Listen. We both know you have at least 200 loyalty points on your Starbucks app at any one time. But, let’s take a break from the corporate coffee and try something new on your vacation. I’ve done the research (super hard job but someone has to do it) and here are my picks for the best local coffee shops in Destin for you to try while you’re in town. I’ve included the areas either side of Destin as well since they’re only a short drive away and are well worth stopping in at while you’re beach hopping.
The Absolute Best Local Coffee Shops In Destin / Fort Walton, FL
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Beignets and Brew
Location: Destin
We’ll begin this coffee tour in the heart of Destin at Beignets and Brew.
This isn’t a standard dine in coffee shop.
Here you’ll find a walk up booth where you place your order, and an outdoor seating area by the water where you’ll end up sipping your coffee and – let’s face it – devouring more beignets than you planned to.
The beignets are seriously amazing and don’t skip the flavored dipping sauces!
The whole experience creates a wonderful, mid morning coffee stop during your vacay.
More information: Beignets and Brew Instagram
East Pass Coffee Co.
Location: Destin
If you love hipster coffee shops, you’ll love East Pass.
It’s just as good for a grab and go coffee as it is for a light breakfast sit down – I especially recommend the turkey club!
I go here enough to have had a lot of experience (humble brag but I’ve filled a few loyalty cards), and I can’t say that I’ve ever had a bad coffee or a bad experience there.
I usually get the flavored cold brews or lattes and they’re always a perfect balance of sweetness without being over the top sugar hits, and coffee without being over the top bitterness.
The only downside is that it’s so dang popular and can get a bit crowded. But I also view that as a good thing because it just means more people are getting to experience this awesome local business.
And I don’t know about you, but I usually view places without many people there as a bad sign.
Check out the seasonal specials because they don’t disappoint.
More information: East Pass Coffee Co. website
Causeway Coffee
Location: Miramar Beach
Don’t be surprised if you see me strolling through when you visit Causeway Coffee because it is one of my go-to’s.
There’s a lot to love about it. The staff are super friendly, the setting is chic, and the quality is fantastic.
They also have unique weekly specials for their coffees and lotus drinks so you can try something new each time you visit. Imagine specials like French Toast Latte or Peach Cobbler Latte (one of my favs!)
But, what I really love is the dedication to the creation of the coffees. Each little detail from the flavor combinations to the presentation has been thought out and had care put into it.
In my opinion this is what sets Causeway apart from every other coffee shop in Destin. They’re not just making you a quick, cookie cutter cup of coffee. They’re creating a coffee for you.
More information: Causeway Coffee Instagram
Bistrology
Location: Miramar Beach
Let me just say, treat yo’self to a brunch at Bistrology.
The coffees here are like a whole desert. Picture your latte loaded with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and huge marshmallows or the cup lined with Nutella, decorated with whipped cream, and surprise Nutella hidden at the bottom.
This isn’t a grab and go coffee type place. But, if you want to sit down and really savor a treat then it’s a must.
There’s also a wide range of food that is delicious, generously portioned, and some are even presented with flowers on the plate. Almost looks too pretty to eat…. almost.
This is what makes it a great choice not just for coffee, but for a brunch date as well.
More information: Bistrology website
Black Bear Bread Co
Location: Miramar Beach
Another one of my favorite coffee shops in the Destin area is Black Bear Bread Co.
Let’s talk about the smooth and delicious coffees. Let’s talk about the lox bagel board. Oh, and give me a minute of your time to talk about that key lime croissant. God bless whoever thought up that delicious creation.
I’ve been here many times and never had a bad experience.
There’s not a huge range of specialty coffees like at some of the others on the list. But what they have is consistently good.
They have another location in Grayton Beach if you end up down that way, but I prefer the Miramar location personally.
More information: Black Bear Bread Co website
Maas Coffee Roasters
Location: Fort Walton
If you love a real good coffee, go to Maas.
This is a tiny, hole in the wall style coffee shop that you’d probably miss if you didn’t know it was there. The inside area is quite small, so take your coffee outside to sit in their gorgeous outdoor seating area.
It doesn’t have a lot in the way of food – just some bagels, muffins, and a couple of other light snacks. But it brings the heat when it comes to coffee.
I absolutely love the iced Type II, but they have a nice variety of combinations to choose from.
They even have a wall of coffee beans where you can buy a bag to take home with you.
More information: Maas Coffee Roasters website
Coffee Ave
Location: Fort Walton
This one is actually a food truck that serves coffee. So I guess it’s a coffee truck.
It’s one of my favorite places to go, especially in summer. I love soaking in the sunshine and sipping on an iced coffee in the large outdoor seating area. There’s plants scattered around the tables and it’s a whole vibe.
The coffees are consistently good – I especially recommend the iced Sunset Macchiato which tastes as great as it looks.
You’ll also find two other food trucks here – one with hot food and one with açaí bowls and smoothies. The açaí bowls here are my absolute favorite.
Combine all that and you have the perfect spot for a delicious coffee and light breakfast.
More information: Coffee Ave Instagram
Bon Appetit French Bakery and Cafe
Location: Fort Walton
This one doesn’t specialize in coffee. It’s a French bakery that happens to sell coffee.
But, it absolutely deserves a spot on the list in case you are looking for those coffee shop vibes where the coffee doesn’t have to be the main star.
The main star of Bon Appetit is without a doubt the food that is made fresh each day. Get yourself a fresh ham and cheese croissant (they are divine!), a sweet pastry from their huge selection, and enjoy it all while sipping on your coffee.
They have regular filtered coffee and a few specialty types to choose from.
More information: Bon Appetit French Bakery and Cafe website
Main Brew
Location: Fort Walton
To round out the list, we have Main Brew.
This one is a bit of a hidden gem in the area and absolutely worth a visit.
There’s a long list of flavored signature lattes to choose from – meaning a lot of reasons for more than one visit too! But you’ll also find plenty of French press, pour over, and cold brew options. Basically, there’s something for everyone here.
It’s a good spot to go for breakfast too where you can try their crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh baked goodies.
Whether you’re getting a grab and go coffee or stopping to sit down for breakfast, it’s an amazing local coffee shop to try.
More information: Main Brew website
Where to stay in Destin
Here are a few recommendations on where to stay in Destin.
Destin: Tru by Hilton Destin
Miramar Beach: Hotel Effie San Destin
Fort Walton: Four Points by Sheraton
Wherever you choose to stay, I recommend searching on Booking.com. This is what I use to book accommodation when I am traveling and can always find a good deal on there.
I’ve been using them for years (even just unlocked a new VIP level in their loyalty program), and can’t imagine using any other platform at this stage.
Other Destin travel guides you might enjoy:
Where To Find The Absolute Best Acai Bowls In Destin, Florida
A Complete Guide On How To Get To Cypress Spring Without A Tour
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This is very informative. Destin is on my bucket list