Creator, writer, and photographer for The Good Life Destin--a blog about Destin and the Emerald Coast
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...
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...
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...
Bubbly Baytowne is a fun event in Miramar Beach offering free sparkling wine to enjoy while you sip and shop your way through the merchants of Baytowne Wharf. Bubbly Baytowne takes place on select Thursday nights several times throughout the year. Bubbly Baytowne is the perfect way to spend an evening out with friends or to enjoy as a happy hour before heading...
Everyone knows the essential beach items to to bring (towel, umbrella, sunscreen, book, chair, etc…) but here is a list of my favorite, not so obvious, items that will bring your perfect beach day to the next level. Floaty Anchors I’m sure we have all had the experience of relaxing in a floating chair out in the ocean yet finding ourselves drifting down the...
Emerald Coast Wine Cellars in Miramar Beach, Florida showcases the wines produced by Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery in nearby DeFuniak Springs, Florida. They are open daily and offer complimentary wine tastings before 5pm of all their locally made red, white, blush, and specialty wines. The wines vary from dry, barrel fermented wines, to traditional southern...
Ghost crabs are one of the many critters you might see on the beach in Destin. They are called “ghost crabs” because of their light color, which allows them to blend into the sand. The name also comes from their ability to disappear quickly. If you spot a small hole in the sand, that is likely a ghost crab hideout. The hole can be quarter to golf ball sized...
Destin and Miramar Beach have some of the best food and drink festivals on the Emerald Coast taking place throughout the year and offering a diverse selection of favorite dishes and a variety of drinks. The annual food and drink festivals in Destin outlined here include celebrations of oysters, gumbo, seafood, brunch, craft beer, wine, Bloody Mary’s and much...
Are you looking for the closest airports to Destin, Florida? Wondering which airport is the best choice to fly into for your upcoming vacation to the Emerald Coast? This post will help you choose which airport to use depending on where you are staying, which airline you prefer, and several other factors. Harborwalk Village on Destin Harbor, Florida Whether you are...
Today I stopped in at Harbor Tavern in Destin for a late lunch. I haven’t been there since they opened and very much enjoyed it. I’m glad they are doing well. This post will cover some information about this locals favorite spot, photos from my visit and details about my lunch, how to get here, and also some parking tips. Outside of Harbor Tavern About...
When you think of a beach vacation, images of sandy toes, crashing waves, and long, lazy days in the sun probably come to mind. But sometimes, the best part of a getaway is those moments of quiet relaxation, and that’s where jigsaw puzzles shine. Whether you’re waiting out the midday sun, enjoying a breezy evening on the deck, or seeking a cozy indoor activity for a...
I’ve created the Ultimate Destin (or any Beach Vacation) pack list below with everything I think you need for a beach trip. I put necessities on the list as well as fun extra things that you might not think of needing until you get out to the beach. Enjoy! Beach Items to Pack -Beach Towels (two per person so they can dry in-between)-Beach Towel Clips-Beach Toys...
Shark Movie Night at Crab Island is an annual event hosted by Emerald Coast Marine featuring a boat-in Shark movie at Crab Island. Updated 2025 note: This event has not taken place in the last 2 years so I’m not sure if it will continue. There is still no event scheduled for 2025 but I will update here when they announce it. Shark Movie Night at Crab Island...
Looking for the best happy hours in Destin? This post will cover my favorite happy hour spots that have a winning combination of good happy hour drink specials, food specials and an enjoyable atmosphere. This isn’t an exhaustive list of every happy hour special in town because I wanted to narrow it down to the best happy hour spots in Destin that...
I have enjoyed watching brave jumpers step off the 100-foot tall Free Fall Tower ledge since it was built in 2013. I didn’t think I would ever actually jump off myself but last week I finally did it. This post will cover my experience jumping off the free fall, pricing and other important information, the best spot to watch jumpers, photos I’ve taken from...
Tonight I had the opportunity to shoot the Destin Harbor fireworks from the Harborwalk Village zip line and free fall tower. They don’t allow anyone on the tower unless they are jumping off the free fall or going on the zip line (I had permission because I was taking pictures for Harborwalk) but if you time your activities right, you can see the fireworks from...
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I recently had the opportunity to go on my first fishing trip on the Vera Marie party boat with Pelican Adventures in Destin, Florida. The Vera Marie Boat Heading out from Destin Harbor I’ve lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida my entire adult life yet somehow had never been fishing prior to this trip. Several of my friends are avid fishermen so there’s...
Destin is known for its calm, crystal clear waters but sometimes we have days when it is not safe to swim in the Gulf which is marked by a red flag at the beach. Or sometimes there are jellyfish in the water or you just want some additional activities. Rip currents are the biggest hazard of rough surf and there are several drownings in our area every year due to...
We all know Destin can be an expensive place to vacation. But if you have some extra cash or want to splurge for a special occasion, here’s a Destin bucket list for you: 1. Private Dinner on the Beach Beach Walk Cafe in Destin offers a romantic dinner called Toes in the Sand dinner where they set your table up steps from the water’s edge. Dining on the...
Rockin Tacos is located on the upstairs level of the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (above the retail shops). They serve fresh Mexican food paired with an amazing view of the beach and the Okaloosa Island Pier. I have heard so many great things about this place and finally had a chance to check it out when I was at the Boardwalk recently. Look for this sign to get up...