Are you looking for the perfect sunset on the beach in Destin, Florida? Or maybe you want to know the best dining options or boat cruises with a sunset view.
Are you wondering why you’ve seen pictures of the sunset over the water in Destin but you go out to the beach and find it’s not there?
There is a lot of confusion about where to see the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in Destin due to our unique south facing beaches.
This post will clear up the confusion and tell you everything you need to know about where to catch the best sunset in Destin.
After reading this article, you will be more knowledgeable about when and where to catch the sunset in Destin than the majority of locals since this is not a topic most people give much thought to.
Photographers and visitors, on the other hand, give a lot of thought to this topic, hence here we are.
I’ve seen horribly wrong advice on almost every article I’ve read about sunsets in Destin and also on the Destin tourist forums.
I think it’s unintentional as people just don’t understand that the best places to watch a sunset in Destin in December is wildly different then the best places to watch in July.
I would be doing you a deep disservice to be so general about this topic since catching the sunset is such a staple in a good Destin vacation.
This post will explain why the sunsets in Destin are so different then other parts of Florida, and where the best places to watch are depending when you are here.
Sunset in Destin vs. the Rest of Florida
Here in Destin and in much of the surrounding areas (Pensacola to Miramar Beach) we have south facing beaches. Outside of this small area of Florida, the beaches either face east or west.
If you are at the beach on the west coast of Florida, you will see the sunset over the water at the beach all year but never the sunrise.
If you are at the beach on the east coast of Florida, you will see the sunrise over the water all year but never the sunset.
We are fortunate here in the Destin area to get both the sunset and the sunrise over the water at the beach but it only happens during about half the year.
Most Destin visitors are not as interested in sunrise so I have focused this post on where to catch the best sunset in both the summer and winter months.
But just know that the same principles hold true for sunrise, except looking in the opposite direction.
In order to see the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the beach, you will have to be in Destin between October and March.
The precise dates vary depending on where exactly you are since the coastline has a slightly different curve between Pensacola and Miramar Beach.
For the purpose of this post, I am basing the map points from the beach at Henderson State Park since it’s a central public beach access in Destin.
If you are significantly east or west of this point then you will need to adjust these points for your situation. This is especially true in March and September when a slight distance can mean the difference between the sun being over the water or not.
Wherever you are on the map, if you go out to the beach anywhere on the Emerald Coast for sunset in the summer expecting to see it over the water, you will be disappointed. The sun will actually be setting behind you, which usually means behind the beachfront condos or resorts.
Destin’s busiest tourist season is May, June, July and August so the timing is unfortunate for most visitors in regard to watching sunsets over the water at the beach.
However, the timing of the best sunsets in Destin is great for people who can travel in off season and take advantage of the accompanying low hotel rates, low crowds, and mostly nice weather. It is also ideal for locals who can enjoy the sunsets on the beach without as many crowds.
Many families need to travel to Destin during the summer and spring to accommodate school schedules so this post will give you alternative places to watch the sunset during those months when the beach is not ideal.
6 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Destin
1. Sunset from the Beach
As we discussed above, the best times to watch the sunset from the beach in Destin is between October and March. Before and after that it will mostly be behind the buildings.
The sky at the beach will still sometimes have beautiful sunset color tones in the summer if there are clouds for the sun to reflect on. You just won’t actually get to see the sun dip below the horizon over the water during that time.
The exact placement of the sun will depend when you are in Destin. November-January it will be further out over the water away from land while in March and October it will be closer to the coastline.
You can use a free app called “SunCalc” to find the exact direction the sun will be where you are in Destin.
Beachfront Restaurants with a Sunset View
Beachfront restaurants in Destin with a great sunset view between October and March include the Back Porch, Crap Trap, and 790 on the Gulf.
Miramar Beach Restaurants with a good sunset view include Pompano Joes, Surf Hut, and Whales Tail.
On Okaloosa Island, the best restaurant options with a sunset view are Rockin’ Tacos and the Crab Trap at the Boardwalk.
Best Month for Sunset at the Beach in Destin
The map above might have you assuming that December and January are the best months for sunset. We do get some beautiful sunsets those months but I would actually vote for October and November as the best.
While the sun is farther out over the gulf in January and February, the drier air tends to give us less interesting cloud patterns in the sky.
The most stunning beach sunsets I have seen in Destin have been in October and November without a doubt. It’s the perfect time of year where we still have many days with the interesting clouds of summer and the sun is over the water at the beach.
