2 Best Places to Shop in Destin, The Panhandle

There are tourist shops up and down the Emerald Coast Parkway selling suntan lotion, swimsuits, floats, and gator heads, but there's nothing quite like Banana Bart's. In a sea of newness, this brightly painted store is a standout, situated in one of Destin's original 1930s-era fishing shacks. Inside there really is a Banana Bart, who opened his store in 1984. Every square inch of this rabbit warren is jam-packed with baubles, jewelry, and stuff appealing to all ages. Bart has a great selection of bespoke T-shirts with graphics extolling the virtues of the beach life. And the parking lot offers a lovely view of Destin Harbor.

This open-air lifestyle center features more than 80 shops and restaurants, an AMC theater, and a pirate-themed playground for kids. For grins, pose yourself and friends in front of nine insta-worthy wall murals. You can't miss the mega-size Bass Pro Shops, a two-story extravaganza that includes an aquarium and a massive selection of outdoor gear, from boats to clothes to fishing hooks. Also on-site is Uncle Buck's FishBowl & Grill, an underwater-theme bowling alley and restaurant.