2022 is coming to a close, and we always like to look back on the year to see what you all enjoyed the most! This year has been full of fun and travel, and it’s been a blast having you visit and engage with our content. So, to close out the year, we thought we’d share our most popular Top Destin and 30A blog posts of 2022—the articles you liked to read and engage with the most. Join us as we look back on the last sun-filled 365 days and count down to your favorite top article shared on social media this year.

10. The Cone Ice Cream Joins Reef Rewards

This year The Cone Ice Cream joined our Reef Rewards program, which provides freebies and discounts to our guests. And what’s better than free ice cream on a hot beach day? By joining our rewards program, the ice cream parlor offers a free scoop of ice cream when you purchase two or more menu items. The Cone Ice Cream is located on Highway 98 in Destin, less than a mile north of the sugary beach shores.

Read the article:  The Cone Ice Cream Joins Reef Rewards

9. 12 Multi-Family Vacation Homes in Destin

Family and multi-family vacations are a popular way to spend time in Destin and on the Emerald Coast. So, it’s no surprise that this article got some love! In this post, we shared 12 beach homes on our rental program that can accommodate multi-family vacations. These properties are large enough to host between 16 and 29 guests, and many feature separate guest houses, apartments, or living spaces to give each family some privacy when they need it. These properties include everything you need for the perfect multi-family getaway, including amenities like private pools, open floorplans, luxuriously appointed bedrooms, Gulf-view balconies, and convenient beach access.

Read the article: 12 Multi-Family Vacation Homes in Destin

8. Dolphin Oasis: Gulfarium Marine Park Expansion

The Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island is a popular Emerald Coast attraction where visitors can learn about and interact with marine animals. So, it’s no surprise that the announcement that the park was expanding was met with delight. Set to open in the spring of 2023, the new Dolphin Oasis will add another fun element to the Gulfarium experience. This oasis will include three different habitats—an encounter habitat, an exhibit habitat, and a presentation habitat—that will mimic the natural habitats of dolphins in the wild. It’s an incredible expansion, and we are just as excited as you for it to open to the public!

Read the article: Dolphin Oasis: Gulfarium Marine Park Expansion

7. Best Things to Do in Seaside

If you want to experience coastal luxury in a picture-perfect location, then Seaside on Scenic Highway 30A is just the place. This article outlines the top ten things to do in this iconic beach community. These include lounging on the beach, shopping at Modica Market, watching a sunset at Bud & Alley’s Rooftop Bar, dining at Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant or Great Southern Café, taking a walking tour of Seaside’s architecture, gallery hopping in Ruskin Place, strolling the sculpture garden, participating in the Seaside School Half Marathon, and watching a summer play at the grassy amphitheater. And the best way to enjoy Seaside’s activities to the fullest, you can book a stay at one of our beach rentals in the area!

Read the article: Best Things to Do in Seaside

6. Destin Florida Exotic Car Show

Car enthusiasts were really revved up for the annual Destin Exotic Car Show that took place in April of this year. The event took place at the Palms of Destin Resort, after hosts of the show had to move the event from a sold-out venue in Niceville. The show had 60 supercar slots and 75 all-auto slots. It included cars like Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Ford GT, Lamborghini, Maserati, Tesla, and more. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Military Intrepid Spirit Center on Eglin Air Force Base, an organization that helps military personnel who have suffered the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD.

Read article: Destin Florida Exotic Car Show

5. Humble 30A Bait Shack to Restaurant Empire

If you’re a local or frequent visitor to South Walton, chances are you’ve heard of the beloved Stinky’s Fish Camp. This article tells the history of this iconic restaurant and how owner Jim Richard made his restaurant dreams come true. From a humble 30A bait shack, Jim built a restaurant empire, which extends from his home state of Louisiana to Blue Mountain Beach and Dune Allen Beach on 30A. Several patrons commented on this article with their love for Stinky’s. One commentator said, “Delicious hamburger at lunchtime. Great cookouts in the evening. Awesome margaritas right across from the beach. Love that place.” Another tipped their hat to the chef, saying, “You can taste the training of a top-notch chef in the extraordinary fish taco trio.” Another local stated, “We are locals for many years and never get tired of Stinky’s—by far the best gumbo we’ve ever had.” If you’re visiting 30A, be sure to stop in for a delicious bite!

Read article: Humble 30A Bait Shack to Restaurant Empire

4. Famous Destin Pirate Now Offering Fishing Charters

There’s nothing better than a vacation that includes the beach, boats, and pirates! This article tells the story of Captain Cliff Atwell, Destin’s most famous pirate. For years, Cliff was known as Captain Cannonball aboard the Buccaneer, a family-friendly pirate cruise ship in Destin. And while he enjoyed his time as a swashbuckling pirate, he had dreams of chartering his own fishing boat and working with a smaller group. And he made those dreams come true! Now, he offers fishing charters aboard his six-passenger Pacemaker dubbed the Reel Grace. If you’re looking for a fun activity in Destin, book a fishing charter with Cliff, a Destin native who will ensure a one-of-a-kind fishing experience.

Read article: Famous Destin Pirate Now Offering Fishing Charters

3. Which Airlines Fly to Destin?

Everyone wants to visit the Emerald Coast for a beach vacation. However, planning any trip can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming. This article was meant to alleviate some of that stress by detailing which airports are in the area, the airlines that fly to Destin, and from which cities. The airports within close proximity to Destin include Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), and Pensacola International Airport (PNS). For those who need to fly to take a Northwest Florida beach vacation, don’t worry; there are lots of options for you!

Read article: Which Airlines Fly to Destin?

2. Where is the Redneck Riviera?

Did you know that the Redneck Riviera is a term of endearment for the Emerald Coast? In a 1978 article, New York Times writer Howell Raines coined the phrase “Redneck Riviera” when referring to rich NFL quarterbacks who chose to live on the shores of Lower Alabama. The Emerald Coast is even further south than those Lower Alabama shores, and so the sugary southern shores became known as the Redneck Riviera. Now, the area is more popularly called the Emerald Coast (after teen Andrew Dier won a contest devising the name), but to some, it will always affectionately be the Redneck Riviera. Either way, it definitely boasts some of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches!

Read article: Where is the Redneck Riviera?

1. Destin Water Taxi —And Where to Go!

Water taxi is a unique way to get around Destin, and this article tells you exactly what the Destin Water Taxi is, how to catch a ride, and where to go. With nearly 1,000 likes and 50 shares on Facebook, traveling by water taxi is clearly popular with the people. Using the waterways instead of the streets, the Destin water taxi provides passengers with a less congested way to travel around this tourist destination. It also boasts great views of the glittering Gulf waters and sometimes marine life. One of the perks of the Destin water taxi is doesn’t have a set schedule—meaning you can simply call ahead to book your pick-up time along the Destin boardwalk. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the Destin harbor and travel the emerald waters, give the Destin water Taxi a try!

Read article: Destin Water Taxi —And Where to Go!

So there you have it—our most engaging blog posts of 2022! If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and join the conversations. These articles are helpful in learning more about the area and planning your next Destin vacation.

Keep reading:

Hottest Destin Blog Posts Of 2023

Shaped by the interests and passions of our over 200,000 annual guests and our vibrant online family, the "Hottest Destin Blog Posts of 2023" recaps the best of the best.