Discover Endless Fun at Destin Harbor

Aerial view of Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s home to the biggest, best-equipped fishing fleet in Florida and is the heart of Destin,  “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” And, with completion of the new boardwalk and the revitalization of HarborWalk Village, Destin Harbor is one of the hottest destinations on the Gulf Coast.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk Restaurants

AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar is a long-time favorite for Destin visitors. Enjoy extraordinary views from the outside bar and dining porch. Or, dine inside with a more extensive menu of fresh-caught fish, excellent service, and water views.

At HarborWalk Village and all around the harbor, a slew of restaurants, night spots, and shops are just waiting to entice visitors looking for a memorable meal or a break from the sun, sand, and surf. Eateries like AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Brotula’s, Harbor Docks, Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House, Marina Cafe, Louisiana Lagniappe, and Dewey Destin offer the freshest seafood available from local waters. You can’t go wrong at any of these all-time favorites. Summer wait times can be up to 2 hours most evenings at a couple of these hot-spot restaurants, so plan ahead or call to ask about the wait time. Others may just have a 15-minute wait and are just as good. You can also order carry-out from most and a few, such as Harbor Docks, may still offer take-out from the dock when seating is limited during the pandemic.

Head to the water to enjoy a quick evening cruise while avoiding the traffic on a fun Destin Water Taxi. They pick up and drop off regularly from all of these Destin Harborfront restaurants. Prices are currently $7/person each way. Call 850-499-1909 for the best taxi ride in town. For more dining options see our page on Destin Restaurants.

The water taxi is the way to go when in Destin.

Watersport Rentals at Destin Harbor

View of the Destin Bridge from Harborwalk Village, where nearby jet skis are available for rent.

Concentrated in the area are plenty of businesses renting pontoons boats, jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP Destin), scuba gear, and other water sports equipment. Thrill seekers flock to parasailing in Destin for a bird’s-eye view of Destin Harbor, the beach, and the bay. Parasailing boats come and go through Destin Harbor to the Gulf and bay throughout fall, spring and summer, so planning a trip is easy and affordable.

Due to a happy set of geographical circumstances, Destin Harbor has long been a mecca for fishermen. The East Pass presents easy access to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, making the harbor area the ideal spot to book a Destin fishing charter. Once in the Gulf, Destin fishermen are closer to the 100-Fathom Curve and its bounty of grouper, red snapper, amberjack, scamp, triggerfish, cobia, and other deep-water denizens than anglers anywhere else in Florida.

Destin Harbor is also the go-to for dolphin and sunset cruises as well as dinner cruises. Southern Star is a charter company specializing in sunset and dolphin cruises. Kids love its sister ship, the Buccanneer Pirate Cruise ship, which sets sail around the harbor and the Gulf. Reservations are required for both cruises. Visit BeachGuide for a full list of Destin recreation and attractions.

What better way to tour the Destin Harbor than a Tiki boat?

One of the most unique ways to tour the harbor popped on the scene just a few years ago. Cruising Tikis Destin transports you and your friends on a memorable adventure to Crab Island or around the Harbor and canals. An hour and a half costs about $50 to $80 per person, depending on the season. Call 850-200-0573 to make a reservation.

Summer Events at Harborwalk Village

There’s a party going on just about every day at HarborWalk Village, which is hosting free special events in Destin, including concerts, parades, festivals, and fireworks displays, all summer long. On Thursdays, the Red, White, and Blue Celebration honors local volunteers with a vintage air show and  fireworks over the Harbor. Saturdays bring you the Rock the Docks concert series, back this year by popular demand. Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, with beads and a parade plus live music on the main stage.

Emerald Grande at Destin Harborwalk Village

Places to stay that are close to the fun include the luxurious Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village and the pet-friendly Inn on Destin Harbor. Sandpiper Cove Condominiums is a popular property uniquely situated on both the beach and Harbor, so guests enjoy 1,100 feet of private white sand beaches as well as a boat launch. Other amenities at Sandpiper Cove include onsite dining at Louisiana Lagniappe, a 9-hole par 3 golf course, tennis, multiple pools and hot tubs, as well as a seasonal snack and drink beach bar. For additional places to stay in and around Destin, just click on our link for Destin vacation rentals.

Unique Beach-To-Harbor Gated Community with loads of amenities