Destin, Florida is a great New Year's Eve destination! Celebrations take place all through town, and you'll be able to ring in the New Year having a blast! As we say goodbye to 2016, we look forward to all the great times that await us in 2017 starting with a great New Year's party! Here are some of our favorite things to do and places to go on New Year's Eve in Destin:
Baytowne Countdown
Baytowne Wharf is the place to be on New Year's Eve. You'll have to arrive at least two hours early if you want to get parking, or park across the street and use the shuttle if you want to get into this huge celebration, but with a little planning it is surely worth it! There will be live music from 7:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. and two fireworks shows at 8:00 p.m. and midnight. Baytwone Wharf is home to some of the best bars and nightlife such as The Village Door, which will be open to entertain all those celebrating the New Year! The event is reserved for those 21 years and older after 10:00 p.m. Those 20 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10 p.m.
HarborWalk Village's New Year's Eve Street Party
This is one of the most lively places to be on New Year's Eve in Destin. The location is right on the harbor and is lined with bars and restaurants. There is a parking garage and multiple parking lots making parking easy (just don't get there too late!). There are also cabs to help you travel responsibly through the evening. Through the night there will be free concerts by Flow Tribe and Departure: the Journey Tribute band, two fireworks shows at 8:00 p.m. and midnight, and the 9th Annual Ball Drop over the Harbor. Events kick off at 7:00 p.m.
Lulu's Noon Year's Eve for Kids
Destin is also a family destination, so kid's will be able to celebrate the New Year too! LuLu's restaurant looks directly over the Choctawhatchee bay. The open-concept restaurant has a large bar, large tables for big groups, a children's playground, and a beach. It's a one-stop-shop for family fun! On Saturday, December 31st celebrate the New Year early with your children. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. with sandcastle building contests, arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting, live music, and a beach ball drop at noon!
Annual Pelican Plunge
Start the New Year off with a splash! Okaloosa Island is hosting the first ever Pelican Plunge. On January 1, participants will take a chilly plunge into the Gulf of Mexico in support of the Emerald Coast Foundation. Afterwords, participants can continue to celebrate New Year's Day with $3 Bloody Mary’s, $2 Mimosas, and holiday specials at participating Boardwalk restaurants. To register for the Pelican Plunge, visit www.theboardwalkoi.com.
Make Destin your New Year's destination with one of the luxury rentals below! Whether you choose to go out or stay in one of our luxury rentals in Destin this New Year, you're sure to have a great time!