Summer in Destin: Top Places to Eat and Fun Things to Do on Your Vacation
2024
As summer approaches at Destin Gulfgate, we know that basking in the sun can stir up a hearty appetite. Whether you're looking for a delicious breakfast to set you up for an exciting day, a filling lunch to keep you going during your activities, or dinner ideas to help you wind down and reminisce about your marvelous day, our blog has everything covered. Enjoy delicious flavors and culinary delights at the top 10 restaurants located near Destin Gulfgate, which have been carefully curated for you to enjoy. Plus, we've included an array of exciting activities to add sun-soaked fun and thrilling experiences to your stay. Prepare to make the most of your time in paradise!
Breakfast
Crackings
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it incredibly delicious at Crackings! Family-owned since 1998, Crackings is a renowned for its diverse menu, offering everything from sweet to savory to healthy options. Located only 1.1 miles away from Destin Gulfgate, treating yourself to breakfast classics here is a must-do before embarking on your day of adventure or leisure. Crackings provides energy through its mouth-watering flavors and filling goodness, so you can enjoy every second of your exciting day!
Cafe Destin
Nestled just 0.5 miles from your cozy retreat at Destin Gulfgate, Café Destin is a charming oasis forf breakfast and lunch lovers. This full-service restaurant, open from 7 am to 2 pm, entices with its variety of espresso delights and relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere. Whatever your appetite, Café Destin offers a delectable breakfast or a filling lunch that perfectly matches your beachside getaway. Before embarking on your day's activities, fill up here to enhance every second with scrumptious sensations and charming coastal scenery.
Vibe Vegan Bistro
Nestled amid Destin's breathtaking coastline, Vibe Vegan Bistro is a plant-based breakfast sanctuary. Their innovative menu, headed by Chefs Divaldo DeLima and Amy Elizabeth, reinvents morning dining with unique vegan options and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Only 3.7 miles away from Destin Gulfgate, enjoy a breakfast experience that highlights the finest of vegan cuisine, whether your appetite desires hearty classics or creative breakfast innovations. Join Vibe Vegan Bistro for Sunday brunch from 10 am-3 pm and experience a carefully curated ambiance designed to lower anxiety and elevate comfort.
Lunch
Merlin’s Pizza
Renowned as the crown jewel of Destin's pizza scene, Merlin’s Pizza is an essential stop on your culinary journey. The freshest and tastiest pizza experience is ensured by using only locally sourced ingredients to create each delicious dish and pie. Merlin's Pizza has something that will satisfy every craving, from enticing appetizers to crisp salads, zesty wings, and a tantalizing selection of pizzas.
Whether you choose to craft your own masterpiece or opt for one of their signature creations, Merlin's Pizza is your go-to spot for a filling meal. This pizza paradise, which is conveniently 0.2 miles from Destin Gulfgate, is waiting to spice up your day with tasty bites and friendly service that will leave a lasting impression.
The Back Porch
The Back Porch has been a favorite destination for hungry beachgoers looking for scrumptious lunch and dinner options for over 40 years. The Emerald Coast's glittering seas are only steps away, making it the perfect place to soak up the sun and savor a filling lunch or refreshing cocktail. The Back Porch, a popular destination for delicious oysters, seafood dishes, and expertly mixed cocktails, welcomes you to savor Destin's best delicacies amidst stunning scenery.
This beachfront escape also offers a live beach cam on its website, allowing you to scope out the best waterfront view before heading over to enjoy. Located just 0.2 miles from Destin Gulfgate, The Back Porch promises a culinary experience that's as memorable as it is delicious.
Dewey Destin’s Seafood
Rich in history and surrounded by panoramic views, Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant stands as a testament to Destin's legacy. Founded by the visionaries who shaped the area, Dewey's exudes rustic charm and genuine hospitality. Located 3.5 miles from Destin Gulfgate, ordering through a window is part of the experience, allowing you to savor every moment as you await your delectable meal. Known for its fresh seafood and perfect view of Crab Island, Dewey Destin’s is where culinary excellence meets coastal beauty.
Dinner
The Edge Seafood & Skybar
At The Edge Seafood & Skybar, every detail is designed to nourish your senses,.Savor delicious dishes, enjoy carefully crafted cocktails, and dance to live music while taking in the breathtaking panorama of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Enjoy stunning views of the busy waterfront while dining amid the hustle and bustle of fishing boats offloading their catch and tour boats chasing dolphins. As the sun sets, head upstairs to The SkyBar, a private adult lounge with unparalleled harbor views. Enjoy specialty cocktails and let the beat of live music take your celebration to new heights. Every moment spent at The Edge is an exhilarating experience of flavors and atmosphere, and it is only 2.8 miles away from Destin Gulfgate!
