Family-Friendly Destin Lunch Spots You’ll Love

Finding the perfect Destin Lunch Spots is essential when planning a family outing, whether you’re vacationing or heading to your family photo session. With so many delightful options, Destin offers a variety of family-friendly restaurants that make mealtime enjoyable for everyone. Let’s dive into the best Destin lunch spots where you can refuel, relax, and savor the flavors of the Emerald Coast.

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Here’s my list of the Top 6 lunch places I love in Destin:

1. The Donut Hole – one of the most famous Destin lunch spots

The Donut Hole, a family favorite, is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu that goes beyond just donuts and desserts. Their hearty lunch options, including sandwiches and salads, are equally popular. The kids will be delighted with the sweet treats, making it one of the top spots to befriend in Destin for lunch.

A family of five poses together on a beach, with the ocean and a cloudy sky in the background.

An older couple dances on a sandy beach, with the ocean and a cloudy sky in the background.

2. Lulu’s Destin

Located right on the bay, Lulu’s is one of the go-to Destin lunch spots for families looking for great food and entertainment. Their menu features everything from seafood to burgers, and the kids’ play area ensures little ones stay entertained. With outdoor seating and water views, it encapsulates the essence of top lunch spots in Destin.

A family of four enjoys the sunny Destin beach. A woman smiles, with a girl beside her, a boy on the other side, and a toddler playing near the waves as they think about exploring some local lunch spots.

Three women of different generations stand on a beach with the ocean in the background, smiling at the camera, perhaps planning their exploration of Destin lunch spots.

3. Harbor Docks

Harbor Docks is a fantastic choice for fresh seafood in a laid-back environment. This Destin classic, loved by both locals and visitors, is known for their kid-friendly menu options and locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great pre- or post-beach lunch destination, offering a true taste of Destin. Harbour Docks should definitely be on your list of Destin lunch adventures.

A toddler in a white shirt sits on a sandy beach, surrounded by two adults with one smiling.

A woman holding a child and a man stand together on the sandy beach, with the ocean in the background under a bright sky, perhaps discussing their favorite Destin lunch spots.

4. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

This waterfront gem combines incredible Gulf Coast flavors with a kid-friendly atmosphere. Boshamps‘ outdoor seating area includes a sandy play zone for children, ensuring everyone has a good time. Boshamps stands out as one of the key places for lunch among the variety of Destin spots.

A couple stands on a beach near popular Destin lunch spots, holding a child. The man is wearing rolled-up pants and a white shirt, the woman in a green dress, and the child in a white shirt and shorts. The ocean creates a stunning backdrop, enhancing this picturesque family moment.

A couple shares a kiss on the beach, with the woman holding a young child. The sky is clear and the ocean is visible in the background, creating a perfect day to explore nearby Destin lunch spots after their seaside moment.

A woman in a turquoise dress holds a child while walking on a beach. The ocean is visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A person in a green dress strolls barefoot along a sandy beach by the ocean, under a cloudy sky, perhaps pondering nearby Destin lunch spots.

5. The Back Porch

A beloved Destin staple, The Back Porch is perfect for a family lunch with stunning Gulf views. Their relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly menu make it easy to keep everyone happy. Their Happy Hour Peel & Eat Shrimp special is a must-try, but keep in mind that it can get messy! I add butter to mine <3. Pair it with a refreshing drink while the kids enjoy their meals and the beachside ambiance, highlighting it as a prime spot in Destin for lunch.

A family of four walks along a sunlit beach, holding hands, with the ocean in the background.

A couple stands on a beach, smiling as gentle waves caress the shore and a clear sky stretches above. After enjoying the serene views, they're eager to explore Destin lunch spots for some coastal culinary delights.

6. Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill

The list of family-friendly restaurants in Destin is complete with Fudpucker’s. With a menu packed with kid-approved favorites and a live alligator exhibit to explore, Fudpucker’s is more than just a meal—it’s an experience and a must-visit among lunch spots in Destin!

A woman and a boy smile and hug on a sandy beach, the waves gently rolling behind them. They're planning their next stop: exploring Destin lunch spots for a delightful seaside meal.

A woman holds a child on a beach. Both are smiling and looking at each other, with the ocean in the background.

Tips for Lunch Before or After a Photography Session

During the busy summer months, many of the best Destin lunch spots experience longer wait times due to the influx of visitors enjoying the Emerald Coast. To make the most of your family outing, consider arriving early or planning for off-peak dining hours. Many restaurants offer call-ahead seating or reservations, which can be a lifesaver for families with little ones. If you’re visiting before or after a photography session, leaving extra time for lunch ensures a relaxed and enjoyable experience without the stress of rushing. Patience is key, but the delicious meals and stunning views make it well worth the wait!

Timing: Schedule lunch around your session to keep little ones energized but not overly full.
Outfits: Opt for mess-free meals to keep outfits photo-ready before a session.
Atmosphere: Choose calm environments to avoid overstimulation, keeping everyone relaxed.

A couple holding hands strolls along a beach, the sun low in the sky casting a serene glow. Calm waves lap at their feet as they dream about exploring Destin lunch spots after enjoying the distant skyline's allure.

A couple stands close together on a sunny Destin beach, with gentle waves in the background. The man wears a white shirt, and the woman is in a light sweater. As they look at each other affectionately, they talk about their favorite lunch spots nearby.

Plan Your Destin lunch spots Adventure

Discovering the best Destin lunch spots is one way to make your family outing unforgettable. If you’re preparing for a family photo session or looking for more Destin tips, check out my other blog posts or reach out to book your next session. Let’s create beautiful memories together!

Interested in a family session? Learn more

Have any favorite spots I missed? Please share them in the comments below! 🌴

Andrea Krey

Andrea Krey is a premier photographer based in the Florida Panhandle, specializing in maternity, newborn, and family photography. Known for her artistic approach and attention to detail, she creates timeless images that families cherish for generations. Trained by industry experts and certified in newborn safety, Andrea ensures that your little one is handled with the utmost care. As a registered and insured business, Andrea Krey Photography LLC is committed to providing families with a seamless and stress-free experience. She has been named Best Newborn Photographer in Savannah Georgia several years in a row.

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