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Destin, Florida with the Kids

Jun 17, 2019 | Florida | 0 comments

Updated: Jan 2, 2020

Where to stay, where to go, and where to eat.

Woman in the water with her daughter in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
Where to Stay:

We stayed at Emerald Towers in Fort Walton Beach. (Condo)

What I loved about this location:

1) Every condo at Emerald Towers has a view. Seriously, this was our view! I was crying when I had to leave. The white sand beaches of Emerald Coast are like no other. The views are stunning.

View of the beach in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
Airbnb logo.

2) Short walk to the beach. It is about a 3 minute walk, and the longest part is walking across the dock to get there. Trekking across the sand is the hardest part, because it’s super soft, but it makes for a good workout.

Woman walking with little girl on the boardwalk in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

3) The beaches are empty. I do not know if this is normal, but it was never crowded at the Fort Walton Beach. This was around 3:00 in the afternoon on a sunny day. * Please note, this is not a public beach. Only condo residence area allowed on this beach. Whoop whoop.

Woman standing on the beach on Emerald Coast beach in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

4) The condo has these amazing chairs and umbrellas. Everyday someone puts out chairs and umbrellas, and they are free to use if you are staying at the condo.

Beach chairs on Emerald Coast beach in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

5) The pool made my list, although it’s not super impressive nor does it have an amazing view. What I did love about this pool is there is always kids at the pool playing. My kids meet so many friends! Their favorite part on this vacation was the pool and meeting new friends.

Pool with people swimming at the Emerald Coast beach in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
Where to Go in Destin:

1) The Beach- No explanation needed. Destin is known for it’s quartz white sand and emerald water.

Woman in the water with her son at the Forth Walton Beach in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
2) Rent a Pontoon and go to Crab Island.

Check out Groupon first before deciding on what company to rent a pontoon boat from. Sadly, I did not find a deal on Groupon, but I did after much research find out that Sunshine Pontoon Rentals was the cheapest. I was a little scared as to what the pontoon boats would look like, since they came in so much cheaper then the other companies. I was really surprised! The pontoon boats were the nicest on the water. Win Win!

Pontoons at Sunshine Rentals in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
People riding a pontoon from Sunshine Rentals in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

Crab Island is a short distance from the Pontoon rental company and easy to get to. The island has a ton of inflatables to select from on the water. This is the one my family decided to make their playground for a few hours.

Floating waterpark on Crab Island in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

A lot, of people hang out in the water next to their boats, since the water is only waste deep. I heard they even have live bands that play sometimes on floating docks. How cool is that?

Woman in the water with her daughter in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

They even have an ice cream company that boats by, along with a floating restaurant/bar.

People eating ice cream on the Pontoon at Crab Island in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
3) Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

This the perfect place for an extremely hot or rainy day. 90% of the facility is outside, but it’s covered and you get a nice breeze from the ocean since it’s located on the beach. This place is super popular and well known. The earlier you get there the better.

“Life’s a Beach” Publication has a coupon on page 90. “$1.00 off admission valid up to 4 guest.”

Kids looking at the sea creatures at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

They have an area where you can touch sea life.

Man touching the sea creatures at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

A dolphin show to watch, rain or shine. My grandmother is the one in the blue poncho, while everyone is running away from the rain.

Dolphin show at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

Also, they have an adorable Sea Lion show.

The biggest suggestion I can give you is to skip the alligator feeding. They just hand them pellets and it’s…..BORING. Instead of wasting your time at this show head over to another show and get a good seat.

Also, you can add-on an animal encounter, such as a one on one experience with the dolphins. See their website for more information, if you are interested.

4) Destin Harbor Boardwalk – $10 Parking

This place is great if you love shopping and drinking. If you have kids then wait until the evening. We went during the day and the kids had sweat dripping down their faces. Also, if you have smaller kids, it can be a little scary because they do not have fences around the water. You can see the boats parked against the walk way in the picture below. There are a ton of spaces for the kids to fall into the water. It made me a little nervous and I have older kids.

Kids eating snow cones at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

We had to stop for Kona Ice, because it was so hot.

Little boy serving more Kona Ice at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

This was the only activity I found for the kids, a small train ride that goes around the boardwalk.

