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Destin-Miramar Beach area feedback (1 Viewer)

Da Guru

Da Guru

Fair & Balanced
Was thinking of planning a last minute beach Easter getaway.    Have been to Fort Myers, Clearwater, Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach a number of times so am looking for something different.  Heard some people talking about this area.   Never been here so just looking for the good or bad.   TIA

 
Beautiful Beaches. 
Gets crowded in Destin and traffic can be a bit annoying. 

 
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Lived there for 13 years. Thought it would be our final destination. Left about 18 months ago and moved further down south in FL. There is WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE (tourists) for the infrastructure. I could go back and stay for free in many different places including gulffront but no thank you. The traffic is unacceptable.

 
Joe Mammy said:
Lived there for 13 years. Thought it would be our final destination. Left about 18 months ago and moved further down south in FL. There is WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE (tourists) for the infrastructure. I could go back and stay for free in many different places including gulffront but no thank you. The traffic is unacceptable.
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I was in Gulf shores last Easter and the traffic was gridlocked from 4-7pm.  Took 30 minutes to get 4-5 miles to a restaurant.  Seems like all these beach communities that put condo after condo can`t handle the traffic during busy seasons. 

 
Da Guru said:
I was in Gulf shores last Easter and the traffic was gridlocked from 4-7pm.  Took 30 minutes to get 4-5 miles to a restaurant.  Seems like all these beach communities that put condo after condo can`t handle the traffic during busy seasons. 
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Destin is very simiiar from Sandestin area all the way to the FWB Bridge. Still buy but tapers off a bit west/east of there. If you're staying out east and want to go to AJ's by the bridge, you likely want to budget 45mins to an hour at least. 

 
:blackdot:   Booked a place there in October.  I'd heard about the traffic, so we picked a place close to quite a few bars and restaurants and have a couple of places lined up that will rent bikes for the week.  I also want to rent kayaks.  The float in party by the bridge on weekends look like a blast.

 
About 10 years ago we rented a house in Santa Rosa beach and it was a lot less crowded than Destin. Seems like development has been creeping eastward over the years so not sure if the sprawl has reached Santa Rosa by now. You can always call a few of the rental agencies and ask for honest feedback. 

 
hi DG,

we've been here a handful of times and love the area. yes, the traffic is bad, but beach is nice and enough stuff to do.

we've stayed here a few times and it is reasonable and right on the beach:

pelican beach resort

if you go, my favorite restaurant ever is McGuire's great food, great atmosphere.

also, the donut hole for breakfast is quite good as well.

 
Destin is a great place to visit for a beach vacation.  The white sand beaches are possibly the best in the U.S.  I used to live in Destin, and my dad has lived there for about 5 years.  I wouldn't let a little traffic on Highway 98 deter you, as I don't think it would significantly detract from your beach vacation and I don't think it is as bad as some are making it out to be here.  If you want less people, then you should probably look somewhere a little east of Destin between Destin and Seaside (Santa Rosa Beach, Topsoil, etc.).  If you end up making the trip, I'll post some restaurant recommendations for you.  

 
Buckfast 1 said:
Destin is a great place to visit for a beach vacation.  The white sand beaches are possibly the best in the U.S.  I used to live in Destin, and my dad has lived there for about 5 years.  I wouldn't let a little traffic on Highway 98 deter you, as I don't think it would significantly detract from your beach vacation and I don't think it is as bad as some are making it out to be here.  If you want less people, then you should probably look somewhere a little east of Destin between Destin and Seaside (Santa Rosa Beach, Topsoil, etc.).  If you end up making the trip, I'll post some restaurant recommendations for you.  
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We are booked for Spring Break (April 2nd-9th) at Oceania/Holiday Isle..  I wouldn't mind some recommendations! :)   

