The Back Porch in Destin, Florida

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House in Destin, Florida, offers epic Gulf views, great food, and fantastic service.

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The Back Porch

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I found The Back Porch while watching Instagram reels before Christmas. There was a reel showing an unbelievable sunset with dolphins pulling Santa and his sleigh.

I instantly told my husband that we needed to visit before the holidays ended and experience this magic.

Thankfully we live a couple of hours from Destin and can easily hop in the car to spend the weekend exploring the Emerald Coast.

I am excited to say that not only did we get to see Santa with his sleigh pulled by dolphin reindeer we also had the opportunity to enjoy delicious food while at The Back Porch.

The food was so good we brought the leftovers home with us so we could enjoy them the next day.

Every single thing we have tried has tasted amazing! Our server was fantastic and made sure we were happy during our visit.

There is a fun gift shop at the front of the restaurant with branded products and seriously cute beach home decor.

I had a hard time not buying 8 million new beach frames for our house.

The Back Porch has been a favorite for locals and visitors since 1974. The first restaurant was an a frame building with the best gulf views.

Today's restaurant is a bit larger but still offers the amazing views we all dream of enjoying on the Gulf Coast.

Indoor Seating

The indoor seating consists of tables and chairs in varying sizes to fit couples or larger families.

Indoor Bar

There is a great indoor bar in the heart of the restaurant with bar-height stools.

Exterior of The Back Porch from the beach with picnic tables and beach chairs

Outdoor Seating

If you can get a spot on the back porch make sure to enjoy it! The views from the back deck are truly amazing.

If you are visiting during the day make sure to wear sunscreen and be prepared for the direct sun even in the winter.

I am going to admit that I ended up looking a little like Rudolph from sitting outside in the middle of the day. It was well worth it but the sun was warm even in December.

There are also picnic tables and beach chairs on the beach to relax in.

Menu with house specialties, Steak & chicken, and more

The Back Porch Menu

The Back Porch Menu is filled with delicious Gulf seafood, Oysters, Sandwiches, Steak & Chicken, and more!

Hushpuppies in a basket with butter and sauce — Hushpuppies

Menu Highlights - The best fresh Gulf Seafood is available including jumbo shrimp, raw oysters, chargrilled amberjack, an so much more.

Back Porch oysters - baked and topped with crabmeat and cheese.

Signature Amberjack Sandwich - available fried, chargrilled, bronzed, or blackened.

Grouper Destin - Grilled Gulf grouper topped with shrimp.

Gulf snapper sandwich with coleslaw, a pickle slice, and fries on a white plate — Gulf Snapper Sandwich Blackened

Gulf Snapper Sandwich - fried, chargrilled, bronzed, or blackened. Served with lettuce, tomato, French fries, and coleslaw.

Amberjack paradise - Amberjack filet baked and topped with four jumbo shrimp and the house made rum-butter sauce.

Snapper Florentine - Gulf Red Snapper loaded with crabmeat and spinach.

Crab Stuffed Shrimp - Fresh jumbo gulf shrimp topped with their famous crab stuffing.

Fried pickles on a white plate next to a The Back Door cup — Fried Pickles

Kids' Meals Menu - The kids menu includes fried chicken tenders, fried popcorn shrimp, pepperoni pizza, fried fish toes, grilled fish, or a grilled cheese. Served with French Fries, mashed potatoes or mandarin oranges on a souvenir Back Porch frisbee!

Gluten-Free - There is a designated gluten-free menu available for guests with gluten sensitivities. Your server can bring you the separate menu.

Here are some of the highlights.

Seafood nachos, Crab Claws, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Smoked Tuna Dip, Oysters on the Half Shell, Shrimp & Spinach Salad, Honey Chipotle Salad, Beach Cheeseburger, The Angry Amberjack, Chicken and Swiss, Ribeye, Surf & Turf, and more!

Gulf Fish - Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Shrimp & Scallops, and more.

Vegan - Salads with meat and cheese removed.

pasta alfredo with a lemon and piece of bread — Vegetarian pasta

Vegetarian - Onion rings, cheese sticks, fried pickles, salads, vegetarian pasta

The Back Porch glasses with a cocktail and beer on a table with the ocean in the background

The Back Porch signature drinks menu with a back porch bucket drink picture

Signature Cocktails - The Ultimate Back Porch Punch, Paradise Punch, Coco Cabana, Makers Mark Splash, Beach Breeze, Watermelon Dream, Pineapple Sunset, and so many more.

The Raspberry Lemonade is delicious!

orange layered cake with whipped cream — Florida Sunshine Cake

Make sure to order a slice of Florida Sunshine Cake! It is orange flavored and truly amazing!

Why you will love The Back Porch

Destin location is right on the water with breathtaking Gulf views of the Emerald Coast
Great indoor and outdoor dining options
Fun for the entire family
Great food and cocktails
Best views from the Back Porch restaurant, hear the waves while dining.
Perfect Gulf Coast vacation restaurant.
Have I mentioned the spectacular view with an unpretentious atmosphere
A Gulf Coast tradition with the best Gulf seafood

The Back Porch sign on the exterior of an orange building with a long bench

Things to know when planning a visit to The Back Porch

Address - Destin location - 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

Panama City Beach Location - 16220 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Phone - 850-837-2022

Hours - Open daily at 11 am for lunch and dinner

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

Accessibility - There is a ramp leading into the restaurant with accessible parking spaces near the front entrance.

Plus Size Seating - The chairs do not have arms on them and are heavy-duty wood. They were comfortable.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the restaurant.

Parking - There is a large parking lot next to the Destin location.

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

The Pancakery - Enjoy delicious fluffy pancakes and a huge menu at this great breakfast and lunch restaurant.

Gulf Coast Burger Co - Check out their themed burgers and giant milkshakes

Okaloosa Donuts - The cutest donuts we have seen on the Emerald Coast! Sharks, mermaids, and so much more!

The Donut Hole Destin - Check out this bakery and restaurant that offers delicious food and baked goods.

Henderson Beach State Park - Gorgeous Florida state park with access to beach and picnic shelters.

Santa in a sleigh pulled by dolphins on the beach with the sun shining

Destin Tours and Attractions

Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE

Crab Island Tours - World-famous Crab Island is a must visit! Book a tour or private boat HERE.

Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy the day out on the water in a fantastic pontoon boat. Check out Boat Rentals HERE

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - See dolphins, sea lions, penquins, sharks, and more. Grab tickets HERE

Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE

Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE

Click HERE to see all of the top-rated tours and activities in Destin.

Greek salad topped with shrimp on a skewer — Greek Salad with blackened shrimp

Additional Gulf Coast of Florida Articles

Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery, Panama City Beach - This great PCB restaurant has amazing breakfast food and a delicious bakery!

SkyWheel PCB - Check out this fun attraction that takes you to new heights for epic views.

Springhill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront: Enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico, an unbelievable pool with a lazy river, and easy beach access.

Flora Bama Ole River Grill - located across the street from the main Flora-Bama and offers great food, friendly staff, and amazing water views.

Outdoor swimming pool with deck chairs and lounge chairs around it next to the hotel and palm trees

Destin Lodging and Hotels

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Destin - We stayed at this great hotel right across from the Henderson Beach State Park. They have an indoor and outdoor pool and easy access to Destin attractions. Book Here

The Henderson Beach Resort - Gorgeous resort with full servcice spa, outdoor pools, white sand beach, and all the amenities you love. Book Here

Hampton Inn & Suites Destin - Close to Henderson Beach Park and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park. Book Here

Inn on Destin Harbor - Located near HarborWalk Village with an outdoor pool and free self parking. Book Here

The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.