Savor the finest outdoor dining in Destin and Panama City Beach! Experience delicious seafood, beautiful views of the water, and that all laid-back PCB vibe.
From eclectic dives with great views of the harbor to elegant eateries overlooking the bay, adventurous dining al fresco is made easy amidst the many options in this paradise. Destin’s harbor offers spots where you can enjoy local favorites like Gulf shrimp and grouper while watching fishing boats come and go.
In Panama City Beach, waterfront dining means incredible views of the sunset while you enjoy oysters or a steamed platter of crab legs. Most of these restaurants have live music too, adding to the festive but laid-back atmosphere you’ll find dining outdoors with a view!
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full-course meal, outdoor dining here offers a perfect mix of great food and unbeatable surroundings.
Discovering Destin & Panama City Beach Dining
Eating along our beautiful Gulf Coast isn’t just an opportunity to taste incredible food. It’s an enchanting journey, made all the more magical by the incredible natural splendor that is Destin & PCB. Destin’s beachside restaurants are the ideal place to enjoy the allure of sandy toes, ocean breezes, and golden sunsets alongside freshly caught, succulent fare.
The Back Porch has been an Emerald Coast institution since the 1970s, serving a casual atmosphere and unmatched oceanfront scenery. Since 1981, Harbor Docks has endeared itself to the locals, and it’s not just because their history started as a seafood wholesaler. Both spots feature thoughtfully devised menus that reflect the diversity of the Emerald Coast’s seafood heritage. These locations are meccas every foodie should explore!
Panama City Beach has its own share of notable establishments, too. Runaway Island’s two-story Gulf-front dining means every seat has a view, ideal for making magical memories. Sharky’s is just as delicious, with a huge deck that encourages diners to sit back and soak in the Gulf’s allure.
If you’re looking for an upbeat Caribbean-inspired atmosphere, Pompano Joe’s is your spot, serving up the island vibes with flavors and decor. Each spot is a nod to the area’s coastal character while bringing you the best dining experience possible.
Find local favorites such as Boathouse Oyster Bar on Destin Harbor. With its light, tropical vibe and picturesque sunset vistas, The Gulf is the ideal spot for a cozy dinner-for-two. While Staci’s on the Beach is focused on special occasions, the atmosphere straddles waterfront elegance and casual coastal dining.
Whether it’s in Destin or Panama City Beach, the blend of delicious seafood, friendly service, and picturesque views is sure to make for some memorable meals.
Best Outdoor Dining: Destin Area
Destin’s dining scene perches atop the shore, where locally caught seafood meets brilliant coastal beauty for meals you’ll never forget. From the elegance of our harborfront to the casual beachside charm, each area of our distinct communities provides the perfect outdoor dining experience.
Harborfront Views in Destin
The Edge is another local favorite with a perfect location on the historic Destin Harbor. Built entirely over the water, this restaurant has not only all-weather outdoor seating by the water but also stunning views all around from two-story panoramic windows.
Guests can enjoy people-watching or sightseeing while savoring dishes like fresh ceviche, hand-breaded coconut shrimp, or whole snapper, all crafted with local seafood. The Edge’s reputation speaks for itself with awards such as ‘Best Waterfront Dining’ and a 4.9-star TripAdvisor rating from more than 1,000 reviews.
Its lively atmosphere and award-winning cocktails make it a must-visit.
Beachfront Bliss in Miramar Beach
For that easygoing, toes-in-the-sand ambience, Miramar Beach truly shines with open-air restaurants where the surf is just steps away. Local ingredients take center stage at many restaurants, where you can feast on everything from grilled grouper sandwiches to Key West mules slinging tropical vibes.
Be warned—the laid-back atmosphere can make it a popular spot for families and informal get-togethers. At Pompano Joe’s, which is a local favorite offering fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and vibrant beachside dining. Their seafood dishes, especially the seafood gumbo and shrimp platters, are definitely must-tries.
Casual Bites in Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is ideal for laid-back lunches and sunset dinners. Known for its colorful cottages and calm waters, this area features charming eateries serving comfort food like fish tacos and crab cakes.
It’s perfect for anyone looking for a down-home, tasty meal. Try Camille’s at Crystal Beach. A cozy, relaxed restaurant offering delicious seafood, sushi, and specialty cocktails, located just steps away from the beach. A great place to enjoy an intimate meal by the ocean.
Upscale Al Fresco in Sandestin
Sandestin offers plenty of dining options for diners looking for fine dining. Upscale restaurants here combine chef-driven menus with outdoor dining beneath a canopy of string lights or cabanas.
