The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the small, walkable village inside Sandestin on Choctawhatchee Bay: restaurants, shops, a lagoon, nightlife and a steady calendar of free events. It's free to enter and open to the public whether or not you're staying at the resort. Here's what's there, where to eat and how to fit it into an evening.
This is a researched guide built from Baytowne Wharf's own directory, FAQ and calendar as of October 2026. Merchant hours change by season, so check the official listings before you go.
Quick Take: Who Baytowne Wharf Is For
It's a good fit for families who want an easy evening out (a playground, carousel, arcade and ice cream within a few steps), couples looking for bayfront dinner and live music, and anyone staying in Sandestin or Miramar Beach. It's not a beach. Baytowne faces the bay, so plan your Gulf time separately.
Where It Is: Sandestin, Miramar Beach and Destin
Baytowne Wharf sits inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach), which the village describes as about eight miles east of Destin. So it isn't technically in Destin, but it's part of the same stretch of coast. Our Miramar Beach vs. Destin guide explains the geography.
Getting There and Parking
You don't need to be a resort guest. According to Baytowne's FAQ, there's a public parking garage plus several overflow lots, and parking is free to the public. A shuttle runs from the overflow lots in summer and during special events, and valet is available first come, first served. The village is pet-friendly as long as dogs stay leashed.
Things to Do at Baytowne Wharf
- Baytowne Adventure Zone: a zipline over the lagoon, ropes courses and a bungy trampoline, each priced separately.
- Baytowne Carousel and the fenced Adventure Land Playground for younger kids.
- Blast Arcade & Laser Maze and Cloak and Dagger Escape Room.
- Fishing in the lagoon (catch and release only; bait at the Baytowne Marina).
- Shops and galleries, from jewelry and gifts to photography and art.
- Free concerts: the Wednesday Night Concert Series runs March through October, with holiday concerts in December. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and leave the cooler at home (coolers aren't allowed).
Hours and prices for each attraction are on the Village Activities page, and events are on the village calendar.
Where to Eat at Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne lists more than a dozen places to eat in its dining directory. Here's how they break down, using each restaurant's own description.
Bayfront Seafood and Dinner
- Poppy's Crazy Lobster: local seafood with Creole and Cajun favorites, plus steaks, and a second-floor balcony over the bay for sunset.
- Hammerhead's Bar & Grille: dockside fried baskets, steamed seafood and burgers with live music, in a family- and pet-friendly setting overlooking the bay.
- Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House: a family-friendly seafood restaurant and oyster bar focused on locally caught fish.
- The Village Door: slow-smoked BBQ and seafood with a gluten-friendly menu, live music and views of the marina.
Casual and Family Meals
- Roberto's Italian Pizzeria: pizza, pasta and calzones with indoor and outdoor seating and big-screen TVs.
- Dude & Meatballs: scratch-made Italian with a two-story patio overlooking the pond.
- Bunkley's Burgers and Grill: burgers, chicken, seafood, shakes and boba tea, and yes, robot servers.
- Cannery Lane Cantina: Mexican- and Caribbean-inspired tacos, burritos and bowls.
- Yaki: hibachi plates and sushi.
Breakfast, Coffee and Lighter Bites
- Ruby Slipper: New Orleans-style brunch, served mornings to early afternoon.
- Charlie's Café: local Charlie's Donuts, sandwiches and an espresso bar.
- Green Panini: paninis, salads, smoothies and acai bowls.
Dessert and Nightlife
For something sweet, there's Moo La-La Ice Cream & Desserts, La Cremeria (gelato) and Tony Larue's New Orleans Snoballs. After dark, Rum Runners has dueling pianos, and Fat Tuesday serves frozen daiquiris. For more restaurants in the area, see our best restaurants in Destin guide.
Best Time to Go
Evenings are the main event year-round. In the warm months, the Wednesday concerts (March to October) are a good night to plan around. In the fall and holiday season, the village decorates. In 2026 its Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights evening is Saturday, Nov. 21, ending with the Nights of Lights show. Baytowne says the village stays open to the public during events unless it says otherwise.
Baytowne Wharf vs. HarborWalk vs. The Wharf
| Baytowne Wharf | HarborWalk Village | The Wharf | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Sandestin, Miramar Beach | Destin Harbor | Orange Beach, AL |
| Water | Choctawhatchee Bay and a lagoon | Working harbor and charter docks | Intracoastal Waterway and marina |
| Best for | Family evenings, free events | Boats, sunset, harbor views | Concerts, Ferris wheel, shopping |
| Our guide | You're reading it | HarborWalk guide | The Wharf guide |
Where to Stay Near Baytowne Wharf
Staying in Sandestin puts you within walking or shuttle distance. Miramar Beach rentals are a short drive away.
FAQ
Is Baytowne Wharf free?
Yes. Baytowne says visiting the village is free and open to the public.
Do you have to stay at Sandestin to visit?
No. The village is open to the public, and the parking garage is free.
Is Baytowne Wharf in Destin?
Not technically. It's inside Sandestin in Miramar Beach, about eight miles east of Destin.
Is Baytowne Wharf dog-friendly?
Yes, on a leash, and owners must clean up after their dogs. Waste stations are provided.
Are the concerts free?
Yes. The Wednesday Night Concert Series runs March through October, with holiday concerts in December. Coolers aren't allowed.
Hero photo: Baytowne Wharf, by Binion (2007), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.