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:

• Grand Boulevard (6 miles)
  
  
• Destin History & Fishing Museum (12 miles)

• Big Kahuna Water Park (9 miles)
  
  
• Village of Baytowne Wharf (1.4 miles)
  
  
• Destin Harbor Walk (8 miles)
  
  
• Eden State Gardens & Mansion (13 miles)
  
  
• Gulfarium (15 miles)
  
  
• Seaside (14 miles)
  
  
• U.S. Air Force Armament Museum (25 miles)
  
  
• Ebro Greyhound Park (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)

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 13, 2010, 7-10 PM
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.

Mardi Paws Pooch Celebration*
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*
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*
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*
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.

APRIL

24th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival
April, 2010

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

ArtsQuest 2009*
Friday & Saturday, May 9 -10, 2009
This amazing Art show, celebrating its 21st anniversary, 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 free, but benefit drawing tickets will be sold throughout the weekend. Visit the CAA's website and learn more about this event culturalartsassociation.org.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

JUNE

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Tuesday-Sunday, June 16-21, 2009
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 Gras & Boomin Tuesdays at Baytowne*
Every Tuesday, 7-9 PM
An evening of fun and merriment at the Village with special children's activities sprinkled throughout the events plaza. Each week, the village will crown a king and queen to throw moonpies and candy to the crowd. Then, as a special treat, our king and queen will begin the fireworks show. Every Tuesday at 9:15pm the village hosts a fireworks show over the lagoon. Participation in Mini Gras is free. Enjoy the Bouncy Castle and other inflatables with purchase of a $10 wristband. Wristbands will be sold from 7-9pm and activities will stay open until 10pm.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

Sunset Cinema*
Every Thursday; 8 PM
Enjoy a movie night with the entire family. Experience an evening under the stars as you enjoy your all time movie favorites. Event is free and located in the Events Plaza at the Baytowne Village.

JULY

Hilton Sandestin's July 4th Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2009
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 Barefoots 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 Gras & Boomin Tuesdays at Baytowne*
Every Tuesday, 7-9 PM.
An evening of fun and merriment at the Village with special children's activities sprinkled throughout the events plaza. Each week, the village will crown a king and queen to throw moonpies and candy to the crowd. Then, as a special treat, our king and queen will begin the fireworks show. Every Tuesday at 9:15pm the village hosts a fireworks show over the lagoon. Participation in Mini Gras is free. Enjoy the Bouncy Castle and other inflatables with purchase of a $10 wristband. Wristbands will be sold from 7-9pm and activities will stay open until 10pm.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

AUGUST

Sandestin Triathlon
Saturday, August 22, 2009, 6:30 AM
The 22nd 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 4-mile run through Sandestin's beach and bayside community. Proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast. E-mail SandestinTri@sandestin.com for more information.
Distances: ½-mile swim, 20-mile bike, and 4-mile run

Mini Gras*
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. 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!

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

SEPTEMBER

Art Expo*
Friday-Sunday, September 4-6, 2009
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.

A Starry Starry Night at the Hilton Sandestin Beach
Beaches of South Walton Autumn Tides Series Event
Friday, September 25, 2009, 6:30 PM - 9 PM

Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars, featuring intimate tables on the beach with fine cuisine, wine and live entertainment. End the evening with a romantic movie on the each under the stars. Available with or without hotel accommodations. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Children's Volunteer Health Network, www.cvhnkids.org. Cost: $40 per person plus tax. Special "Take the Elevator" home rate of only $99 available with purchase of event ticket. For more information or reservations, please call 850-267-9500 and mention code "SSN".

Ultimate Airdog Southern Championships*
Friday-Sunday, September 25-27, 2009
Ultimate Air Dogs is one of the premier dock jumping organizations in the country that showcases a variety of jumps and demonstrations. Watch as dogs run down the dock and splash into the lagoon while performing a number of jumps. Long distance jumping is the main feature of the event. It is showcased in different rounds called "Splashes" that culminate at the end of the event with our Divisional Finals. Village Lagoon. For more information visit ultimateairdogs.net

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

OCTOBER

Hilton Sandestin's 3rd Annual Monster Mash Bash
Saturday, October 31, 2009, 8 PM -1 AM
Calling all witches, ghouls and devils...the Halloween event of the year is at the Hilton Sandestin Beach! The event includes full open bars, great food & music from the hottest DJ on the Emerald Coast. Fabulous prizes will be given away at our costume contest judged by the audience. Special "Take the Elevator Home" rates available for hotel accommodations. For tickets or more information, please call 850-267-9600.

31st Annual Destin Seafood Festival
Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, 2009
More than 25,000 visitors and locals will pack HarborWalk Village alongside Destin's docks to enjoy fresh local seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, children's activities, and more at the 30th Annual 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. For more information, please contact the Destin Chamber at 850-837-6241. www.destinchamber.com

Destin Fishing Rodeo
October 1-31, 2009
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

Best of the Emerald Coast (Benefiting Destin Family YMCA)*
Saturday, October 17, 2009, 6-9:30PM
Sample the "crème de la crème" of the Emerald Coast's food, fashion, music, sports and more as chosen by Emerald Coast Magazine readers. Held at the Destin Commons. Tickets benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. For more information, please call the Junior League of the Emerald Coast at 850-862-2665 or visit www.jlec.org.

Vettes at the Village*
Saturday, October 17, 10-5PM
Area Corvette Clubs bring "America's Sports Car" to the Village Events Plaza. Over 250 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! Admission is free. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest at Sandestin
Friday & Saturday, October 23-24, 2009
Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds & ales from pub breweries, home crafted creations and microbreweries. Over 40 brew masters have come together for this unique experience at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Accommodations package holders will enjoy a private reception on Friday night. The main event, the Craft Beer Tasting will be held Saturday & Sunday from 1-5pm. For more information visit www.baytownewharfbeerfest.com.

Hilton Sandestin Beach's 3rd Annual Monster Mash Bash
Saturday, October 31, 2009, 8 PM -1 AM

NOVEMBER

Taste of THE Beach
Thursday-Sunday, November 5-8, 2009
An unparalleled four-day celebration of THE Beach. Wine. Dine. Donate. Visit www.tasteofthebeachfla.com or call 850-267-0683 for more information.

Hilton Sandestin's Thanksgiving Celebration
Thursday, November 26, 2009 11-4:30 PM
Bring the family to our house this Thanksgiving and leave the cooking to us! Enjoy a bountiful spread of signature favorites the whole family will appreciate at our fabulous Thanksgiving Buffet including Chef Carved Tom Turkey, Country Ham, Roast Duck, Grouper, traditional side and desserts prepared by our award-winning pastry chef. To make reservations, call 850-267-9500, x44.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 6-8 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

DECEMBER

Hilton Sandestin's 6th Annual Little/Big Holiday Party
Friday, December 11, 2009
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's New Year's Eve Gala
Thursday, December 31, 2009
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.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne*
Every Wednesday, 6-8 PM
Music fills the streets of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of July with the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Events Plaza. This hip series features local, regional, and even national touring bands performing everything from acoustic mixes to jazz to good old-fashioned down home blues. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

*These events are all sponsored by Sandestin® Beach & Golf Resort. DATES, TIMES & EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. We recommend guests either visit www.baytownewharf.com or call the Events Hotline (850-267-8117) prior to attending. Events are free & held in the Events Plaza unless otherwise noted.