Which is nicer, Destin or Fort Walton Beach?

Destin 1 answer Oct 13, 2026

1 answer

In short

It depends on what you want: by our listings Fort Walton Beach has more going on — more places to eat, drink and visit — while Destin is the quieter pick. Restaurants and bars in Fort Walton Beach rate a little higher on average (4.36 vs 4.27).

Beaches: Destin 3 vs Fort Walton Beach 4

Restaurants: Destin 121 vs Fort Walton Beach 176

Bars and clubs: Destin 35 vs Fort Walton Beach 45

Hotels and inns: Destin 23 vs Fort Walton Beach 17

Attractions, museums and parks: Destin 62 vs Fort Walton Beach 34

The most-loved spots on each side, from our listings:

Henderson Beach State Park (4.8★), Destin
Zemer (5.0★), Destin
Destin Crab Island Adventures (5.0★), Destin
The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island (4.6★), Fort Walton Beach
OKALOOSA YUMMIES (4.9★), Fort Walton Beach
Crab Island Jimmy's Charters (4.9★), Fort Walton Beach

Crab Island Jimmy's Charters

Boat tour agency · Tourist attraction

314 Shell Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach (850) 687-9112 Open until 8:00 PM

4.9

website

Henderson Beach State Park

State park

17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin (850) 837-7550

4.8

Popular place website

The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island

Tourist attraction · Beach pavillion

1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach (850) 796-1782 Open until 9:00 PM

4.6

Popular place website

OKALOOSA YUMMIES

Donut shop · Bakery · Breakfast restaurant

29D Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach (850) 368-7413 Closed

4.9

Popular place website

Zemer

Shawarma restaurant

331 Harbor Blvd, Destin (850) 797-8510 Open until 10:00 PM

5.0

Destin Crab Island Adventures

Boat rental service · Boat tour agency · Tour agency

530 Harbor Blvd, Destin (850) 714-1097 Open until 9:30 PM

5.0

Popular place website

The Beachside Resident editorial answer · from the site’s listings

Which is nicer, Destin or Fort Walton Beach?

1 answer

Your answer

Similar questions