Destin, Florida, has been voted the top family destination multiple times by Southern Living Magazine. With white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, a wide selection of restaurants and activities, Destin offers much for families. Enjoy a dolphin cruise along the beautiful Emerald Coast or take your family to the Pleasure Island Waterpark, where you can rent wave runners, try para-sailing and ride go-karts. Choose from a variety of family-friendly luxury resorts, or rent a house right on the beach.
This beautiful four-bedroom house is available for rent right across the street from the beach. With a generous den and 4 1/2 baths, it is ideal for large families. Located in Crystal Beach, the house is a short drive from Destin Commons, an outlet mall and several restaurants. Enjoy the use of a private pool and whirlpool. Your kids can play on the fenced-in lawn while you relax on the porch.
Coral Reef House
3035 Scenic Highway 98
Destin, FL
1-800-336-9669
www.destinresorts.com
Reserve a condo on the beach at a very affordable price. The Palms has four three-story buildings, two that face the water. Perfect for budget-minded families, the Palms offers one-bedroom units with hallway bunks for kids tucked into a nook. Many of the units also have a sleeper sofa in the living room. Other features include two full baths, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry area, pool, grills and private beach access. Enjoy a priceless view of the Gulf without breaking your budget.
The Palms at Seagrove
3604 E. Co. Hwy 30A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
800-443-3146 -- Rental Realty
This popular resort includes activities for preschoolers, teenagers and adults. Your kids will love the pristine beach, where they can rent boogie boards or kayaks. You can relax under a beach umbrella or cabana and take advantage of the beach-side service for drinks. Kidzone is a supervised kid's club for young ones ages 3 to 10 that offers a variety of games and activities. Teens will enjoy hanging out at the Village of Baytown Wharf where they can listen to music, paint their own pottery, or check out a cool concert.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West
Destin, FL 32550
1-800-622-1038
www.sandestin.com
According to the Edgewater website, these "luxurious yet casual vacation condos are filled with comfort and amenities." This French Riviera-inspired resort offers one-, two- or three-bedroom condos with a view of the Gulf of Mexico or tropical gardens. The Aquatic Center features two multi-level swimming pools, waterfall, whirlpool spa and toddler's wading pool. This family resort also has a golf putting course, basketball and shuffleboard courts and a children's playground. Adults will like the fitness center and therapeutic sauna. A children's activity program is offered seasonally, and older kids can have fun at the nearby Fudpucker's restaurant, featuring teen nights.
Edgewater Beach Condominium
291 Scenic Gulf Dr.
Mirimar Beach, FL 32550
1-877-236-8507
www.edgewaterbeach.com
Located in the heart of Destin, these vacation condos are another ideal choice for families. Discounted rentals are available for those looking for a good deal. Features include a heated pool, shuffleboard court, putting green, 24-hour movie room and lots of fun activities for kids. Young ones can play bingo, take part in a coloring contest, enjoy a treasure hunt or play video games. Club Destin is at a perfect location; across the street from the beach, and between the Big Kahuna Waterpark and the Track amusement park.
Club Destin Resort
1085 Hwy 98
Destin, FL 32541
1-888-983-3784
www.clubdestin.com
