Destin isn't just famous for its sugar-white sands and emerald waters—it's also home to some of the most breathtaking outdoor dining experiences on the Gulf Coast. Imagine indulging in fresh Gulf-to-table seafood as you watch the waves roll in, sipping craft cocktails with your toes in the sand, or enjoying a sunset dinner with panoramic harbor views. As a trusted provider of exceptional vacation rentals in Destin for over 40 years, Ocean Reef Resorts knows that a great getaway isn't just about where you stay—it's about the unforgettable experiences you have along the way. That's why we've rounded up the best outdoor dining spots in Destin, where stunning scenery meets incredible cuisine, ensuring your time at the beach is as delicious as it is relaxing.

Destin Gulf-Front & Beachside Dining

Nothing complements fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails like the soothing sound of waves and a breathtaking Gulf-front view. Destin's beachside restaurants offer the ultimate coastal dining experience, where you can dig your toes into the sand, enjoy salty breezes, and take in stunning sunsets while indulging in mouthwatering dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch steps from the surf, a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the Gulf, or a lively happy hour with tropical drinks, these beachfront spots deliver the perfect blend of ambiance and flavor. Here are some of the best places to enjoy an unforgettable meal by the shore.

The Back Porch

1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

This charming, Old Florida-style restaurant has been a local favorite since 1974, back when Destin was still a small fishing village. Located on the Old Highway 98 spur just west of Henderson Beach State Park, it exudes a laid-back, rustic ambiance where "Bathing Suits Are Welcome." That's because it sits directly on the sugar-white sands, offering spectacular Gulf views. The Back Porch is renowned for its oysters and fresh, Gulf-caught seafood, delivered daily from Destin's anglers. In fact, this restaurant was the first to introduce chargrilled Amberjack, now served grilled, bronzed, or blackened as a sandwich or entrée. Special Happy Hours run daily from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., featuring beer, well drinks, house wine, Margaritas, and Bloody Marys. Guests also love snapping photos in the giant Adirondack chair and spotting the restaurant's unofficial mascots—the "Taste Testers"—a group of beach bum cats that have lounged around the property since 1977.

Beach Walk Café

2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

For an intimate and romantic dining experience, Beach Walk Café is a must-visit. Nestled at the eastern end of Scenic Highway 98, inside the Henderson Park Inn, this enchanting spot overlooks the pristine dunes and the glowing Gulf waters of Henderson Beach State Park. The unobstructed sunset views alone make it one of the most romantic restaurants along Scenic Gulf Drive, perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or any special occasion. The award-winning menu features gourmet seafood and premium land-based entrées, each enhanced with exquisite house-made sauces. For an elevated experience, Beach Walk hosts a "Bubbles & Brunch" event on the first Sunday of each month, featuring decadent dishes paired with complimentary champagne. Guests can dine inside the elegant, Gulf-front dining room or step out onto the sandy beach patio illuminated by tiki torches, creating a dreamy seaside ambiance. Reservations are highly recommended.

Staci's on the Beach

2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

Located on the first floor of Crystal Beach Inn along Scenic Highway 98, Staci's on the Beach is one of Destin's newest dining spots, offering a vibrant, casual experience with front-row Gulf views. The outdoor patio sits right beside the sugar dunes, allowing diners to soak in the coastal scenery while indulging in "crave-able comfort foods." The diverse menu features seafood, beef, and pork entrées, along with crowd-pleasing appetizers like Loaded Mac and Cheese, Pretzel Bites, BBQ Pork Nachos, Fried Chicken Wings, Sweet Fire Fried Shrimp, and Jalapeño Hush Puppies. The restaurant's motto, "Always a Good Time," is reflected in its lively atmosphere and friendly service. Thanks to its prime beachfront location and spacious layout, Staci's on the Beach also hosts wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday celebrations, and other special events.

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and stepping directly onto the soft, sugar-white sands—this is the effortless luxury of a Gulf-Front vacation rental. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family retreat, Ocean Reef offers a stunning selection of beachfront homes and condos to make your stay unforgettable.

Destin Waterfront & Harborfront Dining

For a dining experience that blends fresh-off-the-boat seafood with bustling marina views, Destin's harborfront restaurants offer an unbeatable combination of flavor and atmosphere. Whether you're watching charter boats unload the day's catch, sipping a cocktail while admiring a fiery sunset, or enjoying live music under the stars, these waterfront spots capture the essence of Destin's coastal charm. Many of these restaurants are family-owned institutions, carrying on the legacy of Destin's fishing heritage, while others offer elevated Gulf-to-table cuisine with an upscale twist. No matter the occasion, dining along Destin's harbor guarantees fresh flavors, laid-back vibes, and some of the best seafood in town. Here are some standout spots to check out.

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Perched along Destin Harbor, Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House delivers a laid-back waterfront dining experience with spectacular marina views and a white sandy beach where kids can play. Live music during the spring and summer months adds to the lively atmosphere, while the glass-walled dining area, open-air pavilion, and four-sided bar provide the perfect setting for enjoying their "Authentic Gulf-to-Table" cuisine. Fresh seafood is sourced straight from local docks, with menu highlights including Snapper, Grouper, oysters, blue crab claws, and seafood gumbo. For those craving something hearty, options like the 20 oz Cowboy Ribeye, Gulf Coast chicken stuffed with sausage, and the indulgent Bobo Burger deliver big flavors, all served with classic Southern-style sides like mac & cheese, creamy cheese grits, and bacon-braised collards.