2. Sunset from East Jetties
The Destin East Jetties beach area is the closest you will get to a beach sunset in the summer even though this water is technically the east pass.
As you can see from the map below, this is a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water all year.
There are several sets of jetties around Destin so be sure you are going to the right one.
The East Jetties can be accessed by using the O’Steeen Public beach access which is on Gulf Shore Drive shortly before Norriego Point. There is street parking along Gulf Shore Drive near the entrance.
It’s about a 300 yard walk through the sand to get to this jetties beach area but it’s worth it for the beautiful sunsets out here.
There will be boats coming and going through the pass and often you will spot dolphins out here as well.
3. Sunset from Norriego Point
Norriego Point is a white sand peninsula stretching out in the water between Destin Harbor and the East Pass. It’s a great spot for watching the boats and all the activity at Harborwalk Village.
To get to Norriego Point Public Beach, turn south on Gulf Shore Drive from Highway 98 and drive until it dead ends.
There is a small parking lot there with about 10 spots but if that is full then there is usually plenty of street parking all along the road.
As you can see from the map above, Norriego Point is another great spot for sunset year round.
For more about Norriego Point Public Beach, check out this article I wrote with all the current progress: Norriego Point Restoration Project Updates
4. Sunset from Harborwalk Village in Destin
HarborWalk Village and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk are a good spot to see the sunset almost any time of year.
You can watch from anywhere along the boat docks that stretch out into the harbor or from one of the many bars and restaurants.
The sun will be over Norriego Point or the Destin Bridge depending where you go on Destin Harbor and when but this is a great option most of the year.
The only exception is May, June and July when the sunset will be blocked by HarborWalk Village if you are east of Margaritaville (see the map above) so stay close to the bridge during those months or make sure your view is elevated.
Restaurants on Destin Harbor with a good Sunset view
There are many restaurants along Destin Harbor and HarborWalk Village to watch the sunset while you eat dinner.
One of the best spots is from the upstairs dining level of Margaritaville if you can get a table on the outer edges.
Margaritaville also has a bar on the 3rd floor with amazing sunset views. Often the bar is closed but you can still take your drink upstairs and watch from there.
Other great options for dinner and sunset include the outdoor dining areas of AJ’s, Tailfins, the Boathouse Oyster Bar, Boshamps and Marina Cafe.
Sunset Boat Cruises in Destin
One of the best options for watching the sunset is from a sunset dolphin boat cruise. Sunset boat cruises depart from all along Destin Harbor and tour around the harbor, the east pass, the Gulf of Mexico and under the Destin Bridge to Crab Island.
They will depart early enough to cruise around looking for dolphins and then end just after the sun drops.
Boat cruise options include the Destin Tiki Boat, Destin Snorkel, Southern Star, the Buccaneer Pirate Ship, the SeaBlaster, Boogies, and many many others.
5. Sunset from Clement Taylor Park
Clement Taylor Waterfront Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Destin that many visitors don’t even know about thanks to it’s off the beaten path location tucked away under the trees on Calhoun Drive.
As you can see from the map above, the sunset will be over the water of Choctawhatchee Bay here all year so it’s a great spot to see the sun sink below the horizon during the months when the beach is not an option.
Clement Taylor Park recently underwent many renovations so it’s better than ever.
Features now include public restrooms, a playground and splash area, beach swim area, kayak and paddle board launch (great place to launch for Crab Island), a covered pavilion, picnic benches, grills and a sand volleyball court.
Restaurants on Choctawhatchee Bay to Watch Sunset
If you want to watch the sunset with dinner from a restaurant in this area, check out Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant.
Dewey Destin’s has one location on Destin Harbor and one on Calhoun Avenue so be sure to not get them confused.
It is the original location on Calhoun Avenue just south of Clement Taylor Park that will offer up the amazing sunset views from the outdoor dining tables along with delicious fresh seafood.
6. Sunset from Baytowne Marina at Sandestin
Baytowne Marina is a 113-slip marina located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It’s a great place to wander around and catch a fantastic sunset over the water.
Recently they have started to lock the gate to the public so it’s not as good as it used to be but sometimes it’s open.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to sneak in behind a golf cart when it’s locked like I have because it turns out that you also need the code to get out.
Even if the gate is locked and you can’t walk out on the boat docks, there is still a beautiful view from the docks around the Marina Bar and Grill Restaurant located directly on the water at the marina.
I hope this post helps you find the perfect sunset in Destin.
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. 
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