portion of the event. Bags are subject to a clear bag policy, and coolers are not permitted.

Proceeds from the Shrimp and Grits Festival benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

Website for tickets and more information: www.shrimpandgritsfest.com

Mardi Gras Parade at Baytowne Wharf

If you want a classic Mardi Gras parade vibe (but in a very family-friendly, Baytowne way), this one is always fun. Expect decorated floats and vehicles, people in full costume mode, and plenty of parade “throws” coming your way.

When: Sunday, February 15, 2026 • 2:00 pm
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cost: Free

The parade typically includes colorful floats, golf carts, and trucks, plus one of my favorite details: costumed dogs walking with their owners. Bring a bag if you want to collect beads and goodies (moon pies and little trinkets tend to fly fast).

If you’re part of a group that likes to dress up or you’ve got a “we should totally do this” friend, Baytowne often welcomes additional krewes to participate.

Mardi Gras on the Harbor at Harborwalk Village

Harborwalk Village does a Mardi Gras celebration on the harbor that’s easy to pop in and out of, even if you’re just there for dinner and end up getting pulled into the fun. It’s free to attend and tends to feel more like a roaming party than one single “stand here and watch” event.

When: Friday, February 13, 2026 • 5:00–9:00 pm
Where: Harborwalk Village • Destin Harbor
Cost: Free

Expect live music (including a brass band), second line-style parades moving through the village, and plenty of Mardi Gras extras like beads, stilt walkers, photo ops, and free face painting for kids. Food and drinks are part of the mix too, including a shrimp and crawfish boil and New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

New this year: the celebration is spread out with multiple “float stages” set up around the village, so the energy moves through the harbor instead of staying in one spot. There’s also a King and Queen crowning planned for the 2026 event (sign-ups are expected to open closer to the date).

They’re also offering a free harbor cruise during the event with Happy Life Cruises, which is a fun add-on if you want to keep the evening going from the water.

Bubbly Baytowne

Bubbly Baytowne is a free, adults-only sip-and-shop event held at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. It’s a relaxed evening where guests stroll through the village while sampling champagne and sparkling wine inside participating shops.

In 2026, the February Bubbly Baytowne event takes place on Thursday, February 19, beginning at 5:00 pm. The event is free to attend and open to guests 21 and over.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf remains open to the public during the event, but champagne and sparkling wine tastings are limited to those participating and of legal drinking age.

Bubbly Baytowne is offered on select dates throughout the year. If you’re interested in photos, details, and additional event dates, I put together a full guide here: Bubbly Baytowne – A Sip and Shop through the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Valentines Day in Destin

Valentine’s Day falls on February 14 as usual, and Destin has no shortage of romantic ways to celebrate, especially when it comes to dining experiences. Many local restaurants offer special menus for the holiday, and there are also a few unique options beyond the typical dinner reservation.

Solaris Valentines Brunch or Dinner Cruise

The Solaris Yacht offers Valentine’s Day brunch and dinner cruises for couples looking for something a little different than a traditional restaurant meal. The 125-foot yacht departs from Baytowne Marina in Sandestin and cruises the bay while guests enjoy a chef-prepared meal and live entertainment.

For 2026, Valentine’s Day cruises are scheduled for Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15. Friday and Saturday sailings are adults-only, while Sunday offers a family-friendly option.

The dinner cruises include a three-hour sailing, a three-course plated meal, and live music. Optional upgrades are available, including VIP open-bar packages and private window table seating. Reservations are required and typically book up well in advance for Valentine’s weekend.

Website for more information and reservations: https://sunquestcruises.com

Gulfarium Valentine’s Dinner for Two

If you want a Valentine’s dinner that’s definitely not the usual “reservation and a bottle of wine,” the Gulfarium does a small, after-hours dinner experience that includes a penguin meet-and-greet. Yes, really.

When: February 12–15, 2026 • 5:00–7:30 pm
Where: Gulfarium (Okaloosa Island)
Ages: 21+
Cost: $398 + tax per couple
Capacity: Limited to 12 couples per night

The evening starts with one hour of after-hours park access, including beverages and appetizers, plus time to meet (and even touch) one of the resident penguins and learn a little about them. After that, you’ll head indoors for a seated three-course dinner with the Living Sea aquarium as the backdrop, and the experience includes a staged penguin photo.

More information and tickets are here: https://gulfarium.com/event/valentinesdinner/

Beachwalk Café Valentine’s Dinner

Beachwalk Café is located inside the Henderson Park Inn Bed & Breakfast (not to be confused with the larger Henderson Beach Resort across the street). It’s one of the few fine dining restaurants in Destin that sits directly on the beach, which makes it a popular choice for special occasions.

The restaurant has an intimate, romantic feel with a cozy dining room, fireplace, and both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Gulf. It’s also tucked right next to Henderson Beach State Park, making it a nice spot for a beach walk before or after dinner.

For Valentine’s Day 2026, Beachwalk Café is offering a special four-course prix fixe dinner. The menu features thoughtfully prepared courses designed for a slower, relaxed dining experience, and reservations are required. This dinner typically books up well in advance.

You can view the full Valentine’s menu here: 2026 Beachwalk Café Valentine’s Dinner Menu

Other Ideas for February in Destin

Beach Bonfires

February is ideal weather for a beach bonfire. Royal Palm Grille, a beach bar on Scenic 98 in Miramar Beach, hosts a free beach bonfire on Monday and Friday nights year-round, and all ages are welcome.

Free parking is available both on the street and in the parking garage across the street. Chairs are provided, and s’mores, drink specials, and items from the full restaurant menu are available for purchase. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

More information can be found on their website here: Royal Palm Grille Beach Bonfire

You can also host your own beach bonfire in Miramar Beach with a permit and a few supplies. I wrote a detailed guide on how to do that here: How to Have a Beach Bonfire in Destin, Miramar Beach, or 30A.

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Ice Skating at Baytowne Wharf

The Baytowne Wharf ice rink is set up under a large tent in the village events plaza from late October through early February. The first week of February is usually the last chance to enjoy the only ice skating rink in the Destin area.

Operating hours vary by day and are influenced by holidays and school schedules. The most up-to-date information is available on the Baytowne Wharf Events Calendar.

Support bars are available for beginner skaters, and pricing is typically around $14 for a 90-minute skating session, with skate rental available for an additional fee.

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I hope this post helps you plan a great February visit to Destin!