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It’s no secret that I am obsessed with Florida, and today, I am excited to be teaming up with Destin – Fort Walton Beach to share some family-friendly ways to spend a day in Destin, Florida! We have already enjoyed most of these outings ourselves and will be sharing our first-hand experiences and the rest of them are on my bucket list for future adventures.
Our most recent trip was in paid partnership with visit Destin – Fort Walton Beach, but the ones before that were all on our own, and experiences/photos from all of our visits will be included in this post. So, if you are looking for family-friendly ways to spend a day in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, then look no further!
Visiting Destin – Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Whether you have already discovered Destin, Florida, or it’s still waiting to be checked off your bucket list, there is something for you in this post because you will never run out of fun things to do in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
Located on the southern end of the panhandle in Northwest Florida and known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” this bustling coastal community is home to a 20+ mile stretch of white sand beaches nestled against some of the most beautiful emerald-green waters in the world. This family-friendly area has something for everyone, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most up-and-coming travel destinations in the United States.
With more and more nonstop flight options into Destin -Fort Walton Beach Airport being added from locations throughout the Midwest and East Coast, it’s easier than ever to plan a trip down.
12 Destin Fort Walton Beach Activities
So, without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top twelve ways to spend a day in Destin – Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with your family!
#1 Visit Harborwalk Village in Destin
Harborwalk Village, located along the Destin Harbor, is generally known as the center of it all! I am not exaggerating when I say that there is something for everyone here.
Take it easy by sitting and watching the fishing boats come in, quickly followed by the cleaning of their catch, or take it up a notch (or notches) and zipline over a crowd of cotton candy-clad spectators. Or better yet, do both!
Harborwalk Village is home to all of your favorite restaurants and most also offer a water view and an option for open-air dining.
You will usually be able to find the game on and live music most evenings too. This area is bustling from morning ’till night so there really isn’t a bad time to visit. Most businesses open at 10am or 11am and give yourself plenty of time to browse the shops and enjoy the treats.
Being centrally located on Destin Harbor, Harborwalk Village also offers a variety of boating excursions. Book a relaxing dolphin cruise or get your adrenaline going by riding The Sea Blaster.
One thing that I want to do with Abby and Jake before they get much older is an adventure on the Buccaneer Pirate Ship. I have heard so many great things about the fun pirate stories told aboard: sword fights, treasure hunts, water gun battles, face painting, music, and even cannon fire!
A few years ago, we took a family snorkeling trip out of the Harbor and then finished our day with dinner at AJs. TIP: If you plan to visit the Harborwalk Village, see if you can book a 2-hour (ish) boat outing to start or end your day there. While it’s a great place to spend a day in Destin, if you are staying for longer, you will probably find yourself coming back here multiple times!
#2 Dolphin Watching Trip in Destin
Is there a better way to spend the day than on the water while watching dolphins swim by?
There are various options when it dolphin watching in Destin. Some trips are daytime snorkel outings combined with dolphin watching, while others are evening sunset sailings that incorporate dolphin watching.
There are so many options that I recommend checking out TripAdvisor or Get Your Guide to see what’s available.
#3 Destin History & Fishing Museum
This hidden gem is perfect for that rainy day! I mentioned before that Destin is known for its fishing, and I learned so much by visiting the Destin History & Fishing Museum last November.
Home to one of Earnest Hemmingway’s personal fishing rods and the oldest seine fishing boat still in existence, this space will delight adults just as much as the kids. Abby and Jake loved the hands-on activities, and watching them weigh and chart the different (rubber) fish in the Kid’s Fish School provided one of those “yes, they are learning, and they don’t even know it” moments that I came to love back when we homeschooled.
The museum is conveniently located across the street from Harborwalk Village and houses 5,500 sq. ft. of unique exhibit space. It also offers a great selection of souvenirs, books, and gifts! The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Destin Fishin Museum Admission Costs:
- Adult $10
- Military $9
- Seniors $8
- Students $5
- Children under 6 FREE
#4 Henderson Beach State Park
Florida has some of the best state parks! Henderson State Park, a 200-acre gem located on the eastern end of Destin, is a little oasis within the hustle and bustle of a vacation town.
