A local's guide to Destin Florida

When looking for a condo in Okaloosa, there are many dynamic options to choose from, including resorts that focus on their waterparks. One of these, Waterscape Resort, puts maximum relaxation at the top of its priority list by featuring two hot tubs in its courtyard and three resort-style pools, one with zero entry. If that weren't enough, there is also a Lay-Z-River and 10-foot waterfall to lounge in. For families with children, there are multiple pool decks, a kids’ pool, and a children’s play area complete with splash pad so that guests of all ages can socialize with their neighbors. Waterscape Resort also boasts gas grill barbecue areas throughout the courtyard for weekly family cookouts. With all of these amenities, Waterscape's courtyard pavilion is ideal for every party and get-together one can dream of.

At the heart of the Waterscape Resort complex, which features luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that sleep up to ten people, is a 10,000-square-foot split-level courtyard. Here, guests can find a creative game room, fitness facility, meeting room and spacious covered parking. Included in the conference room is a small kitchen as well as tables, chairs, and a big-screen television for all presentation and entertainment needs. For beach-bound guests, there's a convenient dune crossover with four freshwater showers and two foot-washing stations. With full-size kitchens complete with cooking utensils, a set of washers and dryers, and modern DVD players, the condominium units themselves offer everything a guest could want. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors make sure that even when spending time inside, guests can take full advantage of the gorgeous Gulf and courtyard views.

A vacation in itself, many guests spend their entire visit without leaving their home at Waterscape. To keep the youngsters busy, there's even a seasonal Kids Club program that is known for its games, crafts, and other activities.

If you do want to venture out of from the resort to visit Okaloosa's delicious restaurants, many options are conveniently located within a few miles of Waterscape, and others are in close walking distance. Whether you're into the lovely seafood of Old Bay Steamer or Angler's Beachside, the steak of Pandora's Steak House, the zesty Italian flavors of Caffe Italia or Pranzo's, a slice of pizza from the Helen Back Cafe, the French cuisine of Bay Café, the mouth-watering south of the border flavors of Los Panchos or Thai cuisine from Bangkok House, there are options for every palate. There are even many casual dining options including FudPuckers, Big City Cafe, Magnolia Grill, or the Crab Trap.

While you may be thinking that all of these wonderful activities are ONLY for the summer, in the panhandle in the off season, there are plenty of warm days to enjoy. There are also tons of activities to enjoy year-round including golfing, fishing, shopping, dining, arts and crafts, visiting Okaloosa's museums and enjoying a variety of food and music events. With its amenities, convenient location and luxurious atmosphere, Waterscape is a great getaway for any season, visit Best Beach Getaways to reserve your booking.

The Destin area is a prime spot to vacation this summer for tennis enthusiasts because of all the offerings at TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort for the 2016 winter season.

Offering weekly tennis events, including ladies clinics, double tactics, Jr. clinics and play with a pro clinic, TOPS'L has an event for everyone. For the remainder of the year, TOPS'L includes other events such as Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and New Year’s round robin events.
Here is the schedule for the rest of the year.
November
12 TOPS’L Level 9 Turkey Open (USTA Jr Event)
19 Saturday Morning Round Robin
26 Happy Thanksgiving Round Robin
December
3 Saturday Morning Round Robin
3 TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort Level 8 (USTA Jr Event)
9 Toys for Tots Charity Round Robin
10 Saturday Morning Round Robin
17 Saturday Morning Round Robin
24 Merry Christmas Round Robin
31 New Year’s Eve Round Robin

USPTA-Certified tennis professionals offer private lessons to members along with clinics and racquet stringing. In case you forgot your racket, there is tennis equipment for sale and rent. TOPS'L also offers player matching services and Round Robin socials for the solo player in your group.

Some of the best days of the year to play tennis can be found during the end of summer and beginning of fall, as there are comfortable temperatures and low humidity, making the weather extremely pleasant.

TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort includes a variety of different properties including the Beach Manor, Captiva, Summit and Tides, along with the Sierra Dunes “Neighborhood” and the Tennis Village. Many of the rentals come with a complete kitchen so you can cook that fresh fish you caught that afternoon or any other meal you'd like. This is one of the many reasons why tennis enthusiasts looking for Destin condos for rent are flocking to TOPS'L, to book your next vacation you can check out Best Beach Getaways.

Additionally, TOPS'L boasts 12 Rubico clay courts which are continually renovated and maintained. Ten of these courts are lighted for night play—so getting plenty of court time is never a problem. Throw in a top-notch pro shop, certified professional instructors and a courteous staff with a passion for the game and you realize why TOPS'L is continuously ranked in the top 25 tennis resorts in the world by Tennis Resorts Online.

At the end of the day, any tennis enthusiast will not want to be anywhere else. Make TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort your home away from home.

Love the warm weather but miss the some of the cold weather activities, like Ice Skating?
No worries, dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Baytowne On Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, the seasonal ice skating rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Rink hours vary daily but for $11 you can skate for an hour and half, and if you did not bring or have your own skates, you can rent a pair for $3. Visit baytownewharf for more information.

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

Summer may be over for many, but the weather here in the panhandle of Florida is still very pleasant. The crowds are gone, the beaches are less crowded and the available vacation deals are booming. No waiting lines at restaurants, traffic is light…but the most important part, the water is very calm and super clear at a pleasant 83 Degrees with very calm breezes.
I just received these great deals by email from a Best Beach Getaways, a place I have used to make condo reservations in previous summers. Take a look at the fall specials they have.

Over the recent three year period, condo sales in Panama City Beach have shown nice price increases. In 2015, prices increased seven percent. In 2014 and 2013, percentages increased 10.4 and 10.6, respectively. Unfortunately, the current year has been a mixed bag. On average, sale prices are down almost two percent. Floor plans and buildings have individually performed the same. Pricing per square foot for condos built after 2001 in the city are down 2.2 percent.

It's The Best Of Both Worlds.

Fancy Camps specializes in achieving the camping experience at any level. They have flexible accommodations that can be setup anywhere, any way, anytime! It’s great! They offer everything from an overnight camp at the beach (or even in your own backyard), to huge music festivals, and more. All setup and breakdown of your Fancy Camp is included.

Get the luxury of a plush king size bed, area rug, and cozy bedroom setup for roughing it in style! Choose your accommodation style, determine your campsite location, or let Fancy Camps help with that too! Then you are on your way to Camping in Style!

Need help selecting a campsite location? Fancy Camps has partnered with the Florida State Parks in the area to provide campsites and camping packages. Currently, they have availability at the Topsail State Park in Destin, Grayton Beach State Park, and St. Andrews State Park along the Gulf Coast. If you already have a campsite location, and just need to reserve a tent or tents by the night, you can do that too.

Here are some of the Fancy Camps available:

Luxury Tent Accommodations: The standard package includes tent, (2) twin or (1) queen bed with real mattress, linens, lighting, area rug(s), bedside tables, outdoor seating, outdoor string lighting, air conditioning. Complete setup and breakdown is included.

Traditional Camping: If you like camping, but hate the hassle of loading, unloading, setting up, you can try a traditional camping setup. They will have everything setup before you arrive and taken down before you go. This package includes a tent, cots, sleeping bags, a stove, and a lantern.

There are so many things to do in the Village of Baytowne Wharf - the sky's the limit! Located in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this 28 acre ultimate gathering place is a hot spot for locals and

visitors alike.

The Village is always alive with shopkeepers, window-shoppers, children eating ice cream cones, you can even enjoy a Starbucks out on the patio and take in all the sights. Most shops in the village are open day and night and there are tons of restaurants to choose from when you're ready for a bite to eat.

