7 Reasons You Should Mini-Moon in Destin

Explore why Destin is the ideal Mini-Moon destination!

Posted on 7/12/2024

You might already be familiar with the Mini-Moon, the latest travel trend for couples seeking a short, romantic getaway without committing to a full honeymoon. Whether you're newlyweds pressed for time or a long-married couple looking to rekindle the magic, a Mini-Moon offers the perfect opportunity for a quick, intimate escape. Dazzling Destin is an ideal destination for Mini-Moons and other special reunions, from anniversaries and birthdays to weddings and retirements. At Ocean Reef Resorts, we've been hosting these cherished moments for generations with our exquisite range of Destin vacation rental properties, ensuring that every stay is filled with comfort and luxury. Our extensive experience and deep knowledge of the Destin area make us the perfect guides for your Mini-Moon adventure.

Here are seven compelling reasons why Destin should be your top choice for a Mini-Moon. From breathtaking beaches and luxurious accommodations to exciting activities and world-class dining, Destin has everything you need to create unforgettable memories with your loved one.


The Beautiful Beaches

Destin Beach

Destin is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in America. The shimmering, sugary white shoreline is composed of pure quartz crystal that was shaved off the tops of the Appalachian Mountains during the last Ice Age, washed into the Gulf, and pulverized by waves over eons to create the crystalline white sand. The brilliance of the sand reflects light and causes natural microscopic plankton to glow in colors ranging from emerald green (which is how The Emerald Coast got its name!) to key lime peridot to turquoise. The sand is cool to the touch, squeaks underfoot, and its brilliance often requires sunglasses. When people arrive here for the first time, they are stunned by the spectacular seascape. This heavenly scene provides a pristine setting for any Mini-Moon!


Luxurious Accommodations

Destin Accomodations

Ocean Reef Resorts has managed fine, distinctive, privately owned beach residences as vacation rentals since 1982. These properties are quite special, as they also serve as the family's own vacation homes when they want to have fun at the beach. Comfortably furnished and beautifully decorated, these rentals include open, state-of-the-art kitchens perfect for creating fun family feasts instead of dining out every night. They range from giant opulent beachfront homes and cute Gulf-view cottages to luxurious condominiums. Many are situated right on the sugary beach, on a championship golf course, or in privileged, lushly landscaped gated resorts. Most feature open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas with balconies or patios showcasing breezy views of the sensational tropical scenery. Here, you can experience dreamy sunsets as the golden orb descends into the Gulf during the winter months, and ethereal silvery full moons rising from the Gulf in the summer, providing a perfect setting for a Mini-Moon rendezvous, especially while listening to the soothing sensual surf.

Destin Condo Rentals

All of these Destin vacation rentals have access to their own or another beautiful beach, and many of our residences have private swimming pools along with hot tubs. Others offer access to community pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. These gracious accommodations, found in lavish homes or luxury condos, range in size from one to ten bedrooms, accommodating anywhere from two to thirty-two fortunate guests. Imagine the possibilities for a big beach reunion! If you're interested in hosting such a gathering, our friendly vacation planners are happy to assist you with information on accommodations, amenities, and any other needs.


Adventure & Activities

HarborWalk Village

From parasailing and jet skiing to dolphin cruises and deep-sea fishing adventures, there's no shortage of excitement in Destin. Many of these delightful diversions take place at HarborWalk Village, which is undeniably the crown jewel of Destin. Situated on the harbor, home to the largest private charter fishing fleet in North America, this village boasts charming golden Americana-styled architecture reminiscent of the late 1800s. It features a decorative lighthouse, Old Florida-style buildings, and docks for big boats. The "harbor walk" includes a variety of restaurants, bars with live music, boutiques, specialty shops, and family amusements. HarborWalk Village is also known for hosting festivals and holiday celebrations throughout the year, offering free outdoor concerts, unique activities for kids, and amusements such as a long zip line over the docks. Main events include magnificent fireworks choreographed to music for New Year's Eve, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, and Christmas, as well as festive Mardi Gras celebrations, the springtime Cobia Fishing Tournament, the Destin Seafood Festival, the Destin Fishing Rodeo extravaganza, a wine festival, a unique lighted holiday boat parade, and colorful Christmas festivities.

Crab Island

HarborWalk Village also offers a variety of recreational rentals and delightful diversions, including romantic sunset dinner cruises, dolphin sightseeing excursions, pontoon rental boats for party trips to nearby Crab Island, fishing charters, and a treasure hunt adventure aboard a mast-sail pirate ship with a rollicking costumed crew. Ocean Reef Resorts guests receive special complimentary discounts for many of these activities through our Reef Rewards program.

