DESTIN Florida: A Boomer Couples Guide
Boomer Couples 6 Day Getaway to Destin, Florida
Dreaming of a relaxing escape with your best friends? Look no further than our Boomer Couples Guide Destin on the Florida Panhandle!
Our recent 6-day getaway with another boomer couple was the perfect blend of relaxation, delicious food, and stunning scenery.
From pristine beaches to lively restaurants, Destin offered something for everyone.
Accommodation: Beachfront Bliss
We stayed at the Shoreline Towers #1113 booked through VRBO which was a perfect location on the beach.
It is a spacious beachfront condo, and it was the best decision we could have made!
Waking up to the sound of waves and enjoying coffee on the balcony overlooking the emerald-green waters was pure bliss.
Destin’s beaches are truly breathtaking. Crystal clear emerald-green waters lap at the vast white beaches. Frolicking dolphins entertained us early mornings as we watched for them from our balcony. The convenience of being steps away from the sugar-white sand meant we could easily spend our days swimming, sunbathing, reading, and strolling along the shore.
Collecting seashells and enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. The beaches were clean and well-maintained, making for a truly enjoyable experience.
Having a fully equipped kitchen allowed us Boomer Couples to prepare some meals in, saving money and allowing for leisurely breakfasts and sunset cocktails on the balcony. Highly recommended!
Evening sunsets were spectacular, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and red, purple and pink.
Boomer Alert: While the Condo included a Beach Set (Umbrella and 2 Chairs) the second beach set cost $45.00 per day, finishing at 5pm.
Half day, from 12pm was $32.50. This may be costly, but we were able to sit out a short rain shower under the coziness of this large umbrella.
Dining Delights for Boomer Couples in Destin
In Destin, Florida, the most popular foods center around fresh seafood, particularly Gulf shrimp and various types of fish like red snapper and grouper.
Popular dishes include blackened shrimp tacos, shrimp and grits, and various preparations of oysters, like raw, fried, or baked.
We made sure to sample a variety of restaurants during our stay:
- Brotula’s Seafood House:
- Situated right on the Destin Harbor, offering stunning waterfront views. The restaurant boasts a large outdoor deck, which is ideal for enjoying the sunset while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. The menu is extensive, featuring a wide array of steamed seafood, grilled fish, and classic Southern dishes.
- Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House:
- A lively waterfront restaurant with a great atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes. We loved the oysters! Live music in the evenings added to the fun.
- The Edge Seafood Restaurant:
- The Edge offers a more upscale dining experience compared to Brotula’s. Located on Scenic Highway 98, it provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The interior is modern and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the stunning coastline.
- Louisiana Lagniappe:
- Louisiana Lagniappe brings the flavors of New Orleans to Destin. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood, this hidden gem offers a cozy and intimate dining experience. The menu features classic Creole and Cajun dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. For our main courses, we tried the Blackened Redfish and the Shrimp Creole. The redfish was perfectly blackened, with a spicy kick and a flaky texture.
But the highlight of our dining experiences was definitely:
McGuire’s Irish Pub:
They say no trip to Destin is complete without a visit to McGuire’s Irish Pub! The food is true Irish & hearty and delicious, and the drinks are strong.
We enjoyed the live music, the friendly staff, and the overall festive vibe.
Be sure to order the Senate Bean Soup – a McGuire’s staple “For just 18 cents, you can relish a mouthwatering bowl of butter beans soup accompanied by a loaf of bread slathered with their magical, orgasmic butter.”
Boomer Couples guide to Tipping in Destin
Boomer Alert: The majority of the restaurants we visited automatically Added 20% Gratuity to the bill, which the waiter pointed out 5% went to the Bartender and 10% went to himself. We were advised “of course, you could add more…“.
Emerald Coast Offerings
Beyond the beach and restaurants, we explored some of Destin’s other attractions and used the rental car to explore other places along the Emerald Coast:
- HarborWalk Village: A vibrant waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and activities. We enjoyed a sunset cruise and watched the fishing boats come in.
- Henderson Beach State Park: A beautiful park with pristine beaches, nature trails, and picnic areas. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
- Shopping: Destin has a variety of shops, from boutiques to outlet malls. We found some great souvenirs and gifts.
- Grayton Beach State Park: A nature lover’s paradise with coastal dune lakes and trails.
- Seaside: Known for its pastel-colored cottages, lush gardens, artistic streets, and walkable layout, Seaside is celebrated as the birthplace of the New Urbanism design movement and was the main filming location for the movie The Truman Show….(all too “twee” for us)
- Rosemary Beach: A master-planned community showcasing New Urbanism principles. Charming but boring. Great ice cream shop though.
Boomer Tips / Advice:
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.
Traffic:
Be aware of potential traffic congestion including bike riders as well as golf carts, especially during peak season.
Parking:
Parking can be limited in some areas, so plan accordingly.
Sun Protection:
Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay Hydrated:
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the drive.
Our Flight to Destin on the Panhandle
Traveling from Southern Ohio we had a couple of travel options, driving to Destin (11 hours) is a popular choice for many visitors but we decided a direct flight with Allegiant (1.5 hours) was the “way to go”.
- Allegiant Air offers nonstop flights every day of the week between Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS).
- Flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- Typical price range for Allegiant is $105–265, but deals can be found for as low as $55 for one-way and $89 round-trip.
Boomer Alert: The Allegiant flights arrive at Concourse C which is separate from the main terminal. You will need to walk (bear right when you exit Concourse C) to the main terminal to collect your checked luggage and the rental car companies.
Summary for Boomer Travelers to Destin, Florida
- Consider a condo rental: Provides more space and amenities than a hotel room, especially for couples traveling together.
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season, to secure the best accommodations and prices.
- Rent a car: Allows for easy exploration of the area. We found Costco deals to be the best.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat: The Florida sun can be intense.
- Research the Restaurants you like: Remember, at the popular places (with sunset views) you are also paying for the location and views, so menu prices can sometimes be more than anticipated.
Destin offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and delicious food. It’s an ideal destination for boomer couples looking to escape the everyday and create lasting memories.
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