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The Emerald Coast of Florida is understood for its gorgeous seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back environment, good for household adventures!
Destin-Fort Walton Beach are two of the most well-liked locations alongside this picturesque shoreline, providing an eclectic combine of outside actions, historical past, and family-friendly sights. Whether you’re seeking to unwind on the sand, discover native tradition, or embark on an exciting journey, this space has one thing for everybody.
In this information, we’ve rounded up the highest 10 issues to do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with children that may make your subsequent household trip unforgettable. From crusing on the open waters to indulging in scrumptious seafood, right here’s every part it is advisable know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin-Fort Walton Beach!
1. Cattywampus Catamaran
No go to to Destin is full and not using a journey on the water, and one of the vital memorable methods to take action is aboard the Cattywampus Catamaran. This distinctive crusing expertise presents visitors the possibility to discover the gorgeous shoreline of the Gulf whereas having fun with a calming and scenic cruise.
The Cattywampus presents each daytime and sundown cruises, every with its personal set of options. We took the daytime cruise with nice views of the shoreline and received to see wild dolphins swim and bounce simply ft from the bow.
We additionally received to leap off the boat to go snorkeling and discover the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The crew was nice and even gave the youngsters a shot at steering the boat! It was an excellent enjoyable journey we’d positively advocate!
2. Fudpucker’s Gator Beach – Meet the Locals (Alligators, That Is!)
For a singular expertise in Fort Walton Beach, head to Fudpucker’s Gator Beach. Known because the “World’s Greatest Gator Show,” this attraction presents guests the possibility to rise up shut and private with alligators. The better part is the present is FREE; click on right here for showtimes.
At Gator Beach, you possibly can feed the gators, take within the alligator present, and even maintain a child alligator for a memorable picture op – This was an enormous hit with our children aged 3 and 5!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply in search of a enjoyable strategy to study Florida’s native wildlife, Fudpucker’s Gator Beach is a must-see. Make certain to remain for lunch on the enjoyable, quirky, and engaging restaurant! Just a heads up, the parts are big!
3. Set Sail on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – An Adventure for the Whole Family
For households with younger kids, a visit aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin is an absolute should. This family-friendly journey takes you on an exciting pirate-themed cruise. Complete with costumed crew members, water gun fights, tattoos, and treasure hunts. Kids can grow to be honorary pirates, studying pirate lingo and becoming a member of in on the motion as they seek for hidden treasure.
The cruise departs from the Destin HarborStroll Village and offers a fun-filled expertise that mixes pleasure, storytelling, and loads of alternatives to make lasting reminiscences. Along the best way, you’ll even have the possibility to identify dolphins and different marine life, making this one of the vital fashionable sights for households in Destin.
4. Emerald Coast Science Center – Explore, Learn, and Play
The Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach is a hands-on museum that gives a unbelievable alternative for guests of all ages to interact in interactive reveals and study concerning the world round them. With shows protecting every part from area exploration to robotics, the science heart is a must-visit that our children actually loved.
The heart options greater than 100 reveals, together with actual robots that the youngsters can attempt, an enormous bubble maker, a big outside studying area, and reside animal shows. If you’re touring with younger kids, the science heart’s Kids Zone offers an space crammed with age-appropriate, participating actions.
5. Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches
Destin-Fort Walton Beach are dwelling to a number of the most lovely seashores within the United States, recognized for his or her smooth, white (and squeaky) sand and emerald inexperienced waters. Whether you like lounging underneath an umbrella with an excellent e book, having fun with water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding, or taking a leisurely stroll alongside the shoreline, the seashores right here provide the right place to unwind.
Destin’s Crystal Beach and Fort Walton’s Okaloosa Island are two of the world’s hottest spots. Both seashores provide quick access to the water and delightful views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a quieter expertise, you possibly can head to Henderson Beach State Park in Destin or the serene seashores of Santa Rosa Island in Fort Walton Beach.
