Destin Florida… The Good The Bad And The Ugly

[@chadkranats1452]

Good morning Gear looks like you had fun and enjoyed the food and by the way where did you get that black hat with the American flag I like it alot.

[@gearrunner]

We had a great time. I had to go back and look, I got it at a place online called Red White Blue Apparel

[@freeravenadventures6925]

The Gulf coast of Florida has far better for white sand and aqua water over the east coast

[@gearrunner]

It really does

[@palmsofdestin1]

Lol, Shoreline Towers is falling down. They got hit with a 80 million dollar renovation fee

[@gearrunner]

Yep I read they were doing those renovations

[@palmsofdestin1]

@@gearrunner yeah, the board was removed by the State of Florida.

[@gearrunner]

@@palmsofdestin1 I heard all owners are being charged $80k by the HOA

[@palmsofdestin1]

@@gearrunner I think that's about right. Everybody in Destin got spooked by the Surfside collapse.

[@gearrunner]

@@palmsofdestin1 I’d say there’s several places down there that did some inspecting. We love Florida and hope to at least by a vacation home to one day retire to

[@rhec_junior_9122]

5 guys is good but damn is it an expensive burger

[@gearrunner]

It is expensive

[@303MoTo]

Grew up in Destin from the ages of 5-13. We went to the beach a lot because we were poor and the beach was free. Times have changed, wow.

[@gearrunner]

Yea, it’s really became way more commercialized, if I could I would spend all my time on the beach

[@angelicacope3637]

I went to uni in Pensacola not too far from Destin. The commercialization hasn’t hit too hard there yet if you want to experience that natural perfection again without all the crowds. My favorite was driving 10 minutes past casino beach to the protected national seashore. Just miles of that perfect water with nobody else around you.

[@dailyselfimprovementredpil4671]

It says it's going to rain for 2 days should I still book the trip

[@anew1297]

Yes, permission granted to video my hometown😂. It's all about da beach. I remember being on the beach, in my jeep, sleeping after a wonderful day of beach volleyball and surfing. Life is better at the beach.

[@gearrunner]

It is definitely better at the beach

[@clairesyoutube]

fr

[@Mike-ej4dj]

Off the beaten path? Not in Destin. Don't like crowds? Get on bloody 98 and go west 20 miles to gulf shores national seashore. Best beaches in the world. Go Stop in the bad part of Ft Walton and get some chicken. Look for cardboard signs on the side of the road. Off Lovejoy Rd. You'll find it. Really big lady cooking. Can't go wrong. At least 3.5 million people trampled t a path to McGuire's before you. It's a chain btw. If you can go to lunch on Eglin at the O club. The view and food are amazing

[@EnergyreaderempathMary]

I forgot to mention the nicest people you can actually talk to strangers and they’re not looking for anything. They’re just looking to be nice. The only issue is it’s very difficult to understand them. They have a accent.

[@365xmacronocomp]

After my wife passed my son and me started to go to Destin and oh my God you are definitely right about the big lure the white sand in water if people has never been or seen it they just don't understand how spectacular it is and beautiful we usually stay on the 20th floor I got videos of dolphins going by and everything awesome video great video keep doing what you're doing for sure and if you are going to do it you might as well get Ocean View beachfront I do it every year and there's never no regrets extra money but still worth it

[@gearrunner]

It’s definitely my favorite place to vacation

[@rolltide9547]

Been to each many times my ranking 1. Destin/Fort Walton Beach 2. Panama City Beach 3. Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach Destin/FWB restaurants make it #1 Docs in Orange Beach is elite .

[@andy.hanway]

Your killing me watching you eat all that good food! Lol, It's 3:45 am here in Nampa, Idaho and now I really have a craving for all that food. Looks like to both had a good time down their.

[@gearrunner]

We really did, and those food cravings are rough that early in the morning

[@brandonramey4114]

DUUUUUUDE YOU NEED TO CALL THIS VIDEO, “BEST BURGERS IN DESTIN”. Us frequent Destin vacationers know Maguires is the bomb. We tell people all the time, that the seafood is good but you have to go to Maguires. Another favorite of ours is Buffalo Jacks, great wings and bar food

[@gearrunner]

I will definitely try that place next time I go down. Thank you

[@brandonramey4114]

@@gearrunner definitely a cheaper dinner and fun place. Enjoyed the video

[@gearrunner]

@@brandonramey4114 thank you

[@brandonramey4114]

@@gearrunner if you enjoy garlic knots as much as my son and I do, Fat Clemenzas has amazing ones

[@corycraft3701]

Being from Louisiana I totally agree with you about the water and sand. I moved to Virginia in 2005 and went to the Atlantic and I was so disappointed.

