Who's ready for a girls night out? Whether you're a local or visiting Destin on vacation, this Gulf Coast paradise is home to plenty of great girls night-out spots. These spots are perfect for hanging out with your favorite gals!

1. Inside Bar & Roof Top at The Henderson

The Henderson's open-air rooftop bar is a must-visit in Destin. From here, you and your girlfriends will enjoy refreshing cocktails, tasty appetizers, incredible views of the Gulf and Henderson Beach State Park… and each other's company, of course! There's a TV under a covered section of the bar, where you can lounge with your friends and catch the big game. Inside the Henderson, the octagon-shaped Horizons bar is a popular place to relax with your friends. It features panoramic resort views, as well as fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails. Whether you prefer to hang out on the rooftop, chill at Horizons, or check out both, the Henderson is a great choice for a girls night out.

2. New Restaurant and Roof Top Bar at Hotel Effie 

Ovide is a new restaurant at Hotel Effie in Sandestin. If you and the girls are looking to dine in style, this is your place! The culinary visionary, Chef Hugh Acheson, combines Gulf Coast classics with French techniques for a truly delightful dining experience. Choose between dishes such as Steamed Littleneck Clams, Pickled Shrimp Salad, Prime Beef Tartare, and Grilled Mahi Mahi. If you've got a large group of girls getting together, consider booking a private event for an even more amazing experience. In addition to its signature restaurant, Hotel Effie has another great locale for girls night. The Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge is the only one of its kind on the Emerald Coast. Nothing better than fine wines and handcrafted cocktails in a rooftop bar setting that has its own private pool! This place is perfect for reconnecting with friends, competing in a cornhole match or other outside games, and watching a beach sunset.

3. AJs on the Harbor

Grab the girls—it's time to go dancing! AJs on the Destin Harbor is a great spot for a girls night out. Not only does the establishment serve oysters and other tasty delights, it is also one of the most popular hangout spots for locals and vacationers alike. With live music every night, AJs is where you want to go for a good time. Be sure to check out the music lineup on their website, so you can see what bands are playing and other fun events that might be going on while you're in town! And, if you are here in the summer, don't miss their weekly concert series - sponsored by Ocean Reef!

4. Tailfins

Located near AJs, Tailfins is a vibrant tavern that offers open-air dining and waterfront views. The locally-owned restaurant prides itself on sourcing ingredients from local markets so that you can enjoy the best, freshest, and highest quality dishes possible. From grill options to oysters to fresh sushi, you can't go wrong with Tailfins. The atmosphere is awesome for a fun night out with your closest friends. If you're interested, be sure to check out the Tailfins website for a calendar of events. Or, if you and the ladies want to have your own celebration, book a private party just for your party!

5. Happy Hour at Tommy Bahama 

Located in Sandestin, Tommy Bahama gives off true island vibes. One glance at your surroundings, and you know you're in paradise! And it's not just the coastal setting; the delicious food and refreshing drinks will also put you in that tropical state of mind. That's why Happy Hour at Tommy Bahama is the perfect place for an evening out with your girlfriends. Happy Hour is every day at the bar from 3 pm to 6 pm. On the Happy Hour menu, you'll find signature cocktails, including a classic margarita, Mai Tai, mojito, and more. You can select from the wine and martini options, and pair your drink with something savory on the small plate menu. The perfect setting for beach-style relaxation with your friends!

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6. Rum Runners at Baytowne - and/or catching a concert on the green.

Have you ever been to a dueling piano bar? If not, you're missing out! Rum Runners is an island grill and dueling piano bar at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. The musical duelists are expert pianists, comedians, and entertainers who will have you singing and laughing your hearts out all evening! While you enjoy the show, enjoy a meal and ice-cold drink from the laidback, island-inspired menu. Mixing dinner and light-hearted musical entertainment makes Rum Runners an awesome girls night out spot.

7. Wine Bar in Destin or Grand Boulevard

Looking for casual fine dining in the Destin area? Check out the Wine Bar. With locations in Destin and Grand Boulevard, as well as 30A, the Wine Bar is a low-key but elegant locale. In Grand Boulevard, pair your selected wine with a chef-prepared dish and gourmet cheeses. In Destin, you can enjoy a memorable evening with prime steaks and fresh seafood, paired with a drink from an extensive wine list. The Wine Bar's Wine Cellar in Destin is also available for private dining, where up to eight guests (your girl crew!) will be awed and amazed as you dine on original dishes prepared by the chef. A certified wine specialist will select wines for you that will go perfectly with your meal.

8. Craft Bar

The Craft Bar has locations next to the Wine Bar in both Destin and Grand Boulevard. The gastropub serves craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and food prepared with local ingredients. With a regularly updated menu, there's always something new to try. Locational specials add to the charm. In both Destin and Grand Boulevard, you can get discounted burgers on Monday, while Destin also offers discounted whiskey on Whiskey Wednesdays. The casual atmosphere of the Craft Bar creates the perfect ambiance for catching up with your girls.

9. Emerils

Emeril's Coastal is the first of Chef Emeril Lagasse's restaurants in Northwest Florida, and it is certainly worth a visit! Located in the upscale shopping center of Grand Boulevard, the restaurant provides a coastal casual atmosphere for dining. The menu uses fresh local ingredients and seafood, presenting dishes that symbolize Emeril Lagasse's deep connection with the water. Popular items include Florida Rock Shrimp Rolls, Oyster Spaghetti, Maine Lobster Roll, and more. If you're catching up with friends and looking for the best of the best food, this is the place to visit!

10. Village Door

Dinner and dancing make for the best night out! And Village Door at Seascape and in Baytowne Wharf are great places for both. Both locations have live music every night and boast the liveliest nightlife scene on the Emerald Coast. At Seascape, the Village Door Music Hall features karaoke on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays starting at 6 pm. At the Village of Baytowne Wharf, the Village Door's Dance Club is considered the hottest on the coast and was voted "The Best Place to Dance" by Destin Magazine. The dance club is also a top destination for bachelorette parties—fun and safe—so you can be sure it's perfect for a girls night out!

Whether you've planned a girls trip to Destin, or you and the gals are taking some time to yourself while on a family vacation, these places are great for a fun night out. All are within close proximity to many of our Destin vacation rentals, so be sure to browse our selection to find the right fit for you! 

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