Mark,
I was in Destin a couple of years ago. I now have a home on Dog Island (next to St. George) and fish extensively from the surf. There is a State Park next to Sandestin (Topsail Hill Preserve) walkable by beach and at the time it was loaded with all kinds of inshore species. The normal catch is Pompano, Redfish, Black Drum, Trout, Sheephead, Spanish Mackerel and a slew of junk fish. It is my understanding that there are local surf fishing guides that are very reasonable, I think one goes by Pompano Jim, I met him walking up Topsail. I would personally recommend sand fleas for bait as pompano and redfish love them. Bring a sand flea rake as you can get all the bait you need, best on out going tide and enjoy. Surf fishing this area is definately not a waste of time. While Sandestin fishing is excellent I have found Dog Island surf fishing the best. I wish you safe travels and great weather.