Destin is a favorite beach destination of mine over the years and you’ve gone along with me several times before, as I’ve visited quite possibly the most beautiful beaches in the world. There really is no better beach in the U.S. in my opinion and Florida’s Gulf coast cannot be beat.
Last week, I got the opportunity for a little getaway to Destin for a few days and I took along a couple of girlfriends. We stayed at SunDestin, one of the big high rises right on the beach. Pristine white sand is what you see looking down the stretch of sandy beach, almost like a snow covering.
This time of year is so iffy when it comes to temperatures and enjoying beach weather. Last week was chilly and too windy for us to enjoy sitting on the beach, but we did enjoy the view and took a walk one of the days we were there. 
Even with a sweater on, the sunshine was easy to love and the views, oh the views. Did I mention what a beach lover I am? Yeah, that goes way back for me. I fell in love with the beach years ago and haven’t gotten over it yet.
SunDestin is a beautiful high-rise with plenty of amenities. A sweet couple from my church owns a 1 bedroom here and offered it up to me for a little get-away and it was a wonderful few days. 
On the 2nd floor, this cute one bedroom has a very nice view out to the beach and ocean beyond.  If you happen to be interested in renting this unit, it is through Resort Quest, 888-475-9051. You can get a 20% discount with the code SUN56 on this unit and varied discounts with other units handled by Resort Quest. That’s just an offer the owner passed along to me to tell you, in case you’re interested. You sure can’t beat the views here!
On the day we went for a walk, the waves were crashing and the wind was pretty fierce. Luckily, it wasn’t too cold that day, but the day we headed home, a huge storm came through the area and we hit part of it on the drive out.
On our beach walk, we came across this huge jellyfish, it’s clear body was so fascinating, we stopped and looked at it intently, touching its rubbery skin.
We walked all the way down the beach to one of my favorite spots, The Back Porch, always a fun place to eat some seafood. I didn’t take a pic, but we all ordered fish and chips with fries. I just can’t come to the beach and not eat some fried seafood. I got my quota in this trip and had it 2 days in a row.  
I color enhanced some of these pics, but the water truly is the most gorgeous blue-green you can imagine. This was right outside the condo too.
Beautiful beaches of Destin.
A few years ago, I met a wonderfully sweet blog friend who lives in Destin, Kat who blogs at Just a Beach Kat. She’s a fun lady and it’s always a treat to get together with her. I just love her and her husband, George. We stayed at their house once and dog sat their adorable dog, Miss Daisy.
Me and my friends met up with Kat for lunch at one of my favorite spots, Dewey Destin. Kat introduced me to this special spot a couple of years ago.
My Birmingham friends, Debbie (of the white farmhouse) and her daughter, Tiffany, came along on this trip and we had a very fun time. They loved Dewey Destin too.
Beautiful Kat and me. I always love catching up with Kathy, she is a special lady. 
Dewey Destin sits right on the docks on the bay and there are tons of birds hanging out just posing for pics. It’s always a great photo opportunity, so I took lots of them. Thankfully, the sunshine cooperated that day and we were able to sit outside and enjoy our meal.
From Pelicans to seagulls and lots of others I don’t know.
The birds are so fun to watch.
They get close to the tables and eyeball everyone, hoping for a dropped morsel. 
But there are plenty of signs around, saying “Don’t Feed the Birds”. I can imagine they would get very greedy for food if you did.
Eating lunch outside under these umbrellas is about as good as it gets.
Nothing better than this.
Don’t you agree?
Keeping an eye out.
He would have swooped down for a french fry in a blink.
But I didn’t let him near my fried shrimp basket. I ate it all myself! 🙂 This really is the best fried shrimp EVER. 
And with this view, the perfect lunch. Sunshine and seafood, what a combo.
Now, that is the good life.
Have you been to Destin?
What are you waiting for?
We’ll go on a little antiquing excursion next week. There are some fun antiques stores in Destin and we hit a few of them.
The winner of the Zatarain’s giveaway is lucky #46:
Joyce Ackley
Congrats, Joyce! I’ve already contacted her by email.
Love Destin– we’re headed down there next weekend. Hope my umbrella guy is ready to roll! 🙂
Glad you had a good time… there’s no better place to relax and soak in some sun and Gulf breezes in my opinion.
It is a beautiful place. My daughter was down there last week too, on Spring Break. She mentioned it was a bit cool and windy most days, but there is so many things to do!
