A local's guide to Destin Florida

My family is always on the move, and we have a lot of fun in Destin with the kids. I decided a list of my kid’s favorite activities sounded like a good idea, so I put one together. Everything has been tested and approved by my kids, and I described each activity below. 

My list would not be complete without fishing. Living in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village has

Unfortunately, we don’t have a chance to get to Crab Island as often as we would like because our

The first time I went to the Gulfarium I was a toddler. When I was around ten, my grandmother started working in the gift shop. We went often because she got us free tickets. I always had a lot of fun, but until last summer I had not been there in

My list had to include the joy of eating, and Destin has so many kid-friendly choices. The original Dewey Destin’s is fantastic, and hangs right over the water. We can look out at Crab Island while we eat, and the kids love the little shack. We prefer to go in a boat, but a car works great too. Their shrimp baskets are so good we end up fighting over them, and adults and kids both have a sensational time. 

Boshamps Oyster Bar is another place we like to go to by boat. Its right on the Destin Harbor, and their outdoor dining is absolute perfection. We sit and relax at our table, and watch our boys playing, and running all over the place. Right below the restaurant is the beach, and there are nets for beach volleyball, hammocks, cornhole games, and the boys can even fish off the dock with cane poles. 

We have a lot of fun at Fudpuckers too. Its casual, and there is so much to see. The location is in Destin, and the boys go wild over Gator Beach. That’s a little farther down on my list. The location is central, and the Laser Tag place, and Fat Daddy’s Pizza are right there. Fudpuckers became an icon in Destin, and everyone needs to visit this restaurant at least one time. Their burgers are juicy and delicious, and if you like, you can try some alligator. The reason we go is because the atmosphere is just plain fun. There are so many activities, and they have all been designed for kids. 

Another sensational destination in Destin is the Back Porch. The views are glorious because its right at the beach. We used to have dinner there when I was little, then we would walk on the beach, and look for Ghost Crabs at night. I am not sure if I should admit the thought of taking the boys there didn’t even cross my mind until I made my list, but I will change that. Normally we just have lunch, and then go to the beach. One of the reasons the kids love the Back Porch is they can always clown around there. 

Everyone who visits Destin is awestruck when they see the beach for the first time. The sand is sugar white, and the waters are emerald green. Then there are the bumper cars, the track, mini golf, and the Gokarts arcade. This place is like a year-round carnival, and there is always so much to do. The kids love it here. 

Beach Sand Sculptures gives lessons on how to build a sandcastle. Rick Mungeam and Capri, his

There is nothing like when the entire family takes a walk on the Harbor Boardwalk in Destin, and its free. Something good is always happening at the Boardwalk. We like watching the captains of the charter boats bring in whatever they caught that day, watch the people, sightsee and window shop. My whole family enjoys the walk, and we get a close look at the local culture. The reason Destin is called the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village is right there on the Boardwalk. 

I am not even going to try to make a list of everything to do at the gigantic water park called Big Kahuna’s. I will tell you the kids will be worn out by the end of the day. I mentioned Gator Beach earlier, and you can feed alligators here. Its from a very safe distance, and you can get a picture of yourself holding an alligator. The kids are extremely well entertained here. 

Fat Daddy’s has an arcade, pizza and ice cream. This is where we go when the weather will not cooperate, or it starts to rain. The Sunsations Beach Store is right next door, and they have a Mini Golf place with Black Light and indoor Laser Tag. One Laser Tag game only lasts for around fifteen minutes, so we go there to kill time after the beach, and before dinner. 

Well those are the kid’s most favorite activities in Destin, and the order is just what occurred to me as I was writing. You don’t have to take my word for anything, come see the white sugar shores for yourself. It will not take long for you to figure out why Destin is one of the most popular destinations for families in America. 

The activities are plenty at all times in Destin, making it when of the coolest places regardless of the season. When you think summer is about over, there’s several festivals, including the Destin Seafood Festivals along with the October long Destin Fishing Rodeo where you can find the finest seafood edible gifts. Along with those great festivals, you can also enjoy the annual Emerald Coast Poker Run which happens at the end of Boat Week.  The boat with the best poker hand wins.
Check out the Destin Area Events