 
Joe Mammy said:
Lived there for 13 years. Thought it would be our final destination. Left about 18 months ago and moved further down south in FL. There is WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE (tourists) for the infrastructure. I could go back and stay for free in many different places including gulffront but no thank you. The traffic is unacceptable.
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Such a shame. We used to go to Destin every year in the 90's-early 2000's,  but it just came to be like a mini-Panama City with all the traffic/tourists. We found another quiet little place where we go now. The water isn't as nice, but the fishing is great, the beaches are clean and uncrowded, and there's not a strip mall in sight.

 
playin4beer said:
We are booked for Spring Break (April 2nd-9th) at Oceania/Holiday Isle..  I wouldn't mind some recommendations! :)   
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Harbor Docks for dinner 
AJ's upper patio for sunset drinking. Good oysters (not pasteurized like Back Pork), and usually decent live music at night. 
Gilligans used to have great deals on oysters 
McGuire's pub is fun and has pretty decent food. Top deck can be lively at night as well. 

Back porch is an institution but IMO has gone way downhill and is generally a Zoo. 

 
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playin4beer said:
We are booked for Spring Break (April 2nd-9th) at Oceania/Holiday Isle..  I wouldn't mind some recommendations! :)   
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Here are some of my favorite places in Destin:

Harbor Docks (freshly caught seafood on the harbor)

Louisiana Lagniappe (freshly caught Cajun seafood)

Dewey Destin Seafood (small family-owned shack under the Destin bridge with fresh seafood)

McGuires (Irish pub with really solid food)

Cuvée Destin (really good happy hour specials on food and drinks)

The Wine Bar - Destin (great food and wine connected to what is probably the best liquor store in Destin)

The Red Bar (it's probably too far from where you are staying at as it is in Grayton Beach, but great food) 

A lot of the bars have turned over since I last lived there, but some of the places I go when visiting my dad are Tapworks (craft beer bar with 60 taps just over the bridge in Ft. Walton), World of Beer (good selection of beers in Destin Commons), Pompano Joe's (beach bar with $1 beers during happy hour), AJ's (bar on harbor with live music for drunken nights out), and Back Porch (drinks on the beach).  There is also a new place called the Craft Bar in Destin Commons that I supposed to have a good beer selection, but I haven't been there yet.  The Other End is another new restaurant/bar that has a nice outdoor patio area overlooking the water near your hotel that sounds cool.

I hope this is helpful.  Have fun on your trip!

 
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Just fyi, AJ's upper deck/tiki bar recently burned down. They were only closed for a day or two with the ground floor open for biz. They are rebuilding the upper deck. About the only place I really miss in Destin is McGuires, I was a regular there for a long time.

 
Joe Mammy said:
Just fyi, AJ's upper deck/tiki bar recently burned down. They were only closed for a day or two with the ground floor open for biz. They are rebuilding the upper deck. About the only place I really miss in Destin is McGuires, I was a regular there for a long time.
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:thumbup:   Enjoyed drinking with ya up on the deck of McGuires a couple years back. 

Didn't know how long it was going to take AJ's to get that top deck back functional. I had heard it was mostly the thatch roof that burned up and damage was minimal but bummer to hear it was a bit more extensive than that. I've spent quite a few afternoons nursing pitchers, eating trays of oysters, and watching the sun slowly set over the harbor.  That place is gold during the fishing rodeo, as well. 

The GF and her friends are down in destin (staying at the pelican) for the week actually. 

 
Da Guru said:
Was thinking of planning a last minute beach Easter getaway.    Have been to Fort Myers, Clearwater, Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach a number of times so am looking for something different.  Heard some people talking about this area.   Never been here so just looking for the good or bad.   TI

Joe Mammy said:
About the only place I really miss in Destin is McGuires, I was a regular there for a long time.
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Amen brother. we love that restaurant. last trip down there we ate there every night but 1. their rib eye, pork chops and burgers are the best. THE BEST JERRY!
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This is awesome. We'll be in Fort Walton Beach from the 19th-26th. Would any of you have any local reco's for kids activities?

