Soak up ocean views and lively hot spots while dining with your crew. From Gulf-to-table feasts to Harbor Boardwalk favorites, girls trip restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach deliver unforgettable meals—whether you’re brunching beachside or sharing seafood under string lights.
The Back Porch is the place to go for crab legs and shrimp served with sand beneath your toes. Back on land, Harry T’s takes a more upbeat approach with nonstop live music and 32-ounce drinks served right on the water.
Here, local flavors collide with a friendly, laid-back, vacation vibe that’s ideal for catching up with friends and sharing some good times. Whether it’s fancy brunches or sunset dinners, Destin provides every girlfriends getaway with a unique offering.
Below, authentic selections prove that food and fun aren’t mutually exclusive along the coast.
Destin & PCB: Girls’ Trip Paradise
Destin and Panama City Beach, or PCB, provide an ideal setting for your next girls’ trip. Savor the best of the beach with sun, sand and endless choices to chill out or kick your adventures into high gear! These Gulf Coast towns provide low-key beach days that make their fun-filled nights all the more appealing. Friends flock here to recharge, catch up, and laugh a little bit louder.
Sun, Sand, and Good Times
Beach days in Destin and PCB are effortless, breezy, magical moments. That soft white sand is ideal for lounging, trading tales or simply enjoying some R&R with your besties. Oh, the warm, clear water! This allows the entire crew to experience some paddleboarding, hop on a banana boat ride, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball!
Even so, large groups enjoy taking pictures around the jetties. They love taking pictures on the beach at sunset—the lighting here truly enhances every experience! Whether it’s a beach picnic or a leisurely stroll along the shore, time spent together helps everyone connect. You’ll go home with tales that people far and wide will be envious of!
A Vibe for Every Girl Gang
Dining out in Destin and PCB fits all moods. The Skybar at The Edge stands out for open-air cocktails with a view, while Tailfins brings a fun, busy vibe with waterfront eats everyone can share. For a more relaxed night, the Wine Bar pairs local wines with gourmet cheese.
AJs on the Destin Harbor mixes good food, live music, and Gulf views for a lively evening. For those who want to dance, The Village Door’s Dance Club is known for its energy and safety. No matter the taste or mood, there’s a spot here for every crew.
Destin’s Top Eats for Your Squad
Luckily for your crew, girls trip restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach deliver everything from casual cafes to upscale seafood spots with group-friendly vibes. With gorgeous coastal eats, group-friendly settings, and a fun dining scene, it’s no wonder this beautiful city is a favorite for girls’ trips.
Here’s your complete guide on where to eat, drink, and relax with your squad.
1. Sunrise Sips & Brunch Delights
Start your brunch adventure at The Pancakery, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Destin and Panama City Beach. Famous for its sky-high stacks of pancakes, outrageous milkshakes, and cheerful vibe, it’s the perfect place for squad selfies and laid-back mornings. With locations in both Destin and PCB, this local gem is a must for anyone craving a fun, flavorful start to the day.
Next, head to Crackings for a more classic brunch experience. This local favorite keeps a steady crowd on the weekends with its signature eggs benedict and fresh-squeezed mimosas. Grab a seat on the back patio to enjoy the sea breeze while digging into warm, cinnamon-dusted French toast.
2. Casual Lunches, Beachy Vibes
For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Dewey Destin’s Harborside. This popular eatery is located right on the water’s edge. It features plenty of picnic tables which allows you to go directly from the beach.
Fried shrimp, spicy gumbo and tenders are crowd-pleasers. Most places around here will give you hearty, shareable portions and quick turnaround, leaving your crew to hang loose with minimal hubbub.
3. Fresh Seafood & Waterfront Charm
Harbor Docks provides catch-of-the-day choices—swordfish, grouper, and red snapper—served with a true waterfront panorama. Sunset dinners here have a party-like atmosphere while still being casual and fun.
Many restaurants will automatically include a fixed gratuity as well, so read your bill.
4. Italian Nights & Global Tastes
When the sun sets and the cravings kick in, nothing brings the crew together like a table full of pasta, wine, and laughter. Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano in Destin is a go-to for girls’ night with its cozy-chic ambiance, wood-fired pizzas, and rich homemade pastas. Share a few bottles of wine and indulge in dishes like lobster ravioli or creamy fettuccine Alfredo while soaking up the lively atmosphere. It’s upscale without being stuffy—perfect for a group looking to dress up a little and enjoy a long, delicious dinner.
