We just returned from our yearly vacation to the Emerald Coast and it was amazing as usual. The area is breathtaking and we want to share the affordable activities we loved. Ready to plan your cheap beach vacation? Here are five fun, memorable, and budget-friendly beach activities you’ll love! I hope you find these travel tips helpful!

Play at Goofy Golf — Okaloosa Island

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Fort Walton Beach, Goofy Golf is a must! This iconic mini golf course has been entertaining families since 1958 with its quirky statues and old-school charm. It’s the perfect throwback activity for your budget-friendly beach trip. We have been visiting for years and they have started to renovate over the past year. Several new obstacles, fresh paint, and updated lanscaping have been completed under new ownership.

Location: 401 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Cost: $6 per adult, $4 per child

Pro tip: Go in the evening when the temperature drops and the statues light up for a magical, family-friendly good time.

Explore the Air Force Armament Museum — Eglin AFB

Looking for free things to do on the Emerald Coast? The Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base is a fantastic stop. It offers a great collection of historic aircraft, missiles, and military memorabilia. It’s a great way to mix a little learning into your budget-friendly beach activities. Leave it to the homeschool family, right?! Lol.

This museum exceeded our expectations. It is big enough to have some amazing pieces and small enough to not spend the entire day there. Even our elemtary aged girls loved the memorabilia and the stories behind it.

Location: 100 Museum Dr, Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Cost: Free!

Perfect for history lovers and anyone looking for affordable family vacation ideas.

Snorkel at O’Steen Public Beach Access (East Jetty)

Want to experience underwater adventure on a budget? Head to O’Steen Public Beach Access near the East Jetty in Destin, one of the best spots for snorkeling on a budget in Florida. If you bring your own gear, it’s completely free! The area is made up of four small inlets with the jetty semi protecting the area from the pass. There is beach access at each of the inlets.

My son and I have a tradition to catch the sunrise on a beach walk each year. This year we decided to catch some early snorkling before anyone was in the water. It paid off, too. We saw a few puffer fish, several jelly fish, crabs, so many varieties of fish, and a sea turtle! I didn’t get pictures since we left our phones in the car.

Location: 320 Gulf Shore Dr, Deston, FL 32541
Cost: Free! We parked just ourside of the entrance and parking there is $20 for four hours. There may be cheaper or free parking somewhere else. I guess we will look next year!!

This is a true gem for families looking for budget-friendly beach activities.

Share a Meal at McGuire’s Irish Pub

Eating out doesn’t have to blow your travel budget! McGuire’s Irish Pub in Destin is famous for its fun atmosphere and gigantic portions, perfect for splitting. Sharing plates is a great strategy for traveling on a budget while still enjoying delicious local food. They do have an option to split the entree and get an extra side and salad for a bit more money. Still a great deal!

Location: 33 US-98 Destin, FL 32541
Cost: Varies but splitting meals makes it very budget-friendly

Insider tip: Try their 18¢ Senate Bean Soup! Yes, you heard me. This is another way to get plenty of food for the price. Each entree qualifies for the discounted bowl of Senate Bean Soup. Also, check out the ceiling and almost every other square inch of wood in the restaurant. They have over $1.000.000 in one dollar bills hanging from the ceiling and walls throughout the restaurant. They will bring you a stapler and marker if you want to leave a message on your bill.

Visit Seaside — A Charming Coastal Village

For a classic, postcard-perfect Florida experience, take the short drive for a day trip to Seaside. This colorful, iconic beach town is known for its pastel cottages, white picket fences, and that small-town charm. You might recognize it from the movie The Truman Show! This beautiful little town is unlike any other town we have visited. Be prepared to fall in love.

Wandering around Seaside is completely free. You can stroll through the open-air market, explore art galleries, and take in the beautiful architecture. The beach views here are stunning and make for perfect photo ops. Buying souvenirs at the local Seaside stores will most likely not fit into the budget-friendly beach activities category, though! Lol!

Location: Seaside, about 25 miles east of Fort Walton Beach
Cost: Free to visit and walk around

Budget tip: Food trucks, cute cafes, and boutique shops here can be pricey, so plan ahead. Even if you’re just window shopping or grabbing an ice cream, it’s still a fun and memorable stop that won’t cost a thing if you skip the splurges!

Perfect for those looking for cheap things to do in Fort Walton Beach and a romantic or family-friendly evening.

Plan Your Affordable Family Vacation Today!

Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area are filled with budget-friendly beach activities and fun ways to make memories without overspending. From cheap mini golf in Florida to free museums and gorgeous sunsets, these ideas prove you can have an amazing cheap beach vacation that the whole family will love.

Bonus Tips for Traveling on a Budget

• Visit during off-season (spring or fall) for lower prices on accommodations. We love to go in mid to late May often making the budget-friendly beach activities even cheaper.
• Pack snacks and drinks to avoid pricey beach concessions.
• Look for free or low-cost local events happening during your stay.
• Budget-friendly beach activities typically don’t just happen. They take pre-planning. If you wait until you are on vacation it’s easier to get wrapped in the emotions of spending more money for memories.

Check out some of our other travel posts:

Couple’s Getaway to Nashville: A Blend of Urban Cool and Southern Charm

Celebrating 28 Years in Utah: A Winter Travel Review

Anakeesta Mountaintop Park Review: A Magical Experience

Why Destin Is Perfect for a Family Beach Vacation

Ready to plan your next affordable family vacation? Share this with a friend who loves saving money on travel, and let us know your favorite budget-friendly beach activities or spots below!

Where We Stayed: A Beachfront Condo for the Best Family Beach Vacations

We stayed at Jade East Towers, a high-rise beachfront condo in Destin that checked all the boxes: ocean views, roomy living spaces, and the perfect setup for a Destin, Florida, family vacation.