The enchanting Village of Baytowne Wharf and Grand Boulevard, the swank tropical town center of the world-class Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort also offer abundant pleasurable pursuits. Grand Boulevard provides an upscale, lushly landscaped setting embellished with towering Royal Palm trees. It features great restaurants with friendly bars, fashion boutiques, fine clothiers, galleries, a Publix grocery store, and a liquor and wine shop. A state-of-the-art multiplex theater features a special VIP dining area with a bar to view new film releases. The charming, captivating setting of Baytowne Wharf was inspired by architecture found in the French Quarter of New Orleans. This serene setting straddles a partially forested lagoon and is anchored by a long wharf extending into the expansive bay beside the Sandestin Yacht Club Marina. Visitors enjoy strolling out onto the wharf to experience magnificent romantic sunsets over the bay during the summer months. Baytowne Wharf includes a wide array of great restaurants with bars that have live music, unique family amusements, outdoor concerts, fun festivals throughout the year, and exciting seasonal firework celebrations.


World Class Dining

World Class Dining in Destin

In Destin, you can enjoy a romantic evening savoring fresh seafood and gourmet cuisine at Gulf Front restaurants, great steaks, and fine dining. Here are the top 10 highest-rated Destin restaurants, according to TripAdvisor, perfect for a Mini-Moon:

  1. Beach Walk Cafe- A romantic Gulf front restaurant in a Victorian-styled seaside inn. It sits right on the beach, overlooking a vast acreage of sugary dunes with western sunset views at Henderson Beach State Park. Shorefront dining is featured, offering an intimate setting for couples.
  2. Bijoux - A chic French-styled restaurant at the Sandestin Gulf side gated entrance, featuring steak and seafood, with oyster and lobster spring rolls being among the favorites. The elegant ambiance makes it ideal for a romantic dinner.
  3. Louisiana Lagniappe - Located on Destin's Holiday Isle, with sunset views over the harbor inlet, this restaurant features fabulous Creole cooking. Specialties include seafood jambalaya, fried jumbo shrimp, tasty crawfish bisque, and an awesome lagniappe seafood platter. Enjoy a cozy meal with your partner as you watch the sun set.
  4. Sunquest Cruises - Offers the epitome of romance on a Mini-Moon. The 125' Solaris launches from the Sandestin Yacht Club every day just before sunset. It has three decks for indoor or outdoor dining during the two-hour cruise into the majestic sunset, while pods of dolphins provide a delightful escort. There is a bar, dancing, and a dinner with options such as short ribs, crab cakes, shrimp & grits, Creole chicken, bronzed Gulf-caught fish, or stuffed eggplant. Perfect for an unforgettable evening on the water.
  5. Marina Café - A Destin gourmet's treasure trove on a bluff overlooking the harbor, with views across towards the glittering Gulf in the distance. They feature delicious prime rib, steaks, and seafood in a chic coastal-styled setting. The sophisticated atmosphere is perfect for a special night out.
  6. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Located at the gate to the Gulf front Silver Shells residential community, this nationally renowned steakhouse offers individual selections of savory USDA Prime New York Strips, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and Prime Rib, served in an elegant, club-like tropical setting. A classic choice for a romantic dinner.
  7. Ovide - A new restaurant located at the Hotel Effie on Baytowne Avenue at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring "classic Gulf coast flavors with southern culinary traditions." This restaurant earned a Traveler's Choice Award in its first year of operation in 2023. Enjoy a chic dining experience with your loved one.
  8. Seagar's Fine Steaks & Seafood - Also located in Sandestin, but on the Gulf side at the Hilton. This award-winning, well-established restaurant is acclaimed for its great steaks, lobster tails, seafood towers, bisques, chateaubriand, truffle-filled offerings, a wide array of Gulf-caught fish, caviar, and Bananas Foster. They also feature an award-winning selection of 600 wines, are a Diamond AAA Award winner, and listed as one of the top five steakhouses in Florida. A luxurious dining experience perfect for a Mini-Moon.
  9. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Located on Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. They are known for their big slabs of grilled prime steak, excellent wines, and stellar service in a comfortable, clubby setting. Enjoy a romantic meal in an intimate atmosphere.
  10. The Ocean Club - Right across from Sandestin, in front of the Tops’l Tennis & Beach Resort. This iconic long-established restaurant provides an elegant white tablecloth setting with potted palms, a dramatic soaring ceiling with a suspended sailfish, a big wraparound bar, and fish tanks displaying tropical fish. They serve a wide array of delicious appetizers, New Orleans River Road gumbo, salads, lots of fresh fish offerings, soft shell crab, fried lobster tails, gourmet shrimp dishes, veal piccata, chicken parmigiana, and a seafood platter. Craft cocktails along with fine wine are also served, and there is a live band for entertainment several nights a week. Perfect for a lively and romantic evening out.

