All posts

Aerial view of Norriego Point in Destin, Florida showing the completed park, boardwalk, swimming coves, and surrounding harbor and Gulf waters in 2026

Norriego Point 2026: What It’s Like Now and What Comes Next — A Local’s Perspective

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...

Boats and swimmers at Crab Island in Destin

Crab Island in Destin: 2026 Ultimate Visitors Guide

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...

People serving up Gumbo at the Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival at Baytowne Wharf

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 sunrise in Destin February weather in Destin is mostly cool, with a mix of chilly days and the occasional warm, sunny surprise. Compared to...

Santa watching Fireworks at Baytowne Wharf

Christmas in Destin: Ultimate Guide to the Holiday Season

Thinking about visiting Destin, Florida, Miramar Beach or somewhere along the Emerald Coast during the holiday season? My updated “Christmas in Destin” guide includes everything you’ll want to know for this year’s holiday visit. In this post, you’ll find: The best holiday events and parades Top spots to see dazzling Christmas lights Perfect photo...

Destin Harbor Fireworks from the Destin Bridge

Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks

There’s nothing like ending a perfect beach day with a spectacular fireworks show over Destin Harbor. Whether you’re here for a summer vacation, spring break, or a holiday weekend, the Harborwalk Village Fireworks display is one of the best free activities in town. Bursting over the water with boats gathered below and reflections shimmering...

April in Destin: Weather, Crowds, and Best Things to Do

Are you thinking of visiting the Destin area in April and what to expect as far as weather, crowds, events and activities? This post will help you decide if April is the best time for you to visit. April is an amazing time to enjoy the Emerald Coast. April in Destin is the bridge between spring break and summer. The weather warms up significantly...

March in Destin sunset at the coastline at the jetties

March in Destin ~ Weather, Events, and Activities

Visiting Destin, Florida in March? March is an amazing time to be on the Emerald Coast and there’s no shortage of fun events in March to kick off the spring season. This post covers what to expect for weather, sunsets, events and activities during March in Destin. March in Destin will bring warmer weather and a sudden influx of crowds...

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Destin: Ring in 2025 with a bang

Looking for New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the Destin area? You’re in luck because because there are plenty of great options in Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island and Seaside. As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31st, Destin, Florida, transforms into a magical seaside destination bursting with celebration. Known for its...

The Good Life Destin

Kickoff in Paradise: Best Places to Watch Football on Destin Harbor

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...

Lighted Boats on the Harbor at the Destin Lighted Boat Parade

Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade Guide and Best Places to Watch

The Destin Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in early December on Destin Harbor. This post will cover information about the 2025 event and the best viewing spots to see the boat parade and fireworks. Participating boats will include area tour boats, dolphin cruise boats, fishing charter boats, and...

Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor: 2025 Event Information

Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor is one of the oldest traditions along the Emerald Coast. The 68th annual Blessing of the Fleet in Destin, Florida will take place on Thursday, May 29th 2025. This post will cover details about the history of this event and when and where to watch. The Reel Legend boat at the Blessing of the Fleet on Destin...

Destin Beach in August

August in Destin: Ultimate Guide to Weather, Events, & More

Are you planning a trip to Destin in August and wondering what to expect? This post will cover everything you need to know about August in Destin, Okaloosa Island and Miramar Beach as fas as weather, activities, crowds, and upcoming events. Destin Beach, Florida In my article about the best times to visit Destin, Florida, I ranked August as 6th on...

Sparkling Wine Festival Glass

Baytowne Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival Ultimate Guide

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...

People walking around at the Perfect Hues Art Festival at Baytowne Wharf

September in Destin: Guide to Weather, Crowds, Events & More

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 in Destin: Best Events to Welcome Fall

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...

The Good Life Destin

Destin Water Taxi: The Best Way to Travel the Harbor

Did you know the Destin Water Taxi is the most fun and efficient way to travel around Destin Harbor? You can skip the traffic and parking hassles and combine traveling to your destination with a scenic boat ride. Destin Harbor is full of fun things to do and places to explore, but getting there comes with plenty of traffic and parking issues in...

A map showing the sunset and sunrise direction in Destin Florida

Top 6 Spots to Watch the Sunset in Destin

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...

July 4th Fireworks in Destin, Miramar Beach, 30a, and More

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...

Where to Watch the Boardwalk Fireworks

Best Places to Watch the Okaloosa Island Fireworks

Looking for where to watch the Boardwalk Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Pier? This post will give you all the details to help you find the perfect spot to watch them along with the entire 2024 schedule of fireworks shows. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk fireworks are set off at the end of the fishing pier exploding over the Gulf of Mexico. You can...

Where can I see Fireworks in Destin Florida Information

Where are the Fireworks in Destin, Okaloosa Island, & Miramar Beach?

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 Destin

The Back Porch in Destin Florida

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...

Dog on a surfboard in Destin

Visiting Destin with your Dog: Pet Friendly Beaches, Restaurants & Hotels

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...

People dancing at Jake and Henrys in downtown Fort Walton Beach to live music

Dance the Night Away in Destin: Best Clubs and Nightlife

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...

Fishing Charter Boat in May at the Fleet Blessing which is why May is one of the best times to visit Destin Florida

May in Destin ~ Weather, Events, and Activities

May is one of the best months to be in Destin. The first signs of summer start appearing with warmer weather, longer days, and kids getting out of school. This post will cover 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...

Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks

Best Places to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks

The Village of Baytowne Wharf fireworks show is one of the most breathtaking displays in the Miramar Beach and Destin area, synched 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...

Dolphin Point Condo with Pool

Destin Vacation Rentals by Sarah

My name is Sarah, and I’m the writer, photographer, and creator of this site. I also personally manage 4 vacation rentals for owners who are friends of mine. All 4 are located on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida. Because I only manage four rentals, you get truly personalized attention from me before, during, and after your stay. That’s a...

Welcome to Destin sign on Destin Harbor

Captain Royal Melvin Park in Destin: Gateway to the Harbor

Captain Royal Melvin Park, aka the Gateway to the Harbor, is the newest park in Destin, Florida. This small sanctuary of nature in the middle of bustling Destin Harbor is ideally situated between Dewey Destin’s on the Harbor and Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer at 206 Harbor Boulevard. This park project has been in the works for awhile, but...

View of Destin Harbor from the Destin Bridge Walking Path

Things to do: Walk the Destin Bridge for an Incredible View

Looking for things to do in Destin? Walking on the Destin Marler bridge is a great fun and free activity where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Destin. A breathtaking scene of Destin Harbor is the first glimpse of Destin for many arriving visitors as they cross the Marler Bridge from Okaloosa Island. The center of the bridge is the...

People walking and enjoying a fall sunrise in Destin Florida

9 Things to Love about Fall in Destin

Destin, Florida is famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, attracting tourists all year round. However, one of the best-kept secrets about visiting Destin is the lower crowds and more relaxed atmosphere during the fall. Fall in Destin (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) means less crowding than peak summer months, thanks to various factors. As fall...