Dewey Destin's Harborside

202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

A true taste of Destin's fishing heritage, Dewey Destin's Harborside sits atop a scenic bluff overlooking Destin Harbor, Holiday Isle, and the Gulf in the distance. The Destin family has been part of the area's history since 1835, and in 2000, Captain Dewey Destin transitioned from commercial fishing to opening his own seafood restaurant. Located just a mile east of the Highway 98 bridge, this casual, open-air spot serves fresh, Gulf-caught fish—including Sea Trout, Grouper, Swordfish, Snapper, Flounder, Wahoo, and Redfish—all available fried, grilled, or blackened as an entrée or sandwich. The menu also features shrimp, oysters, gumbo, and seafood-topped salads, making it a must-visit for anyone craving classic, no-frills coastal cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations are recommended.

Harbor Docks

538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

A local favorite since 1981, Harbor Docks started as a wholesale seafood purveyor before expanding into a full-service waterfront restaurant. Today, it remains committed to serving fresh, Gulf-caught seafood, with fish brought in daily straight from the docks. The harborfront location offers both indoor seating and an upper-level sun deck with umbrella tables, while a dockside area with picnic tables provides a laid-back, casual vibe. Signature entrées include Gulf Grouper Parmadine, Sautéed Red Snapper, Fish & Grits, Stuffed Gulf Shrimp, and a grilled or blackened Catch of the Day. The menu also features hand-cut steaks, a surf & turf special, sushi, and classic fried seafood platters. Open late on weekends, Harbor Docks is the perfect spot to soak in the coastal scenery while enjoying some of the freshest seafood in town.

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Destin Casual Outdoor Dining with a View

Sometimes, the best dining experiences are the ones where you can kick back, soak in the view, and enjoy great food in a laid-back setting. Destin and the surrounding area offer plenty of casual outdoor spots where you can dine dockside, sip cocktails over the harbor, or lounge beneath swaying palm trees with your toes in the sand. Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem on the water, a lively rooftop bar with stunning sunsets, or a relaxed bayfront retreat, these casual eateries deliver fantastic flavors and unbeatable scenery. Here are some of the best spots to grab a bite and unwind by the water.

Boathouse Oyster Bar

288 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

A hidden gem tucked along Destin Harbor, Boathouse Oyster Bar is one of the area's best-kept secrets. This rustic dockside eatery is known for its laid-back, no-frills atmosphere where "every hour is happy hour." Guests can even arrive by boat, making it a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. The open pavilion bar, covered veranda, and deck seating create a lively yet relaxed vibe, with live music playing regularly and a free beer promotion on the first Friday of every month until the keg runs dry. Famous for its award-winning oysters and seafood gumbo, Boathouse also serves Cajun boiled peanuts, BBQ shrimp, smoked wings, and Trailer Park Nachos. The menu ranges from fresh seafood to prime rib, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, making it a casual go-to for great food, cold drinks, and waterfront views. Bonus tip - Don't ask for French Fries...

The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar

302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

One of Destin's newest waterfront dining destinations, The Edge Seafood & Skybar is built directly over the harbor, offering panoramic views of Destin Marina, Holiday Isle, and the Gulf beyond. The first-floor restaurant specializes in fresh, Gulf-caught seafood, supporting local fisheries with signature dishes that highlight the day's best catches. Upstairs, the Skybar provides an adults-only rooftop experience, featuring 180-degree views, cozy lounge seating, cocktail tables, and a fire pit. Since opening in 2022, it has racked up accolades, including "Best New Restaurant," "Best Waterfront Restaurant," and "Best Outdoor Dining." The Happy Hour specials run Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring house wine, craft cocktails, draft beer, and appetizers, while live music plays nightly and all day on weekends. Whether you're looking for a seafood feast downstairs or sunset cocktails upstairs, The Edge offers a dining experience that lives up to its name.

The Gulf on Okaloosa Island

284 Marler Ave, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Located just five minutes from the Destin Bridge on Okaloosa Island, The Gulf is a one-of-a-kind bayfront restaurant known for its relaxed, tropical ambiance. The setting includes a beach-inspired indoor dining space with a soaring cathedral ceiling, a sports bar with multiple flatscreen TVs, and a spacious outdoor area lined with palm trees. Guests can dine at tables beneath white canopy tents, sink into wraparound cushioned couches on the sand, or sip tropical drinks by fire pits on cool evenings. The menu is constantly evolving, but always features fresh, Gulf-caught seafood in appetizers, entrées, sandwiches, and even tacos. With live music in the summer, a casual yet stylish atmosphere, and an unbeatable waterfront view, The Gulf feels more like a private beachside party than a traditional restaurant. It's also a popular venue for wedding receptions and large gatherings, making it a perfect spot to celebrate with a drink in hand and your toes in the sand.

Savor the Flavor of Destin's Best Outdoor Dining

From laid-back beachside cafés to lively harborfront hotspots, Destin offers an unforgettable dining experience where breathtaking views meet incredible cuisine. Whether you're indulging in fresh Gulf-to-table seafood, sipping cocktails by the water, or enjoying live music under the stars, these outdoor restaurants capture the essence of coastal dining.

At Ocean Reef Resorts, we take pride in helping you create the perfect beach getaway. With a wide selection of vacation rentals from Destin to Panama City Beach, we make it easy to find a place that feels like home—just steps from the dining, shopping, and natural beauty that make this area so special. Browse our user-friendly website to find your ideal stay, and get ready to eat, drink, and be merry on the Emerald Coast!