Destin, FL Mom/Daughter trip
 

Hi!

We have a trip to Destin planned next week and it's our first time there. We usually do more secluded beach spots (Longboat Key, Fl; Captiva Island; Vanderbilt Beach, etc.) but we were in the mood for something different. I'm worried that the weather forecast isn't going to give us the summer beach week we look forward to all year.

I'd appreciate any advice on Destin. Favorite restaurants or places of interest.

We usually like to spend a day exploring nearby beaches so I can imagine driving to see Ft Walton (would have loved to have ferried to Dauphin Island but may be too far)... other direction to Pensacola (been there years ago), etc. Anything in those places we should try to see?

We're not big shoppers but if there's a good shopping center, may come in handy with weather. Good spa?

I'll try to do more research but nothing ever beats the Fodor's community.

Thanks!

For beach destinations, I would forget tacky Ft. Walton and head east instead. Grayton Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, etc.

Downtown Pensacola has undergone a nice renovation so there are plenty of cute shops and restaurants there to visit.

Thank You! Actually, Seaside has been on my short list to discover recently. I'll have to see how far it is.

It's about 45 minutes from Destin but a really nice, easy drive. All of the communities along Hwy 30A are awesome and such a nice change of pace from busy Destin.