Dishes frequently feature beautiful interpretations of seafood staples, raising the tummy-tickling factor of this swank coastal locale even further. Being a Louisiana boy, I would recommend trying Bijoux. Their Pecan-Crusted Airline Chicken is a beautifully executed dish, showcasing a perfect balance of textures and flavors with the velvety brandy Dijon cream that ties it all together.
Romantic Settings in Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach adds to the small-town charm with restaurants nestled between dunes or perched above gentle emerald waves. Candlelit tables and sunset views continue to make it a favorite for couples celebrating those special milestones in life. La Crema Tapas & Chocolate is a cozy, intimate spot perfect for couples, offering tapas and desserts with a European flair. The charming atmosphere and selection of wines and chocolates make it a great choice for a romantic evening.
Top Outdoor Spots: Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach offers a mix of outdoor dining experiences, where fresh seafood, scenic views, and a relaxed vibe come together. This city is ideal for enjoying coastal flavors and Gulf breezes, whether you’re looking for a lively spot or a casual hangout. Here are some of our favorite spots to check out.
Beachfront Dining Traditions
Schooners, known as “The Last Local Beach Club,” is the locals’ choice for beachfront dining. Its proximity to the Gulf allows patrons to take in breathtaking sunset vistas. This makes the location incredibly photogenic and peaceful.
True to its no-frills, laid-back Schooners roots, the atmosphere stays colorful and positive with great live music and a calendar full of exciting events. Sharky’s, our new favorite, is known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere. Dig into fresh local seafood at casual outdoor tables just a few sandy steps from the shore.
Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views as you eat. Pineapple Willy’s brings a lively energy to the beachfront, famous for its ribs and frozen drinks served on its sprawling pier.
Unique Atmosphere & Entertainment
Tucked between the beach and highway, The Gulf’s open-air vibe—inspired by repurposed shipping containers—creates a getaway feel that invites relaxation. Its upscale design is perfectly complemented by a touch of nature, setting the scene for a laid-back bayfront getaway.
Harbor Docks began life as a seafood wholesaler. Today, it sparkles as a pristine, full-service restaurant, touted for its fresh catches and waterfront locality. Most of these spots host live music as well, making for a fun, party-like atmosphere.
Casual Al Fresco Options
Pelican’s is a paradise found for anyone wanting to keep it casual and carefree. This open-air tiki-inspired beach bar boasts some of the best sunset views over St. Rews Bay and is perfect for a relaxed, low-key getaway.
Barefoot on the Beach has a large outdoor deck. Relax over casual dining as you scope out the scene in this laid-back paradise, all with that inspiring coastal view.
Signature Dishes & Local Flavors
Al fresco dining along the shores of Destin and Panama City Beach offers picturesque settings. It’s a celebration of unique, local seafood and culinary artistry. From longtime traditional hits to creative new spins, these vibrant shoreline communities are serving up amazing tastes you won’t soon forget.
Destin’s Seafood Specialties
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Destin’s profound fishing culture is evident in its diverse menu of seafood delights. Dewey Destin’s Harborside is placed on a short picturesque bluff. Sample local favorites including the Grouper Sandwich and Coconut Shrimp paired with jaw-dropping scenery of the harbor and Gulf.
The Back Porch has been wowing diners since the 1970s. Feast on the freshest local seafood and the best views of the Pacific Ocean! Signature dishes such as the Amberjack Sandwich paired with a dozen raw oysters illustrate the Gulf’s bounty beautifully.
Another real winner is the Boathouse Po’Boy, a filling option made especially for big fans of the ocean’s bounty.
Panama City Beach’s Culinary Twists
Panama City Beach’s culinary scene marries rich, local seafood with exciting tropical ingredients. The Gulf is a great case in point, providing a laid-back atmosphere and 90% of its fish caught right in the state’s own backyard.
So too is their Spicy Tuna Roll and selection of tropical cocktails, especially when sampled against a backdrop of unobstructed Gulf views. Staci’s on the Beach blends fresh dishes with stunning beachfront scenery, making it a go-to for special events like holiday dinners or weddings.
Exclusive Drinks at Outdoor Venues
Nothing pairs better with local fish than artfully made drinks. Signature Destin and Panama City Beach venues shake up irresistible island cocktails.
These refreshing cocktails pair perfectly with the sound of crashing waves and miles of great ocean views. Cool off with a fresh mojito from The Back Porch. Or enjoy a signature margarita at The Gulf.
