10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Destin

HarborWalk Village is on the waterfront at Destin Harbour. A buzzing complex with live music, weekly fireworks, stores, and restaurants, it also has charter boat access to some of the world’s best fishing. Browse jewellery, souvenirs, crafts, and holiday essentials from sunglasses to swimwear in the small boutiques along the shoreline.

Make it an adventurous visit and try paddleboarding, pontoon boating, or jet-skiing from one of the rental outlets, make it family-friendly with a pirate ship excursion, or relax on a glass-bottom boat tour. Brave the HarborWalk Adventures dual zipline, a 1,000-ft return overlooking emerald waters and sugar sand beaches. Feast on just-caught local red snapper or bluefin tuna in one of the many bustling seafood restaurants.

Crystal Beach Plaza is single level strip mall off Palm Harbour Boulevard, just a few blocks from the shore. Anchored by a large Barnes and Noble bookshop and a Publix supermarket those are just the start of shopping convenience. A handy stop-off for stocking up on supplies for a beach day, you can also pamper yourself with a trip to the hair salon and nail bar or get in a workout at the 24-hour gym.

If you’re looking for a tasty lunch or dinner, then stop by for fresh-made Mexican fare at Juan’s Mexican Grill, sample poke, sushi and açai fruit bowls at the Fish Bowl Kitchen, or try modern takes on Chinese classics at the China House.

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is between the busy cities of Fort Walton Beach and Destin, offering up casual beach-side shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions along the ‘Old 98’ scenic highway. Enjoy shopping for surf wear, kites, and souvenirs with unspoiled views across the Gulf of Mexico and the Emerald Coast.

In the warmer months ride the free Island trolley service, which shuttles passengers the full length of Santa Rosa Boulevard from morning until night. Bring a blanket and settle down on the sugar-white sand to watch films on an inflatable big screen on select dates throughout summer and fall.

Destin Commons is an open-air shopping centre in city centre Destin with local and international stores, a multiplex, and a kid-friendly splash park and soft play area. Shop big-name brands and discover local artists and artisans all in one place. Come for the shopping but stay for a wealth of delicious dining options, both indoors and outdoors—and don’t miss out on the locally caught seafood.

Snap a selfie in front of one of the many specially commissioned murals from both world-renowned and local artists. Destin Commons hosts a market on the last Sunday of each month featuring local growers, makers, and bakers showcasing original artwork and crafts, handmade goods, and tempting treats.

The Emerald Coast Centre is a small shopping centre close to Henderson Beach State Park, with an indoor trampoline centre and adventure park. Browse designer trends and the latest fashions at Bealls department store, and stock up on budget finds at the neighbouring Bealls outlet store. Pick up any forgotten items from sunglasses to shampoo at the thrifty Dollar Tree store.

Let kids burn off energy at the indoor adventure park, which features laser tag, Virtual Reality games, climbing walls, and more.

Shoppes at Paradise Isle is in the heart of city centre Destin and offers up big-name stores in an easy-to-navigate shopping centre. Stock up on craft supplies, browse shoes and fashion, or hit the discount store to find bargains on everything from housewares to groceries.

Stop by the spa for a mani-pedi, hot stone massage, or rejuvenating facial, or book a barre class to get a healthy work-out before a hearty lunch or dinner at one of the on-site restaurants offering seafood, burgers, or Hawaiian poke.

Shoreline Village Mall is at the crossroads of Hwy. 98 and Gulf Shore Drive in Destin and is a convenient stopping-off point for shopping in the Holiday Isle area. Shop for groceries, indulge in an ice cream cone or other tasty treats (dare you try the pickle candy floss?!), or re-caffeinate at one of the friendly coffee shops in this small area shopping centre.

Enjoy live music and entertainment at the Bric à Brac restaurant and bar, and don’t miss their famous crab cakes.

Silver Sands Premium Outlets is a destination shopping centre in Miramar Beach with more than 100 designer and big-name brand stores. You can save up to 65% on designer clothing, footwear, and homeware at Silver Sands, with global names such as Nike, Coach, Kate Spade New York, Ralph Lauren, and Disney.

Make a day of it and stop for lunch, dinner, or snacks at one of the eight restaurants, cafés, and ice cream stores that offer both indoor and outdoor dining. You can find even more bargains if you sign up for the free VIP club online, which offers VIP-only deals and early access to seasonal sales.

City centre Fort Walton Beach is a shopping and dining area with a lively arts and entertainment scene, just a few minutes away from Okaloosa Island along the scenic highway. Shop for beach wear, make your own souvenir at the ‘paint your own pottery’ gallery, and enjoy late night classic films with beer and hot dogs at the Suds N Cinema. City centre Fort Walton Beach hosts fun pop-ups and events throughout the year from kid-friendly Science Saturdays to Native American music festivals and themed trivia nights.

Don’t miss the Farmers’ Market every second and fourth Saturday each month with its tempting array of local artists and artisans, and a different guest food lorry each time.

Grand Boulevard is one of the most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations in South Walton, close to the sugar-white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast. Boasting dozens of international big-name brands including Anthropologie, Williams Sonoma, and Lululemon, along with exclusive local boutiques, Grand Boulevard offers an upscale shopping experience.

Love to shop? With three on-site hotels, you can make the most of your stay and browse from morning until night. Then, walk back to your bed after enjoying dinner at one of Grand Boulevard’s many restaurants. Time your visit to coincide with the annual South Walton Beaches Food and Wine Festival to enjoy four days of wine tasting and tempting foods from around the world. Relax at the state-of-the-art New Vision Boulevard 10 theatre with 3D and jumbo digital screens and watch the latest releases.