This summer, we decided to let our kids choose our vacation destination, and their unanimous vote was for the beach. As someone who’s lived near the Galveston coast and other bodies of water, I wanted our kids’ first beach experience to be special, somewhere they could swim and see fish. Our son even dreamed of swimming with dolphins, but those experiences were beyond our budget.
We had never been to Destin, Florida, so we started researching family-friendly activities there. With so many options, we eventually chose three exciting water sports experiences. We found a condo with a private beach on Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO). This gem was just a five-minute walk to the beach and came with a wagon, beach chairs, sandcastle molds, and towels—all tucked away in a one-car garage. The garage was a lifesaver during the frequent, random rain showers.
The Perfect Condo Setup
Our condo was perfect for our needs. It was three stories tall, a luxury for our kids and our cat, Charlotte, who are used to our one-story home. We hoped the trip might convince them NOT to want stairs at home, but no luck there. The condo had a washer and dryer in the garage, a modern living room with a balcony with seating for two and cool remote controlled lighting in the kitchen, and plenty of storage space. The condo had eclectic decor, multiple closets, a king-size bed, a queen bed, and a comfortable chase couch in the living room. We had plenty of blankets and pillows, and each room had a TV where we could log into our Roku account.
Proximity and Parking Tips
When booking, I recommend choosing accommodations close to attractions to avoid heavy traffic. Also, consider purchasing an All-Day Parking Pass for $20, which lets you park at multiple attractions without paying each time. The nearby docks were ideal for fishing, boating, and water sports, and our condo’s quiet street was conveniently close to grocery stores.
Accommodations: VRBO Condo
Smooth Sailing Adventures with Tripshock
We booked our experiences through Tripshock, which was incredibly user-friendly. They sent our vouchers via text and email, making the check-in process at the Harborwalk Village reservation desk seamless.
Day 1: Seafood and Fireworks
We arrived at our condo around 6pm, so scheduling our activities for the following days was a good idea. On Thursday night, we dined at the Shrimp Basket. Despite the rain shower, we had a fantastic meal on the patio, laughing to Rupert Holmes’ “Escape.” The Seafood Basket was a hit, and we enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show from Harborwalk Village.
Shrimp Basket located at: 711 US-98 Destin, FL 32541
Website: https://shrimpbasket.com/
Day 2: Dolphin Watch and Beach Bliss
Friday morning began with homemade breakfast burritos, followed by a dolphin watch on the Hannah Marie. This vibrant yellow boat with a partial glass bottom was an adventure from start to finish. We sailed through the East Pass into the Gulf of Mexico, then into the serene Bay near Crab Island. The highlight was seeing a large pod of playful dolphins up close—truly magical! We brought a cooler with snacks and drinks, making it a perfect family outing.
That afternoon, we enjoyed the private beach. The white sand was perfect for building sandcastles, and the aquamarine water was just what we needed. We saw schools of tiny fish and had a blast in the gentle waves.
Dinner at Dewey’s was delightful, with its rich family history and nautical feel. The Steamed Royal Reds Shrimp were delicious, and the kids loved their hotdogs. We later visited The Track for go-karts, spinning coaster and arcade games, ending the night with a cozy family movie session of “Finding Dory” as it rained again.
Dolphin Excursion Tickets: $131.54
Duration: 1.5 hours
(Guest photo are additional fees.)
Dewey Destin’s Harborside is located at: 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Website: http://www.destinseafood.com/
The Track located at: 1125 Highway 98 East, Destin, Florida 32541
Website: https://funatthetrack.com/pages/destin-location
Day 3: Snorkeling and Pirate Adventures
Saturday morning was all about snorkeling with Destin Snorkel on the Sea Star, captained by the dynamic duo, Captain Andy and First Mate James. The engines roared to life to the epic Star Wars theme. We explored the vibrant waters of Holiday Isle and Crab Island, spotting colorful fish and collecting shells. The day was capped off by a playful pod of dolphins on our return journey.
For lunch, we grabbed Chick-fil-A, followed by a trip to Whataburger for a taste of home. That evening, we surprised the kids with a pirate-themed sunset cruise on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. The crew, in full pirate character, led us through pirate training, sword fighting, and water gun battles. The kids had an absolute blast!
Snorkeling Excursion Cost: $261.45
(It includes lifejackets, snorkel and fins.)
Duration: 3 hours
Pirate Ship Experience Cost: $247.61
Duration: 2 hours
(The Galley food, snacks, beverages, merchandise and guest photo are additional fees.)
Dinner and Essentials
We wrapped up the day with dinner at Miller’s Ale House, enjoying fast service and a friendly atmosphere. Throughout the trip, our French press for coffee, a travel-size ice chest for drinks, and a car seat headrest mount for the kids’ movies were lifesavers.
We wished we could have spent another full day on the beach and brought boogie boards, but we know we’ll be back. Traveling early in the morning helped us avoid the heat and traffic, making the journey more enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Our Destin, Florida vacation was filled with unforgettable experiences, from dolphin watching and snorkeling to pirate adventures and beach days. If you’re planning a family vacation, I highly recommend Destin for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and endless activities. Can’t wait to share our next adventure with you!
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