Destin Harbor Tour

Let’s take a tour along the Destin harbor today. But before we do it turns out the storm we had blow through Destin on Sunday night and Monday morning did some damage on Crab Island. Crab Island Mike had just set up his barges for the upcoming season. As I drove over the Destin bridge on Monday morning I could see the barges were almost sunk. Sorry to say Mike lost his entire kitchen. He hopes to rebuild and be open by Memorial weekend. Okay, on to the tour…

We will start at the building at the far west end of Harborwalk Village. La Familia Italian restaurant occupies the upper location of the building while Crab Island Cantina is in the lower level. Both places are locally owned with great food and views. As everyone knows Crab Island Mambo does a lot of cross promotions with The Cantina.

As you start to head east along the pedestrian walkway the Emerald Grande is on your left. The street level has many different shops including Jesters. East Pass and the harbor are on your right making a great backdrop. Harry T’s is the next entertainment complex you come upon. This two story building is also locally owned and operated. Continuing the walk you come upon Jackacuda’s. This is a new owner for this prime spot. Behind Jackacuda’s is where many charter boats and dolphin cruise’s leave from. The Seablaster and Pirate Cruise all are docked in this area.

Next up is the outdoor concert area of Harborwalk Village. As you walk past that the new Margaritaville looms large right in front of you. This three story building has something for everyone. Past Margaritaville is what I call the “carnival” area. The zip line towers over this stretch. On the ground level is kids games and carnival type food trucks. This is also the start of the main Charter Boat docking area. Under the east zip line tower is Fishheads. This is a nice little beer and wine place.

Destin Margaritaville

Now you start to get to places that book the fishing trips. There are more shops here including Harbor Gifts which carries Crab Island Mambo stuff. If you want to stop for another beer, the Shark Shack is a good place to do that. Let’s take a quick detour up the hill. Here you will find Coyote Ugly. Next to Coyote Ugly is The Crust Pizzeria. Home of some of the best pizza in town. Back down on the harbor we come to AJ’s. This is one of the top 50 clubs in the country based on sales volume. It’s right up there with places in Vegas and Miami.

Continuing east we pass Galati Yachts. If you have a spare million you can get you a nice boat! Here comes a vacant lot where Tipsy Turtle used to sit. A new O’Quigley place is being built here. Tim at Blue Heron water sports will have a new neighbor. Here comes Dewey Destin’s seafood house then Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant. More charter boats are docked here too. If any big fish are caught they come here to use the big scales in front of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Tipsy Turtle...RIP

Up next is Coach’s. It’s a new place that has a raw bar and live music. The Boathouse Oyster Bar is the next stop for a cold beer and some good food. Next to The Boathouse is Dockside. Up the hill is the Red Door Saloon and the original La Familia’s that is still open. Back down at water level is the Monkey Bar and a burrito stand for the late night munchies. Finally as you keep going are more charter fishing boats and water sport rental places. Just before you get to the Destin Yacht Club building is a small place in the trees. I have never been there but will make it there soon.

I hope you enjoyed your trip along the Destin Harbor!

Sunshine Cindy and Gene Mitchell

Join Crab Island Mambo Friday night at The Cantina for our second installment of the “Embrace the Chaos! Trop Rock Music Series at The Cantina.” Gene Mitchell will be supplying the entertainment starting at 5 pm. Be sure to ask for your “Mambo Member” card to get 15% off your entire bill the night of the show. We hope to see everyone at The Cantina Friday night.

I also published the Crab Island Mambo Mullet Wrapper newsletter this week. You can read it here! http://www.crabislandmambo.com/Mullet-Wrapper-April-2014-edition.html

Have a great Easter weekend. See ya Monday!