The beautiful white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, and five-star resorts are but a few of the many reasons why Destin has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The luxurious amenities here are endlessly attractive to prospective home buyers in this prestigious Gulf Coast locale. Eager to make Destin their next spot for a luxurious vacation home or a place of retirement, home buyers have made the Destin real estate market quite competitive.
Once you’ve secured your new Destin home and have settled in, you’ll be more than ready to experience the very best that this vibrant community has to offer. One-of-a-kind boutiques, upscale retail spots, and enticing outlet malls await your daytime shopping excursions. Your hunger will also be working overtime as you enjoy the premium dining destinations that dot the streets and sidewalks. Read on for an overview of the most lively business centers and shopping spots in Destin.
Destin Commons is the perfect marriage of commerce and community
Just off the Emerald Coast Parkway is a renowned open-air shopping destination that offers a wide variety of retail shops, dining areas, and entertainment. Destin Commons comprises nearly 90 retail stores and businesses, promising an amazing variety for nearly every fashionista or hungry diner.
A day spent here will lead you to numerous fashion stores, including both nationally recognized brand names and locally owned shops. Jewelry boutiques, unique gift shops, and specialty retail storefronts fill in the gaps between the big-box retailers and the AMC theater. The appeal of this lively business district goes well beyond its high-end retail, however. The abundance of standout restaurants makes Destin Commons a top destination for catching a bite to eat, from omelets and sushi to chicken and waffles.
The last Sunday of the month is reserved for the Destin Commons Market. All day long, you can stroll through the booths to find fresh local produce, check out the amazing artwork and handmade jewelry from local artists, and discover the array of vendors that make this one of the most popular shopping destinations in the Destin community. Destin Commons also showcases a vibrant array of commissioned murals, adding to the incredible atmosphere.
The Market Shops offers a quaint shopping and dining experience
If you are looking for an afternoon of retail therapy that isn’t quite as crowded, making the short trip over to The Market Shops in Miramar Beach should be on your to-do list. A handful of locally owned boutiques frame a beloved business district with unique restaurants that locals really crave. Check out Tuscany Italian Bistro, Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits, or Maple Street Biscuit Company.
The Market Shops is also home to a lawn and events stage, perfect for live music or festivities like The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival. The gorgeous landscaping and exterior decor give a fantastic backdrop to enjoy some fun and community vibes. You can find this growing development off the Emerald Coast Parkway in Miramar Beach.
You don’t want to miss City Market
The business district known as City Market encompasses two bustling shopping spots in Destin. Together, City Market Beachside and City Market Bayside promise an exciting array of shops and eateries to create a retail experience that has grown to be one of the most enjoyed in the Destin area. City Market Beachside features a nutrition shop, a nail salon, the Small Cakes cupcake stop, the Aqua Vitae drip bar, and Chicken Salad Chick, while City Market Bayside along Furling Lane is home to Frill Seekers Gifts, Teena Haven, Orangetheory Fitness, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a jewelry shop, and more.
Navigate the malls for fantastic finds
In downtown Destin, right across the Emerald Coast Parkway from Destin Commons, the Shoppes at Paradise Isle is a charming retail mall featuring a delightful mix of boutique shops, dining options, and a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the relaxed Gulf Coast lifestyle. With retail spots like Shoe Station and Emerald Lady Jewelry alongside a salon and a handful of dining destinations, the Shoppes at Paradise Isle offers plenty to explore.
Just west across Hutchinson Street, you’ll find Crystal Beach Plaza, another lively shopping mall. Explore the bookstore, check out the supermarket, or head to the hair salon for a refresh. Crystal Beach Plaza is also home to Alvin’s Island souvenir store and an array of dining spots, including Pazzo Italiano Destin and Ruby Slipper Cafe.
About four miles west of Destin Commons, you’ll come to Shoreline Village Mall with its array of dining spots, from Capriccio Cafe and Bric a Brac to Ice Cream Shoppe and Roast’d Cafe. Here, you’ll also find a surf shop and a marine supply store alongside a nail salon and the Seashell Wedding Company.
HarborWalk Village has it all
HarborWalk Village, nestled on Destin Harbor on the western edge of the community, is a vibrant and picturesque waterfront destination that encapsulates the essence of Gulf Coast living. With its stunning views of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, an array of dining options, exciting activities on the calendar, and unique shopping experiences to its name, HarborWalk Village has become a beloved entertainment spot for locals and a must-visit for tourists.
With live shows, fishing tournaments, family events, Taco Thursdays, and weekly fireworks festivities, HarborWalk Village is always a thrill. Music performances often grace the outdoor stage, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Top-rated restaurants await; one of the major highlights of HarborWalk Village is its incredible culinary scene. Diners can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Harry T's Lighthouse and East Pass Seafood & Oyster House while savoring breathtaking views of the harbor. In addition, the village boasts an eclectic mix of boutiques and shops where you can find unique souvenirs, clothing, and gifts. Check out Life is Good, The Fudgery, Destin Jewelry, Naples Soap Company, and more. Whether you're searching for beachwear, jewelry, or local artisan goods, HarborWalk Village's stores offer a delightful shopping experience with a bit of coastal flair.
Not only that, but as a waterfront destination, HarborWalk Village is perfect for adventurous souls and watersports enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on dolphin cruises, rent jet skis and paddleboards, or even charter a fishing boat to explore the bountiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The village's premier location along the Destin Harbor makes it a perfect starting point for aquatic excursions.
Ready to find your place in Destin?
If you’re intrigued by everything that life in Destin brings to the table, from incredible scenery and endless aquatic recreation to vibrant shopping and retail outlets, Destin real estate is sure to be your new piece of paradise. If Destin sounds like the perfect fit, consult the Live Love 30A | Destin team, brokered by The Premier Property Group, for top-tier guidance and advice at every point. With insider knowledge of the luxury market and professional connections where it counts, this expert team is ready to guide you to your Destin oasis. Reach out today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
