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 offering panoramic views to lively beachfront bars pulsating with music and energy, Destin’s nightlife scene promises unforgettable fun for locals and visitors alike.
This post will give you the best nightlife spots in Destin, where you can dance the night away and assure endless nights of revelry and fun night club and dance bar options in this coastal paradise.
AJ’s Club Bimini
AJ’s Club Bimini is a lively waterfront nightclub and entertainment venue that promises an exhilarating nightlife experience. Part of the renowned AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar complex, Club Bimini offers a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and a variety of entertainment options.
Situated along the picturesque Destin Harbor, AJ’s Club Bimini boasts stunning views of the marina and the Gulf of Mexico, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night out. The venue features both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a spacious dance floor, multiple bars, and a stage for live performances.
One of the main attractions at AJ’s Club Bimini is its lineup of live bands and DJs who take the stage to entertain the crowd with an eclectic mix of music spanning various genres, including rock, country, pop, and more. Guests can dance the night away to their favorite tunes or relax with a drink while taking in the energetic atmosphere.
In addition to its live music offerings, AJ’s Club Bimini hosts themed parties, special events, and guest performances throughout the year, ensuring that there’s always something exciting happening. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, mingle with friends, or simply enjoy a night out on the town, AJ’s Club Bimini offers a lively and inclusive environment where guests can create lasting memories.
The club also features a full-service bar serving an array of cocktails, beers, and spirits, as well as a menu of delicious appetizers and snacks to fuel your night of fun. With its prime waterfront location, energetic ambiance, and top-notch entertainment, AJ’s Club Bimini stands out as a premier nightlife destination in Destin, Florida, drawing in crowds of locals and visitors alike.
AJ’s club Bimini tends to attract a younger crowd the later it gets but an older or middle aged crowd during the live music earlier in the day, evening, and on Sunday afternoons. More Info can be found here on the AJ’s Seafood Oyster House Club Bimini Website
Bric-a-Brac
Bric a Brac in Destin is a charming and eclectic restaurant and bar located in the heart of Destin in a shopping plaza on Gulf Shore Drive across from Winn Dixie.
The name “Bric a Brac” itself reflects the diverse and eclectic nature of the venue, which translates into its ambiance, decor, and menu offerings. Inside, guests are greeted with colorful and whimsical decor, featuring an assortment of quirky knick-knacks, vintage artwork, and maritime-themed accents, creating a cozy and inviting setting.
One of the highlights of Bric a Brac is its diverse menu, which showcases a fusion of flavors from around the world with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. From creative seafood dishes to hearty burgers and flavorful tacos, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Throughout the week, Bric a Brac hosts live music performances featuring talented local musicians, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, or live entertainment, Bric a Brac promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors to Destin.
Bric a Brac in Destin, Florida, transitions seamlessly from a vibrant dining spot during the day to an equally lively nightlife destination at night. As evening falls, the atmosphere at Bric a Brac transforms into a hub of entertainment, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its eclectic charm and energetic vibe.
During the nighttime hours, Bric a Brac maintains its cozy and inviting ambiance while adding a touch of excitement to the mix. The restaurant and bar area buzz with activity as patrons gather to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and a selection of local and imported beers.
Live music often takes center stage at Bric a Brac’s nighttime festivities, with talented local musicians and bands performing a diverse range of genres, from soulful blues to upbeat rock and roll. The sounds of live music fill the air, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that encourages guests to dance, socialize, and unwind.
Downstairs usually has live music and dancing Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings while the upstairs bar features a club-style dance floor with Latin parties on Friday and Saturday night starting at 11pm.
Downstairs attracts a more middle aged, older, and even family crowd while upstairs is usually more of a younger crowd. For more information chack out the Bric-a-Brac Restaurant and Nightclub Website
Coyote Ugly
Coyote Ugly in Destin is part of the renowned chain of bars inspired by the 2000 movie “Coyote Ugly.” Located in the heart of HarborWalk Village, this iconic establishment offers a raucous and lively atmosphere that’s perfect for those seeking a fun and memorable night out.
