Destin, Florida, isn’t just about stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters — it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy memorable dinner experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a romantic evening, or just want a different way to dine, Destin offers a variety of boat cruises and themed dinners. We particularly love the Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Solaris yacht, with its breathtaking views, fresh Gulf seafood, and lively live music. It’s a perfect way to combine good food with the natural beauty of the coast. Plus, it’s a great choice for couples or anyone looking for a relaxed yet elegant evening on the water.
If you’re after a more interactive experience, the Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise offers a fun, theatrical twist to your meal, with a chance to spot dolphins and enjoy a Gulf Coast sunset. For a more casual and budget-friendly option, the 3-hour Solaris Yacht dinner combines good food, live music, and panoramic views at a more accessible price point. Below, we break down each of these top choices to help you decide which fits your style.
1. Destin: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music
The Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the SOLARIS yacht is a standout for its combination of scenic beauty, delicious food, and live entertainment. This 3-hour cruise takes you through Destin’s waters while serving a 3-course meal prepared by an award-winning chef. The menu includes fresh seafood and prime beef, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. You can enjoy your meal on the open-air sky deck, where the coastal breeze and sunset views create a memorable atmosphere.
What makes this tour unique is the chance to dance to live music and take in the Gulf’s stunning horizon. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions like anniversaries or simply enjoying a luxurious night out. The ambiance is relaxed but lively, and the open sky deck allows you to soak in the scenic vistas. The reviews are solid, with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews, highlighting its popularity and quality. Many travelers comment on the delicious food and the memorable sunset views.
Bottom Line: This cruise combines excellent dining, lively music, and unbeatable sunset views. It’s best suited for couples, celebrating milestones, or anyone wanting a classy, scenic dinner experience on the water.
2. 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach
When it comes to experiencing a relaxing sunset on the water, the 3-hour Solaris Yacht dinner cruise is a top pick. This hassle-free group tour includes a delicious multicourse meal, with options for your main course, making it a flexible choice for various tastes. You’ll meet your captain at Miramar Beach and settle into your private table, where you can enjoy the scenery and sip drinks from the bar. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, so you can toast the sunset.
What stands out about this experience is the opportunity to see dolphins along the way, adding a bit of wildlife magic to your evening. Reviewers love the professionalism of the crew, the quality of the food, and the atmosphere. One guest described it as “fantastic,” with the starry night sky and distant lights providing a perfect backdrop. It’s a friendly, elegant cruise that appeals to families, couples, and groups seeking a stress-free night on the water.
Bottom Line: For about $128, you get a well-organized, scenic cruise with good food and dolphin sightings. It’s a great value for those who want a relaxed atmosphere and memorable sunset views.
3. Destin: Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views
If you’re looking for something different, the Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise offers a fun, theatrical twist to your evening. This 2.5-hour cruise combines a delicious chef-prepared meal with an immersive murder mystery show, set against the backdrop of the Gulf’s stunning sunset. As you cruise through Destin Harbor, East Pass, and Choctawhatchee Bay, you’ll have a chance to spot dolphins, adding a wildlife touch to the entertainment.
This experience stands out because it’s both interactive and entertaining — guests become part of the story while enjoying a quality meal. The show is lively, funny, and engaging, and the scenery is breathtaking as the sun dips below the horizon. The single review rates it five stars, praising the combination of good food, humor, and sunset views. It’s ideal for groups, families, or anyone wanting a memorable evening with a theatrical flair.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers a lively, interactive dining experience with a splash of mystery. It’s perfect for those who love a good story, scenic sunsets, and a bit of theatrical fun.
$125 per person
4. 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach
Finally, the 3-hour Solaris Yacht dinner offers a more casual yet equally impressive experience. This cruise takes place aboard the 125-foot Solaris yacht, which features three decks of indoor and outdoor space, including panoramic windows and an open-air skydeck. The boat departs from the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, making it convenient for visitors staying in that area.
The boat’s atmosphere is lively, with live music providing entertainment after dinner. Reviewers mention the excellent food and attentive service, along with the flexibility of multiple decks and scenic views. Although it has a smaller total review count, the 4-star rating and enthusiastic comments suggest this cruise delivers great value. It’s suitable for celebrations, couples, or anyone wanting a mix of ambiance, entertainment, and scenic cruising.
Bottom Line: For about $65, this cruise offers a relaxed yet engaging dinner with live music and panoramic Gulf Coast views. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want quality and atmosphere.
How to Choose Your Perfect Destin Dinner Experience
When selecting the right dinner cruise or experience, consider your budget, the type of evening you prefer, and whether you want an active or relaxing atmosphere. For a luxurious, romantic sunset with live music, the Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Solaris yacht is hard to beat. If you’re after a more casual, dolphin-spotting cruise, the 3-hour Solaris Yacht offers great value at a lower price point.
For those who want a playful twist, the Murder Mystery Dinner combines dining with entertainment in a lively setting. Budget travelers or those seeking a laid-back vibe might prefer the budget-friendly cruise with live music, which still delivers scenic views and good food.
Booking early is always recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and seating. Whether you seek romance, fun, or just a good meal on the water, Destin’s dinner options won’t disappoint.
Destin’s dinner cruises and themed nights offer a range of experiences that cater to different tastes and budgets. From elegant sunset cruises to lively murder mysteries, you’re sure to find a memorable way to dine and enjoy the coast. Consider what kind of night you want—relaxed, theatrical, or lively—and choose accordingly. Book early, and get ready for a fantastic evening on the Gulf!