The Best Restaurants in Destin and 30A for a Bachelorette Party

Why Destin and 30A for a Bachelorette

This stretch of the Emerald Coast is white sand, clear water, and seafood that came off the boat that morning. It is the easy choice for a group that wants a beach house and a slower pace.

Tables with a water view book out fast in summer, especially at sunset. Reserve your big dinners the week you book the house.

The Best Restaurants

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

Best for: Oysters and the sunset table | Price: $$

Voted best seafood and best oyster bar on 30A more than once, with a rooftop and Gulf views from across the highway. This is the spot people rave about.

Order this: The Meyer lemon garlic grilled oysters and the award winning grouper sandwich (around $22).

RipTrip tip: Shunk Gulley does not take reservations for everyone, so put your group name in early and grab drinks on the rooftop while you wait for the light.

Boshamps Oyster House

Best for: Harbor views and live music | Price: $$

Right on Destin Harbor with a big outdoor deck, live music, and locally caught seafood. A lively, easy group night with a great sunset.

Order this: The shrimp and grits and a dozen oysters for the table.

Vue on 30A

Best for: The dressed up Gulf front dinner | Price: $$$

One of the best Gulf front dining rooms on 30A, with floor to ceiling water views and a polished menu. This is your nice night out.

Order this: The seared scallops and a bottle of crisp white for the table.

The Back Porch

Best for: Casual beachfront lunch | Price: $$

A Destin institution serving fresh Gulf seafood since 1974, right on the sand. The covered porch is made for a long, no rush afternoon.

Order this: The fried grouper basket and a frozen cocktail with your toes in the sand.

The Surfing Deer

Best for: A modern, photogenic dinner | Price: $$$

In Seagrove Beach, this one blends a stylish beach room with creative New American plates and local seafood. A nice change of pace from fried baskets.

Order this: The blackened redfish and a few shared starters.

The Great Southern Cafe

Best for: Brunch in Seaside | Price: $$

Right on the Seaside square, this is the classic 30A brunch. Grits a ya ya is the dish everyone orders, and the people watching is half the fun.

Order this: The Grits a Ya Ya (around $24) and a mimosa.

Cafe Thirty A

Best for: The special occasion dinner | Price: $$$

A longtime Seagrove favorite with a romantic room and a strong wine list. Good for the bride dinner or the one night you go all out.

Order this: The wood oven flatbread to start and whatever fresh catch is featured.

Planning Tips

• Sunset seating is the prize here. Reserve early or arrive an hour before the light to get a water view.
• Destin Harbor and 30A are a 20 to 40 minute drive apart. Pick restaurants near your house so nobody is driving far after dinner.
• Many beach houses have full kitchens. Do one big grocery and oyster night in and save the budget for the Gulf front splurge.
• Summer waits are long everywhere. Put your name in, then send half the group to the bar while you wait.