THANK YOU for the beautiful photo-trip to Destin. I could almost feel the gulf breeze and smell the salt air, even though I’ve never been to the Florida Gulf Coast. The Atlantic Coast has been our destination due to a family connection, but I’ve always wanted to enjoy that white sand and I understand the shelling is better on the Gulf Coast, also. We had a WONDERFUL Blackened Grouper Ruben Sandwich in West Palm a couple of years ago. It was to die for, well maybe not die for, but to return to West Palm for. Love that fresh seafood with beach and dock views. Thank you again for the brief trip.
Thanks for the tour Rhonda. I took my first trip to Florida last month, to Hollywood Beach. It was fantastic and now perhaps I need to plan on Destin for another snowy winter getaway next year. Can’t wait to see the shops when you post them…living vicariously!
Rhoda,
I grew up in Mobile and have spent so much time on the Gulf Coast.
I miss driving across Mobile Bay everyday. Now, living near Atlanta, I suffer from EBW(extreme beach withdrawal).
Thanks for the pics! We have gone to Destin for several years and the Front Porch is great! My son is military so we meet our whole family there, at a military recreation facility. The beach, boating, shopping, food and grandchildren are some of my favorite things.
I love Destin and the Back Porch. One of my dear friends and her hubby bought a condo in Destin last year. You can bet we’ll be heading to beach when I visit my home state of Alabama this summer. I can’t wait to see the beach and eat some fried shrimp on the Back Porch. Thanks for the preview!
It’s always fun when you come Rhoda. Loved getting to spend some time with Debbie and Tiffany too.
Hugs,
Kat
Yes, have been to Destin. It was beautiful but I will have to admit, it did not measure up to us (all we had heard). We have found that we prefer the less populated, more natural beach areas. Where the beaches are not stripped down to nothing but instead dunes and grasses, are left natural. No highrises to interfere with the beautiful scenery, etc., no beach stores on every little corner. We love many of the islands off from Charleston and Savannah areas. I will agree that the water in the gulf is just absolutely breathtaking.
Beach lovers ourselves. We’ll be renting a cottage in the Fall for a week and looking forward to it.
tina
Looks great. I wish there was a beach closeby, well a beach that isn’t covered with snow and ice that is!
Hi Rhoda-
Your photos were literally a breath of sunshine for me this morning. Seeing beach photos was just what I needed to jump start the damp, rainy, and cloudy day I am experiencing today in my neck of the woods.
Thanks –
My best- Diane
Oh my, I needed those pictures!!! I grew up in the summers at Mexico Beach (south of Panama City, Fl) There is nothing like the emerald green waters of the gulf coast and that white sand!! We are heading there for the annual family week in July, with my Southern Fried Family who hails from southwest GA. I could almost smell and hear the sounds of the beach from your photos….thanks so much for sharing!!! Blessings……KC
We love Destin, too. Lucky for us, my inlaws live on the backside of the bay, and we can stay for free when we go down. It’s not as great as staying on the beach, but, hey, free is free! And the beach is beautiful in all weather, in my opinion.
I’m a Gulf Shores girl, myself, but love your pictures of Destin! I’m so ready for warm beach weather – it can’t get here soon enough!
Destin is one of my favorite spots also. Thanks for sharing the pictures; they were gorgeous!
Hi Rhoda,
Enjoyed your pics! I love the Back Porch and have eaten there several times.
It is always fun to read blog posts about places I’ve actually been too!
Take care,
Diane
Rhoda,
Yes! This is all I needed to feel happier today! Blue skies, warm waves, birds, the sand!
I miss all of that…. but sunshine will come soon, right? 🙂 (I’m in Canada).
Have a wonderful day!!!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
This is still on my Bucket List. I wonder if we will ever get there! It’s such a beautiful place, Rhoda. Thanks so much for the wonderful photos!
We’re getting ready for a trip down to our condo in Ft. Walton. What beautiful beaches and I’m happy to see the wildlife flourishing despite the horrible oil spill last year. We also love the Back Porch and always make a trip over to Destin to eat there. Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Destin is my favorite beach destination. Glad you had a nice getaway.
I love the BEACH so very much! I grew up going to Padre Island every spring break with my best friend and I had the opportunity to live in Florida for a couple of years. My girls and I went to the beach once or twice a week. I don’t know if there is anything as tranquil as being on the beach with sun in your face and the nice breeze. It’s been a while…Thanks 😉