The Emerald Coast of Florida is thought for its beautiful seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back environment, good for household adventures!
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside 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 Seaside with children that may make your subsequent household trip unforgettable. From crusing on the open waters to indulging in scrumptious seafood, right here’s the whole lot it’s good to know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin and Fort Walton Seaside!
1. Cattywampus Catamaran
No go to to Destin is full and not using a journey on the water, and one of the crucial memorable methods to take action is aboard the Cattywampus Catamaran. This distinctive crusing expertise gives friends the possibility to discover the beautiful shoreline of the Gulf whereas having fun with a soothing and scenic cruise.
The Cattywampus gives each daytime and sundown cruises, every with its personal set of options. We took the daytime cruise with nice views of the shoreline and bought to see wild dolphins swim and bounce simply ft from the bow.
We additionally bought 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 an excellent enjoyable journey we’d undoubtedly suggest!
2. Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside – Meet the Locals (Alligators, That Is!)
For a singular expertise in Fort Walton Seaside, head to Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside. Referred to as the “World’s Biggest Gator Present,” this attraction gives guests the possibility to rise up shut and private with alligators. The very best half is the present is FREE; click on right here for showtimes.
At Gator Seaside, you’ll be able to feed the gators, take within the alligator present, and even maintain a child alligator for a memorable picture 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 Seaside is a must-see. Be certain that to remain for lunch on the enjoyable, quirky, and attractive 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 youngsters, 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. Children can turn into 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 reminiscences. Alongside the best way, you’ll even have the possibility to identify dolphins and different marine life, making this one of the crucial common sights for households in Destin.
4. Emerald Coast Science Heart – Discover, Be taught, and Play
The Emerald Coast Science Heart in Fort Walton Seaside is a hands-on museum that provides a incredible alternative for guests of all ages to interact in interactive reveals and be taught in regards to the world round them. With shows masking the whole lot from area exploration to robotics, the science heart is a must-visit that our children actually loved.
The middle options greater than 100 reveals, together with actual robots that the children can attempt, an enormous bubble maker, a big out of doors studying area, and dwell animal shows. If you happen to’re touring with younger youngsters, the science heart’s Children Zone offers an space stuffed with age-appropriate, participating actions.
5. Benefit from the Stunning Seashores
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are dwelling to a number of the most lovely seashores in america, recognized for his or her tender, white (and squeaky) sand and emerald inexperienced waters. Whether or not you favor lounging beneath an umbrella with an excellent e-book, having fun with water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding, or taking a leisurely stroll alongside the shoreline, the seashores right here supply the right place to unwind.
Destin’s Crystal Seaside and Fort Walton’s Okaloosa Island are two of the world’s hottest spots. Each seashores supply quick access to the water and delightful views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a quieter expertise, you’ll be able to head to Henderson Seaside State Park in Destin or the serene seashores of Santa Rosa Island in Fort Walton Seaside.
6. Discover the Destin HarborWalk Village – Purchasing, Eating, and Enjoyable
The Destin HarborWalk Village is a vibrant hub of exercise the place guests can get pleasure from buying, eating, and leisure steps away from the water. This full of life space is dwelling to a wide range 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 dwell music efficiency, the HarborWalk Village has one thing for everybody. Well-liked sights on the HarborWalk embrace zip lining, boat excursions and charters, and even fireworks exhibits throughout the summer time months.
7. Marler Park – A Native Playground for Households
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a enjoyable place to burn off some power, Marler Park in Fort Walton Seaside is the right place to go. This native park contains a spacious playground with loads of tools for youths to discover, together with swings, slides, and climbing constructions.
Marler Park is a good spot to take a break from the seaside and get the children shifting. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is de facto properly completed. The play tools is about 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
Referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a protracted historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the right place to be taught extra about this beloved business. Positioned close to the Destin Harbor, the museum showcases the world’s wealthy fishing heritage, that includes reveals on the historical past of economic 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. If you happen to’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. Positioned simply outdoors of Fort Walton Seaside, this museum gives an up-close take a look at the historical past of aviation and the U.S. Air Pressure. The museum homes an enormous assortment of plane together with historic artifacts and interactive reveals.
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 out of doors shows, the Fort Walton Air Pressure Museum is an informative and interesting vacation spot for guests of all ages.
10. Nice Native Eating places – Savor the Flavors of the Gulf
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside 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 embrace The Shack, a hidden gem in Fort Walton Seaside recognized for its scrumptious, laid-back environment and nice seafood dishes. If you happen to’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s gives nice meals with the added bonus of Gator Seaside, the place you’ll be able to rise up shut and private with alligators.
For a extra refined eating expertise, head to The Treatment on the Beal Home in Fort Walton Seaside. This upscale spot serves up craft cocktails and connoisseur dishes in an elegant, historic setting, good for a night out.
When you have a candy tooth, ensure to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, an area favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you just received’t discover wherever else.
For a really beachy vibe, head to The Gulf, a stylish, laid-back restaurant with beautiful waterfront views and a scrumptious menu that includes contemporary seafood and coastal-inspired dishes.
And eventually, don’t miss Al’s Seaside Membership in Destin, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 Seaside
For a memorable and cozy keep in Fort Walton Seaside, contemplate reserving a room at The Beal Home Resort. This charming boutique resort gives a singular mix of contemporary 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 Heart and delightful close by seashores, whether or not you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an prolonged keep. We beloved the heated pool, having the ability to stroll proper out to the seaside, nice restaurant proper onsite, and the beds!
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside 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 gotten an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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