The Emerald Coast of Florida is thought for its gorgeous seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance, excellent for household adventures!
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are two of the preferred 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 and Fort Walton Seaside with children that can make your subsequent household trip unforgettable. From crusing on the open waters to indulging in scrumptious seafood, right here’s every thing that you must know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin and Fort Walton Seaside!
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 company the possibility to discover the gorgeous shoreline of the Gulf whereas having fun with a soothing 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 obtained to see wild dolphins swim and leap simply toes 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 children a shot at steering the boat! It was an excellent enjoyable journey we might positively advocate!
2. Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside – Meet the Locals (Alligators, That Is!)
For a novel expertise in Fort Walton Seaside, head to Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside. Often called the “World’s Best Gator Present,” this attraction presents guests the possibility to rise up shut and private with alligators. The most effective half is the present is FREE; click on right here for showtimes.
At Gator Seaside, you’ll be able to 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 youngsters aged 3 and 5!
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or simply on the lookout for a enjoyable method to find out about Florida’s native wildlife, Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside is a must-see. Be sure 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 exciting pirate-themed cruise. Full with costumed crew members, water gun fights, tattoos, and treasure hunts. Youngsters can turn 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 recollections. Alongside the best way, you’ll even have the possibility 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 Heart – Discover, Be taught, and Play
The Emerald Coast Science Heart in Fort Walton Seaside is a hands-on museum that provides a improbable alternative for guests of all ages to have interaction in interactive reveals and be taught concerning the world round them. With shows masking every thing from house exploration to robotics, the science middle is a must-visit that our youngsters actually loved.
The middle options greater than 100 reveals, together with actual robots that the children can attempt, an enormous bubble maker, a big out of doors studying house, and dwell animal shows. In the event you’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 Seaside are residence to among the most lovely seashores in the US, recognized for his or her tender, white (and squeaky) sand and emerald inexperienced waters. Whether or not you favor lounging underneath an umbrella with an excellent guide, 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 Seaside and Fort Walton’s Okaloosa Island are two of the world’s hottest spots. Each seashores supply quick access to the water and exquisite views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a quieter expertise, you’ll be able to head to Henderson Seaside State Park in Destin or the serene seashores of Santa Rosa Island in Fort Walton Seaside.
6. Discover the Destin HarborWalk Village – Purchasing, Eating, and Enjoyable
The Destin HarborWalk Village is a vibrant hub of exercise the place guests can get pleasure from procuring, eating, and leisure steps away from the water. This full of life space is residence to quite a lot of outlets, 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 outlets, seize a chew to eat, or catch a dwell music efficiency, the HarborWalk Village has one thing for everybody. Common 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
In the event you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable place to burn off some power, Marler Park in Fort Walton Seaside is the proper place to go. This native park encompasses 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 children transferring. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is admittedly properly performed. The play tools is ready 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
Often called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a protracted historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the proper place to be taught extra about this beloved trade. Positioned 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. In the event 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 neighborhood.
9. Air Drive Armament Museum Basis– Historical past Meets Aviation
Historical past buffs and aviation fanatics will love the Fort Walton Air Drive Armament Museum. Positioned simply exterior of Fort Walton Seaside, this museum presents an up-close take a look at the historical past of aviation and the U.S. Air Drive. 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 out of doors shows, the Fort Walton Air Drive Museum is an informative and interesting vacation spot for guests of all ages.
10. Nice Native Eating places – Savor the Flavors of the Gulf
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are recognized for his or her contemporary seafood and numerous eating choices. Whether or not you’re within the temper for an informal beachside meal or a sublime 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 Seaside recognized for its scrumptious, laid-back ambiance and nice seafood dishes. In the event you’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s presents nice meals with the added bonus of Gator Seaside, the place you’ll be able to rise up shut and private with alligators.
For a extra refined eating expertise, head to The Treatment on the Beal Home in Fort Walton Seaside. This upscale spot serves up craft cocktails and connoisseur dishes in a classy, historic setting, excellent for a night out.
When you have a candy tooth, make certain to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, an area favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you simply gained’t discover anyplace 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 contemporary seafood and coastal-inspired dishes.
And at last, don’t miss Al’s Seaside Membership in Destin, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a improbable meal whereas enjoyable in an off-the-cuff, beachside setting that completely captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast.
The place to Keep in Destin: The Beal Home Lodge – A Charming Escape in Fort Walton Seaside
For a memorable and comfy keep in Fort Walton Seaside, take into account reserving a room at The Beal Home Lodge. This charming boutique lodge presents 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 points of interest, together with the Emerald Coast Science Heart and exquisite close by seashores, whether or not you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an prolonged keep. We cherished the heated pool, with the ability to stroll proper out to the seashore, nice restaurant proper onsite, and the beds!
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside 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 and Fort Walton with children will guarantee you have got an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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