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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Destin Beach Cameras are the best way to get an accurate look at beach and water conditions in the area since they change day-to-day and minute-to-minute. I check the live beach webcams in Destin, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, and Sandestin almost daily and in this post I will share my favorite ones with you. Maybe you want to check the beach...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...