Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Crestview, FL

FORT WALTON BEACH. A fun, lively ambiance pervades this dualing piano bar where the pianists lead the music and the...

FORT WALTON BEACH. A fun, lively ambiance pervades this dualing piano bar where the pianists lead the music and the evening. Guests sing along in unison, and each group attempts to out-perform the other. Even the staff joins in on the melodic competition, which includes people of all ages and backgrounds. Perfect for special occasions and parties, these nightly activities pull in loyal fans, and seats are often at a premium. When the rivalry gets too intense, head out to the outdoor deck. With great views of the beach, it's an ideal place to cool off and enjoy your favorite beverage.

Hours: Daily 7pm-2am Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY. One of the area's hottest clubs, the Swamp is also one of the newest. Disneyesque in its appeal,...

MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY. One of the area's hottest clubs, the Swamp is also one of the newest. Disneyesque in its appeal, the venue has trails that wind through landscapes of old tires, wooden shacks, and whiskey barrels. There's even a moat and a waterfall. Located right on the beach, the Swamp can hold 1500 people and entertains them with live music, DJ-spun dance tunes, and five bars. The place is a tribute to bayou culture, and patrons flock to it for the innovative surroundings and expansive space. It's a perfect club for mingling and wandering around. You'll never get bored, and you're likely to meet some cool new friends. Must be 18 to enter; shirts required. No food is served.

Hours: Daily 8pm-4am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

DESTIN. The first thing you notice when you step inside this brewpub is the thousands of dollar bills that hang like...

DESTIN. The first thing you notice when you step inside this brewpub is the thousands of dollar bills that hang like foliage from the ceiling. Signed by pleased patrons, they add extra green to the Irish memorabilia already on display. The restaurant's dark wood and brass accents aptly furnish a place where Irish folk music plays and beer is made on the premises. Pub fare, such as fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and corned beef and cabbage, will placate purists, but the menu also offers steaks, pastas, burgers and seafood for those who haven't been initiated into the pleasures of Irish cuisine. Try them with one of the house brews, which include a light, a red, a stout and even a non-alcoholic root beer.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DESTIN. Club Bimini, AJ's venue for live music and night-time drinks, is the party choice in Destin. An expansive wooden...

DESTIN. Club Bimini, AJ's venue for live music and night-time drinks, is the party choice in Destin. An expansive wooden deck, with a tiki-hut bar and terrific views of the harbor, hosts hordes of tourists and locals. Beer specials are a perennial favorite, and when the bands aren't playing, DJs spin island music and classic rock. Vacationers mingle easily and conversations take off as quickly as the breeze. If you're hungry, order a few oysters or one of the seafood baskets. If not, just nurse your drink and enjoy the evening. There's plenty to do, and if you've arrived early enough to get a parking space, life is nothing but good.

Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DESTIN. This local hang-out looks like it's had its share of loving over the years. In classic bar style, it sports dark...

DESTIN. This local hang-out looks like it's had its share of loving over the years. In classic bar style, it sports dark wood, brass rails and neon beer signs, but you know you're at the beach by the surfboards suspended overhead. Very laid-back, it always entertains a gang at the bar, and at night, patrons gather to play pool and listen to live bands. Rock music and cover tunes are most popular, but you'll also hear blues, jazz, and island music. Inside, several levels corral bar-goers, but if you don't like the cigarette smoke, there's an outdoor deck. The place also serves food, including appetizers, steaks, seafood and sandwiches. Raw bar, too.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-2am; Fri-Sat 11am-4am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DESTIN. Known for its fantastic daiquiris, this bar's a haven for thirsty tourists, who enjoy watching sports on TV or...

DESTIN. Known for its fantastic daiquiris, this bar's a haven for thirsty tourists, who enjoy watching sports on TV or playing video games. Be sure to try the famous 190 Octane, a scrumptious orange juice concoction, or take your pick among banana banshee, mango, margarita, mudslide, pina colada, strawberry, raspberry and vanilla. Mouthwatering snacks such as wings, seasoned to your liking, chili cheese fries, fried portobello mushrooms, and nachos topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa keep the crowds happy. Tuesdays feature $1 daiquiris from 8pm-10pm.

Hours: Sun-Thu Noon-10pm; Fri-Sat Noon-Midnight Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

GRAYTON BEACH. Legendary in the area, this restaurant's decor is part beach shack, part thrift store and part retro...

GRAYTON BEACH. Legendary in the area, this restaurant's decor is part beach shack, part thrift store and part retro club. Walls and ceilings are papered with posters and funky mirrors, and the place has a laid-back, devil-may-care attitude. In one corner of the dining area, tattered furniture surrounds the stage and attracts eager patrons, although music can be heard throughout the space. Blues and jazz take the forefront and provide a perfect backdrop for nursing a drink and hanging out with friends. The Red Bar, which links the front and rear dining rooms, serves up libations fore and aft. As your memento of the coolest bar on the coast, make sure to pick up one of their hip (and recognizable) t-shirts.

Hours: Restaurant Daily 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Bar Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Cash Only

SEAGROVE BEACH. Gulf Coast architecture figures prominently in this yellow clapboard building, trimmed in white and...

SEAGROVE BEACH. Gulf Coast architecture figures prominently in this yellow clapboard building, trimmed in white and topped by a metal roof. Inside, exposed rafters and ductwork are painted white, and market umbrellas hang from the ceiling. The menu features oak-fired oven pizzas, and main dishes include grilled swordfish, sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna, grilled rack of lamb, and filet mignon with truffle aioli and foie gras bordelaise. Fishbone, the restaurant's bar, serves up specialty martinis and has a terrific wine list with a number of good champagnes. Outdoor dining is available on the bar's open deck.

Hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club