Stretching one quarter mile along the historic Destin Harbor lays the Destin Boardwalk, a project completed in June 2012 with the purpose of providing increased waterfront access to visitors and preserving the unique history and character of the heart of the World's Luckiest Fishing Village: the Destin Harbor.
A stroll along the Destin Boardwalk is a must while you’re visiting Destin. Take in the sights of the Destin Harbor, enjoy the sunshine (or sunset), and take part in some of the many activities the Destin Boardwalk has to offer. The Boardwalk boasts a plethora of shopping opportunities, iconic restaurants, children’s activities, access to watersports and boating activities, photo opportunities, and a first-hand look at the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’s renowned charter fishing fleet.
Where to shop:
The west end of the Boardwalk offers the most shopping opportunities, with upscale resortwear boutiques, designer shoes and sunglass stores, jewelery shops, specialty food stores, and more at HarborWalk Village. As you make your way east along the Boardwalk, you'll find more activities, booking booths, and convenience type stores.
Where to eat:
There is no shortage of good food in Destin, and this is apparent all along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, with restaurants like Harry T's, AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, Dewey Destin's, the Boathouse Oyster Bar and The Edge Seafood Restaurant to name a few. Restaurants run the length of the Boardwalk, and good food abounds. Many of the restaurants also offer a Cook Your Catch option if you choose to take advantage of the fishing opportunities in the World's Luckiest Fishing Village!
For the kids:
Some of my kids' favorite activities on the Boardwalk include the HarborWalk Mining Company, where children can "mine" for precious stones, arrowheads, and shark's teeth; the inflatable water balls, pictured here:
feeding fish at night from fish food dispensers over the underwater lights at The Edge Seafood Restaurant
, and of course watching the boats come in with their catches of the day!
It's also fun to take silly photos at places like this:
Special events are hosted along the Destin Boardwalk year-round, from fishing tournaments, to parades, to fireworks displays, to the annual Destin Seafood Festival. There is always something to do and see on the Boardwalk!
The Destin Boardwalk stretches from the east end by the Destin Yacht Club westward to the Harborwalk Village and is accessible year-round. Parking is available to the public in several different lots along the Boardwalk, and is free! For more information on the Destin Boardwalk, parking areas, and future developments, visit the City of Destin’s official website. You can also follow the Destin Harbor Boardwalk’s official page on Facebook.
So, if you’re looking for an activity that is fun for the whole family, come on down to the Destin Boardwalk, and experience Destin’s true heritage as you stroll along its picturesque walkways. Stop by and see us when you do!