[@tonya428722]

Thanks for this video! Our family usually goes to Orange Beach every year but we are thinking about trying Destin this June. Going crazy trying to decide. Thinking the clear, beautiful water is the biggest plus to choosing Destin. I just don’t know what to do. The crowded beach and traffic is such a negative for me…but that water is drawing me in.

[@cryptofan6255]

Travel a hour further east to Panama City. Same water, same snow white sand. So much less crowded even though it's a larger city. You can barely see the beach as you drive through Destin it is so overbuilt. Lots more open expanses of beach in Panama City. Far more to do and see in Panama City, and much more affordable.

[@ermin3963]

You are a my kinda guy!..beaches..great! Sea water clarity...great! Food...great! But what really convinced me that Destin is the place to be is the heated toilet seat..that totally did it man! Now I have to come visit :-) haha jk of course. A great review!..good job

[@gearrunner]

Thank you, the heated toilet seat was just the icing on the cake 😂

[@KeemieDoe]

Great video. I vlogged my destin trip as well. We went for my birthday in may had a good time. Have you been out to crab island?

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Hmm 🤔. I thought someone was on a diet. I just can remember who that was. Now I remember it’s YOU big boy.

[@gearrunner]

I don’t diet on vacation. I enjoy it

[@Bunkysworkshop]

@@gearrunner lol 😂. I know but it’s fun yanking you’re chain.

[@gearrunner]

@@Bunkysworkshop oh I know 😂

[@donthesheek]

Gear don't you eat your burgers meat first than bread last without anything on it like Robmotive ?

[@gearrunner]

No, I definitely do not 😂

[@StlCrp29]

Man prices really went up this year due to inflation or for any other reason. I paid almost 1500 for a motel on the beach for just 5 nights first week of June. Also I like to hit the whataburgers driving down 😎

[@rolltide9547]

If you stay in a gulf front condo expect $450 minimum.

[@cryptofan6255]

I was in Panama City about a month or so ago. Two weeks after I left the rate tripled! I usually go during the spring and fall and of course, I expect to pay more during peak season, but this year it has been ridiculous!

[@Midwest10]

I drove there and stayed in Destin one night last week. Wine dine hotel beach. Total spent. $144.00. I do it right.

[@gearrunner]

Where did you stay for 144

[@raymcintire6296]

Stayed at Perdido Key about 17 years ago and took a side trip to Destin before coming back to Oquawka, IL. Great time in Fla! 2019 we went to Fort Walton Beach, AL. You should try it or Gulf Shores. Great food at The Florabama Lounge too. Also wondering if you drove the Tundra there?

[@gearrunner]

We have been talking about visiting some Alabama beaches but haven’t done it yet. I have driven the Tundra to Florida several times but usually now we take the Mercedes. It gets around 14 more mpg.

[@raymcintire6296]

14 mpg more is a good reason. Lol

[@dadscavaliers642]

Rip tides will suck you out, watch flag warnings! A few ppl have drown in the panhandle this year.

[@johnpublic3809]

Gear Runner, thank you for posting this video. This was well done. It brings back fond memories. I've been to Shoreline Towers many times. My dad owned a unit at Shoreline Towers, and he lived there during his retirement before he passed away. McGuire's was his regular restaurant. Seems like he went there at least once a week. I also liked Louisiana Lagniappe. It is very close to Shoreline Towers. I recall that it was expensive, but it was tasty seafood. Destin is a great place, though it can get crowded.

[@gearrunner]

Sorry for you loss, Destin definitely is a beautiful place that I love visiting. Shoreline is really starting to feel like home.

[@johnpublic3809]

@@gearrunner Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the kind words, though I should have clarified that my father's passing is approaching 10 years ago. Your video brought back fond memories of Shoreline Towers and McGuire's etc. The Back Porch is another popular restaurant down there. It is close to Shoreline Towers. You could walk along the beach to get there. It may be about one mile to the east. BTW, your accent reminds me of the actor, Lucas Black. He is from Decatur, AL.

