Area Attractions


Dining
Fishing  
Golfing
Recreation  
Shopping 

The "World's Luckiest" fishing village has even more to offer than beautiful white sand beaches and the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

When the sun goes down or the clouds wander over, enjoy some of the best shopping and dining in Destin! 



Dining

With many of our area's restaurants being awarded "Florida Trend's Top 200," we are getting both statewide and national recognition. We also have wonderful local seafood restaurants with the freshest fish always.

Fudpucker's - It's no secret why Fudpucker's has been around for over 20 years. They serve up some of the best seafood on the Emerald Coast. Father Fud has a special place in his heart for great food, and boy does he know how to cook. From the very beginning Father Fud was serving up his now world famous Fud Burgers and Fish Pucker's in the back of a long time favorite Destin nightclub. Visit their Web site.

Harbor Docks - Local Color...Local Flavor. Enjoy spectacular harbor views at this casual establishment. Voted BEST Seafood, BEST Outdoor Dining and BEST Sushi two years in a row! The bar here is popular with charter-boat skippers, and frequent live entertainment keeps the action going on the outdoor deck at night. Visit their Web site.

Harry T's Boathouse - This two-story restaurant overlooks the Destin Harbor and has been a local favorite for 15 years. Visit their Web site

LaRocco's - Enjoy Italian family style dining at its finest in this Destin restaurant. For a fun evevning out, look no further. On Level One of LaRoccos is standup comedy at its best - The Punchline! Visit their Web site 

The Lucky Snapper - Destin - Lucky Snapper offers fantastic views of the East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as some of the area's most delicious fresh seafood dishes. Visit their Web site

Sandestin Dining - With a professional, creative culinary crew of more than 70, Sandestin's dining is truly memorable. The resort features 400 restaurant seats for breakfast, lunch and dinner including waterfront dining on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay at:

  • Bars and Pubs: Governor's Attic, Linkside Pub, O'Reily's Oasis and O'Reily's Roost, Riptide Tiki Hut on the Beach, Taylor's Tiki
  • Casual Dining: Chan's Market Cafe, LaBonboniere Godiva & Ice Cream, Sunset Bay Cafe, Starbucks Coffee
  • Village Dining: Acme Oyster House, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Bistro Bijoux, Hammerhead's Bar & Grille, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, Magnolia & Ivy Tea Room, Marlin Grill, Penguin's Ice Cream Shop, Poppy's Seafood Factory, Roberto's Pizzeria, Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar & Grill, The Candymaker, Village Bakery & Deli Cafe
  • Fine Dining: The Elephant Walk

    Recreation

    Choose your pleasure in our year round warm climate. A playground for outdoor sports, the area boasts numerous challenging golf courses, tennis courts and gyms within minutes to all Southern Resorts - properties.

    Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Walton Beach-Eglin - This area is well known for our Air Force bases and military influence. Come visit this museum and see why. The history of Air Force aviation and combat explode from the models and true life exhibits of planes, bombs and weaponry. It is a fascinating look at what most of us only get to read about. For more information call them at 850-651-1808.

    Big Kahunas Lost Paradise - Find moderate and daring slides, waterfalls, wave pools, an arcade and 54-hole mini golf course at Big Kahunas. There is even a children's section for smaller tots to enjoy a day of fun. Pack your lunch or eat at one of their many choices for lunch. For more information call them at: 850-837-4061

    Gulfarium - Enjoy four live marine shows featuring dolphins and sea lions as well as a Living Sea show with a live SCUBA diver, plus aquariums, and various animal exhibits. You can even interact with the dolphins in a special program provided. Learn and be entertained at the same time. Located in Okaloosa Island. Visit their Web site

    Indian Temple Mound, Fort Walton Beach - Spend an afternoon exploring the history of our area and the native people who lived here many years ago. An authentic Temple Mound marks the spot in downtown Ft. Walton Beach where a museum lets you look into the past. For more information call them at 850-833-9595.

    Lost Lagoon Golf Center - Golf among wrecked ships, palm trees and lakes at Fort Walton Beach's miniature Golf Course. It's fun and inviting to kids of all ages. For more information call them at: 850-244-1612

    Pleasure Island Waterparks - Fort Walton Beach has its own Pleasure Island with water slides, go-karts and arcade. Located on the bay side of Okaloosa Island, it also features waverunners, parasailing and boat rentals. For more information call them at: 850-243-9738

    Snorkel Destin - Dolphin watching and sunset cruises in Destin. Take a look at colorful tropical fish, rays and a variety of wild sea creatures. Stay topside and look for dolphins that play all around our coast and the Destin Pass. Includes snorkel gear and instructions. For more information call them at 850-654-4655.

    The Track - The Track in Destin is your family headquarters for fun. Their action-packed recreation center features the ultimate in go-kart tracks, miniature golf, bumper boats, and a bungee jumping tower. Visit their Web site

    The ZOO - Spend a day in the wild at the ZOO in Gulf Breeze. See lots of wildlife... giraffes, gorillas, lemurs, rhinos and more than 700 other animals. Take a ride on the Safari Line Train or pet the animals at The Farm. Visit their Web site.

