Best places for live music?

Question

Best places for live music during the week or on a Friday night. Coming in September. I see LuLu’s consistently has live music. Is there anywhere else we could go? Preferably with outdoor seating and pretty views. Anywhere in the general Destin area is good (Destin, Miramar, Okaloosa, 30A). Thank you.

Answer

Destin and the surrounding areas have some fantastic spots for live music, especially if you're looking for outdoor seating with great views. Since you're coming in September, the weather should still be nice, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music by the water. Here are some great places to check out:

1. LuLu’s Destin

As you mentioned, LuLu’s is a great choice and well-known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere. They have live music almost every day of the week, especially in the evenings, and the outdoor seating offers beautiful views of the harbor. The place has a lively vibe, with music ranging from local bands to acoustic performers. It's perfect for families, and they often feature more upbeat, tropical tunes that fit the atmosphere perfectly.

2. The Red Bar (Grayton Beach)

While not directly in Destin, The Red Bar in Grayton Beach is a legendary spot with live music almost every night. The outdoor seating area is great, and it has a rustic, relaxed vibe. The Red Bar is a local favorite, and the live music tends to be very good—ranging from local talent to regional acts. If you’re willing to drive a little (about 30 minutes from Destin), it’s definitely worth the trip for great music, food, and atmosphere.

3. The Village Door (Okaloosa Island)

Located on Okaloosa Island, The Village Door has live music on weekends and sometimes during the week. The venue features a mix of local bands and solo performances. There is a great outdoor patio area where you can enjoy a drink while listening to some tunes. It’s a fun, relaxed spot, with a great view of the sound and easy access to the beach, making it a good choice for an evening out.

4. 30A Songwriter Festival (Santa Rosa Beach)

If you’re looking for something a little different, the 30A Songwriter Festival, which happens annually in January, brings a huge lineup of talented songwriters and musicians, many of whom perform at local venues. However, even in September, you can find smaller live music events at many of the venues along Scenic Highway 30A, including The Alys Beach Amphitheater and Seaside’s Bud & Alley’s, which often feature local musicians and offer great outdoor seating with beautiful views of the coast.

5. HarborWalk Village (Destin Harbor)

HarborWalk Village is one of the best places to find live music in Destin, especially if you want to be on the water. Many of the bars and restaurants along the harbor feature live music throughout the week, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Some good spots to check out for live music include AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar and Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi. Both offer outdoor seating with views of the harbor and are known for having great local bands perform.

6. Seaside (30A)

Seaside, located on 30A, is a beautiful town that often hosts outdoor events and live music. One popular spot is Bud & Alley’s, where you can enjoy great views of the Gulf while listening to live acoustic music. They have a large outdoor deck and often feature live performances in the evening. Seaside also hosts events like the Seaside Amphitheater Concerts, where you can enjoy performances under the stars.

7. Schooner’s (Panama City Beach)

While a little farther from Destin (about an hour drive), Schooner’s is a beachfront restaurant in Panama City Beach with an outdoor deck and live music several nights a week. Known for its laid-back vibe, Schooner’s is famous for its “Sunday Bash” with live music, but you can also find performances most nights of the week. The views of the beach and sunset are an added bonus.

8. Big Daddy’s (Destin)

Big Daddy’s, located right on the beach in Destin, is another spot that has live music, especially in the evenings. The venue offers great views of the Gulf, and the music is often fun and energetic, with a mix of rock, country, and blues. It’s a great place for outdoor seating and enjoying the sunset with music in the background.

9. Margaritaville (Destin)

Margaritaville in Destin often features live music, especially on weekends. With its large outdoor seating area and views of the harbor, it's a great spot to kick back and enjoy some laid-back tunes with a tropical drink. The music here is typically a mix of acoustic sets and island-inspired performances.

10. The Boathouse (Destin Harbor)

For another great option in the Destin Harbor area, check out The Boathouse. They offer outdoor seating and feature live music several nights a week. The atmosphere is more laid-back, and you can enjoy the waterfront views while listening to a variety of local musicians. The Boathouse has a great location and is known for its good food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for a lively place with a lot of options, LuLu’s Destin and HarborWalk Village are both excellent places to check out for live music. For a more laid-back vibe with great views, consider visiting The Red Bar or Seaside’s Bud & Alley’s for a beautiful setting and great performances. Many of the venues along 30A also offer a unique experience with outdoor seating and fantastic Gulf views.

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