Posted on 12/21/2018By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Comparing Destin to Miami is the proverbial exercise of comparing apples to oranges. Each is a popular destination catering to beach-going visitors but are distinctly different in many ways. Ocean Reef Resorts guests already know which one is their favorite since literally, generations of families have made Destin their favorite spot for vacations along our sugary shoreline. For those planning a trip in the near future that have never been to either location here are a few things to know!
The Locale
Miami is a vast metropolis on the far southeastern Atlantic and home to over six million people. It is the sixth most densely populated major city with almost 13,000 people within one square mile and the fourth largest urban area in the United States. This international city has a distinct Cuban influence since many immigrants came from that country. The architecture is stunning, sophisticated and urbane. The heavily developed coast is the premier attraction, and hotels line the beach.
Destin along the Florida Panhandle encompasses Miramar Beach and enchanting coastal villages along Scenic 30A in South Walton including Dune Allen, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Watersound, Prominence, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach. Although originally founded as a fishing community 170 years ago it has thrived since the 1980s as a favorite destination for beach vacationers but still lays claim to having the largest private charter fishing fleet in the nation. Many exclusively gated communities and lushly landscaped resorts near the beautiful beach are studded with almost a dozen championship golf courses. The shoreline includes thousands of acres of protected forests, beach parks with coastal dune lakes and abundant wildlife. Picturesque beachfront villages exude charm with golden Americana styled designs.
Things to do
Besides the beach Miami's top attractions include: Tours of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which is a sprawling 43-acre Italian Renaissance style villa; The Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science that includes 250,000 square feet with an aquarium and planetarium; Drinks at the renowned Ball & Chain bar that features salsa lessons and live jazz music which was once host to Billie Holiday and Count Basie in the 1930s; Eating at "Versailles" an upscale famous Cuban restaurant in Little Havana; Partying at "E11even" in a 13,500 square foot downtown nightclub that is open 24/7 with a debaucheries disco; a visit to LIV a mega club in the lobby of the Miami Beach Fontainebleau Hotel and shopping or people watching at Lincoln Road in Miami Beach which was dubbed "the Fifth Avenue of the South" with boutiques, cafes, lounges and cultural venues.
The beach is also the top place to go in Destin, but other attractions abound. The Destin area features over 100 restaurants that dot the coast featuring Seafood, Cajun, Caribbean, French, Italian, Mexican, Greek, Mediterranean, Barbeque and Southern-style food. Many have won awards. Great restaurants, lively bars, and retail shops are at the Destin's Harborwalk Village, the popular Disneyesque retail complex of Destin Commons, Sandestin's upscale Grand Boulevard, the charming French Quarter-inspired Village of Baytowne Wharf and coastal villages along Scenic 30A in South Walton. One of the nation's top discount designer centers known as the Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach and features 110 stores for world-class bargain shopping. Frequent festivals are celebrated at many locations with concerts and fabulous fireworks. They include Wine Tasting Events, Beer Fests, Art Shows, the National Songwriters Festival, Destin Seafood Festival, Destin Fishing Rodeo, Christmas Boat Parade along with celebrations for New Year's Eve, Mardi gras, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Miami to Destin: Direct Flights Coming Soon
Starting December 19, 2025, traveling between South Florida and Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast will be easier than ever. American Airlines has announced a new daily nonstop route between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS).
Sunsets or Sunrises
Miami is on the Atlantic, so if you're an early morning riser you may watch the sun come up over the ocean in glorious fashion.
Destin has no sunrises directly over the gulf but makes up for this with spectacular sunsets over water throughout most of the year. Sunset cruises and places like Harborwalk Village and Baytowne Wharf are popular rendezvous points to experience the heavenly views. From mid-fall till mid spring it sinks majestically into the gulf while it sets over the wide expanse of Choctawhatchee Bay from mid-spring till late summer.
The Water
Miami is on the Atlantic which has a grayish dull green color that is caused by sediment that drains directly into the ocean along the eastern coast from many rivers and tributaries. It is also colder than the gulf.
The Emerald Coast is named for good reason since the gulf glows like a luminescent jewel that glitters with dazzling effect on sunny days. The gulf here consistently rates in numerous studies as having the best water clarity in Florida. This pristine clarity is due to the fact that rivers that drain sediment into the gulf are many miles away. The gulf waters are warmer than the open Atlantic.
The Beach
The beach in Miami is composed of a coarse mixture of ground-up seashells, pebbles and some sediment that is tan in color. It absorbs the heat of the sun which makes wearing sandals a necessity.
The brilliant bright beach in Destin which spans over twenty-six miles composed of pure ground up white quartz crystal that has a sugar-like powdery form. It is so fine it squeaks beneath your feet and has a cool surface since it reflects sunlight. Sandals are not needed here but sunglasses are essential. The beach is reported as among the nation's top-rated beaches from studies reported by USA Today, Coastal Living, Forbes and Southern Living magazines. They have Blue Wave Beach status of Excellence for cleanliness, water quality, and natural beauty. It's the only beach in the nation to receive such acclaim for a twenty-six mile long contiguous coastline.
If you have joined countless others who pick Destin as a favorite Florida beach destination take time to view Ocean Reef Resorts vacation rentals here on our website which provides detailed information, displays of vivid images, seasonal rental rates and lists amenities for each of our distinctive properties. Enjoy this picture-perfect paradise.
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