Even more yummy goodness: Best Destin Seafood Restaurants


Scenic Championship Golf Courses

Golf in Destin

Destin and Miramar Beach boast more than nine championship golf courses, providing scenic and challenging play for golf enthusiasts. Perfect for couples who enjoy a round together, these courses offer romantic and picturesque settings. Here are some top choices:


  1. Indian Bayou Golf Club - A long-established course in Destin, known for its beautiful layout and challenging play.
  2. Kelly Plantation Golf Club - Meandering near the bay, this regal course offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
  3. Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club - Located beside the waterfront, this privileged course provides a luxurious golfing experience.
  4. Emerald Bay Golf Club - Guests of Ocean Reef Resorts receive special discounts at this course, which features forested fairways and lovely lagoons with Gulf views.
  5. Seascape Resort - Also offering special discounts to Ocean Reef guests, Seascape boasts forested fairways adorned with lagoons and breathtaking Gulf views.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort spans 2,400 acres and offers four amazing championship golf courses:

  1. Baytowne Golf Club
  2. The Raven Golf Club
  3. The Links Golf Club
  4. Burnt Pine Golf Club

These lushly landscaped courses, dotted with natural lagoons, extend from the wide expanse of Choctawhatchee Bay to the glorious Gulf. They provide an alluring, romantic natural setting perfect for creating magical memories while enjoying a round of golf. Sandestin's courses have won numerous national awards, including "Best Golf in Northwest Florida" by Birmingham Magazine and "Top 75 Golf Resorts Worldwide." Golf Digest has named Sandestin as one of the "Top Golf Resorts" nationwide.


Shopping & Entertainment

Shopping adventures abound in Destin, offering a perfect blend of retail therapy and entertainment for couples on a Mini-Moon. Here are some top destinations:

  1. Destin Commons - This popular, highly acclaimed retail village provides an idyllic setting with Mediterranean-styled turret towers, a classic fountain, and a geyser plaza where kids can enjoy refreshing fun. The village is lined with Royal Palms and features pedestrian and pet-friendly avenues connecting to a myriad of fine clothiers, fashion boutiques, shoe stores, jewelers, and specialty shops. Enjoy dining at various restaurants with bars and catching a movie at the AMC Multiplex Theater.
  2. Silver Sands Premium Outlets - Located in Miramar Beach, this thriving shopping mecca attracts millions of visitors every year and is just a short distance from our main office on the Emerald Coast Parkway. Shoppers come from all over to take advantage of huge savings of up to 75% off regular retail prices from internationally known designer stores. Many Ocean Reef guests have started a tradition of power shopping for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and personal needs at Silver Sands while they visit. This outlet offers the same fine retail establishments found on Fifth Avenue in New York, Michigan Avenue in Chicago, or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, but with substantial savings that can't be found anywhere else.
  3. HarborWalk Village - In addition to its entertainment offerings, HarborWalk Village also features specialty shops, beach boutiques, galleries, and fine clothiers, making it a great spot for finding unique shopping treasures.
  4. Grand Boulevard - This upscale shopping destination offers lush, tropical landscaping and features great restaurants with friendly bars, fashion boutiques, fine clothiers, galleries, a Publix grocery store, and a liquor and wine shop.
  5. Baytowne Wharf - Inspired by the French Quarter of New Orleans, this enchanting village includes a variety of great restaurants with bars that have live music, unique family amusements, outdoor concerts, fun festivals throughout the year, and exciting seasonal firework celebrations. It's also home to many specialty shops, beach boutiques, and galleries.

These destinations ensure that your Mini-Moon in Destin is filled with delightful shopping and entertainment experiences, adding to the romantic and fun memories you'll create together.


Relaxation & Pampering

Just residing in Destin is a relaxing experience that will do wonders for your soul, especially if you are visiting on a Mini-Moon or for another special occasion. You can soak up the sun on the breezy, sugary white beach, luxuriate in the jewel-toned Gulf waters, take a plunge in a pool, or enjoy pampered relaxation in a bubbling hot tub.

Destin Spa

Destin and Miramar Beach also boast several health spas offering a range of treatments to help you unwind. Enjoy full body, Swedish, and a variety of unique massages, along with musical aromatherapy and professional salon services. Time here in paradise with your special loved one provides the perfect opportunity to create magical hallmark memories that you will treasure forever.

Whether you're basking in the sun or indulging in a luxurious spa day, Destin offers the ultimate relaxation and pampering experiences to make your Mini-Moon truly unforgettable.


Destin Guests

Enjoy planning your own Mini-Moon here on our outstanding Ocean Reef Resorts website, where you'll find detailed descriptions, vivid property images, seasonal rental rates, and available reservation dates. Sit beside your loved one, pick your favorites, make a reservation, and then start getting excited because you're going to have a marvelous, memorable time with us!

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