Destin is where the sun, sand, and sea meet to form the ultimate family vacation destination. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Destin, Florida for families you won’t be disappointed!
With miles of white sand beaches, world-class fishing, and plenty of attractions to explore, Destin offers something for everyone in the family.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or take part in thrilling water sports activities – there’s something here that will make your vacation unforgettable.
In this post we’ll cover some of the best things to do in Destin, Florida for families so you can start planning your perfect family getaway!
Is Destin Florida a good place for families?
Destin, Florida is a great place for families to take a vacation and enjoy the sunshine! The area offers plenty of activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, shopping, golfing and more.
The weather is ideal, with sunny days and warm temperatures almost year-round. Summers are long and hot, while winters tend to be relatively mild.
The beaches of Destin are some of the most beautiful in all of Florida and offer white sandy shores perfect for relaxation.
In addition to the activities that families can do together, there are also many attractions available, including an amusement park like Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park.
Furthermore, Destin has wonderful restaurants which feature fresh seafood caught right off from its own shores!
Plenty of vacation rentals can be found on the beach and around it, ideal for an extended stay. If you’re looking for Destin Beach House that is perfect for large families, check out Papaya Paradise at GSM Family Vacations.
Best Things to do in Destin, Florida For Families
Go to the Beach
What better way to spend the day with your family than by soaking up some Florida sunshine and relaxing in the sand? Destin has several beautiful beaches, such as Crystal Beach, Henderson Beach State Park, and James Lee Park.
Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more at these stunning beach locations. Bring your beach chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler full of snacks and you’ll be set for the day! Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!
Take a Fishing Trip
With its vast array of seafood options available for fishing charters in Destin, families can have a great time reeling in their meal or even just getting out on the water and enjoying the scenery!
Dolphin Cruise
Experience the majestic beauty of dolphins up close with a dolphin cruise! There are several operators in Destin that offer guided tours and provide opportunities for families to view these amazing creatures in their natural habitats.
Read our guide on the best time to see dolphins in Destin, Florida
Go to Crab Island
Crab Island is a shallow sandbar just a few miles from Destin’s shoreline. It’s the perfect spot for families to spend some quality time together by swimming, snorkeling and enjoying some delicious food from the nearby vendors.
Crab Island is known for its party atmosphere, but don’t let that scare you away from visiting with your family. The best side of Crab Island for families is near the Coast Guard station and north channel which is the area least impacted by the tides and where less of a party vibe can be found.
Visit Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Get your thrills at this massive water park located right on Destin’s shoreline! Spend hours here splashing around its many slides and attractions with your family.
If you prefer to stay out of the water, you can still have fun at Big Kahuna’s Adventure Park with their large tropical-themed mini-golf course and exciting thrill rides.
Big Kahuna’s also offers a wide variety of food and beverage options to make sure you don’t go hungry!
Shop along HarborWalk Village
Alongside the marina are multiple shops full of souvenirs and other items unique to Destin perfect for keeping as mementos from your trip or gifts for others back home!
Explore Henderson Beach State Park
A great outdoor activity option is visiting Henderson Beach State Park where you can take in all of nature’s beauty by observing wildlife while walking through trails or relaxing on the beach.
Visit Gator Beach
Experience the wonders of Florida’s natural inhabitants at Gator Beach where you can get up close with alligators and other wildlife! This unique alligator park is located at Fudpuckers in the heart of Destin.
Plus, it’s completely free to enter and take a look around. You can even watch Alligator Shows with absolutely no charge or feed live alligators! Take a picture holding a live alligator for an impressive souvenir that will be sure to get your family talking back home.
Stay at a Destin Beach House
Choosing a good Destin beach house rental is key to a successful family vacation. Papaya Paradise at GSM Family Vacations is a luxurious Destin beach house in the exclusive gated community of Destiny East.
This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home boasts a private pool and covered lanai perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. The open floor plan seamlessly flows from the living area to the pool, which is ideal for entertaining friends and family.
Stroll along Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
The Okaloosa Island boardwalk is a pathway that is open to the public. It is situated along the eastern shoreline of Okaloosa Island, which is in the northwest region of Florida.
The boardwalk is perfect for families to enjoy a leisurely stroll and visit the nearby shops, restaurants and other businesses.
Go for a peaceful stroll or bike along this picturesque boardwalk while taking in views of the ocean, beach, and natural surroundings.
Try out the Local Cuisine
Sample some of Destin’s amazing seafood dishes and enjoy a meal together! With so many great restaurants to choose from, you can find something delicious for everyone in your family to try. Here are some of the top restaurants around the area;
What’s the cheapest month to go to Destin Florida?
Visiting Destin, Florida can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. But if you’re looking for an even better deal, consider visiting between November and February, which is the off-season.
To learn more, here are our guides on The Cheapest Month To Go To Destin and Best Month To Visit Destin
During this time of year, hotel prices, airfare, and other attractions tend to be much lower than during peak season, making it the best time for budget-minded travelers. So if you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to experience Destin’s beauty and charm, plan your trip around this time
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