Gay Destin

The population of Destin, Florida is only 14,000+, but the tourist population is a staggering 4.5 million per year, and it's one of the most popular gay destinations on the Emerald Coast.  The Emerald Coast spans 100 miles along the panhandle of Florida.  Where is the panhandle of Florida?  It’s a road-trip-worthy stretch of land situated in the Northwest section of Florida below Georgia and Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico to its south. Destin is famous for sugary, white sand beaches and emerald green waters.  When you arrive, you might find yourself saying, “we’re not in Kansas anymore…” and you’d be right!

Many LGBT couples elope in Destin, Florida - and choose Destin from among many other gay-friendly Florida cities and well-known gay vacation spots -  because of its picture-perfect beaches.  In fact, those getting married in Destin, Florida rival the number of gay marriages held on the beaches of other top wedding destinations like Hawaii.

Destin gay hotels and resorts are waiting for you, so start planning your vacation! 

What do you want to discover?  What's the gay scene like? Best time to visit Destin?  Top things to see and do in Destin?  We've got all this covered and more!

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Destin

Is Destin gay-friendly?  With its proximity to more conservative states like Georgia and Alabama, you’d expect the gay scene to be a tad more restrained.  However, just like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Fort Myers, Key West, and other iconic LGBT-centric Florida destinations, you’ll feel comfortable in Destin.

Best Time to Visit Destin

April and May are the best months to visit Destin when the air and the sea are the perfect temperatures.  Destin gets plenty of sunshine year-round so bring your sunglasses no matter when you go and wear your sunscreen.

If you’re planning a beach wedding, then April, May, June, September, and October are idyllic.  This way, you’ll avoid the summer crowds and peak prices too.

Top Things to See and Do in Destin

MUST DO Destin Attractions & Activities

It’s mostly a “fun-in-the-sun” place with beaches and bars.  Destin is a popular road-trip destination. It’s easy to get to surrounding areas like the popular section of gay Pensacola Beach located on highway 399 just two miles beyond the Gulf Islands National Seashore sign. While there, check out the Pensacola gay bars, too.

Indeed, Destin’s most remarkable thing is its dazzling beaches that are among the most beautiful in the world!  How was Destin blessed with such powdery, sugary, white sand beaches?  It came from ground quartz crystals from the Appalachian Mountains that have made their way down rivers to the Gulf of Mexico after the last Ice Age.

MUST EAT Destin Gay-Friendly Dining

Destin is best known for its seafood, and there are lots of gay-friendly restaurants.  Destin was named after Leonard Destin, a fisherman who hailed from New England and settled in Destin in 1845, bringing with him the essence and flavors of his hometown of New London, Connecticut.

Gulf shrimp, oysters, Florida grouper, and more delectables are on the menu.  But if seafood isn’t your thing, there are many other ways to go too.

MUST VISIT: Destin Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

You’ll find plenty of gay bars in Destin, Florida too.  Typical of beach towns, things heat up when the sunsets!  The best bars, nightlife, and clubs depend on your personal style and tastes, but there’s everything from elegant and refined clubs to laid-back hangouts.

Travel Safety Tips

Destin is very safe for LGBTQ travelers.  Again, it’s not known to be as gay-friendly as more prominent gay destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Key West, and Orlando, but it’s just as welcoming.

For more information, Visit Florida's LGBTQ-friendly page.