Tons And Tons Of Attractions Near Our Destin Beach Resort Hotel

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect vacation destination or Florida weekend getaway. Just relax. Take a load off. Get some sun. Splash around. And if your idea of a perfect getaway involves taking in the local culture and attractions, you'll find everything you need to keep you busy - all within minutes of our Destin beach resort hotel. Start your visit to The Village of Baytowne Wharf in the shops and galleries, where you'll find unique gifts for those envious friends back home. Then watch a little candy making, try a Cajun cooking lesson, and begin salivating for dinner. Will you choose barbecue, or a cozy bistro? A mellow waterfront bar, or a late-night at a live-music dance club? Why not try it all? Tomorrow, you can nap the day away at the beach. Think of our luxurious Florida beach resort as your connection to tons of brilliant area attractions, including:

• Destin History & Fishing Museum (12 miles)

• Big Kahuna Water Park (9 miles)
  
  
• Village of Baytowne Wharf (1.4 miles)
  
  
• Destin Fishing Docks (8 miles)
  
  
• Eden State Gardens & Mansion (13 miles)
  
  
• Gulfarium (15 miles)
  
  
• Seaside (14 miles)
  
  
• U.S. Air Force Armament Museum (25 miles)
  
  
• Ebro Dog Track (35 miles)
  
  
• Pensacola Historic District (60 miles)
  
  
• Destin Commons (6 miles)
  
  
• The Track (9 miles)
  
  
• Silver Sands Factory Outlet Stores (2 miles)
  
  
• The Market Shops at Sandestin (1 mile)


• Grand Boulevard (6 miles)
  
  

You'll find quite an eclectic mix of events near our gulf-side resort in Destin, Florida. Art, music, food and wine festivals take place almost year-round, and the area is full of holiday cheer - regardless of the season. Bring the whole family to the Easter Carnival at the Village in the spring, or take in the All That Jazz, Wine & Art Festival in the fall. Take your pick from the full calendar of events near our Destin Florida beach resort, including:

No matter what time of year you visit the Emerald Coast, there is always a local festival or event taking place within the community. Many of the most significant festivals of the year are actually held within a few short steps of your room. From the Hilton Sandestin's Spectacular 4th of July Fireworks Show to the Mardi Gras celebrations in The Village in February, something special is just around the corner...

JANUARY

Senior and Snowbird Expo
Welcome winter guests! This showcase event, held annually at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, displays goods and services available to senior visitors and residents in the area. Door prizes and continental breakfast are provided to all. Call 850-244-8191 for more information.


FEBRUARY

Just the Two of Us…A Valentine Interlude at the Hilton Sandestin Saturday, February 16, 2008, 7-10 p.m.

This Valentine's Day, there's no need for Cupid: the Hilton Sandestin has taken care of it all by pairing a romantic evening with several additional options.  Bring your sweetheart to join us for a Valentine Celebration that includes romantic music, dancing and intimate tables for two, including a filet and shrimp entrée served with wine tableside.  Choose from five special packages, customized to include overnight accommodations at the Hilton Sandestin, brunch or spa services and much more.  For package details or to make reservations, call Carolyn at 850-267-9600 or click here.

Mardi Paws Pooch Celebration*
Saturday, February 17, 11AM-5PM
Don't miss our newest addition to the Mardi Gras weekend at Baytowne Wharf! This doggie expo will feature live music, dog-friendly vendors, and the canine royalty for the Krewe of Arfeous Dog Parade, as well as numerous local rescue shelters. And stick around to meet the artist who will be signing this year's artwork with the theme, "Wasted Away in Dogaritaville," New Orleans native Jim Tweedy! For more information on this event, call (850) 267-9400.

"Krewe of Arfeous" Dog Parade*
Sunday, February 18, 2PM
Even our four-legged friends don't miss a chance to party at the Village. Check out our 4 th annual Pooch parade through the streets of Sandestin. For information on this event and to inquire about participating, please contact Bark Avenue by calling (850) 267-9400 or visit the event online at: www.kreweofarfeous.com.

Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade*
Tuesday, February 20, 5PM
Prepare to let your hair down on what many call the most festive day of the year, Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. "Laissez les bon temps rouler" (let the good times roll) with the 5th annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade rolling through Sandestin. Yell "throw me something mister" as unique and colorful floats, golf carts, and pick-up trucks roll down the streets and marchers dressed up in all their Mardi Gras best shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets. The post-parade celebration continues into the night with street performers, "throws" tossed from balconies on Main St, and parties at various Village establishments. The Village is looking for Krewes to join in the Mardi Gras festivities. To participate in this exciting event, or to volunteer, please contact Baytowne Wharf at 850/267.8180.

MARCH

St. Patty's Day Delight*
Saturday, March 17, 6-10PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites everyone to celebrate St. Patrick's Day as we welcome back the Irish sounds of Henri's Notions, in the Events Plaza. Enjoy the traditional sounds of Irish/Celtic music and jubilant entertainment Village-style. To accompany the live music will be The Drake Irish Dancers of Fort Walton Beach who will be performing a variety of dances. Also, we'll have a bagpipe and drum corp strolling throughout the Village all evening long.

Swing into Spring with Sinfonia*
Saturday, March 24, 8PM
Back by popular demand, Baytowne Wharf welcomes spring with a holiday pops concert for the whole family. Parents will enjoy the educational atmosphere Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents and kids will gather to sample Easter holiday treats! And don't forget to arrive early to visit with Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, who will be on hand starting at 6:00PM!


APRIL

Sandestin Wine Festival
Unbeknownst to many, Destin may very well be the wine capital of Florida's Gulf Coast. One of the leading wine events is the annual Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf held each April. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will transform itself into the south of France with a four-day event providing participants an entertaining and educational atmosphere for fine wines.

The Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf brings an opportunity for discovery. Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending private dinners, participating in auctions for rare and distinctive wines, and taking part in wine tastings showcasing more than 600 domestic and international wines.

Wine novices are able to learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection including the finest appellations from all major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges. Wine aficionados enjoy meeting winemakers, asking detailed questions and acquiring hard-to-get selections.

An added bonus is the opportunity to immediately purchase your favorite selections. All wines are available at special event pricing at the Retail Wine Tent on Saturday and Sunday.

Don't miss the opportunity to toast to your share of the excitement.  For more information, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com or e-mail info@sandestinwinefestival.com.


MAY

Boeing Championship
The golfers in your family won't want to miss this exciting event. The PGA Tour comes to Sandestin in the form of the annual Boeing Championship, held at the world-renowned Raven Golf Club. This $1.6 million Champions Tour event was formerly known as the Blue Angels Classic before finding its way to Sandestin in 2006. www.theboeingchampionship.com

 ArtsQuest 2007*
Saturday & Sunday, May 12 & 13, (Sat: 10AM-7PM & Sun: 11AM-5PM)
This amazing Art show is the largest in Northwest Florida and can attract thousands of spectators each day. Enjoy incredible artwork from around the country, as well as wonderful food and music both days. Admission is $3.00 per day. Visit the CAA's website and learn more about this event - www.culturalartsassociation.org.

Memorial Day Weekend Festivities*
Friday - Sunday, May 25 - 27, Evening
Kick start our summer season with this weekend of exciting family fun beginning. On Friday, we welcome back sand sculptor extraordinaire Mark Flynn and Sand Odyssey as he creates a magnificent work of art in the Events Plaza, which will be completed on Saturday evening. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday night, the Village will play host to a CD release celebration for one of Destin's hottest and most talented musicians, Reed Waddle. Reed and his band will perform their latest and greatest hits on the Main Stage as we kick-off the summer season. On Saturday, while guests enjoy viewing the completed sand masterpiece, Baytowne Wharf welcomes back another one of the Emerald Coast's most popular bands, Salty Dog. The "Dog" will entertain the crowds from 7 to 10 p.m. The weekend concludes on Sunday, but not before we host one of the most unique events Sandestin has to offer, Destined...for Broadway! â„¢ Beginning at 6 p.m., The Village of Baytowne Wharf will partner with Applause... for Kids and the Atlanta School of Performing Arts to host a special "casting call" in the Events Plaza. The event will allow children of all ages the opportunity to learn basic choreography and lyrics to well-known Broadway musicals and then perform live from the Main Stage in front of family and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity for any child interested in theater, dance or acting to get involved... no experience necessary. Immediately following the performance, enjoy a screening of the film, Happy Feet, on the Big Screen under the stars in the Events Plaza. And following the movie, don't miss our annual Memorial Day Weekend fireworks extravaganza over the lagoon marking the end of the weekend, but the beginning of a busy summer of events at Baytowne Wharf!


