Destin

Whether your idea of a beach vacation is lazing on the warm sand with a frosty drink or reeling in a 100-pound cobia, Destin is the perfect spot to fulfill your fantasies. One of the brightest jewels in the crown of Florida's Emerald Coast, this ocean-side community offers world-class accommodations, restaurants serving everything from lobster to pizza, more than 1,000 holes of golf, shopping, and just about every water sport imaginable.

Described by one recent visitor as a “tropical paradise,” Destin also boasts plenty of natural beauty, with sugar-white beaches lapped by the clear green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It's an angler's paradise as well. The largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in Florida is docked at the newly renovated Destin Harbor where plenty of Destin fishing charters are available. Even if you prefer your fish fried, with coleslaw and hush puppies on the side, you'll find plenty of other things to do on and in the water. Swimming, shelling, and sailing are all popular options. And deep water close to shore means that there's a rich tapestry of undersea life for scuba divers and snorkelers to enjoy. Not much of a swimmer? It doesn't matter. A trip on a glass-bottom boat will get you up close and personal with the Gulf's undersea wonders.

Back on dry land, you can shop till you drop in one of the Destin area's shopping centers or outlet malls. And golfers can choose from more than a dozen courses, many of which also have their own restaurants, bars, and pro shops. With an average of 343 sunny days per year, Destin is an ideal choice for year-round fun. In fact, the area hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the annual Destin Seafood Festival, the Emerald Coast Poker Run, and the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo, which has been held every fall for more than 50 years.

No matter your lodging preferences, Destin, Florida, has the perfect spot for you. Choose from high-rise beachfront condos, cozy cottages with Gulf or harbor views, and luxurious vacation homes in gated communities. Popular options include beachside Destin condo rentals, along with a wide selection of beachfront hotels and vacation homes. For budget-conscious travelers, many affordable rentals are just a short walk from the beach. Search our vacation rentals below by availability or browse by complex.


92 Complexes available at Destin

Upcoming Events

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Visits with Santa

Brings the kids to HarborWalk Village for a free photo with Santa! Santa will be there every weekend in December up until the 21st to hear the kids holiday wishes. The event will also feature a reindeer scavenger hunt and a special letter writing station. 

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Dec 20 - Dec 21, 2025

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Baytowne NYE Countdown

Ring in the new year with an exciting night at the Village of Baytowne Wharf! Enjoy family-friendly events from 6-8 p.m. with face painting, kid's activities and the first epic fireworks show of the night. Then, adults can stay and enjoy live music until 1 a.m. on the Events Plaza Stage and another amazing display at midnight. The Countdown is 21+ after 10 p.m. 

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Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026

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30A Songwriters Festival

Learn the stories behind the songs from more than 225 musicians, both legendary and new comers, in a variety of intimate venues as well as amphitheaters across 30A.

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Jan 16 - Jan 19, 2026

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The Great Pages Circus

Experience one of the finest international circus acts this January! The Great Pages Circus invites you to come make some noise, and maybe even volunteer, as artists and animals put on their best show. 

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Jan 26 - Jan 27, 2026

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Foodeesfest

The number one food truck festival in the US is back in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Tickets are free but be sure to register for your spot to try out over 40 different food trucks and dozens of local artisans!

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Jan 30 - Feb 01, 2026

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Brunch Fest

Explore the shops of HarborWalk Village with a mimosa in hand. Taste dishes from the village's favorite brunch spots and cast your vote for the best!

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Feb 08 - Feb 08, 2026

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Sandestin Gumbo Festival

An annual favorite, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival hosts one of the greatest gumbo cook-offs on the Gulf Coast. Start your Mardi Gras celebration on 30A with two days full of gumbo, live music and Bloody Marys.

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Feb 20 - Feb 21, 2026

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Shrimp & Grits Festival

Local chefs and restaurants will be serving up some tantalizing and creative dishes at this beloved annual festival! Feast on a variety of Shrimp & Grits from Fort Walton all the way to 30A. Proceeds benefit the Girls and Boys Club of Fort Walton. 

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Feb 28, 2026