The late afternoon crowd heads to the waterfront to watch the most beautiful sunset over the Choctawatchee Bay. Destin is certainly known for their breathtaking sunsets, so be sure to catch at least one while you are in town. At night, the Village really comes to life with several night clubs and bars that entertain the late night crowd.

Knowing that the little ones quickly get bored with shopping and trolling the boardwalk, the Village has two kid-friendly areas for them to work off some energy:

The Baytowne Adventure Zone has activities for the adventurous for sure. The Baytowne Zipline gives an aerial view of the Village as you soar across the lagoon. Test your agility and balance on the Sky Trail Ropes Course. And if that's not enough, the Tower Climb and Eurobungy are sure to thrill you.

The Adventure Landing Playground is an enclosed play area where kids can swing, run and play.

If you are planning a family vacation to Destin, there are so many things to fill your time, it’s not all about the beach! Here are my Top 5 picks for family activities to do while you are in town:

Big Kahuna’s Water Park

www.bigkahunas.com

This oversized waterpark is fun for the whole family. There are more than 40 water attractions at Big Kahuna’s. When you need a break from the water park, play some mini golf on one of the three tropical courses, or take a spin on the wild and fast go kart tracks.

The Track

http://www.destintrack.com/

The Track in Destin has everything you needed for hours of family fun. From go karts to bumper rides to mini golf, there is plenty to entertain.

Beach Sand Sculpture Lessons

www.beachsandsculptures.com

The entire family can spend a couple of hours on the beach with professional sand castle sculptors. They provide all of the tools and equipment needed. What a great time for everyone!

Boogies Watersports

www.boogieswatersports.com

Boogies Watersports can handle all of your watersports needs with jet skis, pontoon boats, boogie boards. For the more adventurous, try a parasailing ride. For those that prefer a more relaxing excursion, take a glass bottom boat trip and see everything without getting wet.

Gulfarium

www.gulfarium.com

At Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, you can feed penguins, watch otters play, watch dolphin and sea lion shows. You can even snorkel with stingrays and sharks. The Gulfarium is also home to seals, turtles, alligators, harbor seals, and more. You can become a “VIP” Trainer working side by side with a Gulfarium team member to see what it takes to care and train for the marine animals.

Have a suggestion for things to do in Destin?

This list is my Top 5 for family things to do in Destin. Feel free to add your suggestion in the comments below.

If you are visiting Destin on a family vacation, you definitely need to make sure that when dining out with the crew, you have some family friendly establishments to choose from. There are several great dining establishments in Destin that are family friendly.

Here is a quick list of my Top 5:

Fuddpuckers

www.fuddpuckers.com/

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill has two area locations. One in Destin, and one in Fort Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island, both locally owned and operated. Great food and a fun atmosphere. There motto is “Food, Fun, and Friends”.

Callahan’s

http://www.callahansdestin.com/

Callahan’s is located in Downtown Destin on the North side of Scenic Hwy 98. They have a huge selection of fresh made sandwiches, fresh grilled burgers and steaks, and a great kid’s menu. Voted Best of The Emerald Coast 2011 by Emerald Coast Magazine.

Gilligan’s Seafood

http://www.gilligansseafoodrestaurant.com/

After a long day in the sun, take the family to Gilligan’s. Located on Harbor Boulevard in Destin, Gilligan’s has one of the most beautiful views in Destin and a spacious covered deck and patio. They prepare fresh, local seafood, caught right in the Gulf.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/destin/

This is a great family fun place! Food is great and environment and staff are very casual and fun. The interior is decked out with old license plates and memorabilia from the movie Forrest Gump. Run, Forrest, Run!

Do you have a restaurant to recommend?

This list is my current Top 5 family friendly dining establishments in Destin. Please feel free to comment with your own suggestions!

A local's guide to Destin Florida

Waterscape Resort is Okaloosa

TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort

Missing the cold weather activities but not the weather?

Destin - Great things to do in October

Great Fall condo offers

Panama City Beach and the Current State of Condo Sales

How About a King Size Bed in Your Camping Tent?