JUNE

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
June 19-24, 2007
Reel in a big one at the annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. Held each June, this event gives serious angling teams a chance to win $500,000. Cash prizes are given for the categories of dolphin, tuna and wahoo. Individual angler trophies awarded to participants as an extra incentive to bring home a record-breaking catch. Held at the Baytowne Wharf Marina, the event boasts live entertainment, breathtaking fireworks displays and nightly weigh-ins that are open to the public. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin supports the Harvest House, a local food bank, by donating all meatfish weighed during the tournament to the food bank. Call 866-505-4458 or email info@fishecbc.com. www.FishECBC.com

Mini Grasâ„¢*
Tuesday, June 5, 12, 19 & 26, 7-10PM
Bring the kids for this annual summer event every child will enjoy! It's an evening of fun and merriment at Baytowne Wharf. With special children's activities sprinkled throughout the Events Plaza, Mini Gras promises to be a weekly favorite for the kids. Activities include a DJ spinning children's favorites and New Orleans-inspired music, a clown, caricature artist, face painter, hair wraps, henna tattoos, inflatable jumps, and more, not to mention a Mini Gras Parade through the Village. Each week, the Village will choose a King and Queen to lead the parade and participants will get to show off their beads as they prance through the streets. To participate, a wristband will be required which can be purchased at the event for a minimal fee, offering guests unlimited fun throughout the event!

Ballet @ Baytowne: An Evening of Dance*
Sunday, June 17, 7:30PM
A romantic blend of classical and contemporary ballet performed under the stars by the Northwest Florida Ballet. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the evening while viewing a spectacular ballet performance.


JULY

Hilton Sandestin's July 4th Celebration
Do you consider red, white and blue your primary colors? Then be sure to check out the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa "Spectacular Fireworks Show," located poolside from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Featuring a huge barbeque buffet at Barefoot's Beachside Bar & Grill, as well as live entertainment this incredible fireworks show kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Please call 850-267-9500 for more information.

Mini Grasâ„¢*
Tuesday, July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 7-10PM
Bring the kids for this annual summer event every child will enjoy! It's an evening of fun and merriment at Baytowne Wharf. With special children's activities sprinkled throughout the Events Plaza, Mini Gras promises to be a weekly favorite for the kids. Activities include a DJ spinning children's favorites and New Orleans-inspired music, a clown, caricature artist, face painter, hair wraps, henna tattoos, inflatable jumps, and more, not to mention a Mini Gras Parade through the Village. Each week, the Village will choose a King and Queen to lead the parade and participants will get to show off their beads as they prance through the streets. To participate, a wristband will be required which can be purchased at the event for a minimal fee, offering guests unlimited fun throughout the event!


AUGUST

Sandestin Triathlon
In August, the 21st annual Sandestin Triathlon (formerly the Elephant Walk Triathlon) will lure 700 participants for a half-mile gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike along the coast, and a 40-mile run throughout the Sandestin's beach and bayside community. The race starts on the beach behind FINZ Restaurant (formerly Elephant Walk Restaurant). Proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast. Click here for more information.
Online registration will be available for participants in early summer 2007 at www.altavistasports.com

Mini Grasâ„¢*
Tuesday, August 7, 7-10PM
Bring the kids for this annual summer event every child will enjoy! It's an evening of fun and merriment at Baytowne Wharf. With special children's activities sprinkled throughout the Events Plaza, Mini Gras promises to be a weekly favorite for the kids. Activities include a DJ spinning children's favorites and New Orleans-inspired music, a clown, caricature artist, face painter, hair wraps, henna tattoos, inflatable jumps, and more, not to mention a Mini Gras Parade through the Village. Each week, the Village will choose a King and Queen to lead the parade and participants will get to show off their beads as they prance through the streets. To participate, a wristband will be required which can be purchased at the event for a minimal fee, offering guests unlimited fun throughout the event!