Over in Panama City Beach, Bella Roma delivers a more intimate vibe with authentic Italian charm. Think candlelit tables, heaping plates of spaghetti carbonara, and friendly service that makes you feel like family. It’s a hidden gem ideal for relaxed dinners with your ride-or-dies, where the conversation flows as easily as the Chianti.
Whether you’re in Destin or PCB, these Italian spots make it easy to turn dinner into an event.. International favorites Boshamps Global cuisine means there’s something for everyone—from steak to seafood to salads, perfect for picky eaters.
Whether you’re craving pizza or pasta, these girls trip restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach make it easy to share a memorable meal with friends.
5. Upscale Evenings & Chic Sips
Finish the night at Marina Cafe, where upscale dining and chic sips create a sophisticated vibe. With stunning views and top-notch service, it’s hard not to celebrate here.
Panama City Beach: More Fun Bites
No girlfriends escape to Destin is ever done without a short hop over to Panama City Beach. We hope you’re as excited about food excursions and bonus fun as we are! The dining scene here never fails to attract a colorful gaggle of locals and tourists. They’re looking to relax on the beach, create delightful memories, and retire in the evening with a satisfying dinner.
Most return home at least a few pounds heavier, but they say every single bite is worth it. During a short three-day visit, you will be able to touch on the highlights and create some of your new favorite Panama City Beach memories.
PCB’s Group-Friendly Eateries
PCB’s Group-Friendly Eateries Panama City Beach really does roll out the welcome mat for big groups. PCB really does roll out the welcome mat for big groups, and many of the best girls trip restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach can be found right here. Hunt’s Oyster Bar makes a name for itself with its oversized seafood platters and laid-back atmosphere—perfect for groups to dig in.
The Grand Marlin has an expansive menu and five private dining rooms, making it the perfect spot for your group to unwind and converse without yelling at each other. Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant is loved for its beachside setting and live bands, which help keep the mood light and fun.
Once again, locals do not mind giving away their secrets. Don’t miss Saltwater Grill, where you’ll always find room to make some noise! These places are pros at keeping service tight when the tables turn quickly.
Bachelorette Hotspots in PCB
For the bride-to-be, there’s bling to spare in PCB. Sisters of the Sea hosts special themed nights exclusively for bachelorette parties and features drink specials, with a little something extra.
Pineapple Willy’s hosts late-night music that helps the party continue long after sunset. Places like Club La Vela make all sorts of grand claims about their expansive dance floor and themed parties.
These unique features will help you create all those Instagrammable, jaw-dropping experiences! Friends share tales of crazy evenings and hidden locations. They prove that sometimes the best recommendations come from locals!
Snap That Perfect Foodie Pic
Good thing Destin, Florida, is loaded with beautiful and/or whimsical joints that can set the scene for a girls’ trip meal. The perfect restaurant does just that and so much more. It lays the groundwork for shots that will trigger happy memories and dazzle on your feed!
In Destin, the mix of fresh seafood, modern murals, and beachfront patios means every meal could be a photo op.
Restaurants with Dreamy Decor
These are some of the restaurants in Destin that immediately catch the eye. Quaint eateries such as The Harbor Tavern and vibrant brunch joints are sure to flaunt large murals or graphic art installations.
These joints are must-visits for anyone who eats with their eyes and loves an energetic aesthetic! These establishments combine brilliant colors and creative lighting with personalized details.
The vibe is cozy and welcoming! Whether sitting indoors next to a hand-painted mural or outdoors on a patio strung with twinkling lights, you’ll be comfortable enjoying its splendor.
Whether you’re indoors or out, each area offers something distinct. They allow your party to get pictures that really show your vibe—whether it’s stormy or sunny outside!
Dining with Unbeatable Views
The Gulf of Mexico provides Destin with its photographic trump card. Waterfront locations such as Tailfins Waterfront Grill and rooftop bars downtown restaurants allow you to watch the sunset from your table.
Somehow, the views—boats drifting by, blue water fading to the horizon—make each dish look even more delicious. Even the most basic seafood dish snaps into focus with that dramatic coastline as the backdrop.
Outdoor terraces and beachfront tables make for some of the best group selfies! Snap that perfect foodie pic with orange and pink sky in the background.
Restaurants with expansive windows or open-air decks ensure that you’ll never miss this daily, picturesque show.
Beyond the Table: Destin & PCB Adventures
A girls’ trip to Destin means so much more than just delicious food. Harbor Docks and Brotula’s catch in that sweet Gulf-to-table seafood. Feast on favorites such as fried grouper, sautéed snapper or local grass fed burgers and experience the laid-back, colorful cultural scene!
