Where to stay, eat and go while you are fishing Destin
Written for people who have booked a boat and now have to plan the rest of the week. Everything here is within a short drive of the dock at Heron Harbor Marina.
Where to stay
Three places our customers book most often. The first two put you on the same harbour as the dock, which matters at a 6am departure.
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Harbourfront condosCondo style accommodation on the Destin harbour, a short walk from the dock. Full kitchens, laundry, balconies over the water. The easiest option if you want to roll out of bed and be on the boat.
The Palms of Destin Resort
Central DestinA resort and conference centre in central Destin near Henderson Beach State Park, built around a lagoon pool. Beach access is straightforward and it is a short drive to the harbour.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
South Walton beachfrontThe larger resort option, on the beach in South Walton near the 30A communities. Further from the dock, but the choice if the fishing is one day of a longer holiday.
Where to eat
Destin has more seafood than it knows what to do with. These three have been at it the longest.
The Back Porch
Seafood, on the beachA local fixture since 1974, started in a small A frame building on the sand. Gulf seafood with Gulf views, and the birthplace of the amberjack sandwich.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Seafood, on the harbourOn Destin Harbor, family friendly, and built on four decades of restaurant experience. Convenient if you are already down at the water after a trip.
McGuire's Irish Pub
Irish pubOpen since 1977 and now in the old 1927 firehouse, a 615 seat New York Irish saloon that is a Destin institution in its own right. The change of pace when you have eaten enough fish.
What else to do
For the days the family is not fishing, or the afternoon after a morning trip.
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
Water parkLazy river, speed slides, the Honolulu half pipe and mini golf. The reliable answer for a hot afternoon with children who have already caught their fish.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Shops, food, eventsOn the shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, with boutiques, restaurants, galleries and a zipline, plus a busy calendar of outdoor festivals through the season.
Getting to the dock
We board at Heron Harbor Marina, 314 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541. Trips run seven days a week between 6am and 8pm, and a $250 reservation fee holds your date. If you cannot find the dock on the morning, call (850) 502-9170 and we will talk you in.
Pick your trip
Next stepBay, nearshore Gulf, shark, kids, Captain's Choice or the 31 foot Cape Horn. Each page carries the trip length, the price and what is included.
See all trip options →Questions about planning a Destin trip
Where to stay, when to be at the dock, and what to do on the days you are not fishing.
Where should I stay in Destin if I have booked a morning charter?
Anything on the Destin harbour puts you within a short walk or drive of the dock at 314 Harbor Blvd. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village is the closest of the places guests book most often. Trips leave early, so the shorter the morning drive the better.
How early do I need to be at the dock?
Be at Heron Harbor Marina, 314 Harbor Blvd, about fifteen minutes before your trip time. Trips run between 6am and 8pm, seven days a week.
What is there to do in Destin if it is not a fishing day?
Big Kahuna's water park and the Village of Baytowne Wharf on Choctawhatchee Bay cover most families. Henderson Beach State Park is the quieter option, and the beaches themselves are the reason most people come.
Have questions or ready to book your trip? Send us a message or give us a call — we’ll help you plan the perfect day on the water in Destin.