Stroll along Destin's sugar-white beaches, explore the local dining scene, cruise the emerald waters, and spot playful dolphins; here's your ultimate weekend itinerary for a relaxing Gulf Coast escape.
Thinking about exploring the charm of Steamboat Springs, Colorado? Or maybe you're eyeing a getaway to Florida's incredible Gulf Coast? Either way, a little weekend escape is always a good idea, and having a solid plan makes it even better!
If you're headed to this coastal gem, you're in the right place. I've put together a three-day guide to help you make the most of your time in the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," balancing slow mornings on the sand with lighthearted adventures and fresh Gulf-to-table flavors.
Just a taste of what's coming your way:
Day 1
- Friday Afternoon: Unwind and explore your vacation rental
- Friday Evening: Dinner with a view at Dewey Destin's Seafood
Day 2
- Saturday Morning: Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café
- Saturday Afternoon: Dolphin cruise and water adventures
- Saturday Evening: Family-friendly fun and casual dining at Fudpuckers
Day 3
- Sunday Morning: Pancakes and omelettes at The Pancakery
- Sunday Afternoon: Shopping at Destin Commons and one last beach stroll
- Sunday Evening: Farewell dinner at The Ocean Club
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast, from a guide to fishing in the region to nightlife guides, it's all there.
This time, we're bringing you a three-day Destin itinerary that balances quiet moments on the sand with lighthearted adventures, local flavors, and the gentle pulse of the Gulf.
Ready? Let's make that beach getaway count.
Day 1: Friday – Arrival and Beach Fun in Destin
Turn Your Rental into Your Home
Arriving in Destin is a sensory shift. Before you toss your bags aside and head for the water, take a few quiet minutes to explore your rental. Step onto the balcony and breathe in the salty air. Wander through each room and get a feel for the space. This small ritual sets the tone for a relaxed weekend.
Most homes provide a welcome package or guidebook. Flip through it with a coffee or cold drink in hand. Inside, you might find Wi-Fi details, tips for using quirky appliances, and a curated list of local dining spots. Once you know your surroundings, open the windows to invite the Gulf breeze in, claim a favorite chair, and savor the first calm moment of your trip. This simple pause transforms a rental into your home base.
Beach Time
With your home base ready, it is time to meet the Gulf. Destin's beaches are its crown jewel: soft, sugar-white sand underfoot and water so green it seems unreal. The shoreline sets the tone for your weekend, whether you are looking for peaceful walks or playful splashes.
Henderson Beach State Park
Start with a peaceful stretch of over a mile of unspoiled sand. Picnic spots hide under pines, and dunes teem with local wildlife. It is perfect for easing into vacation mode with a long walk or light jog.
Crystal Sands Beach
This lively stretch is dotted with colorful umbrellas and impromptu volleyball games. It has a friendly, social energy that is ideal for people-watchers or families with teens.
Miramar Beach
Classic beach charm meets modern convenience here. Palm-lined roads, calm waters, and the occasional dolphin offshore make this spot feel cinematic in the late afternoon light.
Dinner at Dewey Destin's Seafood
As the sun dips, follow the locals to Dewey Destin's Seafood, a breezy, open-air spot where the Gulf's bounty lands fresh on your plate.
- Starters: Steaming gumbo or creamy Hot Crab Dip
- Mains:
- Fried shrimp basket with hush puppies for a classic fix
- Grilled mahi with corn and new potatoes for a lighter option
- Indulgence: Royal Red Shrimp from the steamer menu—perfect while the harbor lights flicker
- Dessert: Key Lime Pie or the unapologetically sweet Butterfinger Pie
Day 2: Saturday – Adventure and Attractions in Destin
By the second morning, Destin's easygoing pulse has found you. Today is for getting out on the water, meeting the town's playful side, and filling the day with new stories.
Breakfast and Morning Adventure
Start your day at Another Broken Egg Cafe, where the smell of buttered grits and fresh coffee fills the air. Fluffy pancakes and golden French toast satisfy the classics, but the signature scramblers—loaded with vegetables, cheeses, and smoky sausage—stand out.
Seasonal treats, like a S'mores Waffle or a specialty cold brew, make breakfast feel like a small celebration. Lingering here in the cozy chatter is half the fun.
