Looking for things to do in February in Destin and Miramar Beach? This post will cover all the best events in February and what to expect as far as weather, crowds, and activities.
February weather in Destin is 
February is one of the coldest months of the year in Destin (surpassed only by January) which at least makes it a great time for quiet walks on the beach without all the crowds that the warmer months bring.
The tourist crowds in February mostly consist of snowbirds in town from northern states who usually stay through February.
Spring break visitors will start to trickle in towards the end of February from a few colleges with an early spring break but most spring break activity will start in March.
Late February is when the parasailing chutes appear in the air again as the watersports companies start opening back up after being closed for the winter.
The sunsets and sunrises in winter are the best since it’s the only time of year to see the sun set directly over the Gulf of Mexico in Destin.
The sun is still completely over the water at the beach in February so be sure to soak up plenty of sunsets. The sun will start to inch back over land in March and mostly set over land and behind the buildings by April.
This becomes less true as you go more east to the 30a area where the coastline curve will allow you to see the sunset over the water for a much longer stretch of time (but the sunrise for less). I wrote more detail about this topic here: Sunset in Destin, Florida: The 6 Best Places to Watch
Sunrise and Sunset times in February are early compared to the summer with sunrise falling somewhere between 6:12am and 6:37am and sunset between 5:22pm and 5:44pm, depending what part of the month. Often you will have the beach all to yourself in February to enjoy them, especially at sunrise.
February is a good time to find discounted hotel rooms and off-season pricing on condos since most places will transition into their higher spring rates on March 1st.
I ranked February as 11th on the list in my article about The Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida. So while this isn’t exactly my favorite month in Destin, there are still plenty events that make it fun as we eagerly await the warmer weather and arrival of spring. Also, there aren’t really any bad months in Destin! Check out that article here:
February Weather in Destin
Average High = 64 degrees
Average Low = 40 degrees
Average Gulf Water Temperature = 64 degrees
Average Rainfall = 5.7 inches
The air here can feel colder then the temperatures would imply. 50 degrees on the coast of Florida will feel colder than 50 degrees in another state during the winter. The opposite is true in summer when 85 degrees in summer will feel hotter than 85 degrees in a drier climate.
The humidity and wind off the water in Florida give the cold air some extra bite so people are often taken aback by how chilly it can feel here in winter–especially after the sun goes down.
February Events in Destin and Miramar Beach
Brunch Fest at Harborwalk Village
Brunch bites, Bloody Mary’s, and bubbles galore will fill Destin Harbor for the first annual Brunch Fest. You’ll be welcomed by a mimosa to sip on as you make your way through the Village to taste and try all of the yummiest foods from our area’s favorite brunch spots.
Brunch Fest is a ticketed event which includes drink samples and tastings from 12 local restaurants.
Tickets and more information are here: Harborwalk Brunch Fest Information
Sandestin Gumbo Festival at Baytowne Wharf
The annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is one of the biggest events in our area and February 2025 will mark the 36th year of this festival.
Sample a variety of gumbo from Gulf Coast Restaurants at this event and vote for your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner. There will also be live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe and children’s activities.
Bloody Marys were added to the event a few years ago so in addition to Gumbo tastings, you can also try the areas best variations on these favorite drinks and place your vote for the “Best Bloody Marys at The Beach”.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is located within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort but it is always open to the public. The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is a ticketed event if you want to taste everything but anyone can walk around the event with or without a wristband.
Tickets and more information are here: http://www.sandestingumbofestival.com/
Shrimp and Grits Festival on Destin Harbor
Shrimp and Grits festival is a newer event on Destin Harbor with 2025 will be the 6th year. This event combines family fun with amazing food and drinks by local restaurants.
The Destin Shrimp and Grits festival features local area restaurants showcasing their culinary expertise and innovative variations of the Shrimp & Grits dish as they compete for the best shrimp and grits dish in Destin.
Try craft beer and cocktail samples at the tasting stations while enjoying live entertainment against the backdrop of the Destin Harbor. The is a ticketed event taking place on directly in front of Brotulas Restaurant.
Website for tickets and more info: www.shrimpandgritsfest.com
Bubbly Baytowne
Bubbly Baytowne is a free event that takes at the Village of Baytowne Wharf where you sip and shop your way through the village merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium sparkling wines.
Bubbly Baytowne also takes place on other select days throughout the year. If you want more information, photos and a list of the other Bubbly Baytowne dates, I wrote a detailed article about this event here: Bubbly Baytowne – A Sip and Shop through the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Mardi Gras in Destin and Miramar Beach
Mardi Gras event times are different every year since Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which varies depending what day Easter falls on.
Usually Mardi Gras festivities in Destin take place in late February or early March. Both Harborwalk Village and Baytowne Wharf hold Mardi Gras Parades and festivities.
