Destin, Fl, The Best Family Vacation This Fall: Fewer Crowds, Perfect Weather!

Destin will forever be our family’s favorite Fall-break location. The weather stays around 80 or so degrees, the water is wonderful, and the crowds are usually low in October. There is also something fun and magical about celebrating Fall at the beach. Sit back, and think Emerald Coast vibes, spooky haunts, pumpkins, and some October festivals as I show you why this is the best time to visit the Gulf Coast.

We have three favorite must-dos on our list when visiting Destin:

1.) Destin’s Harborwalk: Harborwalk Village | Emerald Grande At Harborwalk Village

2.) Baytown Wharf: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Located in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

3.) A drive down scenic 30A, ending at sunset, at the famous Bud and Alley’s Bar and

Restaurant. Bud and Alley's Waterfront Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, Seaside, Florida, South Walton County, Reservations, Cuisine, Relaxed Atmosphere, 30A

Each of these we do separately on different days, and October just adds a fun twist to the activities we always enjoy.

Destin's Harborwalk Village

Destin's Harborwalk Village

Destin’s Harborwalk has plenty to do for all ages. They offer ziplining, rock climbing, dolphin cruises and you can even hop on a Pirate Ship for a cruise in the Gulf. This area has several delightful places to get your seafood fix, like Harry T’s Lighthouse and East Pass Seafood and Oyster House.

Enjoy gulf coast seafood at its finest while enjoying panoramic views of the harbor. There is also plenty of tasty beverages including my favorite, the classic margherita on the rocks at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville and try my favorite American Cheeseburger if you find yourself craving something other than seafood. Sip on your marg, smell the salt water, and look at breathtaking views while you unwind in paradise.  

Margaritaville Destin Harborwalk

Harborwalk October Offerings

October brings a new set of events to the mix at Harborwalk. Every Saturday in October, is Rocktober and Saturday night fireworks. At the main stage located in the heart of Harborwalk, you’ll find live music from 7 pm and fireworks starting at 9.

There is also Spooktacular Nights on the Harbor where your kiddos can dress up in their Halloween finest and trick or treat, do a scavenger hunt, watch fire performers and dance the night away with a DJ led dance party, and then end the night with a stunning fireworks display. Spooktacular Nights are usually held the weekend before Halloween but check the local calendar.     

Baytowne Wharf at Baytowne Harbor in Sandestin

Next up is Destin’s Baytowne Wharf. This area is located in San Destin and worth the visit. This area is full of activities for the kiddos and plenty of places for parents to shop, eat and relax. You’ll find an Adventure Park with an obstacle course for the kids, a carousel, plenty of fun games and a full-fledged arcade.

Lots of delicious restaurants including a popular brunch spot, the Ruby Slipper, and lots of places to eat some oysters have a bloody Mary and watch local bands. This is definitely the place to come for an adult night-life experience with Rum Runners and their famous dueling piano bar.

October Events in Baytowne

During October this pastel-colored village is transformed into a spooky fall fantasy with the season’s special calendar of events. October offers a Wednesday night concert series, starting October 1 to the 29, starting at 7 to 9pm. They host the Baytowne Wharf  17^th Annual Beer Festival, Friday October 10 and 11. We have visited during this event and enjoyed everyone dressed up in their Octoberfest costumes and certainly got a kick out of the pretzel necklaces everyone was wearing!

For a more sophisticated pallet, they offer Bubbly Baytowne, October 16, where shoppers get a complimentary glass of champagne as they meander around the village checking out all the different shops. They also offer a trick or treat night on Halloween with festive tunes playing by the local band and the night ending with a fireworks display. Don’t leave without walking out onto the long dock and taking a look at the beautiful views of the Choctawhatchee Bay. This is one of our must do’s while visiting Destin and we always leave happy we came.

Scenic Drive Down 30A

We love the scenic drive down 30A from Destin that eventually leads to Panama City, but we never make it that far. Our favorite stops along the way are the Red Door Saloon in Grayton Beach. We love to drive Blue Mountain, taking in the gorgeous homes in the area.

We love to stop in Watercolor to shop and what I consider the best pizza I’ve ever had. It’s funny, we are foodies, and we would gladly eat our way through every town we visit, but I don’t go to the beach anticipating the wonderful seafood like my husband, instead I’m dreaming of the pizza and wine pairing at The Wine Bar. I love to get the wine flights that I split with my husband and the amazing charcuterie and pizza. Watercolor on 30a — The Wine Bar

We take games to play at the table which is usually some sort of trivia or Pictionary and spend time eating drinking and being marry! I suggest taking a walk around the park behind The Wine Bar when you are finished. It’s like stepping into New Orleans and the architecture and gardens do not disappoint. We then do a little shopping for our Watercolor merch which is a must do for our family, and then we head to Seaside. WaterColor Store | Resort Wear & Apparel – The WaterColor Store

Seaside, Fl, Must-See Spots

Seaside for lack of a better word is just lovely. It’s changed over the years but has managed to keep its seaside charm. We love visiting the shops including Sundog Books, the toy shop, Duckies Shop of Fun, with the big duckie out front, and seeing new places to visit from the year before. Our must-have family picture locations are with the famed tiny little post office and the Chapel at Seaside.

We walk around the shops and grab a drink and wait to get a table at Bud and Alley’s to watch the best show on the beach, the gorgeous sunset. Bud and Alleys is a seafood restaurant offering a fantastic drink and food menu.

They have a tradition where they ring an iron bell from an 1888 steam train to mark another perfect day in paradise. We will grab some appetizers to share and a cocktail while watching this fun part of the Seaside culture unfold.

Pack a beach bag, throw in your favorite sunscreen and don’t forget the iced Pumpkin Spice latte and go watch the waves roll in on your favorite Destin beach. I hope this gives you inspiration for your next family vacation and as always, Let’s Make Memories!!!