LBAC Travel, Making Dream Vacations Come True, One Vacation at a Time!
Amanda’s Pick of the Week-Destin Florida
Destin, Florida is a favorite vacation spot, not only for me and my family, but for a lot of the Southeastern United States. There is no surprise as to why! The gorgeous emerald green waters and sugar white sand has helped many escape to pure paradise. Growing up in New Orleans, Destin was just a short ride away, allowing time to leave reality behind, bask in the sun, and have a fun and relaxing time with family and friends. You can enjoy the sights of little ones building sand castles and burying their parents in the sand, or racing the waves on boogie boards, or just taking slow walks along the shore at sunset with the waves rushing over your bare feet. It all takes you to a place of relaxation, togetherness, and fun! Rent a paddleboard or a jet ski for some fun on the water, go parasailing, or spend the day golfing. There is so much to do in Destin, Florida.
The aquatic wildlife is a wonderful source of amusement. Dolphins are visible year-round, which excites children and adults alike, as they frolic through the waters of the Gulf. You can also experience the sight of pods of sting rays that migrating in early fall, or sea turtles nesting between April and November. Then, of course, there are the infamous seagulls that are always around trying to find some left over “treats”.
One of the many attractions of coming to the coast is the food! Fresh seafood and other amazing cuisine leave you with endless dining options. You will be longing to come back for more! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about the delicious and HUGE boiled shrimp, steamed lobster and king crab legs from one of the popular restaurants, such as, Old Bay Steamer, which is only a short drive away in Fort Walton. If you are looking for more than sitting back and relaxing on the beach, Destin has that, too. The Big Kahunas Water Park, offers more than 40 water attractions and a relaxing lazy river with play areas, slides and pools. Another personal favorite entertainment is the amazing shopping opportunities at the Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall. I almost always find unbeatable deals and come home with lots of bargains. Can’t forget renting a pontoon boat and sailing out to a popular spot known as “Crab Island”, anchor your boat and enjoy the afternoon! For a true family adventure, you can go on a Pirate Cruise called the “Sea Dragon”. Your children will experience an adventure they will be sure to remember! While enjoying amazing sightseeing along the water and shorelines, you and your family will sing along to music and experience the thrill of sword fighting, swabbing the deck, and firing the kid cannon, along with reading treasure maps and actually finding the sunken treasure. This activity is sure to win the hearts of kids who want to experience a true pirate adventure!
One of my favorite spots is The Village of Baytowne Warf which is located in Sandestin. There is something for everyone. Kids can enjoy the adventure land playground, arcade, and laser maze, and a personal favorite of my children, the carousel. All throughout the village, there are charming shops and numerous dining opportunities. During the warmer months, a live concert and outdoor movies, free to the public, are shown each week on the main lawn. My family loves going on 4th of July, enjoying a nice afternoon in the village, and then standing out on the boardwalk or at the marina and watching the spectacular firework show! There is so much to do in Destin, Florida for families, kids, adults, singles and couples! It’s the perfect beach getaway!!!