I will be taking my family to Destin for the first time the week of July 4th. We'll be pulling our pop up and staying at Henderson Beach State Park.

We'll be coming in on Monday the 4th. Are there any suggestions for restaurants that have patios overlookin fireworks? Does Destin celebtrate with fireworks?

Also, any family friendly (I have 2 young girls) restaurants we should visit during the week.

Any info is appreciated.

Rob

There is a traditional fireworks display and they air the music on the radio stations here (102.1 + 103.1 Mhz)
Since the buyout, Im wondering if they will air the show this year...
You will have to wait or go early to find a parking space. Remember there is only 1..1 road here..highway 98

Since I've never been to this event I'm going to pull my *** and guss that any oceanside restraunt in the area will have a view on the 'works.. but don't quote me on that. What I would do is call the Oaklossia Area tourist hotline and ask for details.

http://www.destin-fwb.com/

or search google for it.

Rob in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Thanks for the tip robfwb. We're always looking for locals who are willing to help with some insider info.

/me wonders if Rob is being used in these here forums..

Sure anytime

Rob

Should be v-e-r-y crowded the 4th since Navarre and west are still repairing. We were there pre-spring break and it was like summer with the crowds!
Have fun, though, and don't plan on travelling through Destin between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm - traffic jams like you were NYC.
Bring a grill and buy fresh fish at Sexton's or , hmmm, forgot the name of the other place. Same side of street as Sexton's and in the general vicinity. Red and White building. Maybe called Destin Seafood? Anyway, grill fresh fish and don't fight the crowds.
restaurants - Back Porch, Fudpuckers, Louisianna L (long word), AJ's, Hogs Breath, Gratzi's. Many more that I can't think of

Destin Seafood is the red and white building down from Sexton's.

Your best bet is to rent a boat and view the fireworks from the water. Remember we have 1 count them;;1 (one) road that takes you there. So don't be a hog! 55 doesn't mean 85 either.

Rob

Sextons is the place for seafood bought fresh. Grill it right in HendersonPark and then walk to beach to see the shows. You will not be alone.

July 4th will be the MOST crowded day of the year in Destin so be prepared. Near you there are manydining choicesfor fireworks watching,just depends on your preference for casual, upscale or a little of both.

If possible I would try places that reserve tables OR eat and show up on the beach at Henderson to watch the shows to stay out of the fray.

In Crystal Beach you can do Beach Walk, Camilles, Crab Trap or Pompano Joes which are all on the beach.

Back Porch is west of you and if you want to try the harbor then AJ's and Lucky Snapper are there. May want to take a cot if you venture down there.

Hey guys I'm originally from Pensacola but live in TN now and I'm leaving for Destin tommorrow. Does anyone know if the Blue Angels still do fly overs on the 4th after the fireworks in Pensacola? even though were staying in destin Pensacola I am assuming will be less crowded.
And to help out the guy going down there. There was a Gulfarium in Ft. Walton and ZOO that was huge, but since the hurricane I'm not sure how big they are now. But they were really cool.

thanks! P.S. the one road thing really does suck you will definitely learn patience if you haven't by now.

Not sure about the Blue Angels flyover... maybe you could ask someone in our Pensacola Forums... you might get an answer there.

And the Gulfarium is still there in Ft. Walton and as good as ever. The Zoo in Gulf Breeze recovered nicely form the hurricane last year and are open for business as well.

Check out our Destin, FL section for more info.

Good luck!

And fire them babies off on the golf course ala Disney Style!


Happy 4th and God Bless America!


KeithGoesCoastal