Dolphin Cruise Adventure
The harbor is next. Stroll to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, where boats rock gently and the scent of fried seafood drifts on the breeze. Board the Sea Blaster Dolphin Cruise for a few hours of lighthearted exploration.
As the captain steers through East Pass into the Gulf, keep your camera ready. Pods of dolphins often leap and spin alongside the boat, their energy contagious. The crew shares local stories about fishing traditions and emerald waters, turning the outing into more than a sightseeing trip.
Lunch at HarborWalk Village
When you return to the dock, step into HarborWalk Village, where music spills from patios and the smell of chargrilled oysters fills the air.
- Harry T's Lighthouse serves crab cakes and a Grouper Sandwich with a harbor view.
- AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar brings a livelier energy with fresh steamers and constant harbor buzz.
Lunch here is part of the theater. Boats arrive, pelicans circle, and the coastal rhythm moves at its own pace.
Afternoon Activities
Destin invites adventure as the afternoon sun warms the water.
Jet Skiing
Rev a jet ski and carve across emerald waters, pausing for dolphins or a quick snorkel in a hidden cove.
Parasailing
For a slower thrill, parasailing with Just Chute Me! lifts you skyward. The shoreline curves in soft white arcs below, and for a few minutes, the whole coast looks like a postcard.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Back on land, the Gulfarium adds a playful stop. Watch dolphins flip, sea lions pose, and join interactive encounters with stingrays or turtles. It is a classic choice for families and marine-life enthusiasts alike.
Evening Entertainment
Close the day with a visit to Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill, part restaurant, part playground. Graffiti walls, live gator exhibits, and a kid-friendly treasure hunt make dinner here memorable. Enjoy a seafood platter or a sandwich, sip a "World Famous Whistle Wetter," and take in the relaxed buzz of vacationers savoring simple joys.
Day 3: Sunday – Relaxation, Shopping, and a Memorable Farewell
By day three, Destin has slowed your step. This is your day to linger, shop, and take one last long look at the Gulf before you leave.
Breakfast at The Pancakery
Ease into the morning at The Pancakery, where the scent of maple syrup and sizzling bacon greets you at the door. Here's what to order:
Breakfast Favorites at The Pancakery
- Fluffy Pancakes – the star of the menu
- The Chocolatier – a rich, chocolate-lover's treat
- The Destinite – bursting with fresh fruit
- The Bacon Lover – perfect sweet-and-savory combo
- Crab Island Omelette – a local twist packed with seafood
Pro tip: Pair your plate with a smoothie or a strong coffee to make your last vacation morning complete.
Leisurely Shopping at Destin Commons
After breakfast, swap the sand for tree-lined boulevards at Destin Commons. This open-air shopping hub feels more like a stroll than a mall. Browse over 90 shops, from Bass Pro Shops to Sephora, and collect a few souvenirs. Sit by the fountain with a cold drink, enjoy live music if it is playing, and watch the town move at its own calm pace.
One Last Beach Afternoon
End your trip where it began, on the sand.
- Beachcombing and strolling: Collect shells and let the tide hum its quiet rhythm.
- Paddleboarding or kayaking: Glide across calm emerald water, maybe spotting a passing dolphin.
- Snorkeling: Explore artificial reefs where colorful fish flash around the sandy floor.
- Pure relaxation: Sink into a beach chair with toes buried in sugar-white sand.
By now, the beach feels familiar, a temporary slice of paradise.
A Grand Farewell Dinner at The Ocean Club
Finish your journey at The Ocean Club, an upscale seafood and steakhouse that pairs polished flavors with a coastal backdrop. What to order?
- Fried Asparagus topped with crab
- Mussels Provencale in garlicky white wine
- Grouper Ocean Club – the ultimate coastal finale
- Filet Mignon – a timeless classic
Emerald Coast: A Beachfront Haven Like No Other
With so much to explore, and endless natural beauty to experience the best Florida has to offer, the Emerald Coast will definitely fulfill your craving for a fun-filled vacation.
At RealJoy Vacations, we go the extra mile to make your Emerald Coast getaway truly extraordinary. Your accommodation should match the beauty and magic of this Florida treasure, and our goal is to provide a 5-star coastal living experience during your stay.