Tips on How to Help Plan Your Destin Vacation
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The midwest is known for its long and dreary winters and I LOVE them. I find the time that I spend indoors with my family rejuvenating and necessary to keep myself in balance. One thing I do during this down time is search for the perfect summer vacation rental. For four years that search has led my family to the white sandy beaches of Destin, Florida. Read on to discover ideas on how you can plan your own Destin vacation.
Finding a Vacation Rental
I log on to VRBO and click on the different filters to easily find possible rentals for our next vacation. Not sure how to use VRBO? Click here to read my post on how simple it is to find your perfect vacation rental. Since we travel with our extended family and pets, we need to have a large, pet-friendly home with a pool. The pool is a must-have for our group. Not everyone enjoys the salty ocean water but everyone loves having a pool in our backyard. Once we decide on our rental, we book it and wait in anticipation for the date to arrive when we’ll all be together once again in our happy place. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Destin is the white powdery sand and crystal clear blue waters. There really is nothing like it. There is also plenty to do in Destin when not on the beach or sitting by the pool. The restaurants, shopping, and area attractions provide a little something for everyone. I have to admit, I can’t do a thing other than sit on the beach or lounge in the pool when it is sunny and HOT. However, there are a few family members (14 of us all together) that get up and go after they’ve had their share of sand and sun. In Destin, they will never run out of places to go or things to do. Since we travel in a large group, it is not uncommon for us to go our separate ways in the evening. There is an 11 year age gap between the youngest and the oldest child in our extended family so the areas of interest range from jet skiing and water parks to arcades and carnival rides. With so many choices, I have identified some of our favorite restaurants and attractions below to help plan your Destin vacation so that it’s perfect for your family. But first, how are you getting to Destin?
Getting There
If you’re driving to Destin, click here to read my post on What to Pack on you next Road Trip. For my family, it takes a couple days in the car to get there. We make reservations to stay with our entire family in the same hotel the night before we arrive for an extra night of fun. We try and drive three-quarters of the way so that on the day we arrive we get there as soon as we are allowed to move-in and waste no time getting settled.
Restaurants
Camille’s at Crystal Beach
2931 Scenic Hwy 98 (850-337-8860) Both a cafe and a restaurant, my husband and I prefer the cafe in the morning for coffee and breakfast. It’s a quaint place where the staff is super friendly and the servings are generous. Most of the rentals we have stayed at have been located in Crystal Beach so we can easily walk to Camille’s and eat before taking a stroll on the beach. It’s a lovely way to start the day and just one more reason why leaving at the end of the week is so hard. Menu for Camille’s Cafe
The Surf Hut
551 Scenic Gulf Dr (850-460-7750)
The location of this restaurant makes it an ideal place to hang-out while waiting for a table. Sand toys, hoola-hoops, frisbees, and more can be found in the back of the restaurant along with panoramic views of the Gulf. The open-air dining, atmosphere, and food all add to the overall experience. Menu selections boast something for everyone, including ribs, oysters, and seafood. Menu for The Surf Hut
The Crab Trap
3500 Scenic Highway 98, James Lee Park (850-654-2722)
With views of the Emerald Coast, The Crab Trap is a causal dining restaurant with plenty of seafood options to choose from. There’s a satellite bar on the beach which helps to pass the time if you arrive during peak season because you will most definitely have to wait. Our family would also enjoy walking to The Crab Trap during our time on the beach to get snow cones. A definite favorite among the kids (and some adults). Parking can be a challenge during peak dinner hours so plan to go early to avoid the crowd. Menu for The Crab Trap
LuLu’s
4607 Legendary Marina Dr (850-710-5858)
Going to LuLu’s is always a fun dining experience. There’s plenty to do while waiting for a table, including sand volleyball, tattoos, hair wrapping, and water features. There’s also a gift shop in the restaurant if you’re looking for souvenirs and unique gift ideas. The open-air dining experience is enhanced by a live music performance and spectacular views of the water. My son loves the fried okra and my husband can’t leave without enjoying a serving (or two) of Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Menu for LuLu’s
Harry T’s
46 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541 (850-654-4800)
We took my parents to Harry T’s to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. The views were spectacular with boats sailing in and out of the harbor at sunset. Even with the long wait, you can find plenty to do since the restaurant is located at the HarborWalk Village (see Attractions below). The food is some of the best in Destin and the service was amazing. We enjoyed the jumbo fried shrimp, crab cakes, burgers, and Po Boys. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays until 2:00. Menu for Harry T’s
The Village Door Dockside Restaurant
136 Fisherman’s Cove, located in the Village of Baytown Wharf in the Sandestin Resort
Like the others on this list, The Village Door is located on the water within the Village of Baytown Wharf in the Sandestin Resort (see Attractions below). This popular restaurant has live entertainment on the weekends and a dance floor for a little added fun. We enjoyed burgers, shrimp, beef brisket, pulled pork, and yummy Chesapeak chips served with TNT sauce. Menu for The Village Door
Attractions
Crystal Beach
2966 Scenic Hwy 98
Pristine beaches and crystal clear water make this beach a popular tourist attraction and is something to look forward to after you plan your Destin vacation. The beach is open from dawn to dusk and has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, picnic area, and limited parking. To truly experience Destin you have to visit Crystal Beach!
HarborWalk Village
Harbor Village, Destin
Waterfront shopping, restaurants, and entertainment can be found at this Destin attraction. Here you will also find jet ski rentals, boat rentals, and charter fishing boats. For specific information on what to do while at Harbor Village, click on this link to access a map of the area.
Sandestin – The Village of Baytowne Wharf
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West Miramar Beach, FL 32550
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a fun place to eat and spend the day (or evening). There are 16 retail shops, 20 award-winning restaurants, and a variety of entertainment and activities for both kids and adults. Live music and fireworks add to the charm of this village that has recently been voted the Best Local Attraction in Destin. My kids love the ropes course, arcade, carousel, candy shop, and ice cream shop. Baytowne Wharf is definitely worth the visit!
The Track Family Fun Park
1125 Highway 98 (850-654-4668)
This recreation center has two 18-hole miniature golf courses, multiple go-kart tracks, an arcade, bumper cars, bumper boats, and kiddie rides. There is also a Hurricane 360 ride and SkyFlyer for the thrill-seekers in your group. The best time to go to The Track is early in the morning when they first open at 9:00. No lines to stand in makes getting up early totally worth it. Click here to see current pricing and packages.
Big Kahuna’s Waterpark
1007 US Highway 98 East (850-837-8319)
Waterparks are always a hit with kids and adults alike. When you tire of the salty sea and sand between your toes (if that’s even possible), head on over to the Big Kahuna waterpark. There is plenty to do with slides, a lazy river, and 40 different water play areas. Plan to spend the day there to get your money’s worth. How much will it cost you? Check out the prices here to find out.
While planning your Destin vacation, download this FREE Vacation Meal Planner to make planning your meals and grocery shopping a breeze!
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