Top photo: Sophia Simoes on Unsplash
Destin is one of the easiest beach towns on the Gulf Coast for a big family group. The beach, water parks, boat trips and restaurants are all close together, and there's something for every age. Here's how we'd plan a week with everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
The beach and the pool
Most days start and end here. Seas The Dream is about a 7-minute walk from Crystal Beach, or a ride on the free trolley, and the community's lagoon-style resort pool is steps from the door, with waterfalls, a zero-entry side for little kids, a hot tub and a tiki bar.
The beach closet at the house has chairs, umbrellas, coolers and beach toys, so you don't need to rent them. For more beach options, see our guide to the best beaches near Crystal Beach.
On the water
- Crab Island. The famous sandbar near the Marler Bridge, reachable only by boat. Our Crab Island guide covers how to do it with kids.
- Dolphin cruises. Short boat trips from Destin Harbor, and dolphin sightings are common. A great option for grandparents and little kids.
- Pirate cruises. Buccaneer-style cruises from the harbor are a hit with younger kids.
- Fishing charters. Destin calls itself the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Half-day trips work well for kids and beginners.
Water parks and animals
- Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park, about 12 minutes from the house, has slides, wave pools and areas for little kids.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island, between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, has dolphin and sea lion shows and animal encounters.
HarborWalk Village and the boardwalk
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village, about 12 minutes away, are good for an evening out: restaurants, shops, boats coming in, and summer fireworks on some nights. It's a good place for a big group dinner, but call ahead about large tables.
Rainy day ideas
Summer afternoon storms are common. Good backups:
- Destin Commons for shopping, a movie theater and treats, about 5 minutes away
- The Gulfarium, which has indoor exhibits
- Board games and wall hooky at the house
- The Track, a family fun park with go-karts and rides, once the storm passes
Eating out with a big group
Destin's popular restaurants get busy in summer. With 15 or more people, call ahead, eat early, and plan most dinners at the house. Publix and Whole Foods are both less than half a mile away. The dining table seats 10 and the breakfast bar seats 4, so everyone fits.
Vlad and Megan's place was ideal for our group of 10.
Tom B., stayed at Seas The Dream
A sample week
- Day 1: arrive, stock up at Publix, pool time.
- Day 2: beach day at Crystal Beach.
- Day 3: Crab Island for teens and adults, pool for little kids.
- Day 4: Big Kahuna's or the Gulfarium.
- Day 5: dolphin cruise, then dinner at HarborWalk Village.
- Day 6: day trip to the beach towns along Scenic Highway 30A.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Destin with toddlers?
The beach, the resort pool's zero-entry side, splash areas at Big Kahuna's, dolphin cruises and the Gulfarium are all great with toddlers.
What can you do in Destin when it rains?
Destin Commons, the Gulfarium's indoor exhibits, and board games at the house are good rainy day options. Storms often pass quickly in summer.
How far is Seas The Dream from the beach?
About a 7-minute walk to Crystal Beach, or a ride on the free trolley.
Plan your trip
See our guides to Crab Island with kids and the best beaches near Crystal Beach, or the full Destin area guide. Book Seas The Dream directly with us to skip the booking-site service fees.
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