Here’s what to do beyond the table to add some local flavor, from unique retail finds to fun-filled days on the water.
Retail Therapy & Local Finds
Shopping Destin Commons and Grand Boulevard takes the stress out of a mall experience. Small local boutiques stretch along the palm tree-shaded walks, displaying everything from artisan jewelry and tropical dresses to unique gifts for folks back home.
Village of Baytowne Wharf has weekend markets where local artisans hawk soaps, paintings, and other beachy wares. Besides returning home with unique souvenirs and gifts, spending a little time walking through these markets is a great way to support local small businesses.
It’s a relaxing sort of antidote to all your fun-filled evenings of music and seafood on the water.
Spa Days & Relaxation Zones
After a day’s worth of shopping and dining, a relaxing spa day experience can be just what the doctor ordered. Both The Spa ay Silver Shells and The Henderson Spa accommodate groups with out-of-this-world treatments!
Treat yourself to bespoke facials, refreshing sea salt scrubs, and soothing deep tissue massages. Fortunately, many wellness centers here have friend-exclusive packages, meaning you can enjoy a steaming cup of herbal tea in between treatments together.
These therapeutic sessions get you energized and ready for more harbor paddle adventures. They get you ready for a night at the assembly line taco shack with the house craft brews!
Sun, Surf, and Water Escapades
In short, Destin and PCB are both havens for swim and play. Rental paddleboards and jet skis right at Crab Island, or reserve a seat on a group snorkel excursion where you’ll see dolphins and stingrays.
Henderson Beach State Park offers fun days spent swimming, sunbathing, and playing sand volleyball. These excursions carry the group together and provide you with tales to tell lengthy after the final breakfast cereal bowl and espresso.
Smooth Sailing: Group Dining Tips
Coordinating group meals in Destin requires some savvy, but the payoff is worth it. With a mix of lively seafood shacks, breezy cafes, and upscale spots, the city’s restaurant scene fits every mood and taste. With a bit of preparation, your girls’ trip dinner can be the highlight of your getaway.
Easy Group Reservations
Making sure you have a place for the mob begins with reserving in advance. Most restaurants in Destin operate through reservation apps as well, so it’s a breeze to secure your dining time slot. For groups above eight, it’s always best to call the restaurant and discuss your group’s needs.
Others, like Tailfins Waterfront Grill or Marina Cafe, have private area or group specials not advertised on the internet. So confirm your reservation a day or two in advance to avoid confusion. Outdoor seating is always popular, especially with Destin’s warm, inviting breeze—simply inquire about it when you book.
Pleasing Every Palate
An excellent group dining list is a comprehensive resource. Destin’s culinary cocktail ranges from sushi bars and Gulf-to-table seafood to southern-style grills. When someone in the group has food allergies or follows a certain diet, share that info with the restaurant early.
Most locations, including Brotula’s, are happy to allow people to customize their order or bring out dishes family-style. With shared plates, everyone has a chance to try something different and that one simple meal becomes a communal journey.
Smart Foodie Budgeting
Group meals don’t need to be outrageously expensive. Establish a budget! Inquire about happy hour discounts or group rates—Harbor Docks and The Back Porch frequently have specials if your table is large enough.
Value is key; visit places where the cost, quality of service, flavor, and environment are all in harmony. Value is more than price. So you know, a little research if it’s budget that’s a concern.
Conclusion
With its good vibes, big flavor, and plenty of sun, it’s hard to beat Destin for a perfect girls’ trip. Fresh Gulf shrimp at Pompano Joe’s never disappoints. Late-night tacos from Burrito del Sol & sugary delight from The Donut Hole are always a good idea! Whether you’re looking for laidback bars by the beach, happy hour on a comfy patio, or fresh seafood pulled right from the dock, every location produces some serious giggles and new, fun memories! Capture a colorful pic with your squad, grab a drink, and prepare for the evening to unfold. Whether you’re looking for laidback bars by the beach or fine dining with ocean views, you’ll find the best girls trip restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach ready to host your crew. Looking for more delicious dining, side-splitting comedy, and vitamin D? Drill down into these locations and make your girls’ trip one to remember. Leave a comment with your hidden gem or your own awesome wild food tale!
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/top-family-friendly-seafood-restaurants-in-destin/
- https://menumag.com/where-to-eat-on-a-budget-in-destin-and-panama-city-beach-affordable-dining/
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