6. Explore the Destin HarborStroll Village – Shopping, Dining, and Fun
The Destin HarborStroll Village is a vibrant hub of exercise the place guests can take pleasure in buying, eating, and leisure steps away from the water. This energetic space is dwelling to quite a lot of retailers, eating places, bars, and sights, making it an ideal place to spend a day or night.
Whether you’re within the temper to browse native retailers, seize a chew to eat, or catch a reside music efficiency, the HarborStroll Village has one thing for everybody. Popular sights on the HarborStroll embody zip lining, boat excursions and charters, and even fireworks exhibits through the summer time months.
7. Marler Park – A Local Playground for Families
If you’re in search of a enjoyable place to burn off some power, Marler Park in Fort Walton Beach is the right place to go. This native park includes a spacious playground with loads of tools for youths to discover, together with swings, slides, and climbing buildings.
Marler Park is a superb spot to take a break from the seaside and get the youngsters shifting. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is absolutely properly executed. The play tools is ready to a coastal theme with numerous parts from the ocean – It’s far more than simply one other playground!
8. Fishing Museum – Discover Destin’s Rich Fishing Heritage
Known because the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a protracted historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the right place to study extra about this beloved trade. Located close to the Destin Harbor, the museum showcases the world’s wealthy fishing heritage, that includes reveals on the historical past of business fishing, native fishermen, and the instruments of the commerce.
You’ll additionally discover spectacular shows of native marine life and a group of classic fishing tools. If you’re a fishing fanatic or simply within the space’s historical past, the Destin Fishing Museum is a pleasant cease that gives perception into the tradition of this coastal group.
9. Air Force Armament Museum Foundation– History Meets Aviation
History buffs and aviation fans will love the Fort Walton Air Force Armament Museum. Located simply outdoors of Fort Walton Beach, this museum presents an up-close take a look at the historical past of aviation and the U.S. Air Force. The museum homes an enormous assortment of plane together with historic artifacts and interactive reveals.
One of the museum’s highlights is the chance to see a number of the most iconic planes up shut, together with fighter jets, helicopters, and bombers. With each indoor and outside shows, the Fort Walton Air Force Museum is an informative and fascinating vacation spot for guests of all ages.
10. Great Local Restaurants – Savor the Flavors of the Gulf
Destin-Fort Walton Beach are recognized for his or her contemporary seafood and various eating choices. Whether you’re within the temper for an off-the-cuff beachside meal or a chic dinner overlooking the Gulf, there’s no scarcity of nice eating places to select from.
Some native favorites embody The Shack, a hidden gem in Fort Walton Beach recognized for its scrumptious, laid-back environment and nice seafood dishes. If you’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s presents nice meals with the added bonus of Gator Beach, the place you possibly can rise up shut and private with alligators.
For a extra refined eating expertise, head to The Remedy on the Beal House in Fort Walton Beach. This upscale spot serves up craft cocktails and connoisseur dishes in a classy, historic setting, good for a night out.
If you might have a candy tooth, make sure that to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, an area favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you simply received’t discover wherever else.
For a very beachy vibe, head to The Gulf, a classy, laid-back restaurant with gorgeous waterfront views and a scrumptious menu that includes contemporary seafood and coastal-inspired dishes.
And lastly, don’t miss Al’s Beach Club in Destin, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a unbelievable meal whereas stress-free in an informal, beachside setting that completely captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast.
Where to Stay in Destin: The Beal House Hotel – A Charming Escape in Fort Walton Beach
For a memorable and comfy keep in Fort Walton Beach, contemplate reserving a room at The Beal House Hotel. This charming boutique lodge presents a singular mix of recent facilities and historic allure, making it the right base for exploring the Emerald Coast.
Situated in a handy location, The Beal House offers quick access to native sights, together with the Emerald Coast Science Center and delightful close by seashores, whether or not you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an prolonged keep. We beloved the heated pool, with the ability to stroll proper out to the seaside, nice restaurant proper onsite, and the beds!
Destin-Fort Walton Beach are two of Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques, providing the right mixture of pure magnificence, thrilling sights, and native tradition.
Whether you’re right here for a weekend or an extended keep, these 10 issues to do in Destin-Fort Walton with children will guarantee you might have an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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