May 2nd , 2024
I am so happy we decided to go to Destin, FL right before summer is in full swing. My wife and I always go to PCB while at the beach but we wanted to try out Destin Florida for the first time. We have always heard amazing things about Destin and its Emerald Coast. As much as we LOVE Florida we had never stayed in Destin. Since it was just adults we wanted a more “upscale” environment (no parties, loud kids, and just a relaxing environment).
Emerald Grande Resort
If you want access to ocean views, the best sea food and (walking distance) to HarborWalkVillage then you will LOVE staying at Emerald Grande Resort! I will warn you it is pricey but right before summer we got a 50% off stay! We decided to invite my parents since we had a 3 bedroom/3 bathroom condo. They came down the same day we did. Even though the drive was 7 hours it didn’t feel like it at all. Once we got there we unpacked , looked around at the shops in HarborWalkVillage, looked at several yachts, restaurants and food trucks. My dad finally arrived and it was time to eat dinner at Margaritaville. I decided to have a watermelon margarita with Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries.YUM! We ended the night with a sweet treat frozen yogurt!
This was the view from our bedroom balcony. We got a first hand look at Crab Island! A must do if you’re in the area for vacation and want to be on the sandbar.
This was our first night there we saw a Great Blue Heron. I couldn’t believe this thing was as tall as me, hehe! I also love looking at boats+yachts in general it’s on my vision board to own a boat! Also wanted to mention you can charter boats, rent jet skis and dolphin tours down on the HarborWalkVillage. It is a long walk down goes for miles!
For those who are like us we always scout out massages whenever we travel! I love a good spa and will take any excuse to get a massage! It is mine+ my wife’s love language. If you want to treat your partner to something and don’t know what to get them just get them a massage! They will thank you later, I promise!
I took this picture on our first night to see what restaurants they had around (in walking distance). I will warn you that Margaritaville (as of now) all food is served on the second level. We made it difficult for my dad and step mom to walk up the stairs on the side when there is actually a ramp you can use ! (We could use the exercise honestly though, hehe!) I told them they will live longer.
Food We Ate While In Destin
We went to checkout more of the restaurants in the HarborWalkingVillage and had dinner one night at Eastpass Seasfood & Oyster House. When I tell y’all that was the BEST chicken I have ever ate I am so serious! This meal melted in my mouth!I haven’t been impressed by a meal in so long! I did take a moment to saver the first bite! I loved they paired it with fried potatoes and fresh green beans. You also can have waterfront dining.
Also if you’re there make sure you see Ray and tell him I sent you! He is the best server in the entire restaurant. So respectful and attentive. He made us laugh the whole time and never let our drinks even become half empty before topping it off.
Also did I mention we had the whole restaurant to ourselves?! No we didn’t rent it out , we just eat later then the others.
Room Service
I love nothing more than atleast one room service meal when on vacation! I love the ambiance! This room service meal ran me $30 daily when ordering it. But it was worth every penny! If you have it in your budget definitely order because it is so good! Everything was PERFECT!
Wanted to share my wife’s shrimp+ grits! I would’ve loved to have a bite but I’m allergic to seafood. This was at Eastpass Seafood & Oyster House. 10/10 if you’re looking for places to eat!
We had to try the Say Cheese food truck! This is the perfect bite! I didn’t eat the chips, but the sandwich was the best I’ve ever had!
Pool meals! This teriyaki chicken sandwich with pineapple and kale was the best thing ever had! I was S-P-O-I-L-E-D by the food in Destin it was the best food ever put into my mouth!
We decided to try the ice cream shop across from our resort and Sugarland’s is so good we got these gigantic ice cream sundaes that we couldn’t finish. I got Brownie A La Mode + my wife wanted Loaded PB Cup. If you have little ones or even if you don’t you can definitely split this amongst your kiddos. I believe they were $15 each.
Watermelon Margarita O’Clock!
Cheeseburger Queen!
If you’re looking for live music and pizza/ good bar food then go to McGuire’s Irish Pub.
This was the best version of Margarita I’ve ever had but the drinks were $16 each so BYOB lol. No but seriously why not go all out on vacation.
Tell Ray we said hey if you visit Eastpass!
The 3rd day we were in 30A about 45 min from Destin and we rode Airboat Adventures. This was fun but you can have up to 6 people and its $350 for a 3 hour tour (it was not 3 hours at all) it was an hour and a half but we did get to see a baby alligator while on the airboat. He is a funny guy but wouldn’t do this again. Really wish people were more direct about what the expectations were instead of trying to rip you off.
Pinaclock! Everyone should try it with or without alcohol. This cold drink will kick off your vacation.
The right photo we were on crab island and in the background our condo!
Passing crab island before we left.
Tory Burch New Arrivals
I was so excited when I walked inside the Tory Burch Outlet Mall in Destin! These purple ombré and blue ombré sandals are a HIT this year! They also make purses, wallet and cross body that match! We didn’t do a ton of shopping at all but we did also go to Ralph Lauren and that was it for shopping.