[@Dano-MX5]

We have been going to Destin for about 12 years. We stay at Silver Beach Towers. Fantastic 18 story facility. Besides McGuires we like eating at The Shrimp Basket for shrimp and red beans and rice, Mimos or Fat Clamenzas for Italian and for the best made from scratch donuts we get to the Donut Hole every morning around 7:30 before they run out. Btw, the beach is a lot wider at Silver Beach Towers. Check out their website.

[@ShatterMask]

Best food in Destin is Sushimoto. By far, not even close.

[@dadscavaliers642]

Hung a signed 5 on the ceiling 10 yrs ago in honor of a past family member who loved coming here. And it's still there.

[@chnkymnky05]

beautiful room and view...what was yalls condo number? we just came back from Destin and I wish we would have tried Mcguire. the food looked delicious 😋

[@KIRK_TX]

Check out LuLu’s next time. Cool place and great food.

[@gearrunner]

We are at Lulus a couple years ago. It was a very cool atmosphere.

[@jonathandonnelly4271]

Dewy Destin has great Shrimp and it is very inexpensive. Half the price of most restaurants.

[@shockjock35]

Whataburger is a Texas Burger Company. I didn’t think they had one Destin.

[@gearrunner]

They actually had 2 there

[@palmsofdestin1]

They do

[@thomasfaughender7679]

Why go to Destin and not eat seafood?

[@gearrunner]

I usually do

[@clairesyoutube]

what beach were you at? miramar beach or like another one

[@GrandmamaCherylyn]

Thanks so much for video

[@gearrunner]

Thank you for watching

[@ashleylane1xo]

Mom and dad went last year and myself and my son went this year with them (1st week in May). Loved every minute of it!

[@DH-mf2lv]

You take more vacations than Johnny Carson did!

[@gearrunner]

I’m on vacation right now 😂

[@dadscavaliers642]

Hope you have driven out to Navarre pier on a calm day, the water is stunning!

[@abelhernandez7594]

What a beautiful place And all the food you ate😋 Andy

[@gearrunner]

That food was delicious. We love Destin

[@terrydodson7637]

Yes Mcguire's is amazing.

[@samjohnson2801]

It's always fun

[@gearrunner]

It’s the best place down there

[@365xmacronocomp]

Man I wish I would have found your channel way earlier but yes Whataburger blows McDonald's off the map I wish we had one here in Dayton Ohio LOL

[@cryptofan6255]

Funny, I've lived in Texas all my life and never ate at a WhatABurger until about three years ago. Even have 2 within just a few miles of my house. Really not sure why, I just always liked Burger King and McDonalds, so I never bothered to eat at one. One day I was driving to Fort Walton Fl and honestly, I wasn't hung over, but I wasn't at my best from drinking the night before. As I took the Fort Walton exit I was starving after going about 15 hours without anything more than multiple cups of coffee and saw a WhatABurger. Finally decided to give it a try. Ate there three more times in 7 days and pretty much the only burgers I eat as long as there is one nearby!! Best fast food burger ever. On a funny note, and I should have learned from this, but there is a Burger King and a WhatABurger side by side in my town. Pass by there at dinner time and there are usually only 2 or 3 cars at the BK drive through. Right next door at WB, easily 6 to 8 or more at the drive through!

[@randomoldguy3967]

I am 50 this week, and had never been to Florida until June if last year. My wife and I came to Destin, she had been there before. It was like a religious experience for me. I’m not joking. I apologized to her numerous times for not bringing her to Destin sooner. We found the perfect condos to stay in, the weather was perfect for the five days we were there, we found the absolute best local restaurants to eat at. We don’t do the tourist crap, we are only here for the beach. We immediately booked another trip for August that turned out to be as perfect as the first trip. We have two trips booked for this summer again, and Im counting down the days.

[@239peaches]

Did you find the condos on vrbo.? We are planning a trip and they a lot to choose from . Looking to be closer to the airport. Any suggestions. Thanks

[@jimmypham2487]

I’ve been to Florida before it’s beautiful

[@gearrunner]

It’s amazing

[@taylorjackson7908]

Any tips on somewhere less crowded gulf coast? PCB and Destin are horrible crowded in peak season. Looking for what they used to be like 15-20 years ago.

[@gearrunner]

I really don’t, most places we go are pretty crowded. I will say St Pete beach is crowded but it doesn’t feel that way because the beaches are so big.