Marina Cafe
For an unparalleled fine dining experience with a view, look no further than the highly awarded Marina Cafe. Located just 2.5 miles from your vacation rental, they offer sensational dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and an ambiance that's second to none. From sumptuous seafood to succulent steaks, flavorful pastas, and refreshing salads, Marina Cafe’s menu has something to satisfy every palate. After indulging in a delicious meal, unwind at their lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the stunning marina vista. Sip on specialty cocktails and immerse yourself in the rhythms of live music every Friday and Saturday night!
Louisiana Lagniappe
For over thirty years, Louisiana Lagniappe has been delighting diners with seafood infused with a Creole flair. Nestled along the waterfront and only 1.9 miles away from Destin Gulfgate, it offers a dining experience perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Consistently ranked among the Top 10 restaurants on TripAdvisor, you can't go wrong with a visit here. Join them daily for dinner starting at 4 pm and experience the essence of Louisiana cuisine right here in Destin.
McGurie’s Irish Pub of Destin
Step into the heart of Ireland without leaving Destin at McGuire's Irish Pub! The welcoming scent of delicious meals and the lively sounds of traditional Irish music greet you as soon as you walk through the door. With over one million signed dollar bills adorning the walls, every corner tells a story, making it the perfect backdrop for family gatherings and memorable evenings.
It’s not just the lively and fun ambiance that keeps patrons returning; it is the mouthwatering and highly awarded burgers and steaks they offer, expertly grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. Just 3.2 miles from Destin Gulfgate!
Now that we know where to savor the flavors of Destin, let's embark on an adventure along the Emerald Coast! From thrilling pirate festivals to serene float spas and from exciting snorkeling adventures to classic beachside activities, Destin offers endless possibilities for unforgettable family moments. Keep reading as we explore the best ways to make the most of your time in this coastal paradise!
Activities
Beach Chair Rentals
Seeking a relaxing day by the beach? Look no further than Destin Gulfgate, where we provide 1 set of complimentary beach chairs and umbrella right on our property for every guest during their stay. For those eager to explore further, La Dolce Vita offers a range of beach rentals, including jet skis and paddle boards. To secure your beach day rentals, head to their website. Located just 3.7 miles from Destin Gulfgate, La Dolce Vita has everything you need for a memorable Emerald Coast experience!
Float Brothers Float Spa
Seeking ultimate relaxation? Visit The Float Brothers Float Spa for a one-of-a-kind tranquility experience. Rated as the #1 float spa and float therapy in Destin, it is a must-visit for those looking to try new ways to relax. Choose from themed rooms like Space, Nature, or Ocean, and float into stress relief, pain relief, improved mental clarity, and better sleep. With packages tailored to suit every need, there's something for everyone. Head to their website to schedule your booking and float away to blissful relaxation. Located only 1.6 miles from Destin Gulfgate.
Destin Snorkel
Ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world? Look no further than Destin Snorkel for an unforgettable experience. Just 3.2 miles from your vacation rental, Destin Snorkel offers everything from snorkel and snuba equipment to guided snorkel boat tours, dolphin-watching adventures, crab island explorations, and even nighttime firework sails. It's the perfect way to spend a day filled with water, sun, boating, and wildlife. Dive into Destin's wonders by booking your excursion on Destin Snorkel's website today!
The Track
Just a stone's throw away from Destin Gulfgate, you'll find an exhilarating adventure park, The Track. Offering a wide range of family-friendly activities and experiences, there truly is something for everyone here. Race around multiple tracks with Go-Karting, or dare to try The Skyhigh and The Hurricane 360. For on-land excitement, enjoy a round of mini-golf or take a spin on the bumper cars. With so much to do, The Track is your one-stop spot for thrilling family fun! Visit their website for tickets and more information!
We hope this blog has provided you with a mouthwatering array of dining options and exhilarating experiences to spice up your stay at Destin Gulfgate. Whether you're indulging in the diverse flavors of local restaurants or diving into thrilling activities like snorkeling and adventures at The Track, we trust your time here has been filled with joy and excitement. Let the memories you've created fuel your anticipation for your next Destin vacation as you plan your return trip. Until then, may your adventures be as vibrant as the Emerald Coast itself!
Ready to savor Destin's local flavors and dive into unforgettable adventures? Make your Destin getaway one for the books! Visit our website for more information and vacation bookings.
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