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    Golfing

    The Emerald Coast is a golfer's paradise. We have packages for two or more players at some of the finest fairways in Florida. With accommodations, green and cart fees, plus tee times set, all you have to do is relax and enjoy!

    Emerald Bay - Destin is recognized as a top golf destination, and no where is it better represented than at beautiful Emerald Bay. Designed by Bob Cupp, Emerald Bay is a 18 hole championship course believed by many to be one of northwest Florida's very best. In 1992, Golf Digest believed it and voted Emerald Bay one of the top new courses in the country. As you navigate the fairways and greens of this 6,802 yard, par 72 layout, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay which borders part of the back nine.

    Hidden Creek Golf Club - The Club at Hidden Creek has a established reputation as the finest golf facility in Northwest Florida, and is proud to continue the tradition of quality, affordable golf and excellence in customer satisfaction for which we are known.

    Simply put, those who venture to The Club at Hidden Creek discover one of Florida's finest golf experiences. Hidden Creek is well-known for its fast greens, lush landscaping, and scenic rolling terrain, and provides a golf experience challenging enough to serve as a former host site of the U.S. Open Qualifying Rounds. Add an experienced staff committed to excellent service, and you've found a home in which to indulge your passion.

    • Spectacular 18-hole championship course
    • Excellent pace of play
    • Challenging par 72, 6,862 yard layout
    • Lush landscaping and scenic rolling terrain
    • Three tee options on every hole
    • Customized event planning
    • Beautiful clubhouse
    • PGA tournament staff
    • Advance tee time reservations
    • Player hole assignments
    • Professional scoring with scoreboard display
    • Food and beverage service


    Seascape - One of Destin's most popular courses to play, Seascape is a layout that offers golfers a wide variety of shot selection. The 18-hole Joe Lee creation winds through woods and around lakes with a personality that seems to challenge you to overpower it. The layout demands subtlety and finesse with the premium placed on shot accuracy rather than the long drive.

    Shalimar Pointe Country Club - Located on the Northwestern coast of Florida and with the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay as its backdrop, Shalimar Pointe Golf and Country Club offers its members one of the finest golf experiences.

    If a golf game is only as good as its surroundings, choosing the exclusive setting of Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club is the first step in achieving your vision. Championship playing conditions and a staff of seasoned tournament planners will help make your golf outing one they'll remember for years to come.

    • Spectacular 18-hole championship course
    • Par 72, 6,765 yard layout
    • Manicured greens and strategically placed bunkers
    • Four sets of tees on each hole
    • Finger/Dye design
    • Comprehensive practice facility featuring a spacious driving range, putting green, and chipping green 

     

    Fishing

    The crystal clear turquoise waters of the gulf harbor an abundant supply of king mackerel, cobia, red snapper, billfish, wahoo and grouper. The inter-coastal waterways are also a reservoir for trout, flounder and crabs. Gulf or Bay charters offer half-day, full-day and overnight excursions.

    Destin Fishing Museum - Preserving and promoting the history and the fishing industry in Destin... The World's Luckiest Fishing Village. Visit their Web site

    Destin Fishing Pier - Destin harbors more than 140 vessels from party boats to private charters. All offer deep sea, inshore and bottom fishing. Free fish cleaning for the day's catch provided by many charters. Visit their Web site

    Flat Out Charters - Back Bay and Gulf, day and night trips available with Captain Leo Collins and his Flat Out. For all your family fun... beginner or pro, call (850)654-1106!

    Harborwalk Marina - Harborwalk Marina is located at the foot of the Destin bridge. They maintain a full service marina and transient slip rentals with yacht facilities. Climb aboard the Swoop, Destin's newest party and Fishing Boat. Visit their Web site

    Okaloosa Island Pier - Located on Santa Rosa Island across the bay from Fort Walton Beach, this is a 40-acre park with a fishing pier. This 1,200-foot (360m) pier is lighted for night fishing and known to shelter 100-pound (45kg) tarpons. For more information call them at: 850-244-1023

     



    Shopping
    A great variety of specialty shops offers local beach art, nautical maps, water sports equipment, shells, interior furnishings, unique accessories and antiques, all within a short drive from Southern Resort condominiums. Here are some of our favorite places to shop!

    Sandestin Shopping - Sandestin offers more than 45 retail offerings ranging from boutique shops to discount factory stores. The Market Shops at Sandestin and The Village of Baytowne Wharf offer shopping enthusiasts a variety of specialty shopping. From art galleries and fine wine stores to cooking schools and tearooms, shoppers are sure to find the perfect buy. Visit their Web site

    Santa Rosa Mall in Fort Walton Beach - Soak up the sun! Cool drinks, hot fashions, the latest shades, everything under the sun. Anything you might want or need while soaking it up in the Sunshine State. We have it all... Visit their Web site

    Silver Sands Outlet - The nation's largest designer outlet center is located just minutes from the beautiful white sandy beaches and emerald green waters of Destin, Florida. Visit their Web site

    Sockeyes Beach and Sport - Find everything from casual clothing to beach chairs, beach umbrellas, sunglasses and sports equipment. Visit their Web site.