True to its name, Coyote Ugly is known for its high-energy performances, where talented bartenders (often referred to as “Coyotes”) entertain the crowd with their flair bartending skills, dancing on the bar, and engaging in playful interactions with patrons. The music is upbeat, the drinks are flowing, and the ambiance is electric, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
The decor inside Coyote Ugly exudes a rustic and dive bar-inspired vibe, with walls adorned with memorabilia, neon signs, and dollar bills signed by visitors. There is also an outside courtyard area with lights and often a DJ.
Whether you’re looking to dance on the bar, sip on signature cocktails, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Coyote Ugly promises an unforgettable night of fun and entertainment in Destin.
Coyote Ugly tends to attract more of a younger crowd than some of the other options on this list. More information can be found here on the Coyote Ugly Website
Rum Runners
Rum Runners is a popular bar and restaurant located on the lagoon in Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida. This lively establishment offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views of the marina and a menu filled with tropical-inspired cocktails and delicious eats.
The centerpiece of Rum Runners is its iconic dueling piano show, which takes place nightly and attracts both locals and tourists alike. Talented pianists take turns entertaining the crowd with a lively mix of music spanning various genres and eras. Guests are encouraged to join in the fun by requesting their favorite songs, singing along, and even participating in friendly competitions between the pianists.
The fun of a dueling piano bar lies in its interactive nature, as patrons are encouraged to participate by singing along, dancing, and even joining in on the fun with requests or special dedications. The pianists showcase their impressive musical talents, covering a wide range of genres from pop hits and rock classics to oldies and show tunes. The atmosphere is lively and dynamic, with laughter and camaraderie filling the air as guests come together to enjoy the performance.
In addition to its lively entertainment, Rum Runners boasts a diverse menu featuring Caribbean-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood dishes, and mouthwatering appetizers perfect for sharing. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails or frozen drinks for the ultimate tropical experience.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a romantic evening overlooking the water, or simply craving delicious food and drinks in a festive atmosphere, Rum Runners at Baytowne Wharf offers a memorable nightlife experience that captures the spirit of Sandestin’s coastal charm.
Rum Runners tends to attract a range of ages from girls bachelorette parties to families with children and middle-aged/older crowds. As it gets later, the crowd demographic usually turns more to the younger side. More information is on their website here Rum Runners Restaurant and Piano Bar in Baytowne Wharf
Village Door
The Village Door Nightclub, situated in Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is a premier and popular nightlife destination in Miramar Beach, Florida. This dynamic venue offers a thrilling combination of live music, DJ sets, and energetic performances, drawing in crowds of locals and visitors alike.
As you step into The Village Door, you’re greeted by an electric atmosphere pulsating with energy. The club’s modern and stylish decor sets the stage for an unforgettable night of dancing and entertainment. Whether you’re lounging in the VIP area, mingling with friends at the bar, or tearing up the dance floor, The Village Door provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where guests can let loose and have fun.
In addition to its lively entertainment, The Village Door offers a well-curated selection of cocktails, spirits, and beers to quench your thirst while you groove to the music. The club’s expert bartenders craft delicious concoctions that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful, making every sip a delight.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a night out with friends, or simply looking to experience the vibrant nightlife scene in Destin, The Village Door Nightclub promises an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and excitement in the heart of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin.
The Village Door attracts a younger late-night crowd compared to some of the other options on this list. More information is on the Village Door Website
Jake & Henry’s
This is one of the newer spots in the area emerging as one of the best options for nightlife and dancing in the Destin area. Jake & Henrys is an upscale but laid back bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Fort Walton Beach–just about 10 minutes from Destin.
Jake & Henry’s offers a spacious restaurant and lounge with the perfect stage and dance floor for live musi, dancing and nightlife fun. The decor celebrates the building’s past years as Branigan’s with a 70’s fern bar vibe. They get a great lineup of popular bands taking the stage several nights a week drawing an enthusiastic crowd of dancers.
The crowd tends to be older than a traditional nightclub atmosphere but still with a very lively and energetic vibe. 30’s to 60s is the average age here which is what makes it a favorite spot of mine. More information can be found on the Jake & Henry’s Facebook page
I hope this post helps you find the perfect spot in the Destin area for nightlife, night clubs, and dancing.
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
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