A few years ago, for Labor Day weekend, my family tent-camped at the park (read about that here), and it was awesome. The park itself is home to a 60-site campground and a separate day-use area. We stayed over on the campground side, and I was shocked at how uncrowded it was for a holiday weekend, so keep that in your back pocket if you like to camp! It’s undoubtedly the most affordable way to visit the area.
We were even able to rent chairs from the campground and enjoyed taking walks on the nature trail. You can click here to visit the Florida State Parks website for more information before visiting.
A small fee ($6 per vehicle) is required to use the day-use area, and during peak season, it is best to arrive early as the area often reaches full capacity from late morning to mid-day.
As always, when planning a beach day along the Gulf of Mexico, make sure to pay attention to the beach flag warnings.
#5 Charter a Private Fishing Trip & Catch Your Dinner
If you ask Matt what is at the top of his Florida Bucket List it would be going on a fishing trip! When I first wrote this post, neither of us had been fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. I think that our kids are the perfect age for something like this, too!
There’s no shortage of fishing charters in Destin, and you can click here for more information on the fleet, fishing licenses, what is in season, when, and everything else related to fishing in Destin.
There are also restaurants that will cook your catch for you!
#6 Diving & Snorkeling
The crystal clear emerald waters in Destin provide a wonderful opportunity for snorkeling and diving.
As I mentioned before, we have done a snorkeling trip down in Destin in the past. Our boat took us to the East Jetty, where we saw all kinds of marine life. You actually don’t need to have a boat to access this area. There are many condos located here, with their guests and owners enjoying the beach and popping in and out of the water.
If you are a SCUBA-certified diver, there are some great diving opportunities in the Destin area, as well as dive shops that can get you outfitted and to the right place. I hear that there are actual shipwrecks that are home to larger marine life and even an artificial reef to explore.
Don’t forget your Go-Pro! All three of the photos in this section were taken with our Go Pro Hero 7 Black.
You can click here to learn more about snorkeling and diving opportunities in Destin – Fort Walton Beach.
#7 Play on the Bay: SUP & Lunch at Lulu’s
We know that Destin and Fort Walton Beach border the Gulf of Mexico, but the best-kept secret is Choctawhatchee Bay. The calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
And while we haven’t paddled the bay yet, we have been to Lulu’s and it’s a must-visit on your next trip to Destin – Fort Walton Beach. Not only is the food fantastic, but the outdoor dining area has plenty for the kids to do.
When we were there last, we loved watching the seaplane take off and land from the little dock right there. And you will love their Key Lime Pie!
#8 Cruise Around in a Pontoon Boat
If you ask us, pontoon boats are the best!
They are so easy to use and affordable to rent for a half or full day. This is one of our favorite things to do as a family when we visit the Florida beaches. There are a number of companies that rent out pontoon boats in the Destin—Fort Walton Beach area. Most of the time, you would drive yourself, but some do have the option to request a captain as well!
Once aboard your pontoon boat, you can cruise around Choctawhatchee Bay and explore the National Seashore, Santa Rosa Sound, and Spectre Island, which are all great places to observe wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, too! You can even cruise past the popular Crab Island sandbar or drop anchor in shallow water and snorkel.
#8 Pool Day / Beach Day
We are all tempted to plan out our entire vacation, and while I think it’s great to plan out some days, the kids often really enjoy just hanging out at the hotel pool, especially when you are staying at The Island.
And I can speak from experience that your husband will love the grotto pool (with a secret bar inside) just as much. We have stayed at this property twice and love it. Read all about why we love The Island Hotel here.
