Destin, Florida is quickly becoming a top vacation spot for families. The area's natural beauty is spectacular, with pristine white beaches and Caribbean-like turquoise green waters. Amid this paradise you'll find lots of activities and attractions for kids of all ages and for adults, as well.
The main attraction is the beach. The warm crystal water provides a perfect "swimming hole." The gulf is so clear and often so calm that it's almost like swimming in a saltwater swimming pool - a very LARGE pool. Small children will delight in splashing around, chasing minnows in the shallows, and searching for interesting shells of all kinds. Older kids and adults can grab a snorkel and mask and view the fascinating marine life seeking the shelter of the beach jetty or the pier pilings. The soft sands are a dazzling white, making sandcastle building a popular passtime for youngsters. And unlike many other beaches, the sand never gets hot enough to burn tender little feet because most of the sun's scorching rays are reflected. Set up a net and play a round of volleyball with the family, or catch some of the warm gulf breezes with a kite or two.
For a break from the beach, take the family to Pleasure Island Water Park for some thrilling water slide activity or some go-kart action. The Track Recreation Center is another wonderful family playground, with bungee jumping, bumper boats, an arcade, miniature golf, and a ride on a unique 3-tiered combination go-kart roller coaster. Part of the Center, Kids' Country, is set aside especially for the little tykes, where they'll find pint-sized rides just for them.
Bring along your bicycles for a family ride through Point Washington State Forest, with its scenic views of native plants, towering trees, and wildlife. Or for a more relaxing ride, visit one of the area stables like Double D, Elk Dog, or Western Pleasure Stables for great sight-seeing from the back of a gentle horse. The guides are experts at matching the right horse to the rider's ability, even if it's your very first ride.
While you're in the area, the Gulfarium is a must-see for families. The live animal shows include the antics of dolphin and sea lions, and the exhibits offer a glimpse into the feeding habits of otters, penguins, tropical birds, seals, and huge loggerhead turtles. Kids of all ages will love the shark moat, the stingray pool, the big resident alligator, and the 60,000- gallon saltwater aquarium. A stroll through Dune Lagoon will allow visitors to feed ducks, coots, geese, pelicans, and other feathered friends. The birds will eat right from your hand! There's even a special Touch Pool where kids can hold and closely examine a variety of marine life. If you call ahead, you can arrange for your child to get into the pool with Kiwi, a friendly dolphin, for an unforgettable experience.
Area lodging includes a huge variety of accommodations and a wide price range.You definitely want to rent a condo or beachfront home so there'll be
plenty of indoor play room for the kids and a kitchen for meal
preparations. Eating out won't kill your budget, either, with plenty of fast-food eateries and lots of restaurants with special menus and prices for children.
Your whole family will enjoy the scenic atmosphere of Destin, and no one will get bored. From the shore to the amusement parks to the forests and trails, there's plenty to do and see in the area to satisfy every member of the family.
This guide to family fun has been brought to you by our favorite vacationer, Holle Abee.
We have to put a plug in for the renting of a home or condo on your family vacation. Because, no matter how much you adore them, your family needs space from you. And you from them. (And if you have teenagers, especially from them. Maybe rent two houses. Or leave them behind.)