Summer's in full swing, and a beach trip always makes for a great getaway. Whether your family is squeezing in a final trip before school ramps up again or you're already looking ahead toward a great fall break destination, consider Florida's Emerald Coast. Destin and the Beaches of South Walton offer the best in soothing sand and surf. Let’s face it, the beautiful white-sand beaches and Gulf Coast waters are the main event. But when you need a break from soaking up the rays, the area features several fun family offerings as well. Here are some of the highlights from my recent visit.
MUST-DO ATTRACTIONS
Even beach bums can start to feel like doing something a little different! Dolphin lovers, take note. Your family will enjoy the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise ($29 adults, $15.50 ages 4 – 14, free ages 3 and younger). The two-hour excursion aboard a double-decker, glass-bottom boat allows guests to see dozens of playful dolphins in their natural habitat. A knowledgeable captain loads folks up with lots of facts and gives all kids on board the opportunity to take turns steering the vessel, which makes a great photo opportunity for Mom and Dad.
Kids love water parks, so be sure to schedule a day at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park ($43.99 adults, $34.99 kids). The park features more than 40 wet and wild attractions, from a variety of slides and pools to non-water fare like miniature golf (additional $6.99 adults, $4.99 ages 11 & younger); thrill-seeking kids can take to the air on the Skycoaster ($14.99; must be 48 inches or taller to ride).
Nearby, check out The Track (price varies by attraction). The star of this awesome adventure park is the "Wild Woody," a three-tiered go-kart/roller coaster hybrid. The Track also features an indoor arcade, bumper boats and a 75-foot bungee-jumping tower for the most daring in your clan. Your littlest ones will enjoy the Kids Country area featuring kiddie karts, a Ferris wheel, train, swings and more. Need to cool off? Step into the A/C at Fat Daddy's Arcade for classic arcade games, E-claw prizes, interactive action-packed games and more.
Experience marine animal encounters at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park ($23.95 adults, $15.95 ages 3 -12; additional fees apply for feeding encounters). See a variety of aquatic wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles and more. Make advance reservations to experience up-close-and-personal encounters where families can feed African penguins, as well as touch and feed stingrays and harbor seals. All ages can stop by the fishing hole with a bamboo cane pole to test angling skills while learning about resident fish. The Gulfarium also hosts a few different dolphin encounters.
In case you experience a rainy day or just seek an indoor adventure to escape the heat, head over to the Emerald Coast Science Center ($10 adults, $8 children) where kids can enjoy hands-on fun discovering how the five senses work, explore several animal exhibits, fly and land a model airplane in a wind tunnel, learn about color and light, and beyond. Current exhibits engage children in the exploration of robotics, engineering and electricity.
WHERE TO STAY
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has many options to choose from in Destin as well as along the Beaches of South Walton. I stayed in a lush condo at the Mediterranea property on Miramar Beach, and it was the perfect, comfortable home away from home while enjoying time at the beach. The condos have everything you need from a kitchen stocked will all necessary cooking tools and dishes to comfortable beds, books, board games and private balconies boasting breathtaking views of the Gulf.
Swing by the Destin Ice House Seafood Market to pick up a fresh catch for dinner at your condo, and you’ll definitely want to pop into Pompano Joe’s right on the beach across from Mediterranea. It’s a little pricey, but well worth it. The garlic-crusted grouper with lobster is divine!
This stretch of Florida is exquisite and loved by thousands of Nashvillians every spring, summer and fall. Maybe it's time you became one of them?
Find more info at emeraldcoastfl.com and visitsouthwalton.com.