 
BigJohn said:
This is awesome. We'll be in Fort Walton Beach from the 19th-26th. Would any of you have any local reco's for kids activities?
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You should definitely take your kids to Goofy Golf in Ft. Walton Beach (401 Eglin Parkway NE, Ft. Walton Beach).  It's a Ft. Walton Beach institution that has been open since 1958, and I've been playing putt putt there since I was old enough to walk.  The prices are super cheap ($3 for adults and $1.50 for kids per round), and it is a really fun course for the whole family with far more interesting obstacles than more modern putt putt courses that cost way more.

You could also take your kids over to The Track in Destin if you want to do some different recreational activities besides the beach.  They have go-karts, bumper boats, arcades, bungee jumping, etc.  It is right across the street from the Back Porch, where you could hang out at the beach and grab some drinks afterwards. 

 
steelerfan1 said:
if you go, my favorite restaurant ever is McGuire's great food, great atmosphere.

also, the donut hole for breakfast is quite good as well.
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 We got to each of these Donut Hole on the way out for breakfast (last day).

McGuire's is awesome but expensive.  Bring cash, got my CC info swiped there. 

 
Hov34 said:
 We got to each of these Donut Hole on the way out for breakfast (last day).

McGuire's is awesome but expensive.  Bring cash, got my CC info swiped there. 
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that sux about the CC hov. wow, I thought their prices were pretty good. some of their signature drinks (irish wake) were up there, but I thought food was priced normal.  

 
Buckfast 1 said:
Here are some of my favorite places in Destin:

Harbor Docks (freshly caught seafood on the harbor)

Louisiana Lagniappe (freshly caught Cajun seafood)

Dewey Destin Seafood (small family-owned shack under the Destin bridge with fresh seafood)

McGuires (Irish pub with really solid food)

Cuvée Destin (really good happy hour specials on food and drinks)

The Wine Bar - Destin (great food and wine connected to what is probably the best liquor store in Destin)

The Red Bar (it's probably too far from where you are staying at as it is in Grayton Beach, but great food) 

A lot of the bars have turned over since I last lived there, but some of the places I go when visiting my dad are Tapworks (craft beer bar with 60 taps just over the bridge in Ft. Walton), World of Beer (good selection of beers in Destin Commons), Pompano Joe's (beach bar with $1 beers during happy hour), AJ's (bar on harbor with live music for drunken nights out), and Back Porch (drinks on the beach).  There is also a new place called the Craft Bar in Destin Commons that I supposed to have a good beer selection, but I haven't been there yet.  The Other End is another new restaurant/bar that has a nice outdoor patio area overlooking the water near your hotel that sounds cool.

I hope this is helpful.  Have fun on your trip!
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:goodposting:

 
Buckfast 1 said:
You should definitely take your kids to Goofy Golf in Ft. Walton Beach (401 Eglin Parkway NE, Ft. Walton Beach).  It's a Ft. Walton Beach institution that has been open since 1958, and I've been playing putt putt there since I was old enough to walk.  The prices are super cheap ($3 for adults and $1.50 for kids per round), and it is a really fun course for the whole family with far more interesting obstacles than more modern putt putt courses that cost way more.

You could also take your kids over to The Track in Destin if you want to do some different recreational activities besides the beach.  They have go-karts, bumper boats, arcades, bungee jumping, etc.  It is right across the street from the Back Porch, where you could hang out at the beach and grab some drinks afterwards. 
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Another vote for the Track - we spent almost an entire day there and had a blast.  

 
One more thing for the locals or experts..

We were looking at renting a pontoon boat for a day.. Any recommendations on that?  Where to rent? Where to go??

We rented one last year in Panama and went to Shell Island for the day.. Cooler full of drinks and snacks, kids and adults had a blast.

