Going on vacation soon and looking at wade fishing the bay around Destin, FL. Looking to see if any of you guys have any tips or advice?

Don't go in the water if you have any open wounds......

I was in Destin at the end of June this year. We stayed in a condo on the ocean side so I fished the surf at dawn and then put the fishing gear away to do family stuff.
I used a medium 7 foot spinning rod with 20/6 PowerPro braid, swivel, 2 foot 20 lb floro leader, snap swivel, 3/4 oz Johnson Sprite Gold Spoon. The first couple of days, the surf was too rough to wade fish or so I thought. Looking back on it, I should have tried fishing from the beach on those mornings. The third morning calmed down and I caught some Ladyfish. On the fourth and fifth mornings, there was no surf and I caught some large Redfish. The sixth morning was light rain with lightning so I went back to sleep.

I was undergunned for the Redfish but still managed to catch some. I think 30 pound braid would work better. At least I wouldn't be at the mercy of the Redfish.

We saw Sandfleas on the beach and I think the Redfish were patrolling the shoreline eating them. If I was going back, I would buy some Berkley Sand Crab Fleas, wade out 4 feet from shore and cast parallel to the shoreline.

We saw a lot of sting rays and a few small sharks. The sting rays worry me more than anything as I surf wade barefoot.
The Walmart in Destin has everything you need: fishing gear, beach gear, food & beer. Their lines were fast.
Consider fishing the Okaloosa Pier which is a short drive from Destin.