The Destin Fishing Rodeo is an annual fishing tournament held throughout the entire month of October in Destin, Florida. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a deep-rooted fishing heritage, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo celebrates that history while showcasing the area’s abundant marine life. The Rodeo has been a longtime...
The Destin Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is an annual holiday tradition held each December on Destin Harbor. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, including the date, parade route, fireworks, and the best places to watch. Participating boats typically include area tour boats, dolphin...
Thinking about visiting Destin, Florida, Miramar Beach, or somewhere along the Emerald Coast during the holiday season? This 2026 Christmas in Destin guide covers the main events and seasonal things to do from mid-November through the end of December, plus a few practical tips for visiting in November and December. In this post, you’ll find: The...
Looking for the best place to sing karaoke in Destin, Miramar Beach and Okaloosa Island? If you’re here on vacation, this might be the perfect time to try karaoke, especially if you’re new or a little nervous. There’s something freeing about singing in front of a crowd you’ll probably never see again. I went most of my life without ever trying...
Did you know the Destin Water Taxi is one of the most fun and efficient ways to get around Destin Harbor? You can skip traffic and parking headaches and turn the ride itself into part of the experience with a scenic cruise across the water. Destin Harbor is packed with restaurants, attractions, and things to do, but during busy season it can come...
Are you planning a trip to Destin in August and wondering what to expect? This post covers what you need to know about August in Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Miramar Beach, including weather, activities, crowds, and events. Destin Beach, Florida In my article about the best times to visit Destin, Florida, I ranked August 6th, right in the middle...
Looking for New Year’s Eve fireworks in the Destin area? You’re in luck, because there are plenty of great options in Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island, and nearby spots along the coast. For 2026, New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, December 31st, and it’s hard to believe we’ll be ringing in 2027. Whether you’re planning a laid-back evening by...
Looking for the best place to watch the Boardwalk Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Pier? This post covers everything you need to know, including the full 2026 fireworks schedule and the best viewing spots around the pier and Boardwalk. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk fireworks are launched from the end of the fishing pier, exploding over the Gulf of...
The Village of Baytowne Wharf fireworks show is one of the most breathtaking displays in the Miramar Beach and Destin area, synchronized 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...
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 covers each one with descriptions, tips, and photos so you can find the public beach that fits your plans. Thirteen public beach accesses might sound like a lot, but...
There’s nothing like ending a perfect beach day with a fireworks show over Destin Harbor. Whether you’re here for a summer vacation, spring break, or a holiday weekend, the Harborwalk Village fireworks are one of the best free things to do in Destin. Watching the bursts reflect across the water with boats gathered below is a classic Destin...
Looking for the best pool in Destin? Most people come here for the beaches, but a great pool where you’re staying is a major bonus. I love a fabulous, memorable pool, and it’s a big factor for me when planning a vacation. That’s why I wrote this post to round up the best resort pools in the Destin area. I’m especially highlighting pools with fun...
Are you planning to visit Destin, Miramar Beach, or Okaloosa Island in June 2026? This post covers what to expect with weather, crowds, sunsets, activities, and upcoming events. In my article about the best times to visit Destin, I ranked June as #3, so it’s pretty high on my list, outranked only by October and May. June is when it really feels...
May is one of the best months to be in Destin. The first signs of summer start to appear with warmer weather, longer days, and kids finishing up the school year. This post covers everything you need to know about what to expect in May in Destin, including weather, activities, crowds, and upcoming events. In my article about the best times to visit...
Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor is one of the oldest traditions along the Emerald Coast. The 69th annual Blessing of the Fleet in Destin, Florida will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This post covers a little history behind the event, plus when and where to watch it. The Reel Legend boat at the Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor...
Thinking about visiting the Destin area in April and wondering what to expect for weather, crowds, events, and activities? This post will help you decide whether April is a good time for your trip. April is a great time to enjoy the Emerald Coast. It’s the bridge between spring break and summer. The weather warms up a lot compared to the sometimes...
Visiting Destin, Florida in March? March is a great time to be on the Emerald Coast, and there are plenty of fun events to kick off the spring season. This post covers what to expect for weather, sunsets, events, and activities during March in Destin. March brings warmer weather and a noticeable increase in visitors compared to the quiet of...
Norriego Point, Destin, Florida as it looks now in 2026. Norriego Point sits at the very end of Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle, the narrow stretch of land between Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico at the East Pass, and right now it’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Destin. The area has been fully renovated and re-opened with...
Crab Island in Destin, Florida is one of the top attractions on the Emerald Coast, and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve ever searched for things to do in Destin, you’ve likely come across this world-famous sandbar. For many visitors, a Destin vacation simply isn’t complete without spending a day at Crab Island. The crystal-clear water, floating...
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 sunrise in Destin February weather in Destin is mostly cool, with a mix of chilly days and the occasional warm, sunny surprise. Compared to...
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. Best Places to Watch Footbball on Destin Harbor Whether you’re a die...
The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival takes place every year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The 2025 event is still TBA but it usually takes place on the 2nd or 3rd weekend in November. The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is an evening full of holiday spirit...
Are you planning a trip to Destin in September and wondering what to expect? This post will cover everything you need to know about September in Destin, Okaloosa Island and Miramar Beach as fas as weather, activities, crowds, and upcoming events. In my article about the Best Times to visit Destin, Florida, I ranked September as 5th on the...
October is often cited as the best month in Destin by both locals and visitors thanks to the perfect combination of cooler temperatures, lower crowds, amazing sunsets and an abundance 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. In this...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...