 
Depending on what your priorities are.....take a look at baytown wharf in sandestin.  tons of stuff to do so you dont' have to fight the traffic.  Downside is you have to drive (or take the shuttle) across the hwy to the private beach

http://www.baytownewharf.com/

 
:thumbup:   Thanks for all the advice in this thread guys....heading there with the kids and extended family Mar 20-27

 
playin4beer said:
One more thing for the locals or experts..

We were looking at renting a pontoon boat for a day.. Any recommendations on that?  Where to rent? Where to go??

We rented one last year in Panama and went to Shell Island for the day.. Cooler full of drinks and snacks, kids and adults had a blast.
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The most popular place to go anchor a pontoon boat is Crab Island, which is located just past the Destin Bridge right next to where you are staying.  It's really pretty around that part with shallow, crystal-clear water. 

I'm not sure about the best place to rent a boat, although I'm sure there are plenty of options along the Destin Harbor.  I know you can rent pontoon boats from Sandestin, but I'm sure there are probably cheaper options available.     

 
The trip was awesome.  Couldn't spend too much time at the beach, but the heated pools and the hot tubs made up for that.  If we manage to get back during the summer, I could easily see myself being on the beach all day.  Great spot.

McGuire's - Great steak, plotzky's were awesome.  The biggest surprise was the .19 bean soup.  Very tasty.  Great beer.  Drank the Red.

Angler's - Had lunch.  Food was terrific.  Service was horrible.  Grilled Mahi sandwich was great.  Crab Balls were tasty.

Fudpucker's - Good thing we waited until the end of the week to go.  We couldn't get the kids to leave the arcade.  Food was amazing.  I had bacon wrapped shrimp.  The star of the meal?  The chicken fingers on the sampler platter.  Those things were delicious.  Great blonde draft.

The Donut Hole - had breakfast on the last day.  Had the gulf Coast omelette.  Really, really good.  Donuts were awesome.

 
BigJohn said:
The trip was awesome.  Couldn't spend too much time at the beach, but the heated pools and the hot tubs made up for that.  If we manage to get back during the summer, I could easily see myself being on the beach all day.  Great spot.

McGuire's - Great steak, plotzky's were awesome.  The biggest surprise was the .19 bean soup.  Very tasty.  Great beer.  Drank the Red.

Angler's - Had lunch.  Food was terrific.  Service was horrible.  Grilled Mahi sandwich was great.  Crab Balls were tasty.

Fudpucker's - Good thing we waited until the end of the week to go.  We couldn't get the kids to leave the arcade.  Food was amazing.  I had bacon wrapped shrimp.  The star of the meal?  The chicken fingers on the sampler platter.  Those things were delicious.  Great blonde draft.

The Donut Hole - had breakfast on the last day.  Had the gulf Coast omelette.  Really, really good.  Donuts were awesome.
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Surprised you rated Fudpuckers so well - it's not bad but we go for the kids and not the food.  Glad you enjoyed it though - maybe I just need to get something different next time

 
Fresh back to the daily grind after a week relaxing on the beach in Destin..

A few thoughts..  The traffic was bad on 98, but bearable..  Ate at The Back Porch, McGuires, Dewey Destins, Fudpuckers and Harry T's .. 

Golfed a round at Emerald Bay.. Did go carts at The Track..  Parasailed at "Just Chute Me"..

Brought a couple of 6-packs of 30A Beach Blonde Ale back home with me.. 

 
Love Destin but yes it's crowded.  It's a tourist town.  If you stay down on the Miramar side,  it's no big deal.  The beaches are gorgeous.  I lived in Florida and hate touristy towns but Destin has some really cool spots.  Always go to McGuire's. 

 
flapgreen said:
Love Destin but yes it's crowded.  It's a tourist town.  If you stay down on the Miramar side,  it's no big deal.  The beaches are gorgeous.  I lived in Florida and hate touristy towns but Destin has some really cool spots.  Always go to McGuire's. 
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Will do. Hopefully this time of year will not be overly crowded.  Will really have only today and tonight in Destin along with Thursday afternoon thru Friday morning.  

 
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