OK, we know the kids will ultimately decide where the family will go on vacation, whether it be a weekend away or a two-week trip with the grandparents!
Get ahead of the game. Let the kids decide, after you have pointed them in the direction of Destin, Florida!
Destin is a beautiful area situated in the panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico with activities and attractions that will satisfy the whole family, from the beach-loving teenager to the golfing Dad, the shop till you drop Mom to Grandpa the fisherman.
The city of Destin somehow manages to couple the feel of the beach resort with the taste of the home town atmosphere. You will easily find a style of accommodation to suit your family needs with homes, condos, and cottages near, or even on, the beach.
Who's going on this trip anyway?
Just you and the spouse? Got the kids? The whole tribe coming along? No matter. Destin has just what you need. The attractions are endless.
What lights your fire? Is it swimming (yes with dolphins if you want), dining out, family fun and activity, sun-bathing, beach parties, shopping, drinking, fishing, golf, scuba diving or sailing? Better make that a four-week trip! The area offers some unique attractions you won't want to miss.
How about a jaunt to Big Kahunas Lost Paradise? Think you can cope with 40 water attractions all in one place? The perfect place for the kids, including big kids over 30! Along with the wild rides and lazy rivers, you can also enjoy go-karting, thrill rides and tropical golf.
After the water fun, why not take a trip to Gator Beach and see over 80 live alligators, a Gator Show AND help feed them.
Then there's the Gulfarium at Fort Walton Beach where dolphins and sea lions feature in live marine shows.
Perhaps you prefer to get out in the sea with the Destin Sea Blaster, a passenger speedboat that holds more than 100 passengers and will take you on a tour of Destin's golden beaches in search of friendly dolphins.
And don't forget The Track, the focal point for family fun and gatherings with a mixture of activities to keep everyone happy. Go-Karting, Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf and Bungee Jumping among them.
Whew! Need a rest? Take a leisurely trip to The Zoo, Gulf Breeze where you will see Gorillas, Rhinos, Lemurs, Giraffes and around 700 other creatures.
For those who have an interest in history, make sure to visit the Air Force Armament Museum for a history of the Air Force or the Indian Temple Mound at Fort Walton Beach where you can spend an afternoon exploring the history of the area and the native people who lived here in days gone by.
At Destin Dockside you can hire a pontoon boat or wave runner or take part in a dolphin excursion.
The area's State Parks will add to your vacation experience with Grayton Beach State Park, a place where you can take a hike or take a bike. If your dog can cycle, take him too. In St. Andrews State Park there is the opportunity to go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or canoeing. This is also the place for the fishing enthusiast.
I suppose Destin as a vacation spot can be summarized in three words : Fun, Fun, Fun.
So where are you Destin-ed to go on your next vacation? Let me guess!
This guide to jam-packed Destin was brought to you by John Campbell.
Destin is so full of activities and attractions that you will be thrilled to retire to a comfy bed and gourmet kitchen, and maybe a hot tub...in your holiday villa, condo, or private home. You might even decide to sleep in and skip the gator tour the next morning!