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Things to do in Destin, Miramar Beach and 30a
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items If you’re coming to Destin, Miramar Beach, 30a or Santa Rosa. I’ve got a locals list for you. From budget friendly to luxury dining and everything in between. Beachside, harbor views or other great atmospheres is included on this list.
Map
Sections
5
Local Beach Foodie Secrets
Luxury dining
Casual Gulf or Harbor Views
Rainy Day activities
Self Care Recommendations
Local Beach Foodie Secrets
A Locals Guide to Hidden gems of
Culinary Delights
Love Cajun fine dining? This is a local favorite. It’s been in Destin forever its flavors will not disappoint. You aren’t going for the view, it’s just for the food. Large parties are able to be accommodated. Kid friendly for an upscale experience. T...
Louisiana Lagniappe
Love the RedBar but don’t want to go to 30a? I got you. This restaurant is owned by the twin nephews of the Redbar’s owner. They have a lot of the same dishes (panne chicken, crab cakes) and the atmosphere is made for the nightlife. Lots of locals go...
Bric à Brac
Brought to you by the owners of the RedBar, Louis’ has a similar atmosphere and a more expanded menu. Moderately priced for the area, kid friendly. They do not take reservations.
Louis Louis
Homemade everything- locals get their turkey’s and pies here at Thanksgiving. The atmosphere is a genuine BBQ feel and their food is delicious and affordable. Portions are generous. Kid friendly. Large groups can be accommodated but you won’t be seat...
98 Bar-B-Que
Fantastically priced delicious Thai food. You’re not going for views here and the atmosphere is average. The prices and food quality are why you eat here. They have adjustable levels of spicy from zero to Thai hot. Pretty small dining area. No reserv...
Thai 9 Cuisine
Ok- not Miramar or Destin but a must go to. The atmosphere is fun and the food is absolutely the best you can have in any city. You will not be disappointed. Not expensive but higher than average.
Stinky's Fish Camp
If you’ve ever been to the Red Bar you know why it’s on this list. Near enough to Miramar Beach- plus it’s just a local staple. They only offer five dishes a night, they are known for their crab cakes which are only available on Fridays and Saturdays...
The RedBar
The best pizza in town hands down. Unique custom options. House made crust and sauce. You won’t necessarily be going for the atmosphere- it’s a pizza place. I’d price it in the moderate range. So delicious.
Lost Pizza Co. Miramar Beach
An absolute breakfast must eat. There is a Destin and Santa Rosa location. They open at 5am and are open late- but if you’re planning on anything from the bakery- go early. You will have to wait in line to eat but they keep it moving pretty fast. It’...
Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe
On the upper side of dining, not luxury. Does incorporate sophisticated flavors. Does not take reservations and closes between breakfast and dinner. Great atmosphere on the inside but you won’t know that from the outside.
Commelfo Restaurant
Absolutely unique and delicious menu. Moderately priced for the area. Has mocktails. Does not take reservations. Has smoothies and they sell their own bags of ground coffee. They’re known for their variety of “Benedict” dishes.
Bistrology Breakfast Brunch & Dinner
A must if you love where the locals go. Indoor and outdoor seating. Some nights they have live music or karaoke. The food is delicious and moderately priced.
Kenny D's
100% a local favorite that has been in Buisness forever. Seafood moderately priced. They have Sushi. Very popular for the bar too. You can ask about private dining but otherwise they don’t take reservations. Popular for their coffee.
Camille's at Crystal Beach
Known as a Gastro pub. Delicious beers and fantastic burgers. Lots of TV’s but a pretty tiny place. Moderately priced, great service and a few outdoor tables. Not for a large group inside or out. Doesn’t take reservations.
The Craft Bar - Destin
Luxury dining
Celebrating a special occasion or just looking to be spoiled? here are my favorites.
Local secret. Luxury dining. Sophisticated palette needed. The food is fresh, the portion sizes are perfect. The platings are curated with care and memorable flavors. The service is impeccable. Some large tables available. Reservations required. Not ...
BOSFORO MEDITERRANEAN SEAFOOD&STEAK
Luxury dining with an equally stunning view. Steak and seafood are their specialty. They do not take reservations and aren’t particularly kid friendly. Delicious and beautiful in one swoop. On the dressy side.
Royal Palm Grille
Luxury dining at its finest. The views are stunning, the service is impeccable but you will be paying for it. Reservations are highly advised. They sometimes offer valet parking but typically the lot they have is enough. You can visit the bar without...
- Marina Cafe
Luxury fine dining at its best. It’s known for its wine pairings with its delicious food. They even do flights. They will accommodate large parties if you get in touch with them in advance. Their dishes are unique and flavorful. 100/10
Vintij Food & Wine
Luxury culinary restaurant. Unique pairings in their dishes. Not exactly a kid friendly place. Sophisticated palettes needed. Not a place with a view- excellent service.
Bitterroot - Destin, FL
Casual Gulf or Harbor Views
A great view with various budgets in mind.
Seafood and sushi with an amazing view of the Harbor. Inside and outside seating available. The portions are huge and it’s been around forever. They don’t take reservations and sometimes valet parking is offered. It won’t be a quick process- so enjoy...
Harbor Docks
So let me be very clear, you are going to this restaurant to be on the beach. You will pay for that privilege. The food is not mind blowing. The bar might be the better option to experience. Huge place and does have beach access for customers. Kid fr...
Surf Hut
An absolute must go if you want a locals favorite. Casual with a Great view, vibe and prices. Outdoor seating, kid friendly and doesn’t take reservations. Overlooking the famous Crab Island. Wear whatever you want, beachwear included.
Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant
Longtime local hangout. On the harbor and typically has live music. Very rustic, moderately priced. Beer and oysters- that’s it. Super casual- lots of bathing suits will be seen.
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Want cheap food that’s kid friendly with a view of the gulf that can’t be beat? That’s what you have here. Mostly outdoor seating- a few tables inside. Great service and a locals staple. Stay and hangout on our beautiful beach. Extremely casual- most...
The Whale's Tail Beach Bar & Grill
A longtime local favorite. The bar is a great hangout spot and there are places with a view. Their seafood menu is off the charts, not luxury dining but above average moderate prices. Outdoor bar and seating with beautiful harbor views. You won’t typ...
Harry T's Lighthouse
Rainy Day activities
Not only is this a supreme place to shop and eat, it has areas for kids too! From Luxury to everything in between can be found here. (Vans, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Off Saks, Coach, The Gap, Old Navy, Sunglasses hut) too many to name them all. Plent...
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Great for the kids if they’re sunburned or if your day got rained out. Has an arcade.
Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade
Super cute! Well done indoor mini golf for kids and adults of all ages. Also has a small arcade. There’s a pizza place in the same strip mall.
Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade
Self Care Recommendations
Looking for hair, nails or a spa day, here are my beloved places.
Want a “like your family” feel with top notch service? Sydney, Deana and Kirby are my favorites. They specialize in blondes, multi dimensional brunettes and Great Lengths Extensions.
BEAU HALO
Small, intimate and customizable service is all included here. Waxing, facials made for your desired goals. Rachel is my girl, but you can’t go wrong with any technician.
Spa98
A staple in the area, this family owned business can spoil you. You will absolutely need an appointment. Kelly & Vinny are the owners and stay booked up. They are more conservative as far as, they don’t really do crazy nail art. They do take prid...
PLATINUM NAILS SPA - Updated June 2025 - 42 Reviews