Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Destin

"Casual fine-dining venue Firefly specializes in locally caught seafood, mouthwatering steaks and even has a sushi bar. Tables are set under a romantically lit-up oak tree, which make it an excellent date spot. From the menu, say yes to the crawfish and lobster crusted halibut, venison in cranberry sauce, or spicy tuna roll."

"Of all the restaurants on this list, this is perhaps the most upscale of them. This is saying some, as Panama City Beach is known for its casual and laid back atmosphere. You will like the environment in Firefly."

"From the moment we walked into Firefly, our senses were pleased. From the upscale sitting/ waiting area to the mood lighting, everything felt perfect."

"Notable for its 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with tropical fish, Saltwater Grill is a favorite pick for celebrations in Panama City Beach. Seafood entrées include grilled red snapper and seared tuna, and there’s also the option of selecting a live Maine lobster from the tank—flown in twice a week for guaranteed freshness."

"11040 Hutchinson Blvd (Btwn Gulf Highlands Blvd & S Glades Trail), Panama City Beach, FL. As soon as you enter this stunning Panama City Beach restaurant, you will be completely wowed by the panoramic view of its 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. And, that’s just the beginning."

"Pineapple Willy's Beachside Bar and Grill, located directly on the beach, is one of the oldest and best known, and their Jack Daniel's BBQ ribs are always on the can't-go-wrong menu. My favorite restaurant though is Bayou Bill's Crab House at the far west end of the beach. It's where the locals go to shell fresh boiled pink Gulf shrimp and shuck oysters from Apalachicola Bay."

"Pineapple Willy’s in Panama City Beach was the first restaurant that was recommended to me that piqued my interest. It is located on the beach at 9875 S Thomas Drive and is listed as #22 of 262 restaurants in Panama City Beach on Tripadivsor.com. They offer both dining room accommodations as well as highly coveted picnic tables outside on their covered pier."

"If you’re looking for a casual place to eat that’s welcoming for the whole family, you should try Stewby’s Seafood Shanty. You’ll get to enjoy fresh seafood at an affordable price, which is what you’re looking for in a family friendly Okaloosa Island restaurant. One of their signature dishes you have to try is their gumbo."

"Escape to Runaway Island, where you’ll find an inviting atmosphere both inside and out. While the restaurant’s interior provides two beautiful floors of dining space, the most fun can be had on the deck, which includes a boardwalk extending all the way to the beach. Given the scope and beauty of this location, it should come as no surprise that it is regularly called upon to host wedding receptions and other special events."

"These Panama City Beach crab cakes are made to order, and served seconds after they leave the oven. Prepared with just the right amount of mayo and a hint of Old Bay Seasoning. The freshly prepared lemon caper mustard sauce compliments the sweet, light taste of the crab meat beautifully."

"A little off the beaten path, Boon Docks could be easy to miss if not for the well-placed signage. This little seafood joint nestles in by some of PCB’s most productive fishing operations, and it serves up seafood so fresh you can practically taste the saltwater. This is the place to go if you’re in the market for gorgeous views of the docks, mouthwatering hush puppies, and some of the best grouper you’ve ever tasted."

"Located under the mighty oaks on the Intracoastal Waterway just 5 minutes from the Beaches in West Bay, Boon Docks offers you a delicious array of local and regional seafood, which may be prepared in a variety of ways. Take in the history of our 1941 West Bay landmark, the old fish house, the Buchanan home, and the old bait store, all now part of Boon Docks Restaurant. Phone: 850.230-0005www.boondocksfl.com"

"Once you experience eating dinner while watching the sunset, you’ll never want to dine any other way (trust us). Take in some of those spectacular views and refreshing sea breezes at Hang Five, one of the city’s newest spots, as you indulge in Gulf Coast paella with scallops, shrimp, crawfish, and mussels; pan-seared grouper; or some fresh seafood gumbo. There’s also live music by local bands on Friday nights, so once you’ve had your fill of their fare, grab a drink from their moody wood bar and have a listen on the sand."

"From wings to New York strips, they’ve got it all – and with the whole menu available from open to close. There is always something for whatever suits your appetite. Located in the middle of Pier Park across from the Grand Theatre - 15701 LC Hilton Jr Drive"

"More Strawberry Watermelon Margarita cocktails at happy hour with coworkers. More FSU Seminoles touchdown dances on absurdly large TV screens every gameday..."

"Watch football and basketball, play a variety of games from arcade to virtual reality, then relax and eat some good food."

"The food is full of flavor and the atmosphere is phenomenal. Allows you to come from the beach and walk up and order."

"With a menu highlighting “Oysters,” “Appetizers,” “Seawitches,” and “For the Maneaters,” this local joint is recognized as perhaps the best oyster bar in Panama City Beach. Enjoy the casual atmosphere, take advantage of great raw oysters (be sure and have fun watching the entertaining bartenders shucking the oysters!), and relish taste-worthy grilled grouper po-boys. Whet your appetite with fried shrimp, blackened scallops, and jalapeno baked oysters, and more."

"We visited this place on a Monday night the first week of May. I'm so happy we did. We waited quite a while for a table for two."

"Recognized as an award-winning park, Frank Brown Park is the center of all things active in Panama City Beach. The area offers facilities to accommodate a variety of sports including baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, shuffleboard, gymnastics, and fishing. In addition, Frank Brown Park features a community center, playgrounds, a dog park, an aquatic center, and over twenty acres to host large scale events."

"This nature preserve is a heavily wooded nature park & preserve offering tranquil walking & hiking trails. The hike is about 1.5 miles for a round trip with plenty of shade and a small creek. As you walk into this forest, the highway noise starts to dissipate while the temperature drops from all dense canopy."

"Conveniently located adjacent to Panama City’s public beach, Russell-Fields City Pier is supposedly the longest pier of its kind on the Gulf of Mexico. Stretching more than 1,500 feet out into the gulf, it is a particular favorite of fishermen and walkers looking for the perfect place to capture a breathtaking Florida sunset. It’s common to see many marine animals, including fish, turtles, and rays, and the anglers often haul in impressive catches as well."

"At just over 1,500 feet long, Russell-Fields City Pier is the longest pier of its kind on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a favorite destination for walkers, anglers, and those interested in witnessing an amazing Florida sunset. It’s common to see fish, rays, and turtles in the surf below the pier, and the fishermen often haul up exotic and colorful catches that defy description."

"Take a walk down the Russell-Field Pier extending over 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. Apart from the gorgeous pier, the Russell-Fields offers amazing fishing grounds and lovely views. Access to the pier is $3 for a spectator day pass."