Two little kids riding a small train ride on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
Where to Eat:
1) Fudpuckers- Bar & Grill

This place is awesome! They have free alligator shows, alligator feeding, free alligator exhibits, and you can even hold a baby alligator. Look at the 100 live alligators that will greet you when you arrive.

Outside view of the alligator show at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

Let’s start with the food. The menus come in this adorable newspaper.

Menu at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

Towards the end you will see a coupon for a $5 credit for the Arcade Fat Daddies next door. It is good for one per person. Everyone in our family was able to get a card and play a few games for free.

Menu coupon at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

The Happy Hour punch is STRONG.

Punch drinks at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

The fried green tomatoes are interesting, but really good. I’ve never had hot sauce and avocado on fried green tomatoes. Seems like more of a Texan thing than a Florida thing.

Plate of food at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

The nachos are huge and yummy. The hamburgers are delicious.

When we were waiting for a table we enjoyed walking around the free exhibits and taking a picture with the baby alligator.

Kids looking at the reptile displays at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

You will even get to meet Pearl a rare albino alligator!

Reptile displays at Fudpuckers Bar and Grill in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

If you have time afterwards, then check out their amazing gift shop. It’s HUGE!

“Life’s A Beach” Publication Magazine located in most stores in Destin has a coupon on page 94 “Free Gator Bait” with the purchase of a Gator photo til 4pm.”

Take your coupon from the menu and check out Fat Daddies next door.

Inside view of Fat Daddies arcade in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

This is where we spent most of our credits. The LOL Doll machine. (Daughter Problems)

Man playing games at Fat Daddies arcade in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
2) Donut Hole Bakery Café

There is always a wait. Once you have eaten there you will understand why everyone is standing in line. Check out their breakfast.

Plate of food from Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

Just FYI there is no kids menu. We ordered “a la cart” for the kids.

Plate of food from Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

They even have a to die for lunch.

Plate of food from Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

And did I mention these….

Dessert display at Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

We took a chocolate pie back to the condo. It was a little on the pricey side at $17, but it was the best pie I have ever eaten.

Chocolate pie from Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

We took a dozen donuts home for $12 for breakfast the next day. Just FYI you do not have to stand in line outside to get donuts. You can walk right inside and place an order at the front desk.

Box of donuts from Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

My family LOVED the donuts!

People eating donuts on the patio from Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
3) Harbor Docks

You know a place is good when the local Coast Guard shows up for lunch. This place can get expensive however, the lunch sizes are huge and the prices are very reasonable. Try to go for lunch.

The Happy Hour punch is STRONG! No, Rum Punch is not my go to drink, yet it seems to be on the Happy Hour list in most Destin restaurants. I felt like I was in Jamaica again. lol

Cocktail from Harbor Docks restaurant in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

Fried Green Tomatoes- So good! I’m noticing a trend with hot sauce on the fried green tomatoes. No, complaints my family eats hot sauce on everything.

Plate of food from Harbor Docks restaurant in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

FRIED GREEN TOMATO B.L.T. To be honest I’m still dreaming about this. I need to go back to Destin just to have this sandwich again. It’s that Darn Good!

Plate of food from Harbor Docks restaurant in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

My daughter enjoyed her Sushi. However, stay away from the Ginger salad. It was disgusting.

Plate of food from Harbor Docks restaurant in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

They even have a view. Usually, we are skeptical of restaurants that have a good view, because we think it’s a tourist trap. This place is anything but a trap.

View from inside the Harbor Docks restaurant in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids
4) Condo

If you can cook then take advantage of the kitchen in the condo. Yummy!

Man holding plate of breakfast in the condo in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

*** Need more ideas? Check out www.lifesabeachdestin.com a “Life’s a Beach” Publication Magazine. ***

Looking for more travel ideas then follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glam_journey_/

Did you like anything I was wearing? If so, here are the links.

Woman in the water with her son at the Forth Walton Beach in Destin. | Destin, Florida with the Kids

This is our favorite swimming pool vest. It is not a life vest, but a pool vest. It’s light weight and the kids have plenty of mobility with this vest. Contest: Join us in the Swim-Up sweepstakes at Sandals Resorts! One (1) winner will be randomly selected weekly between 6/21 – 9/20. Conditions Apply.

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Hi, I’m Misty! Welcome to Glam Journey, where you’ll find travel-related content, itineraries and booking services for the adventurous mom who is living her version of a glamorous life.

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