Spring Little Adventures in Destin-Fort Walton Beach
@destinfwb #littleadventures #DestinFWB #hosted #DestinFWBPartner
This blog post is sponsored by Destin-Fort Walton Beach. All opinions are our own.
We were so ready to take a Spring trip to one of our most favorite destinations. Year after year, we find ourselves going back to explore at Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The emerald green, jewel toned waters and sugar-white sand beaches are always so beautiful to see.
There are so many adventurous and water-based activities to do for children of all ages in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. We have a range of ages for our kiddos from a toddler, a pre-teen, to a mid-teen.
We all found things, or even perspectives of the same activities, eateries, restaurants, and enjoyed it all as family.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach does an amazing job offering activities that will get children and their families out and in the water as well as in the city itself. The Little Adventures Program is such a great tool to utilize when planning a trip to Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
It helps you learn about the area and they help you pick activities to plan for. Developed in collaboration with local moms, the Little Adventures Program offers a chat feature on Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s website where trained local moms assist families in selecting and booking their packs and plans. With the help of the online ‘scouts’, guests can chat one-on-one, review several family approved adventures and pick what fits their family's interests and ages.
Head to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website to see so many activities available like pontoon rentals, snorkeling, paddle boarding and more!
Customize your Little Adventure (destinfwb.com)
Having a place to call home away from home was easy with our stay in a home from Real Joy Vacations. Their service is so helpful and they are wonderful to talk with about your stay.
Our dog Bella is part of our crew. Finding a place that is family friendly and pet friendly can present a challenge. Real Joy Vacations offers multiple family and dog friendly properties. Ours was cozy for our crew and included a gorgeous water view of the Destin Harbor.
After a day of travel for our road trip from Kentucky, we were excited to check into our home then head to dinner with La Paz!
La Paz Restaurante & Cantina offers a menu full of Tex-Mex, fresh gulf seafood as well as gluten-free and plant based options!
We loved the kind hospitality and fun decor! It was the perfect first night meal to kick off our time in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
With a restful night at our home and some beautiful morning views of Destin Harbor, we were off to East Pass Coffee Co to fuel up for a day of fun. This is a repeat favorite of ours and such a relaxed local spot to grab a bite.
They offer many staple dishes you can enjoy year round and seasonal specials as well. East Pass Coffee Co has such a warm atmosphere and staff that interacts with you like family.
Being a mixed family for dietary needs, we all enjoy the menu at East Pass Coffee Co. Side note - whether you are vegan, wheat-free, or prefer your dish cooked with olive oil, they are amazing at coming up with a solution for dietary needs. They also have the cutest outdoor picnic area to eat at or even bring your dog with you!
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach is a fun inside and outdoor activity that has something for the whole family. The Gulfarium gives you an opportunity to interact and see animals up close and learn about them and their habitats.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is an active advocate for animal rehabilitation and release through their C.A.R.E. Program. We had so much fun exploring and learning throughout The Gulfarium. Some fun things offered: exhibits, shows, encounters, eatery, gift shop and more!
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
It was a beautiful sunny day in Destin-Fort Walton Beach and after our time at the Gulfarium, it was time for a cool treat.
We headed to Pink Coyote Dessert Co & Dewey’s New Orleans Style Snoballs. This is such an adorable water view stand with treats for the whole family.
Pink Coyote Dessert Co & Dewey’s New Orleans Style Snoballs
For a fun family dinner with a colorful vibe, we went to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill.
The kids instantly loved the colorful and crayon colored on walls, alligator views, and fun 90’s music. Our waiter even gave us a marker to leave the kids mark on the wall!
The fun kids meal was served on a frisbee to be taken home too! Once we were finished, there was a fun play ground to play on and a gift shop for unique shirts and finds!
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
It was the perfect day for @charlieandcrewdad and part of our crew to head out onto the water and catch some fish in the bay. Josh did an amazing job keeping the energy up and getting the kids on some fish. He walked them through all the steps and teaching along the way what they were catching. The action was no stop and the kids had no issue catching us lunch.
It was a pleasure talking with Josh and I can see how much he cares that everybody has a great time when they go out. I look forward to having more adventures with Josh on future trips.
Once our crew met back up after fishing, we were off to The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar. One of the only boat accessible restaurants in Destin, you can visit by land or by gulf. It’s designed and built over the water giving you beautiful panoramic views while dining.
Part of our crew enjoyed the cook your catch meal while they were so accommodating for those of us with plant-based and gluten-free needs. The rice bowl and fresh cooked veggies were amazing!
The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar
With a fun morning complete and full bellies, it was the perfect afternoon for some relaxing beach time. James Lee Park is a great entrance with plenty of parking opportunities, picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers.
The views are amazing and the depth of the beach to find your spot is great! Plus, it is right next door to The Crab Trab if you get ready for the bite to eat!
We were up bright and early and ready for some beach time today. With a fun activity up our sleeves for the kiddos, we needed a close by spot for some breakfast. Camille’s was absolutely perfect for the location of being in view of the beach and literally a walk across the street. This beach cafe is darling, with a focus of cafe eats for the day then a sushi restaurant by night.
From quinoa bowls, cinnamon rolls, to fresh fruit smoothies and breakfast sandwiches, there is something for everyone in the family.
Camille’s Cafe at Crystal Beach
Being a homeschool family that enjoys the outdoors, we love an opportunity to learn something new together.
This trip, our kiddos were excited to learn about all things paddle boarding, thanks to the free class hosted by Little Adventures. Yes, FREE classes are offered from April to August in 60-75 min sessions designed to spark curiosity in children for outdoor time.
They made it so fun to explore a new activity. We have a 2, 9, and 15 year old and all of us had fun in their own way with this class. This is a must do for families!
Little Adventures Paddle Boarding Class
It was time for one last dinner but this time it had a gorgeous ocean view. The perfect way to end our stay. We were off to The Crab Trap, Destin. This inviting restaurant has family friendly atmosphere, beachy decor, and sits directly on the beach by the James Lee Park Beach Access.
They offer so many entrees, sandwiches, salads and gluten-free eats like boiled potatoes and multigrain rice.
There are actually two locations you can choose from, one in Destin and the other Fort Walton, FL Boardwalk.
The Crab Trap, Destin | Destin FWB, Florida
The Crab Trap, Fort Walton | Destin FWB, Florida
James Lee Park | Destin FWB, Florida
To finish our night, we went on a nighttime beach walk. We used our red flash lights to make sure not to disturb the local sea turtles.
You can find a free red flashlight at multiple locations from March-October in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Explore the beach at night - Destin FWB
We created some of the best family memories visiting Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The Little Adventures activities were educational and so much fun. Our family enjoyed the amazing local food, eateries, and views from our Real Joy Vacations home of Destin Harbor. Destin-Fort Walton Beach has been a favorite of ours for years. We are already planning our next visit of more Little Adventures memories to make! Head to our socials and Instagram stories to see more of our trip in action. Peep our story highlights!
D a n n y S c o t t (@charlieandcrewdad) • Instagram photos and videos
Samantha (@charlieandcrewmama) • Instagram photos and videos