[@taylorjackson7908]

@@gearrunner most high rise condos don’t have near enough beach frontage for full capacity during peak season. We’ve started flying further south and it seems less crowded on the public beaches.

[@gearrunner]

@@taylorjackson7908 We haven’t gone to many places south. The only place we’ve been really south was South Beach Miami

[@greateyedeer5418]

@@taylorjackson7908 Siesta Beach/Siesta Key in Sarasota. Consistently ranks among the top 5 beaches in the US and was actually ranked #1 in 2020. There is a very unique sand there that is quartz-crystal, it's as white and powdery as sugar. Highly recommend it.

[@MrLeftyk32]

I actually live in Ft Walton and completely agree our beaches in Ft Walton and Destin are crazy crowded. Try more West toward Navarre Beach which is between Ft Walton and Pensacola Beach

[@samjohnson2801]

Ha you here again. Was cloudy this morning but it's been amazing jeep weather

[@gearrunner]

I wish I would have brought my Jeep

[@samjohnson2801]

@@gearrunner is your truck good? I seen one on a toe truck today? My Jeep is my Jeep and the tundra we use for traveling too!

[@gearrunner]

@@samjohnson2801 yea, my truck is great. I don’t drive it a lot but it’s great 👍

[@samjohnson2801]

@@gearrunner jeepapalooza on the island next week!

[@beatricemartinez5475]

Is everything walking distance?

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

I like your accent.

[@gearrunner]

Thank you, and thank you for watching

[@Abcdlmnop-w4n]

Great video! Food looks yummy

[@gearrunner]

Thank you, McGuire’s is the best place in Destin to eat.

[@jw8578]

There goes the diet... haha

[@gearrunner]

Lol I don’t diet on vacation. I diet so I can eat on vacations. Lol

[@ellonysman]

Here now and so...wusssuppp?? 😅

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

Andy, is that $1500. a week?

[@gearrunner]

Yea, in the off season it’s more like $2,500 or more during peak season

[@MrLeftyk32]

The beaches are a bit larger and the condos are a little cheaper in you stay across the Destin bridge more West in Ft Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island past Rockin Taco

[@gcabl2005]

The best place for seafood there is Stewby's Seafood Shanty on Okaloosa Island between Ft Walton and Destin. Its not expensive but is fresh fish and "AMAZING " for sure. And they are working on building 9 Whataburger locations here in the Nashville area over the next 2 years. And McGuires is not bad at all, I agree. They have a pretty good Rueben

[@MrLeftyk32]

Stewby's is the best, there is also the original location off Okaloosa Island in Ft Walton

[@danz4928]

Where are the Tundras at Destin??

[@josephweaver9674]

great video! Thanks for sharing..

[@Azhan.J777]

God bless you sir

[@Tracie252]

Great Review❤❤❤❤

[@bigtaco956]

property name?

[@cryptofan6255]

I may take some heat for this, but Destin is highly overrated compared to Panama City only an hour away. Destin is so overbuilt you can barely see the beach when driving down the street and the traffic can be unbearable. Panama City has much better rates on hotels and condos, more entertainment, more restaurants, and more shopping. I once saw a survey on a travel site that asked if you have been to both Panama City and Destin, which would you be more likely to return to? Seventy percent chose Panama City.

[@sheilakilby5162]

I agree.

[@jg7088]

I kinda like panama city better probably because it has a younger crowd and more party atmosphere

[@sparklander]

Great video, Andy. I always wondered what the attraction was in Destin. If you ever get to Colorado, you should visit Peak 7 in Breckenridge.

[@Vespasion1]

Speaking of transitions, It must be a hard transition to go home to the trailer park after being in Destin. I stayed at shoreline towers and it was nice BUT did you happen to see the size of the air conditioning system in the closet. It is so tiny, its almost microscopic. When we were there, it was suffering trying to cool off the condo and we were sweating the whole time. Its Way too small of a unit for the size of the condo. Yes, McGuire's is fantastic. Yes the burgers are too, but its the steaks that you go there for. Their Prime Rib is smoked all day outside at the entrance where you can see and smell it happening in real time. And the fresh brewed beers on tap are the best anywhere. What I found so disappointing was the fact that there are hundreds of great places to eat especially fresh seafood, and this guy films eating at a fricking "What-a-Burger" of all places. Hell, thats all he had the whole week he was there-HAMBURGERS! Go home, get a better job, and next time you go to Destin, bring more money. Then you can make a better broader film.