The time to feast and be merry is here! Thanksgiving is a holiday we are all grateful for – family, food, and quality time is something we could all use an abundance of, especially now.
Why not take the family along for a destination Thanksgiving in Destin, Florida? Gather everyone in one spot at any of our luxury properties and experience a new Thanksgiving tradition the whole family will love. Along with a stunning home and beautiful weather, Destin offers festive events for all ages! While you’re in town, take advantage of these local happenings.
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
Saturday, November 20 – 4-6 pm
Break open the bubbly and enjoy christmas lights and carolers at this fun, local event! Enjoy over 30 champagnes and appetizers, beautiful Christmas lights that adorn the streets of Baytowne Wharf and the first Christmas tree lighting of the season followed by the 12 Nights of Lights light show. You’ll feel as festive as ever at this lovely holiday event.
Summer Haze Music Festival
Saturday, November 20 – All Day
Originally scheduled in August, this musical event was postponed until November 20th which is great for guests who are visiting for Thanksgiving week. Break away and enjoy a fun-filled day of music, craft beer, and food trucks galore! The whole family can enjoy this time spent outdoors perusing the local eateries and shops of Gulf Place or walking the short distance to the beach.
30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races
Thursday, November 25 – 7AM
The 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races invites runners and walkers of all ages to participate in this fun, non-profit event on Thanksgiving Day! Bring the family for some exercise before the feast with 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run options the whole family participate in. All runners will receive a free shirt with additional gifts for 10K and 5K runners. Registration and admission is due before-hand so make sure to sign up ahead of time and be ready to race!
Black Friday
Friday, November 26
You’ve had your feast and now it’s time to shop until you drop for Black Friday. Camp out at the big stores or take your business local at any of our small, locally-owned businesses to support the local economy. Get your Christmas shopping done early and then take the family out for a Gulf front meal. If you ask us, that’s exactly how you celebrate Black Friday on the coast!
The Origin of Destin
Starting out as a very small fishing village with little to no development, Destin has been an epicenter for anglers since the beginning of time. Captain Leonard Destin, where the Destin name originated from, settled here in 1852 to extend the fishing season. Over the next 40 years, the Destin name would be stamped on the fishing village after William Marler, a worked for Captain Leonard Destin, submitted a post office request with the single name “Destin”.
Since then, settlers have flocked to the beautiful area known for its abundance in fish and beautiful scenery. Over the next 2 centuries, Destin would become one of the United State’s most treasured vacation spots! As businesses develop and more people flock to the area to live, the city has grown with the hustle and bustle of life. While still being a great vacation spot, Destin has stayed true to “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” name by hosting angler events and providing fresh local seafood to restaurants along the coast and neighboring states.
White Sand and Emerald Waters
We all know Destin for its beautiful white sand and emerald waters, but what is the cause of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf Coast? If you’ve ever wondered, you’ve come to the right place. The unique white sand on the beaches of Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A come from small quartz particles from the Appalachian Mountains over 20,000 years ago. The Apalachicola River carried water and these quartz particles to the Gulf of Mexico and still continues to do so today.
So, that gorgeous white sand that doesn’t burn your feet, and the crystal clear water that keeps you mesmerized is a beautiful gift from nature herself!
How To Make The Most Of Your Trip
Whether you’re here for the fishing, golf, or just to spend some time on our gorgeous beaches, here are a few tips to make the most out of your trip to the beach:
- Book a luxury vacation home with Diamond Gulf Rentals – There’s nothing like making some amazing memories in the comfort of a home just for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for a home with a private pool, large enough for a special event, or want something Gulf Front to enjoy those beautiful views of the Gulf, we have exactly what you’re looking for!
- Head to the beach! – We know this seems like an obvious one, but did you know there are many ways to enjoy the beaches of Destin other than just taking a quick trip to the beach! Destin is riddled with fun family-friendly activities like jet skis, kayaking, charter fishing, and there’s even a pirate boat at AJ’s that the kids are sure to love! Switch it up every day with any of these fun activities to get the most out of your beach days!
- Enjoy fresh, local food – Help support local restaurants and eat locally owned and locally sourced locations. Harbor Docks, Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi, Louisiana Lagniappe, and Brotula’s are some great local places, just to name a few! Supporting local will not only help provide for our beautiful area, but you’re sure to get great, fresh food and the full Destin experience!