The perfect balconies for spotting dolphins

The waters off Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL are full of wildlife, but perhaps none is more beloved than the dolphin. World-renowned for their curiosity, intelligence, and grace, these delightful creatures can be spotted playing in the waves from many local beaches and balconies in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. No beachside vacation is complete without sighting a bottlenose dolphin or the rarer Atlantic spotted dolphin. Travelers looking for the best balconies to catch a glimpse of these marvelous mammals in Destin-Fort Walton Beach should consider the following places to stay and waterfront restaurants.

Newman-Dailey

Newman-Dailey offers sublime beachside resort rentals for vacationers. Whether you’re traveling with the family or as a couple, Newman-Dailey can secure a fully-furnished vacation home or a condo rental with a view. Step out onto your private balcony to survey the stunning expanse of white sand, turquoise waters, and dolphins playing in the surf.

Jetty East Condominiums

Located at Holiday Isle, Jetty East offers well-appointed condos with spacious bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphins like to eat in the morning, so take a day to rise early and survey the Gulf of Mexico below your balcony perch for the telltale wake of feeding dolphins.

Henderson Park Inn

Voted the “Most Romantic Inn” by TripAdvisor, Destin’s Henderson Park Inn offers an adults-only escape with expansive views of Henderson Beach State Park’s unspoiled coastal splendor. Cozy up on a private balcony with your significant other to enjoy a colorful sunset while you watch dolphins crest the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.

Beach Walk Cafe

Experience an exquisite meal at one of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s premier fine-dining establishment, Beach Walk Cafe inside Henderson Park Inn. Make a dinner reservation for balcony seating or for a VIP table on the sugar-white sand, and savor the black pepper crusted yellowfin tuna with a glass of pinot noir, and take in the spectacular views of the coast. A sublime meal serves as the perfect accompaniment to dolphin watching.

Harry T’s

Located in a two-story lighthouse in HarborWalk Village, Harry T’s is a distinctive local institution that offers tasty steaks and fresh seafood. Every table offers a commanding view of the water. That means no matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have a front row seat to a view of the harbor, where dolphins like to gather. Get together with friends for brunch and bottomless mimosas and enjoy the show!

Harbor Docks

Any visitors yearning for fresh Gulf to Table cuisine can’t do without a meal at Harbor Docks. There you can sample snapper, grouper, and other surfside fare, prepared from scratch.

What’s more, Harbor Docks offers a fantastic view of the Destin Harbor where dolphins are known to gather.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers a myriad of locations to get a first hand glimpse of dolphins in their natural habitat. Whether you’re relaxing on a private veranda or enjoying fine dining with a lookout over Destin Harbor, you’re bound to enjoy the view.

Want more dolphin watching adventure? Try out a family-friendly dolphin excursion on the water for an even closer look!