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The city of Destin comes down to meet the Gulf of Mexico along Florida’s Emerald Coast. As you might imagine, proximity to these waters means limitless fresh seafood on the city’s menus. Dining here is as family-friendly as it’s fine; and beyond the expected southern-flavoured, marine-based treats (gumbo, calamari, sushi, oysters) meat is major. Whether you’re into steaks or shrimps, chicken or alligator, these are the best restaurants in Destin, Florida. Dig in!

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

At Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House your dinner won’t have traveled far; the house-smoked yellowfin tuna, shrimp, and blue crab are caught right in the Gulf waters beneath your harbor-front table. Other palate-pleasers on your plate – white sauce, tomato jam, plum tomatoes, feta – are whipped up Alabama-style. Taste the pleasures of the Gulf lifestyle with the catch of the day, accompanied by creamy Spanish Mahon cheese grits, local okra-tomato dish maque choux, and definitely a Boshamps Margarita, prepared with a special house-made mix.

Destin Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure

Natural Feature

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure with our half-day cruise from Destin to Crab Island, where you’ll join a lively gathering of boats between Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a swim or snorkel, indulge in delicious fare at one of the floating restaurants, or simply unwind and soak in the festive atmosphere. Our unique tiki bar-themed vessel ensures you stand out from the crowd, equipped with coolers and ice so you can bring along your favorite drinks and snacks. Whether you’re with family or friends, this experience promises fun and relaxation amidst stunning coastal scenery.

Marina Cafe

American wagyu beef sliders, grilled fresh fish, and hearty marinara pasta; that’s just the kids menu at Marina Cafe, Destin’s most-garlanded restaurant. It’s a feast for all the family. Split a bottle of red with your partner and prepare for jumbo-lump crab cakes on panko crusted eggplant medallions – an appetizer even your little ones will love. Top tip: the pan-seared Louisiana redfish is always a winner, with its crust of andouille sausage, alongside a dollop of cajun chive remoulade and hot cayenne butter.

Crackings

Even the laziest day devoted to sunbathing is best begun with a hearty breakfast at Crackings. Everyone comes for the classic Belgian waffle or sweet cream pancakes, but the fresh Gulf Benedict deserves a mention: it’s absolutely delicious, composed of a red snapper fillet, two poached eggs, and a slick of creole hollandaise, all piled on an English muffin and served with a generous helping of country spuds. You’ll need downtime to digest all this, which means: next stop the beach.

790 on the Gulf Restaurant

This is one of the best places to introduce your tastebuds to regional flavors, its USP being Florida seafood with a Louisiana twist. Sunday brunch will transport you 250mi (400km) west to the Big Easy: order a New Orleans muffaletta (cheese and ham sandwich), some duck and andouille sausage gumbo, and the spicy hurricane shrimp. You’ll practically hear the jazz bands playing in the distance as you eat.

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill

Live alligators, kids writing on the walls, and a hunch-punch known as “knock-out juice” – Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill is peak Floridian fun for the whole family. They’ve got a boatload of tastebud-ticklers, including fried dill pickles, finger lickin’ chicken, and the much-loved Fudburgers, dressed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Let the kids off the leash to feed the alligators while you sip a Fudpuckerita, zingy with passion fruit, strawberry, and mango.

Gulf Coast Burger Company

When you’re knackered from a day surfing, Gulf Coast Burger Company delivers the calorific sustenance you need. There are juicy burgers grilled in five different Gulf-state styles. Or try the Mississippi country fried steak, smothered with smooth brown gravy. This is a mild substitute for the Texas chili burger with cayenne-spiked “tobacco” onions, and fried jalapenos. No matter how hulking your order of meat and toppings, you have to try a sugar-loaded Cat 5 milkshake – the cookies and cream version is head-rushingly good.

The Crab Trap

They certainly give you the hard shell at this beachside oyster bar – along with emerald aquatic views and a broad menu of the freshest seafood. You might order appetizers of sweet and spicy calamari – juicy Gulf shrimp, too – to tide you over until your plate of sweet and delicate Alaskan bairdi crab lands on the table. The best liquid refreshment for our money is the Crab Trap Long Island Iced Tea, which will lull you into contentment, watching the waves roll by.

Thai Tanic Restaurant

Behind the unusual name (and we do like a pun) authentic Thai foods are what keep this place very much afloat. Slurp up a bowl of tom yum or chicken feet soup while the chefs cook you a batch of pad woon sen (chicken thigh and thread noodles) or pad see ew, zingy with tamarind sauce. If you’d rather stick with the standards, there’s pad thai and fish cake also on the menu, and if only vegan will do, try the yellow curry tofu.

Landshark’s Pizza Company

Brick-oven baking and generous toppings come as standard whichever pie you order at Landshark’s Pizza Company. The signature serving – loaded with four different veggies and four different meats, kitchen-sink style – has helped to make Landshark’s one of the best of its kind in Destin. And there’s more to the appeal: stop in for a slice, and you’ll definitely be waylaid by the many bourbons, whiskeys, and awesome cigars. Demolish a slice of fiery El Diablo before summoning a Glenfarclas 25 Year scotch and lighting a hefty Nicaraguan number. Now that’s what you call a vacation.

Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL

Natural Feature

Embark on an exhilarating Destin dolphin watching cruise aboard the “Hydrojet” boat, offering a thrilling ride along the coastline from the harbor to East Pass and into the Gulf of Mexico. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and other marine life in their natural habitat, with opportunities for up-close encounters and photo stops. This short tour provides a perfect glimpse into Destin’s aquatic wonders without consuming your entire day. Enjoy the excitement and beauty of the Gulf waters while aboard the “Hydrojet”!

This is an updated version of an article originally by Ania Manczyk.

Looking for more recommendations? Find a hotel perfectly suited to your needs from this list of the best hotels for every traveler or opt for more privacy at one of these vacation rentals. Best of all, you can book your next stay right here on Culture Trip. There’s plenty to do in the day too; discover the top things to do in Destin for a perfect vacation.

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