mother and daughter enjoying their favorite winter activity in northwest florida, golfing.

How Northwest Florida Locals Spend Their Time in Winter

November 17, 2025

Winter in our corner of the world is all about sunshine, local flavors, and outdoor adventures. From favorite restaurants to scenic trails, we love sharing how we spend our days this time of year. So much so, we got our Scenic Stays crew together to share some of our favorite things to do during winter in Northwest Florida. Here’s what we came up with!

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Why Winter is One of Our Favorite Times of Year

Spring and summer are busy months for many of us living here and working in the hospitality industry. So we LOVE when we get the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the sugar-white beaches and beautiful sunsets ourselves. It’s a chance for us to breathe, reconnect, and appreciate the beauty of Destin, 30A, and the surrounding communities, all over again!

Enjoying Local Restaurants and Cafes

Winter is a great time to catch up with friends, neighbors, and the people we don’t always get to see during the busier months. While we all have different restaurants we frequent, here are some we return to again and again. 

“Mimmo’s is a 10/10 every time. Good pasta and wine! ~ SJ, Assistant Reservation Manager

Our guests seem to agree! Their favorite memories aren’t only the views or the beaches. It’s relaxed dinners together after a day spent exploring and enjoying the local attractions. And when the temperatures dip, we all love a steaming bowl of gumbo or a slice of warm bread pudding. It’s comfort in a bowl and a local tradition that always hits the spot!

“I crave bread pudding in the winter! Harbor Docks is my go-to. BEST BREAD PUDDING IN TOWN! And don’t forget to order an espresso martini.” ~ Emily, Reservations Manager

Outdoor Activities We Love in Winter

Northwest Florida locals look forward to the cooler months for other reasons, too, including reduced traffic, fewer crowds, and more time to enjoy the outdoors. Many of us spend our weekends hiking through state parks or biking along scenic trails, like the Timpoochee Trail.

“I like to go to the Destin Commons, Alys Beach (or any town on 30A), or Harborwalk Village. It’s not too hot out and has less people, but the fun is still there to enjoy!” ~ Cheney, Housekeeping Supervisor/Front Desk

“I love watching winter sunsets at Clement Taylor Park. There’s a pier overlooking the Bay with beautiful views! ~ Randi, Guest Experience Specialist

“I love going on trail hikes with friends because of the cool weather!” ~ Anna, Operations Manager, Emerald Towers

Others say that golfing takes center stage come winter, when tee times are easier to grab and the conditions are just right for a round, whether at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Seascape, or Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. 

Cozy Winter Events and Festivals

“One of my family’s favorite winter activities in Destin is ice skating at Baytowne Wharf. We also love to have a beach bonfire with local pizza and s’mores!” ~ Sam, Assistant Manager, Guest Experience

While it seems everyone has a favorite event, we all enjoy attending seasonal celebrations. Those who live in Destin hit Harborwalk Village for the Mistletoe Market and boat parade along the harbor. Baytowne’s New Year’s Eve Countdown is another popular event, featuring activities for kids and fireworks early in the evening, along with more adult celebrations later that night. The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is another favorite for obvious reasons (it IS a Southern staple, after all!), as is the Best Bloody Mary on the Beach.

Beaches and Scenic Spots

Across the board, everyone agrees that we love going to the beach in winter. Some like to throw out a blanket on the sand and read a good book. Others enjoy long strolls, and a few just want to soak up the sun in their favorite reclining beach chair. 

One of our favorite places is Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. The protected shoreline is pristine, and you can bike, hit the nature trails, and fish, too! James Lee Park is near restaurants and shops and has plenty of parking, restrooms, and showers.

Princess Beach, situated between Okaloosa Island and Destin, is pretty special. Parking is limited, so make plans to arrive early. Then follow the path to your own private refuge. It’s about a two-mile walk to the jetties, but the views are incredible! 

Other suggestions include Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, followed by a stroll on the Pier. Dog Beach in Panama City Beach is also popular, and any of the beaches along 30A are great choices! Plus, new things are popping up all the time, like new restaurants in Destin and 30A, and the new bike path running between Fort Walton and Destin!

Where to Stay for a Winter Getaway in Destin

Since our team lives and works here, we have a good handle on what makes a stay truly unforgettable in Destin during winter. That includes enjoying coffee on your private balcony, a private heated pool, and maybe a large, beachfront home just steps from the beach! Scenic Stays has all that, plus other vacation rentals throughout Northwest Florida in case you’d like to try a different beach town on your next visit!

Book your stay with Scenic Stays today! 

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