The Emerald Coast of Florida is understood for its gorgeous 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 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 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 every part you should know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin and Fort Walton Seashore!
1. Cattywampus Catamaran
No go to to Destin is full and not using a journey on the water, and some of the memorable methods to take action is aboard the Cattywampus Catamaran. This distinctive crusing expertise presents friends 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 bounce 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 a brilliant enjoyable journey we might positively advocate!
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. Often known as 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 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 children aged 3 and 5!
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or simply on the lookout for a enjoyable approach to study Florida’s native wildlife, Fudpucker’s Gator Seashore is a must-see. Be certain that to remain for lunch on the enjoyable, quirky, and engaging restaurant! Only a heads up, the parts are big!
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 turn out 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 HarborWalk Village and offers 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 some of the widespread sights 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 provides a incredible alternative for guests of all ages to interact in interactive displays and be taught in regards to the world round them. With shows masking every part from house exploration to robotics, the science heart is a must-visit that our children actually loved.
The middle options greater than 100 displays, together with actual robots that the children can attempt, an enormous bubble maker, a big outside studying house, and stay animal shows. In case you’re touring with younger kids, the science heart’s Youngsters Zone offers an space stuffed with age-appropriate, partaking actions.
5. Benefit from the Lovely Seashores
Destin and Fort Walton Seashore are residence to a number of the most lovely seashores in the USA, recognized 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 guide, 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 Seashore and Fort Walton’s Okaloosa Island are two of the world’s hottest spots. Each seashores provide quick access to the water and exquisite 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 – Purchasing, Eating, and Enjoyable
The Destin HarborWalk Village is a vibrant hub of exercise the place guests can take pleasure in 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 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 stay music efficiency, the HarborWalk Village has one thing for everybody. Standard sights on the HarborWalk embody zip lining, boat excursions and charters, and even fireworks reveals throughout the summer time months.
7. Marler Park – A Native Playground for Households
In case you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable place to burn off some power, Marler Park in Fort Walton Seashore is the right place to go. This native park encompasses a spacious playground with loads of tools for teenagers to discover, together with swings, slides, and climbing buildings.
Marler Park is a good spot to take a break from the seashore and get the children transferring. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is de facto properly accomplished. The play tools is ready to a coastal theme with a lot of parts from the ocean – It’s far more than simply one other playground!
8. Fishing Museum – Uncover Destin’s Wealthy Fishing Heritage
Often known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has an extended historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the right place to be taught extra about this beloved trade. Situated close to the Destin Harbor, the museum showcases the world’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 set of classic fishing tools. In case 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 Pressure Armament Museum Basis– Historical past Meets Aviation
Historical past buffs and aviation fanatics will love the Fort Walton Air Pressure Armament Museum. Situated simply outdoors of Fort Walton Seashore, this museum presents an up-close take 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 recognized for his or her contemporary seafood and various eating choices. Whether or not you’re within the temper for an off-the-cuff beachside meal or a sublime 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 recognized for its scrumptious, laid-back environment and nice seafood dishes. In case you’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s presents 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.
When you have a candy tooth, ensure to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, a neighborhood favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you just received’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 eventually, don’t miss Al’s Seashore Membership in Destin, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a incredible 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 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 resort presents a singular mix of recent facilities and historic appeal, making it the right base for exploring the Emerald Coast.
Located in a handy location, The Beal Home offers quick access to native sights, together with the Emerald Coast Science Middle 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 Seashore are two of Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques, providing the right 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 children will guarantee you’ve an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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