Signature drinks from around the northern tier make outdoor dining a truly memorable experience!
Enhancing the Atmosphere
At its best, outdoor dining in Destin and Panama City Beach provides something beyond a good meal. It’s a complete sensory experience. Whether it’s the picturesque views, exciting entertainment, seasonal décor, or more, each step has been taken to ensure a magical day out.
Scenic Views and Ambiance
Those Gulf-front views are the stars of the show when it comes to outdoor dining here. Most locations feature expansive outdoor patio bars and shaded decks with gorgeous views. Or you can laze on the deck seating and enjoy the sounds of ocean waves crashing in.
Dining spots such as Skybar raise the stakes, offering a cosmopolitan, adults-only rooftop oasis. Sit in comfort and witness breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views. With cocktail tables around a cozy fire pit, this is the ideal locale for a more romantic night out.
Menus are often built around fresh, Gulf-caught seafood, with 80 to 90 percent of items anchoring menus in the region’s rich fishing history. From small bites and starters to made-to-order tacos or main dishes, the flavors and ingredients are a clear homage to Southern Florida’s coastal paradise vibes.
Live Music and Entertainment
With live music to set the tone, the lively atmosphere makes dining an event in itself. Most venues feature local artists on a routine basis, mixing acoustic melodies with the relaxing aura only the beach can provide.
Some of these businesses give special advantages. For example, they offer free beer on the first Friday of each month, until the keg runs out. Pair this exciting entertainment with a matching cocktail from the tropical waterfront, and the mood-boosting atmosphere gets even better!
Tips for the Best Experience
Dining outside in Destin and Panama City Beach is a sensory overload. Savor every scrumptious mouthful, all while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf and the laid-back, coastal culture. From colorful, rustic dockside shanties to upscale, white-tablecloth beachfront restaurants, here’s how to get the best experience.
Secure Reservations Early
Outdoor dining in Destin and Panama City Beach is the way to go. In fact, 90% of the restaurants have oceanfront views. To ensure you get a prime spot, whether it’s a spacious deck overlooking the beach or a cozy table perfect for sunset cocktails, book ahead.
Most venues, especially pricier, fancier joints, get booked up fast during the busy hours. If you’re craving Gulf-to-table seafood, like fresh fish brought in daily, or signature dishes like Island Nachos loaded with seafood, call in advance. You will want the peace of mind of knowing your place at our table is secured.
Best Times to Dine Outdoors
Good timing is essential for the best experience. Summer evenings make for the perfect ambiance while catching the setting sun with fish tacos or a refreshing drink in hand. Don’t miss Happy Hour specials —you’ll be glad you didn’t.
Dozens of nearby venues host craft cocktails or creative draft beer and light appetizers leading up to live music every night or all day on weekends. If you want to enjoy a more laid-back vibe, come visit during the week. You’ll experience the tropical paradise vibe without the hurry.
Check for Special Events/Promotions
Plus, many restaurants have special events or featured promotions that make the experience memorable. First Fridays usually have free beer specials, but the addition of live music makes even the most crowded First Friday feel chill.
Some places even adopt a “no-frills” attitude, every hour a happy hour. Watch for these exclusive benefits to enhance your experience.
Conclusion
See more outdoor dining in Destin and Panama City Beach. Indulge in a beautiful combination of fresh ingredients, oceanic air, and gorgeous scenery, all while fueling your body with deliciousness. From waterfront patios to cozy courtyards, there’s no shortage of spots to soak up the coastal vibe while enjoying local dishes like fresh Gulf seafood or Southern classics. Each has its own beauty and allure. You’ll be able to listen to the sound of waves crashing or enjoy the fairy-like glow of string lights at sundown.
Spend a few moments discovering these culinary treasures, and enjoy the special charm that every single one adds to your outdoor dining in Destin and Panama City Beach experience. Whether you’re deciding where to go next or visiting our neck of the woods, these locations are sure to deliver delicious dishes and delectable experiences. For more waterfront tips or recommendations, explore our guide and discover your ideal table with a view.
Internal Links:
- Link to The Ultimate Guide to Dining and Nightlife on the Emerald Coast to provide readers with more comprehensive dining options.
- https://menumag.com/5-unique-dining-experiences-for-families-in-destin-panama-city-beach/
- https://menumag.com/where-to-eat-on-a-budget-in-destin-and-panama-city-beach-affordable-dining/
Top Breakfast Spots in Destin & Panama City Beach
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