Beach Bliss Showdown: Destin or Gulf Shores – Where to Find Your Happy Place!

Ready to soak up the sun and hit the beach? You won’t be disappointed with either Destin or Gulf Shores, as both destinations offer stunning white sand beaches, lush landscapes, and a wealth of activities to keep the whole family happy. Can’t decide which one to choose? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Our article will help you discover the perfect destination for your next happy-go-lucky beach vacation: Destin or Gulf Shores!

Destin, Florida 

Destin is located on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the northern side of the panhandle. It’s known for its crystal clear waters and sugary-soft white sand beaches. The city has grown in popularity over the past few years thanks to a close proximity to fun attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water Park and Henderson Beach State Park.

Additionally, plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and other entertainment options are also available nearby. However, because Destin is a more popular destination than Gulf Shores, it can be crowded during peak seasons (especially around spring break and summer holidays). 

Local Attractions in Destin

Big Kahuna’s Water Park 

Looking for an adrenaline-packed day of fun? Big Kahuna’s Water Park has something for everyone!

This popular attraction features over forty water slides and attractions with something to suit all ages. So whether you’re after a thrilling ride down their speed slides or just want to relax by one of their tropical lagoons and waterfalls, Big Kahuna’s will surely provide a memorable experience.

It is especially popular during peak season (especially around spring break), so visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to have an enjoyable time at this fantastic park.

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park offers superb white sand beaches and lush landscapes for visitors to enjoy. With crystalline waters and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, and more, Henderson Beach State Park is perfect for a day out enjoying nature. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting adventure filled with wildlife sightings and exploration—Henderson Beach State Park will surely provide it!

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Destin. This lively village offers many attractions and activities, such as shopping, dining, entertainment venues, and more!  With its unique blend of events, festivals, and other exciting experiences throughout the year, there’s always something new to explore. 

Crab Island

No article about Destin would be complete without mentioning Crab Island. If you’re traveling from Fort Walton Beach to Destin, Crab Island is to the left as you cross the big bridge. It’s an artificial sandbar that sits just off the coast and can be accessed by boat or kayak. On a pretty day—which is most days in Destin—this area is packed with people floating around and enjoying the sun and sparkling water. 

Dining in Destin

Destin, Florida, is known for its gorgeous beaches and eye-catching landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the best restaurants on the Gulf Coast. From fine dining establishments to casual beachside eateries, Destin has an ideal meal for everyone.

Seafood lovers will be delighted at the quality and variety of seafood restaurants in Destin, such as AJ’s on the Bayou, where you can savor fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, and more. For a more upscale dining experience, check out one of Destin’s amazing steak houses, Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can savor a mouthwatering steak while overlooking the beautiful Destin harbor. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Destin has something that’s sure to satisfy!

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is situated along Alabama’s southern coast and offers a more laid-back atmosphere than Destin. It boasts many of the same amenities as Destin—including restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment—but without the crowds that come with booming popularity. Orange Beach is so close it’s hard to tell where one city ends and the other begins, so the amenities there are very accessible, too.

Local Attractions in Gulf Shores

The Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, and Oyster Bar

The Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar is one of the most popular destinations on the Gulf Coast. Located on the Alabama-Florida line, this iconic venue has been a favorite for locals and tourists since it opened in 1964.

It’s known for its live music, particularly country music acts like Hank Williams Junior, George Jones, and Kenny Chesney, who have all played there over the years. The Flora-Bama also hosts events such as their infamous Mullet Toss, where participants compete to see who can throw a mullet (fish) across state lines into Florida from Alabama!

Tourists can enjoy beach access or take part in activities like paddle boarding or kayaking while they’re there. There’s also a store where you can purchase t-shirts and other souvenirs. This place is a must-visit on any tourist’s list!

The Wharf

Located on the banks of Mobile Bay, this vibrant village offers plenty of attractions and activities that everyone can enjoy—from shopping and dining to entertainment venues! With its unique blend of events, festivals, and other exciting experiences throughout the year, there’s always something new to explore here. The Wharf also hosts concerts in an amphitheater featuring some of music’s biggest stars. Plus, with an amusement park called Adventure Island nearby, visitors will have an unforgettable time at The Wharf!

Mobile Bay Ferry

The Mobile Bay Ferry is the perfect day trip for visitors to Gulf Shores who want to explore the Alabama coastline. The ferry runs from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, providing unobstructed views of Mobile Bay and its unique wildlife.

Onboard activities like educational talks are offered to give passengers an up-close look at the area’s history and culture while also giving them a chance to spot dolphins, manatees, and other marine life. This is an ideal way for visitors to experience breathtaking coastal views and observe some of the wide varieties of wildlife that call this corner of the Gulf Coast home. 

Dining in Gulf Shores

When it comes to dining in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area, visitors have a wide variety of choices. From fresh seafood to classic Southern comfort food, there’s something for every palate.

For a taste of local Gulf cuisine, head to The Gulf, where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes while enjoying stunning waterfront views. If you’re in the mood for Italian fare, Villaggio Grille offers an upscale dining experience with classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara and chicken parmesan.

Looking for a casual spot? Check out Tacky Jack’s for their famous Bushwacker cocktail and fried shrimp po’boy. And no trip to the area is complete without a stop at LuLu’s, owned by none other than Jimmy Buffett’s sister, Lucy Buffett. With live music and a menu featuring everything from fish tacos to gumbo, it’s the ultimate beachside hangout!

Choosing Between Destin or Gulf Shores

When it comes down to deciding between Destin vs Gulf Shores for your next beach getaway, there are several factors to consider, such as size (Destin tends to be busier), attractions (both have their own), weather (Gulf Shores offers milder temperatures year-round), and cost (there are usually deals available at both locations). Having been to both places, I can say Gulf Shores’ vibe is more laid back and easygoing than Destin’s, which tends to be a deciding factor for a lot of people!

Ultimately, you should pick whichever destination appeals most to you based on what activities you want to do while you’re there! No matter which beach you choose, you’ll definitely have a great time!

Featured photo: blueorangestudio via Canva.com