The Emerald Coast of Florida is understood for its beautiful seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back environment, excellent for household adventures!
Destin and 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 sights. Whether or not you’re seeking to unwind on the sand, discover native tradition, or embark on an exhilarating journey, this space has one thing for everybody.
On this information, we’ve rounded up the highest 10 issues to do in Destin and Fort Walton Seashore with youngsters that may make your subsequent household trip unforgettable. From crusing on the open waters to indulging in scrumptious seafood, right here’s all the pieces you have to know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin and Fort Walton Seashore!
1. Cattywampus Catamaran
No go to to Destin is full with out a journey on the water, and one of the crucial memorable methods to take action is aboard the Cattywampus Catamaran. This distinctive crusing expertise affords visitors the possibility to discover the beautiful shoreline of the Gulf whereas having fun with a calming 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 obtained to see wild dolphins swim and soar simply ft from the bow.
We additionally obtained to leap off the boat to go snorkeling and discover the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore. The crew was nice and even gave the youngsters a shot at steering the boat! It was a brilliant enjoyable journey we’d undoubtedly suggest!
2. Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore – Meet the Locals (Alligators, That Is!)
For a novel expertise in Fort Walton Seashore, head to Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore. Referred to as the “World’s Best Gator Present,” this attraction affords guests the possibility to rise up shut and private with alligators. The perfect half is the present is FREE; click on right here for showtimes.
At Gator Seashore, you possibly can 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 youngsters aged 3 and 5!
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or simply in search of a enjoyable approach to find out about Florida’s native wildlife, Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore is a must-see. Make certain to remain for lunch on the enjoyable, quirky, and attractive restaurant! Only a heads up, the parts are big!
3. Set Sail on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – An Journey for the Entire Household
For households with younger youngsters, a visit aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin is an absolute should. This family-friendly journey takes you on an exhilarating pirate-themed cruise. Full with costumed crew members, water gun fights, tattoos, and treasure hunts. Youngsters can develop 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 gives a fun-filled expertise that mixes pleasure, storytelling, and loads of alternatives to make lasting reminiscences. Alongside the best way, you’ll even have the possibility to identify dolphins and different marine life, making this one of the crucial standard sights for households in Destin.
4. Emerald Coast Science Middle – Discover, Study, and Play
The Emerald Coast Science Middle in Fort Walton Seashore is a hands-on museum that provides a unbelievable alternative for guests of all ages to interact in interactive displays and study concerning the world round them. With shows masking all the pieces from area exploration to robotics, the science middle is a must-visit that our youngsters actually loved.
The middle options greater than 100 displays, together with actual robots that the youngsters can strive, an enormous bubble maker, a big outside studying area, and reside animal shows. For those who’re touring with younger youngsters, the science middle’s Youngsters Zone gives an space full of age-appropriate, participating actions.
5. Benefit from the Stunning Seashores
Destin and Fort Walton Seashore are residence to a number of the most stunning seashores in the USA, identified for his or her gentle, white (and squeaky) sand and emerald inexperienced waters. Whether or not you favor 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 supply 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 supply quick access to the water and delightful views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a quieter expertise, you possibly can 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 – Procuring, 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 energetic space is residence to a wide range of outlets, eating places, bars, and sights, making it an ideal place to spend a day or night.
Whether or not you’re within the temper to browse native outlets, seize a chunk to eat, or catch a reside music efficiency, the HarborWalk Village has one thing for everybody. Common sights on the HarborWalk embody zip lining, boat excursions and charters, and even fireworks exhibits through the summer time months.
7. Marler Park – A Native Playground for Households
For those who’re in search of a enjoyable place to burn off some vitality, Marler Park in Fort Walton Seashore is the proper place to go. This native park incorporates a spacious playground with loads of tools for teenagers to discover, together with swings, slides, and climbing constructions.
Marler Park is a superb spot to take a break from the seashore and get the youngsters transferring. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is actually properly carried out. The play tools is ready to a coastal theme with a number of parts from the ocean – It’s far more than simply one other playground!
8. Fishing Museum – Uncover Destin’s Wealthy Fishing Heritage
Referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has an extended historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the proper place to study extra about this beloved business. Positioned close to the Destin Harbor, the museum showcases the realm’s wealthy fishing heritage, that includes displays 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. For those who’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 neighborhood.
9. Air Pressure Armament Museum Basis– Historical past Meets Aviation
Historical past buffs and aviation lovers will love the Fort Walton Air Pressure Armament Museum. Positioned simply outdoors of Fort Walton Seashore, this museum affords an up-close have a look at the historical past of aviation and the U.S. Air Pressure. The museum homes an unlimited assortment of plane together with historic artifacts and interactive displays.
One of many 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 Pressure 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 and 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 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 Seashore identified for its scrumptious, laid-back environment and nice seafood dishes. For those who’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s affords nice meals with the added bonus of Gator Seashore, the place you possibly can 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, excellent for a night out.
In case you have a candy tooth, make certain to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, a neighborhood favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you simply received’t discover anyplace else.
For a very beachy vibe, head to The Gulf, a classy, laid-back restaurant with beautiful waterfront views and a scrumptious menu that includes recent seafood and coastal-inspired dishes.
And at last, don’t miss Al’s Seashore Membership 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.
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, think about reserving a room at The Beal Home Resort. This charming boutique lodge affords a novel mix of recent facilities and historic allure, making it the proper base for exploring the Emerald Coast.
Located in a handy location, The Beal Home gives quick access to native sights, 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 seashore, nice restaurant proper onsite, and the beds!
Destin and Fort Walton Seashore are two of Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques, providing the proper mixture of pure magnificence, thrilling sights, and native tradition.
Whether or not you’re right here for a weekend or an extended keep, these 10 issues to do in Destin and Fort Walton with youngsters will guarantee you’ve gotten an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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