SEPTEMBER

Baytowne Wharf Art Expo*
Friday - Sunday, August 31 - September 2, 5-10PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf welcomes the fresh fall season under the moonlight with a weekend good for the art and soul with world-class art and live music in the Village Events Plaza. Exceptional artists featured in the area's leading galleries from across the Southeast will gather for this three-day festival featuring the best of the best in the world of art.


OCTOBER

Destin Seafood Festival
Sample the catches of The World's Luckiest Fishing Village, enjoy free concerts, and shop the arts and crafts vendors at this annual event held on the grounds behind City Hall. Tadpole town will keep the kiddies busy with NASCAR racetrack, live animals, balloon animals, Rock Wall, obstacle course, puppet and magic shows, face painting, and fly-fishing casting contests. "A Taste of Destin" provides a sampling of menu items from local area restaurants. For more information, please contact the Destin Chamber at 850-837-6241. www.destinchamber.com

Destin Fishing Rodeo
Celebrating Destin's rich fishing heritage, the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for anglers of all kinds. More than 30,000 anglers compete throughout the month of October for over $100,000 in prizes ranging from trophies and merchandise to bonds. Whether you're trolling inshore for King Mackerel, offshore for Marlin and Sailfish, or fishing the deep bottoms for Red Snapper and Grouper, you'll be in the running for daily, weekly and overall prizes in men's, women's and junior anglers' categories. Virtually every game fish is recognized with awards during the Rodeo. Call 850-837-6734 for more information. www.destinfishingrodeo.org

Baytowne Pops!*
Saturday, October 6, 8PM
Celebrate fall with the second annual Pops concert in the hip hotspot of Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf. Celebrate under the stars with Sinfonia Gulf Coast and renowned guest artists as they entertain you with the best live music around. This event is produced through the assistance from the Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association, the Cultural Arts Association and the Beaches of South Walton's Autumn Tides  program.

Best of the Emerald Coast (Benefiting Destin Family YMCA)*
Friday, October 19, 6:30-9:30PM
Sample the "crème de la crème" of the Emerald Coast's food, fashion, music, sports and more as chosen by Emerald Coast Magazine readers. Tickets benefit the new Destin Family YMCA.

Vettes at the Village*
Saturday, October 27, 12-5PM
Area Corvette Clubs bring "America's Sports Car" to the Village Events Plaza.  Over 200 Corvettes old and new will be shined to the max and wanting your vote for the best Classic and Contemporary entries!  Come check out these automotive icons, vote for your favorites and enter a drawing for some really great prizes!

Baytowne Trick or Treat Street & Spooky Fireworks*
Halloween, Wednesday, October 31, 6-8PM
Let your children "spook" the Village merchants as they go door-to-door collecting candy to feed their sugary appetites. Then stick around for a frightening-ly good time with a special fireworks display over the Lagoon, the perfect way to end a horrifying holiday!


NOVEMBER

Nautical Christmas: Holiday Movie Night*
Friday, November 23, 7PM
Bring your blankets and hot cocoa and enjoy this holiday favorite for all ages under the stars.

Nautical Christmas: Village Tree Lighting*
Saturday, November 24, 5:30PM
After Santa's magical arrival to Baytowne Wharf, join Mr. Claus and friends for the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree! Enjoy live music and other fun, holiday activities, including a special holiday fireworks display over the lagoon in the Village's Events Plaza.


DECEMBER

Hilton Sandestin's 4th Annual Little/Big Holiday Party
Join others from various companies around town for one BIG party at the Hilton Sandestin, featuring live entertainment, door prizes, dancing, cash bar, fabulous food and a special room rate. Please call 850-267-9600 for more information.

Hilton Sandestin New Year's Eve Gala
Ring in the New Year at the Hilton Sandestin and take the elevator home! Dance the last night of the year away to live entertainment, indulge in an elaborate gourmet buffet before those New Year's resolutions kick in, and enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages, party favors and much more at our grand celebration! Please call 850-267-9500 for more information.

Nautical Christmas: Santa Claus & Dickens Carolers*
Friday & Saturday, November 30, December 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 6-9PM
Don't miss your chance to sit with Santa and give him your wish list of presents that he'll leave for you under the tree! Bring your cameras to capture the family moment forever. Enjoy traditional Christmas carols throughout the Village as we re-create the days of Holidays past.