Savvy travelers can find excellent dinner experiences along Florida’s Emerald Coast. The standout options in Destin combine fresh seafood with spectacular water views. We love the private island dinner setup – it’s intimate and includes a photographer to capture the moment. The Solaris Yacht provides good value with its 3-hour cruise featuring a solid three-course meal and entertainment. For romance seekers, both the Moonlit and Valentine’s dinner cruises deliver with four courses and full beverage service.
Let’s explore these top-rated dinner experiences in detail.
Key Points
- Sunset Island Dinner, a top-rated private dining experience with a breathtaking sunset view and a comprehensive menu, is a must-try in Destin.
- The Solaris Yacht Dinner Cruise offers a 3-hour dinner cruise with a 3-course plated menu, live entertainment, and post-dinner activities.
- The Moonlit Valentines Dinner Cruise provides a romantic 3-hour cruise with a 4-course plated menu, live entertainment, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
- The Sunset Valentine Dinner Cruise is a 3-hour cruise with a 4-course menu, coffee, tea, live entertainment, and accessibility features for all guests.
- Destin’s dining experiences offer a variety of options, from private island dinners to yacht cruises, catering to different preferences and occasions.
Sunset Island Dinner — A Top Ten Area Attraction
Sunset Island Dinner is a top-rated attraction in Destin, USA, praised by 100% of travelers. This private dining experience on a secluded island offers couples and groups of up to 30 guests a breathtaking sunset dinner.
Guests embark on a boat journey to a private beach, where they’re treated to a menu featuring 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 drinks, and 2 desserts. A personal photographer captures the evening’s moments, with photos available for download.
The experience operates Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, from April 12, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Guests meet at the boat on the water, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
While no alcoholic beverages or tobacco are allowed, guests consistently describe the food as delicious and the setting as beautiful, with excellent service provided by hosts Gene and Cheri.
With a moderate physical fitness level required, Sunset Island Dinner offers a truly memorable dining experience in Destin.
Read our full review: Sunset Island Dinner — A Top Ten Area Attraction Review
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3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach
The 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach offers a delightful dining experience on the water. This cruise can accommodate up to 149 guests, making it a great option for groups.
The 3-course plated dinner includes a wedge salad starter, followed by entree choices like braised boneless short rib, gulf shrimp and grits, and baked lump crab cakes. Dessert is a seasonal offering. Beverages like coffee and tea are included, while alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
Beyond the dining, the cruise provides live, in-house entertainment, and post-dinner activities like dancing and singing. The meeting point is easily accessible, with wheelchair, stroller, and service animal accommodations.
Bookings are confirmed within 48 hours, and the minimum age for alcohol purchase is 21. Reviews praise the food quality, service, and live music, though the cost is noted as high.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach Review
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3 Hour Moonlit Valentines Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach, FL
For couples seeking a romantic dining experience on the water, the 3 Hour Moonlit Valentines Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach, FL offers an enticing option. This dinner cruise, with a maximum capacity of 149 travelers, departs at 6:30 PM and features a 4-course plated menu.
Starters include a Wedge Salad and Smoked Tomato Basil Bisque, while main course offerings range from Braised Boneless Short Rib to Baked Lump Crab Cakes. For dessert, guests can savor Strawberry & White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
The cruise also includes coffee, tea, and live entertainment. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with an average price of $10-$20 per drink.
The cruise departs from the Baytowne Marina within the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, and accessibility features include wheelchair access, stroller access, and infant seats.
While the cruise has received a review rating of 2.0 based on one review, it may still provide a memorable Valentine’s Day experience for those seeking a unique dining adventure.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Moonlit Valentines Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach, FL Review
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3 Hour Sunset Valentine Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach
At Miramar Beach in Destin, the 3 Hour Sunset Valentine Dinner Cruise offers couples a romantic evening on the water. The cruise departs at 5:00 PM with a maximum of 149 travelers.
The 4-course plated menu features starters like a wedge salad and smoked tomato basil bisque, followed by entrees such as braised short rib, Gulf shrimp and grits, and baked crab cakes. Dessert is a decadent strawberry and white chocolate bread pudding.
The cruise includes coffee, tea, all fees and taxes, live entertainment, and gratuities. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
The cruise is accessible to wheelchair users and infants, and service animals are welcome. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. Most travelers can participate, and confirmations are provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Sunset Valentine Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gratuity Included in the Dinner Cruise Price?
Gratuity is typically not included in the dinner cruise price. Customers are usually expected to tip the staff separately based on the quality of service and the overall experience.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Cruise?
Most dinner cruises do not allow guests to bring their own alcohol aboard. The cruise line typically provides a full bar and beverages as part of the package. It’s best to check with the specific cruise operator for their policies.
What Is the Dress Code for the Dinner Cruise?
The dress code for the dinner cruise is typically casual to smart casual. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire, as the cruise may involve outdoor seating areas. Formal wear is not necessary, but some guests may choose to dress up for the occasion.
Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available?
Yes, most dinner cruises in Destin offer dietary accommodations. Guests can typically request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special meals when booking their reservation. The staff is usually happy to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions.
How Far in Advance Should I Book the Dinner Cruise?
Guests should book a dinner cruise in Destin at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability, as these popular excursions can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Advanced booking also allows more flexibility in selecting dates and times.
Recap
Destin offers a variety of exceptional dining experiences, from sunset cruises to moonlit dinner cruises. These unique settings provide an unforgettable backdrop for a special occasion or a romantic evening. Whether you’re looking for a scenic view or a leisurely cruise, Destin has the perfect option to elevate your dining experience.