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The Emerald Coast of Florida is thought for its gorgeous seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance, good for household adventures!
Destin-Fort Walton Seashore are two of the most well-liked locations alongside this picturesque shoreline, providing an eclectic combine of out of doors actions, historical past, and family-friendly points of interest. Whether or not you’re trying to unwind on the sand, discover native tradition, or embark on an exciting journey, this space has one thing for everybody.
On this information, we’ve rounded up the highest 10 issues to do in Destin-Fort Walton Seashore with children that can make your subsequent household trip unforgettable. From crusing on the open waters to indulging in scrumptious seafood, right here’s all the pieces it’s essential know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin-Fort Walton Seashore!
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 affords friends the prospect to discover the gorgeous shoreline of the Gulf whereas having fun with a soothing and scenic cruise.
The Cattywampus affords 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 leap simply ft from the bow.
We additionally received to leap off the boat to go snorkeling and discover the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore. The crew was nice and even gave the children a shot at steering the boat! It was an excellent enjoyable journey we might undoubtedly suggest!
2. Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore – Meet the Locals (Alligators, That Is!)
For a singular expertise in Fort Walton Seashore, head to Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore. Generally known as the “World’s Biggest Gator Present,” this attraction affords guests the prospect to rise up shut and private with alligators. The very best half is the present is FREE; click on right here for showtimes.
At Gator Seashore, you may feed the gators, take within the alligator present, and even maintain a child alligator for a memorable photograph op – This was an enormous hit with our children aged 3 and 5!
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or simply searching for a enjoyable solution to find out about Florida’s native wildlife, Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore is a must-see. Be certain that to remain for lunch on the enjoyable, quirky, and attractive restaurant! Only a heads up, the parts are enormous!
3. Set Sail on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – An Journey for the Complete Household
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. Full with costumed crew members, water gun fights, tattoos, and treasure hunts. Youngsters can change into 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 HarborWalk Village and supplies a fun-filled expertise that mixes pleasure, storytelling, and loads of alternatives to make lasting recollections. Alongside the best way, you’ll even have the prospect to identify dolphins and different marine life, making this one of the vital widespread points of interest for households in Destin.
4. Emerald Coast Science Middle – Discover, Be taught, and Play
The Emerald Coast Science Middle in Fort Walton Seashore is a hands-on museum that gives a implausible alternative for guests of all ages to interact in interactive reveals and study concerning the world round them. With shows protecting all the pieces from area exploration to robotics, the science middle is a must-visit that our children actually loved.
The middle options greater than 100 reveals, together with actual robots that the children can attempt, an enormous bubble maker, a big outside studying area, and reside animal shows. Should you’re touring with younger kids, the science middle’s Youngsters Zone supplies an space stuffed with age-appropriate, partaking actions.
5. Benefit from the Lovely Seashores
Destin-Fort Walton Seashore are dwelling to among the most stunning seashores in the US, identified for his or her tender, white (and squeaky) sand and emerald inexperienced waters. Whether or not you like lounging underneath an umbrella with ebook, 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 proper place to unwind.
Destin’s Crystal Seashore and Fort Walton’s Okaloosa Island are two of the realm’s hottest spots. Each seashores provide quick access to the water and delightful views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a quieter expertise, you may head to Henderson Seashore State Park in Destin or the serene seashores of Santa Rosa Island in Fort Walton Seashore.
6. Discover the Destin HarborWalk Village – Purchasing, Eating, and Enjoyable
The Destin HarborWalk Village is a vibrant hub of exercise the place guests can take pleasure in buying, eating, and leisure steps away from the water. This vigorous space is dwelling to a wide range of retailers, eating places, bars, and points of interest, making it an ideal place to spend a day or night.
Whether or not you’re within the temper to browse native retailers, seize a chew to eat, or catch a reside music efficiency, the HarborWalk Village has one thing for everybody. Fashionable points of interest on the HarborWalk embrace zip lining, boat excursions and charters, and even fireworks reveals through the summer time months.
7. Marler Park – A Native Playground for Households
Should you’re searching for a enjoyable place to burn off some power, Marler Park in Fort Walton Seashore is the proper place to go. This native park incorporates a spacious playground with loads of gear for youths to discover, together with swings, slides, and climbing constructions.
Marler Park is a superb spot to take a break from the seaside and get the children transferring. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is actually properly completed. The play gear is about to a coastal theme with plenty of parts from the ocean – It’s far more than simply one other playground!
8. Fishing Museum – Uncover Destin’s Wealthy Fishing Heritage
Generally known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a protracted historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the proper place to study extra about this beloved trade. Positioned close to the Destin Harbor, the museum showcases the realm’s wealthy fishing heritage, that includes reveals on the historical past of economic fishing, native fishermen, and the instruments of the commerce.
You’ll additionally discover spectacular shows of native marine life and a set of classic fishing gear. Should 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 Power Armament Museum Basis– Historical past Meets Aviation
Historical past buffs and aviation fanatics will love the Fort Walton Air Power Armament Museum. Positioned simply outdoors of Fort Walton Seashore, this museum affords an up-close take a look at the historical past of aviation and the U.S. Air Power. The museum homes an unlimited assortment of plane together with historic artifacts and interactive reveals.
One of many museum’s highlights is the chance to see among the most iconic planes up shut, together with fighter jets, helicopters, and bombers. With each indoor and outside shows, the Fort Walton Air Power Museum is an informative and fascinating vacation spot for guests of all ages.
10. Nice Native Eating places – Savor the Flavors of the Gulf
Destin-Fort Walton Seashore are identified for his or her recent seafood and numerous eating choices. Whether or not you’re within the temper for an informal beachside meal or a chic dinner overlooking the Gulf, there’s no scarcity of nice eating places to select from.
Some native favorites embrace The Shack, a hidden gem in Fort Walton Seashore identified for its scrumptious, laid-back ambiance and nice seafood dishes. Should you’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s affords nice meals with the added bonus of Gator Seashore, the place you may rise up shut and private with alligators.
For a extra refined eating expertise, head to The Treatment on the Beal Home in Fort Walton Seashore. This upscale spot serves up craft cocktails and gourmand dishes in an elegant, historic setting, good for a night out.
You probably have a candy tooth, ensure to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, an area favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you just gained’t discover wherever else.
For a really beachy vibe, head to The Gulf, a stylish, laid-back restaurant with gorgeous waterfront views and a scrumptious menu that includes recent seafood and coastal-inspired dishes.
And eventually, don’t miss Al’s Seashore Membership in Destin, the place you may take pleasure in a implausible meal whereas stress-free in an informal, beachside setting that completely captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast.
The place to Keep in Destin: The Beal Home Resort – A Charming Escape in Fort Walton Seashore
For a memorable and comfy keep in Fort Walton Seashore, take into account reserving a room at The Beal Home Resort. This charming boutique lodge affords a singular mix of recent facilities and historic appeal, making it the proper base for exploring the Emerald Coast.
Located in a handy location, The Beal Home supplies quick access to native points of interest, together with the Emerald Coast Science Middle 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 Seashore are two of Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques, providing the proper mixture of pure magnificence, thrilling points of interest, and native tradition.
Whether or not 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’ve got an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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