couple walking on the beach during valentine's weekend in northwest florida

Valentine’s in Northwest Florida: How to Spend the Long Weekend

January 13, 2025

This Valentine’s Day comes with a little something extra: a long weekend (thanks to Presidents’ Day on Monday) and a lineup of Mardi Gras celebrations! Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or interested in mixing in a little Mardi Gras fun, we’ve pulled together a few ideas so you can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying it all!

Jump to:

Valentine’s weekend in Destin
Valentine’s weekend on 30A
Mardi Gras Events
Where to Stay

Romantic Valentine’s Weekend in Destin and 30A

From waterfront dining and sunset views to relaxed mornings and unhurried afternoons, Destin and 30A offer plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s weekend without the rush!

Destin: A Laid-Back Valentine’s Weekend

If you’re planning to spend Valentine’s weekend in Destin, expect a mix of harbor views, waterfront dining, and easygoing beach walks that make for a romantic escape. Here, you can balance scenic adventures with cozy evenings by the water.

Start your mornings with a cappuccino and a beach stroll, then check out the shops at the Destin Harborwalk Village. Midday is perfect for a relaxing spa visit or a leisurely brunch, giving you time to recharge before a Valentine’s Cruise or Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner. As the sun dips low, take a romantic walk on the beach, and finish the evening with a nightcap at a speakeasy!

Destin Coffee Shops

Destin Spas

Brunch in Destin

Romantic Restaurants in Destin

30A: A Cozy, Coastal Valentine’s Itinerary

If the long weekend sees you on 30A, you’ll find quieter beaches, quaint coastal communities, and scenic trails that set the stage for a more intimate Valentine’s experience. It’s THE place for leisurely mornings, sunset strolls, and tucked-away dinners that feel truly special.

Begin your days with coffee at a local cafe and a peaceful walk along 30A’s sugar white beaches, or take a bike ride along the Timpoochee Trail. Late mornings are ideal for indulging in a spa treatment or two and exploring the charming boutiques on 30A. Spend afternoons enjoying a casual lunch, gallery hopping, or quiet time on the sand. Evenings invite romantic dinners, live music, and sunset walks that feel perfectly unhurried.

30A Coffee Shops

30A Spas

Lunch on 30A

Romantic Restaurants on 30A

Mardi Gras Events in Northwest Florida

Mardi Gras is a time for indulgence, parades, and festivities, and Northwest Florida brings its own twist to the holiday with a few family-friendly events:

Mardi Gras Parade | February 15, 2026 | 2-5 PM
Baytowne Mardi Gras Party | February 17, 2026 | 6-8 PM
Mardi Gras on the Bay | February 15-17, 2026 | 11 AM-10 PM

Mix a Romantic Getaway with Mardi Gras Festivities

Of course, you could mix it up this Valentine’s weekend and enjoy a little bit of both! Spend the mornings walking along the shoreline or enjoying a leisurely brunch, then dive into Mardi Gras festivities in the afternoon and evening. Catch a parade, listen to some live music, or sip cocktails at a local hotspot before heading back for a sunset stroll. With very little planning, you can have the best of both worlds!

Stay with Scenic Stays this Valentine’s Weekend

Best of all, Scenic Stays offers the coziest accommodations in Destin and 30A, no matter how you choose to spend your time here!

Romantic Destin Accommodations

Romantic 30A Vacation Rentals

Book your stay with Scenic Stays today!