I Planned an Entire Florida Vacation Around This Destin Seafood Restaurant. I’d Do It Again.

I planned my entire vacation around eating at this oceanfront seafood restaurant in Destin, Florida. It started when my husband and I were listing our absolute favorite places to eat; we've traveled quite a bit and are grateful to have enjoyed delicious meals on both coasts and in many cities in between. We both agreed that our very favorite seafood comes from The Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House in Destin, Florida, and the seed of inspiration for a beach trip in Florida was planted.

The idea grew, and before we knew it, we had the minivan packed and were cruising down I-65, headed to my all-time favorite beach town in Florida.

There are many fantastic places to stay in Destin. We rented a condominium at Sterling Shores Beach Resort, which happens to be within walking distance of (you guessed it), The Back Porch. We loved the resort's pools, ocean views, and our room, and we especially enjoyed being so close to one of our all-time favorite restaurants. We ate there for at least three dinners and one lunch during our week-long stay. Do you think we're crazy? Let me explain all there is to love about The Back Porch.

The Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House opened in Destin in 1974 as a small, A-frame building on the beach. Its owners lived above the restaurant, which served cold beer and fresh seafood. It changed owners in 1983, when General Henry Cobb and a partner purchased the business.

Today, with two locations, the other in Panama City Beach, Cobb's grandson, John Comer, owns the restaurants as part of Southern Restaurant Group. A favorite of locals, the restaurants serve incredible seafood and offer diners the same breathtaking views of the Emerald Coast.

When you walk into The Back Porch, there will likely be a lot of waiting diners. Don't be afraid, however; the capable staff keeps things moving, and you likely won't have to wait long. Also, don't worry too much about what you're wearing. You'll see people in dresses and polished shirts, but you'll also see hungry people coming straight off the beach in their swimsuits and cover-ups.

It's a large restaurant, with wooden tables designed to accommodate both large and small groups. When the weather cooperates, the windows are open, creating a very casual, indoor-outdoor atmosphere. This setup also provides stunning views of the white sandy beach and emerald-green Gulf waters.

The menu features a variety of delectable seafood dishes. My personal favorites include the Seafood Nachos appetizer, the iconic Amberjack Sandwich, the Grouper Sandwich, the Grouper Destin, and the Broiled Jubilee, a humongous platter of Gulf shrimp, scallops, mahi-mahi, and a crab cake. I also love the General Cobb Salad, a large bowl of fresh greens topped with cucumber, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and hot and crunchy popcorn shrimp.

There are also plenty of dishes without seafood, if that's more your style, including Blackened Chicken Linguine and Ribeye. You really can't go wrong with whatever you choose to eat. The food is always fresh and delicious, and as a local, I will always find my way back to this beloved seafood restaurant in Florida.

For more details and for a full menu, visit The Back Porch's website.

Destin is one of the best affordable travel destinations in the US. There's so much to do, including the stunning beach, fantastic restaurants, and nature activities. Henderson Beach State Park and Eden Gardens State Park are great places to visit. Scenic Highway 30A is well worth the drive. Only In Your State created a Three Days on 30A itinerary, including visits to Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Grayton Beach State Park, and Deer Lake State Park.

Safe travels!