When staying in the Destin – Fort Walton Beach area, there are a lot of family-friendly accommodations, with great pools, located right on the white sand beach. We really enjoy the location of The Island over on Okaloosa Island and you could easily spend all of your time here and not have to hear “I’m bored”. They have multiple pools, a putting green, bean bags, restaurants, and a tiki bar with live music for mom. This hotel checks all of our boxes and is a place I continue to recommend to friends and family!
On these pool/beach days, let everyone go at their own pace. I like getting up for sunset. Matt likes getting in an afternoon nap. The kids enjoy some screen time when they take a break from the sun. Make sure you, yes you, relax a little bit too!
And if your hotel or vacation rental does not have a pool, you can look for day passes through ResortPass!
#10 Sandcastle Lessons & Lunch at Fudpuckers
Are you looking for a way to impress your kids? You can take sandcastle building lessons from a trained artist while visiting Destin. Check out Sandcastle Rockstars and book your lesson today! I know that Abby and Jake would LOVE doing this and I actually think that Matt and I would enjoy it just as much.
Afterward, head over to Fudpuckers for a fun meal and gator encounter! This is definitely a memory maker, and they dub Gator Beach as The World’s Greatest Alligator Park. The Gator Park is free to walk around, and there are hundreds of alligators (including baby alligators) to admire.
They sell food for you to feed them with and you can even hold one for a photo. Would you do that? You can also upgrade to a VIP experience and enjoy live shows.
#11 Visit Gulfarium & Eat at Ricks on The Island
One of the most popular ways to spend a day in Destin – Fort Walton Beach is to visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Located directly on the beach and at the center of Okaloosa Island, Gulfarium has been around for over 60 years. They host daily dolphin and sea lion shows as well as educational chats and hands-on animal encounters. Gulfarium is also home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and a wide variety of marine life.
And after a day at Gulfarium and the Fort Walton Beaches, pop back into Rick’s on the Island for dinner! Get the Shrimp Po’Boy and Crab Legs!
Rick’s on the Island is family-owned and has been serving up fresh seafood on the gulf coast since 1989! It’s located right on the bay and just feels low-key and familiar. It’s where the locals go!
#12 The Track & Big Kahuna’s Waterpark
Ok, I am rounding out this list with two places that the kids will love! The first one, The Track, is a family fun park with everything from putt-putt to multi-level go-cart tracks, and it is sure to impress the kids. You can visit their website in advance to get the best deal on points.
And if you drive into Destin from the East along Highway 98, you can’t help but pass Big Kahuna. You’ll know you passed it when the kids shout, “Can we go there?” It’s the largest waterpark on the Emerald Coast and features an adventure park as well.
The waterpark is seasonal, so make sure to visit their website for the most up-to-date hours and information. I like to keep places like these in my back pocket for red flag days when it’s not safe to be in the water due to rip currents.
Visit Destin – Fort Walton Beach
And would you believe that this doesn’t even scratch the surface of all of the fun to be had in Destin and Fort Walton Beach? If you have had a chance to visit, leave me a comment and let me know how you DO DESTIN!
If you are planning your first visit, head on over to the Destin – Fort Walton Beach website. It is full of great information and a great place to start. Request a free Visitor’s Guide today!
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That’s a pretty good list! Destin is an area I have wanted to check out for a while, I always seem to be on the east side when I am out there. It looks like an awesome beach community!
Destin is such a beautiful area in Florida. It truly is the ultimate family vacation spot. Looks like you guys had a great time. 🙂
Great list! These all sound like things I would enjoy as well as the kids. Those beaches look beautiful. When is the best time of year to visit?
We love the Fall! The Gulf is like bathwater and the summer crowds have died down a bit!
Many years ago we lived in Fort Walton Beach and really enjoyed it. I loved reading your post and seeing how much has changed over the last few years. There seems to be a lot more family friendly stuff to do.
I would love to explore this area of Florida more! Thanks for sharing.
Wow! I am convinced….we NEED to go here! I have never been to Destin, but this definitely looks like a place that our whole family would love. Thanks for the awesome recommendations and great photos!