Harborwalk Village Mardi Gras Events
Mardi Gras Parade at Harborwalk Village
Celebrate Mardi Gras on Destin Harbor with live music by Fais Do-Do on the main events stage starting at 2:00pm followed by the parade at 4:00pm.
The Mardi Gras floats will roll through Harborwalk Village from the west side near Emerald Grande and end at the east side near Fishheads bar and grill.
Anywhere along the route in Harborwalk Village is a good spot but there are a lot of options for elevated viewing around Margaritaville so that’s a fun spot too. The marina area further down will be less crowded if you want to space out more from people.
More information: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
Pawdi Gras Costume Contest
Enter your pup in a spirited Pawdi Gras Pet Costume contest taking place on the main events stage. Registration starts at 3:00pm and the contest begins at 3:30.
More information: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
Baytowne Wharf Mardi Gras Events
Mardi Gras Parade at Baytowne Wharf
The Village streets will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans along with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, and pick up trucks.
Mardi Gras music will fill the air as our four-pawed friends and parade participants shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets.
More information: Baytowne Wharf Events Calendar
Mardi Gras Street Party at Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf celebrates with their annual street party again this year on Fat Tuesday. Starting at 6 pm, the Village Street party comes to life complete with music, street performers, entertainers and more.
The celebration continues into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments.
Valentines Day in Destin
Valentine’s Day is February 14th and there are plenty of restaurants in Destin where you can enjoy a romantic dinner. Here are a few of the restaurants who offer a special holiday menu:
Solaris Valentines Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Indulge in a chef-prepared meal and sailing in the bay on the 125-foot Solaris yacht located at Baytowne Marina in Sandestin. The Solaris Valentine’s Day dinner cruise or brunch are unique alternatives to a traditional restaurant meal.
The dinner cruise aboard the Solaris Yacht features live music and dancing under the stars. The dinner cruises will take place on Friday February 10th, Saturday February 11th, Sunday February 12th, and Tuesday February 14th. It is a 3-course dinner with a few fixed choices.
Website for more information and reservations: https://sunquestcruises.com
Beachwalk Café Valentine’s Dinner
Beach Walk Cafe is located inside the Henderson Park Inn Bed and Breakfast (not to be confused with the larger Henderson Resort across the street). It’s a unique dining experience and one of the only fine dining restaurants in Destin located directly on the beach.
Beach Walk Café has a romantic feel with it’s intimate atmosphere, cozy fireplace, and indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic water views. Also consider going for a walk on the beautiful beach here tucked right next to Henderson State Park before or after dinner.
Beachwalk Cafe has a special menu for their Valentine’s Day dinner on Tuesday, February 14th from 5-8pm. Advanced reservations are required and it will book up in advance.
More information is available on their website: Beachwalk Cafe
Grande Vista Valentines Dinner
Located inside the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village, the Grande Vista serves up a special 3-course meal for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to step outside before dinner to enjoy a happy hour drink with sunset and spectacular views of Destin Harbor from the pool deck.
More information: Grande Vista Restaurant
Other Ideas for February in Destin
Beach Bonfires
February is the perfect weather for a bonfire on the beach. Royal Palm Grille beach bar on Scenic 98 in Miramar Beach hosts a free beach bonfire on Monday and Friday nights year-round. All ages are welcome.
Royal Palm Grille has free parking available on the street and the parking garage across the street. Chairs are provided. S’mores and Drink Specials are available to purchase along with anything on their full restaurant menu. No offsite food or beverages are allowed.
Here is their website event listing for more information: Royal Palm Grille Beach Bonfire
You can also have your own beach bonfire in Miramar Beach with family and friends by getting a permit and a few supplies. I wrote a detailed article about how to do that here: How to Have a Beach Bonfire in Destin, Miramar Beach or 30a.
Ice Skating at Baytowne Wharf
The Baytowne Ice Rink is set up under a large tent directly in the Baytowne Wharf events plaza from late October to early February. The first week of February is a great time to enjoy the final week of the only ice skating in the Destin area.
Operating times for the Baytowne ice rink vary each day depending on holidays and school schedules. More information is on the Baytowne Wharf Events Calendar
Support bars are available for beginner children to hold onto while they skate around the ice. The cost for ice skating is about $13 for a 90-minute skating session and $3 for skate rental.
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect visit to Destin in February 2023.
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Do you have 2020 dates and events?
Thanks for the info
I am waiting on a final events list from Harborwalk and will have it updated for 2020 this week!
I just updated this article for February 2020!
February 5, 2023: Mardi Gras Parade in FWB! 🙂
Thank you, I need to remember to include more Fort Walton Beach events. I will add it!