Ten recommended restaurants with views of the Gulf or Bay in Destin, Florida
Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House - Looking for some of the freshest oysters in Destin, Florida? We highly recommend visiting 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32451 also known as Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House. This local gem serves up oysters in more ways than most people have heard of as well as features gorgeous views of the Destin Harbor. Consider taking the family for a stroll to check out all of the yachts in the harbor. Boshamps not only serves up an eclectic variety of oyster preparations but also serves Cajun/Creole-inspired dishes. Looking for fresh Destin seafood with a Louisiana twist and a water view too? Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House is the obvious choice!
The Crab Trap - Welcome to The Crab Trap, located at 3500 Scenic Hwy 98 E, Destin, Florida 32451. This local staple serves up its’ brand name crustaceans in countless styles. Crab cakes, legs, claws, boiled, baked, and fried, if you are a fan of crab there isn’t a better place in Destin for you! The Crab Trap is also located directly on the beach. Simply stroll off the beach into the restaurant for an adult beverage or a heaping plate of crab legs! Patrons looking for a fruity cocktail to cool down after a fun-filled day at the beach? The Crab Trap has an extensive, inventive cocktail list sure to cool you down and refresh you after a day in the Destin heat. From refreshing fruit-based cocktails, picturesque beach, and Gulf views, as well as an abundant diversity in types of crab and preparation styles, The Crab Trap will be a meal you won’t soon forget!
LuLu’s Destin - Welcome to one of the most popular tourist restaurants in Destin! Located at 460 Legendary Marine Drive, Destin, FL 32541 and founded by Jimmy Buffet's Sister (whose nickname growing up was LuLu) this place has a little bit of something for everyone. Looking for a restaurant that features only the freshest locally sourced seafood? Lulu’s has you covered! Looking for an amazing atmosphere where you can watch the sunset over the Gulf? Again, Lulu’s has you covered. Not to mention Lulu’s also features live music, upbeat family-friendly service, shopping on the premises, and an outdoor seating area with a sand section for children to play in! Needless to say, if you're visiting Destin and looking for the most popular(for good reason) tourist visited the restaurant, Lulu’s Destin is the restaurant you are seeking!
The Back Porch - Welcome to The Back Porch located inches from the beach at 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32451. This local seafood gem serves up fresh from the Gulf seafood. Featuring a varying catch of the day as well as all of the local seafood staples (crab, oysters, tuna, etc..) this local establishment is most notably known for its massive portion sizes. We all know seafood can be a little pricey, but when you see the amount of fresh, gourmet local seafood that comes out on your plate, you will be satisfied! Did we mention that this local eatery is steps away from the beach? Imagine spending your day frolicking with your family on the beach while occasionally stopping into The Back Porch for a beverage, appetizers, or a family meal. Make it a point to dine later in the evening during one of your visits to The Back Porch. Watching the sunset over the Gulf and beachfront is truly a wonder to behold!
Boathouse Oyster Bar - Looking for a “real” local seafood spot? Head to Boathouse Oyster Bar located at 288-B Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32451. The unique, upbeat local atmosphere is palpable as you assess the surroundings within the Boathouse Oyster Bar. Dollar bills cover the interior of the restaurant as a way to pre-emptively remind patrons of the laid back local atmosphere. One of my favorite features regarding the Boathouse Oyster Bar is their (always changing) lunch, dinner, and happy hour specials. This isn’t a tourist trap trying to squeeze money out of visitors, it is a locally created and supported restaurant that is there to provide fresh, high-quality seafood to locals and vacationers alike at a reasonable price! With spectacular Gulf Views and reasonably priced, delicious, fresh-caught local seafood, we can’t see a reason why you wouldn’t take your family or friends out to the Boathouse Oyster Bar.
Pompano Joe’s - Take note of this place! Pompano Joe’s located at 2237 Scenic Gulf Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32451, is THE NAME in seafood restaurants in Destin! Top-notch professional service accompanies Gulf views, beach proximity, and some of the most delicately prepared and expertly presented local seafood around! Whether you're starving from a glorious day of vacation or you’re a Destin local craving the “best seafood in the area,” Pompano Joe’s is sure to satisfy!
Beachwalk Café - Have you noticed that there is one type of restaurant missing from this list so far? Welcome to the Beachwalk Café, located at 2700 Scenic Gulf Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32451. This fine local seafood establishment is the answer to all of those reading this, wondering where the “real” fine dining restaurants with Gulf Views are! Beachwalk Café offers diners breathtaking Gulf views in a formal, chic setting accompanied by flawless service, creative desserts, a plethora of local seafood, and a fantastic chef that is putting out plates that look like works of art! Looking to celebrate, have a romantic date night, or meet friends for a formal dinner? We highly recommend Beachwalk Café!
Capt Dave’s on the Gulf - Located at 3796 Old Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541, Capt Dave’s on the Gulf is exactly what name leads you to believe. It is a fresh, locally sourced seafood restaurant located near the harbor! This local gem features beautiful views of the Gulf. Capt Dave’s is also known for its extensive and experimental martini list. Imagine sitting in this local hotspot just as the sunsets over the Gulf and you slowly sip your handcrafted martini! Add a few oysters and perhaps a cluster of crab claws and there is no place I would rather be! This local seafood spot blends contemporary fine dining cocktails and service with a more “Southern” laid-back, hospitable atmosphere. It’s like the best of both worlds! According to Capt Dave’s on the Gulf’s website, the menu is “traditional waterfront dining, featuring American seafood cuisine, infused with a contemporary twist.” If that doesn’t make your mouth water you may want to try McDonald's!
790 on the Gulf - What if I told you, that the restaurant located at 2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL featured an elegant fine dining atmosphere, the most succulent freshly caught local seafood, a professionally trained service staff, and one of the best Gulf views while dining in Destin? If your response is like mine, you are thinking “I need to make sure I visit 790 on the Gulf as soon as possible. This location is perfect for business dinners, date nights, anniversary or birthday celebrations, or simply just a nice evening out to dinner with friends or family. The owner is originally from Louisiana and you will taste the delicious Creole/Cajun influence in his food. Happy hour runs six days a week and features twelve rotating wine pours, beer, bourbon, scotch, and even specials on small tapas-style dishes. Whether you’re here for a few adult beverages and a snack during the ideally priced happy hour or you're out for a business dinner with clients, we can confidently recommend a visit to 790 on the Gulf!
The Harbor Tavern - Welcome to the Harbor Tavern located at 306 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32451, this local watering hole features a variety of eclectic dishes as well a breathtaking view of the Gulf! Two of the most popular dishes are porch belly tacos and the especially renowned Smoked Tuna Nachos! Whether you’re stopping in to grab a beverage after a long day on the water or for a