Travel Info & Recommendations
 

Couldn't find a similar thread so decided to just start one.

In June, on our way to Orlando for work, we're stopping in the Destin, FL area to hang out for a few days. I'm looking for some recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and where to stay (either specific hotels or general area). Might try to get a round of golf in.

Looking for a hotel is a tad bit overwhelming. There seems to be roughly 1 hotel per person that calls Destin home, so I would really appreciate something that will narrow it down. I guess being on the beach would be nice, but I think I'd rather be close to the beach but also close enough to walk to food, shopping, bars, etc. VRBO is not out of the question (and might be cheaper) but it's equally overwhelming.

So - who has been and what recommendations do you have?

As far as a convenient location near the beach, food, etc., it doesn't get much better than this (I can't post proper links yet):

emeraldgrande.com

When I travel to Destin, I make a point of going to McGuire's and Dewey Destin (original location on Choctawhatchee Bay).

mcguiresirishpub.com

destinseafood.com

There are plenty of good seafood options in the area, as you might expect.

Harborwalk Village is cool, for a tourist trap.

emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village

If you want a less crowded beach and don't mind being about 20 minutes away from the middle of Destin, I recommend Miramar Beach. More specifically, Frangista Beach Properties.

frangistabeachproperties.com

Don't race your lambo or point your gun at someone in Starbucks.

https://i.imgur.com/FBgxrYi.png

Why are you going to Destin? Those beaches suck so bad when compared to the beaches in the St. Pete area. We have some of the best beaches in the whole damn world. Way more stuff to do too with the family and keep everyone happy.

Destin is a shithole.

Because I've been to the Clearwater/St. Petes area a dozen times,. Looking for something new and different.

Suggest a place......

Thank you. This is the type of info I was looking for when I posted the thread.

how many days ya got? Whole family coming?

You been down towards Sarasota and Ana Marie Island? Ana Marie has a Key West vibe.

Siesta Key is the best beach in the world. It’s quartz sand. Never gets hot. Feels like you walking on baby powder. And you can have really good pancakes brought to you on the beach. Longboat key is a great place to spend a day on the beach down there. The Ringling brothers circus museum is fantastic. It’s located where they use to winter when they weren’t touring. It’s over 5-6 buildings and the architecture alone is worth seeing.

I've only been to Destin once, and it was roughly 36 years ago. I thought it was a fine looking town back then if that helps. Not much can happen in 36 years.

it’s shit now. Only a tourist trap. Probably get that opinion from any Floridian.

Pensacola beach is also a tourist town in that area but at least they have nice beaches.

I have a lot of questions, so please bear with me. However, if these questions are answered I believe I could be of great help.

First off, when you say Destin, do you mean Kansas City?

Second, when you say “we” do you mean you and a buddy or work colleague(obvious gay lover)?

Third, when you say VRBO, do you mean YMCA and/or bathhouse?

Fourth, will you *be* wearing a Millhouse Deadpool costume and only being referred to as “Mr. Plow”?

If you’ve answered yes or no to any of these questions, I have a similar thread, and we’re always on the lookout for a new recruit. I hope this has been helpful.

https://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=352994

Been through Sarasota, never stopped. Siesta Key looks wonderful, but we're trying to not go that far South. Going to keep that one on my places to go list.

Really trying to stay Gulf side north of Orlando.

Possibly.

I'm gathering Destin is a touristy type place. I've been to Pensacola Beach a couple times as well. Destin's beaches are bad? Any other cities you (or anyone else) would recommend along the coast between Destin & Orlando?

We're not tied to Destin. It was a place I haven't been in Florida and seemed like a decent "family" spot.

Destin beaches are fantastic. Lol

The only drawback is that public beaches are too crowded.