Waterfront Restaurants in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Do you travel for the views? Or do you travel for the food? With waterfront dining in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, you don’t have to choose.

Beautiful views of the water and fresh-caught seafood are the hallmarks of cuisine in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL. There’s plenty of action happening all day long on the Destin Harbor, but sunset is hands down the most magical time of day. Grab a cocktail and a seat outside to watch the boats come in while the sky bursts with warm colors.

Waterfront restaurants in Destin like Brotula’s and Jackacudas have outside seating overlooking the Destin Harbor, as well as a promise to deliver sustainably-sourced fish. Brotula’s will even cook your catch, so you can head straight from your fishing boat to the restaurant, just steps away from the docks.

Dewey Destin’s also has a deck overlooking the water, and some of the freshest shrimp you’ll find, well, anywhere! The town’s founding family still runs the two restaurants, one on Destin Harbor, and the original location overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay.

Wooden picnic tables and colorful umbrellas line a long dock over the water where you can tie up your boat and grab a bite on the bay side. Dewey’s has one of the best burgers on the beach ― as well as water guns at the ready for seagulls that venture too close to your crinkle-cut fries.

The Crab Trap is a waterfront restaurant in Destin known for its beautiful white sand beach and popular kids playground. Enjoy fresh seafood and Gulf breezes, with a beach cottage atmosphere. Outdoor seating and an outdoor bar are located next to the playground. The seafood and oyster bar specializes in proper beach fare, which means fresh fish and fried baskets with amazing views.

Waterfront dining on Okaloosa Island features inspiring vistas, with a laid-back coastal vibe. Many restaurants on the Island are swimsuit and flip-flop friendly. Locals and travelers love to hang out on the beach all day, only taking a break from sunning to grab tacos and margaritas at Rockin’ Tacos on The Boardwalk.

Also at The Boardwalk, Al’s Burger Bar has a pop-up fountain play area for kids with lots of outdoor seating for the parents to relax and watch the little ones run. Frozen custard shakes and craft beer means everyone has something to sip on.

The Gulf on Okaloosa Island is waterfront dining with an element of surprise. The restaurant’s sustainable design is made of shipping containers and reclaimed, recycled and salvaged building materials. This bay-front hideaway extends sustainability into its menu with fresh local ingredients that sing. Live music and cold drinks set a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to hang out for a while.

Waterfront dining in Destin - Fort Walton Beach means celebrating the good life with the ones you love. Good vibes, fresh seafood, and cold drinks go hand in hand with maritime life. Traveling for food with a view is as good a reason as any.