Local Eats

Destin has more good restaurants per mile of beach than most Florida towns, and the range is wider than you'd expect. The obvious choice is fresh Gulf seafood, and you won't go wrong at The Back Porch or Crab Trap on Scenic Hwy 98. Both have been around long enough to know what they're doing, and both put you close enough to the water to hear it.

For something different, McGuire's Irish Pub on US-98 is worth an evening. It's loud, it's fun, and the steaks are genuinely good. The walls are covered in signed dollar bills and the beer is brewed on-site. Go early or expect a wait.

If you're staying near 30A, Elmo's Grill in Santa Rosa Beach is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. The Donut Hole in Destin has been feeding beach families since 1981 and opens early. Louisiana Lagniappe on Gulf Shore Drive is the pick for a quieter dinner with a view of the harbor.

Check our Dining guide for addresses, phone numbers, and menus for all of these and more.