Our 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo was on the 17th floor, which meant coffee on the balcony with a full view of the emerald water every morning. It was peaceful and stunning, and let me tell you…eating breakfast on the balcony while watching and listening to the waves roll in? That’s the kind of quiet parents dream about.

The condo came with free beach service—two chairs and an umbrella set up every day just for us. No hauling gear across the sand while juggling sunscreen and towels. That’s a win, especially for a family of six!

The kids loved the oceanfront pool (complete with a waterfall), and we even took a few dips in the hot tub after dinner. The biggest surprise was the random pink unicorn that showed up at the pool. Yeah, weird to me too! Lol.

There’s a tennis court, basketball court, and even a gym if you like to work out on vacation.

In the evenings, we’d crash on the couch and watch the NBA playoffs on the giant TV. We also played board games and finished a puzzle already in the unit. This place really felt like home, just with way better views. Lol!

Looking for tips on where to stay in Destin with kids? This is it.

Our Relaxed Destin Beach Trip Itinerary

If relaxing is what makes for the best family beach vacations then check out what ours looked like.

• Breakfast in the condo (balcony views galore!)

• Mornings at the beach, playing in the waves, and digging moats around sandcastles

• Lunch at the pool or back in the condo

• Dinner out at one of Destin’s many family-friendly restaurants

• Evening shopping or mini golf (an annual must)

It was simple, flexible, and exactly what we needed.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Destin, Florida

If you’re planning a Destin, Florida, beach vacation and want to know where to eat in Destin, Florida, here’s our round-up of all the places that made our bellies (and hearts) happy. We love to connect and make memories around the table. Destin restaurants make for the best family beach vacations!

🍀 McGuire’s Irish Pub

We ate here more than once—because once is never enough. McGuire’s has excellent steaks, burgers, and shepherd’s pie. That’s exactly what we ordered, along with the delicious bread and honey butter as well as the bean soup!! As good as the food is, the real experience is the pub itself. It’s covered in over a million signed dollar bills and feels like a quirky Irish time capsule. Definitely a must if you’re after kid-friendly restaurants in Destin, FL that adults love too. I promise you will leave satisfied!

🐊 Fudpucker’s

Yes, it’s called Fudpucker’s. Yes, the kids laughed every time we said it. But where else can you feed live alligators after dinner? They’ve got over 100 on-site, and it’s part restaurant, part wild Florida adventure. Super fun, super weird—in the best way.

🐖 Moe’s Original BBQ

Moe’s is Southern-style barbecue done right, with all the sides. It’s casual, quick, and so satisfying after a day at the beach.

Pro tip: Order the banana pudding. You can thank me later.

🍕 Merlin’s Pizza

Delivered straight to the condo = poolside lunch win for everyone. We didn’t even have to put on shoes. The pizza was great and the convenience! Merlin’s is a great option if you want to eat in on your Destin vacation rental.

🍩 The Donut Hole

You haven’t done Destin right if you haven’t had The Donut Hole. The food is so good, and the donuts are even more incredible! They serve a full southern breakfast, so come hungry.

🌮 Pepito’s

Our family loves Mexican food. I mean, we really love it. So, of course, we have to find a great local spot. Pepito’s is a great Mexican restaurant in Destin with delicious fajitas, fresh salsa, and quick service. We all left full and happy—and that’s saying something with our crew.

🌯 Burritacos

A total hidden gem. Like in a gas station, hidden. These were probably the most authentic tacos we’ve had. It’s authentic, tucked away, and worth finding.

Pro tip: There are only two tables, and you may not understand the employees of Burritacos unless you also speak Spanish. This restaurant contributes to Destin being one of the best family beach vacations.

☕ Café Destin

We visited Cafe Destin for Mother’s Day brunch, and we couldn’t have picked a better spot. It’s laid-back but still feels a little special—perfect for pancakes and celebrating. It really gave my wife a chance to take in all of her thoughts and feelings on Mother’s Day.

Making Mother’s Day Special on a Destin Beach Vacation

We happened to be in Destin over Mother’s Day, which made the trip even more special. We took the day to celebrate my wife, the amazing mom who keeps our family running.

We started the morning slowly—coffee on the balcony, lots of hugs, and “You’re the best, Mom!” from the kids.

For brunch, we went to Café Destin, and it was perfect. Cozy little outside table, great food, and a great atmosphere to hang around and eat just a little slower.

Later that day, the surprise Walmart moment happened, which honestly felt like a cherry on top. Celebrating Mother’s Day at the beach, with sunshine, family, and new memories, will be hard to beat.

The Wildest Walmart Pickup Ever

So this was totally unexpected. We went to pick up our grocery order, and several Walmart employees came running out to the car like we were celebrities. Turns out, my wife won their Mother’s Day giveaway—even though she didn’t enter anything! They handed her a giant bag of summer goodies and posted her on their social media.

We have had some tough seasons of marriage that have made my wife question herself. Question her value and worth. This was a divine moment for the Creator to show her how special she is. She was shocked and glowing. It was just one of those sweet little surprises that make a trip extra special.

Our Favorite Things to Do in Destin with Kids

After dinner, we’d hit up Silver Sands Premium Outlets or Destin Commons. They’re both packed with stores for all ages, so our younger kids could grab candy, cute souvenirs, and beg for a Build-A-Bear, and our older kids could grab a Starbucks.

Our favorite part of the trip? Mini golf at Goofy Golf in Fort Walton Beach—an old-school spot that’s been around since 1958. It’s a little quirky and super nostalgic, with big colorful statues and winding little courses that are just the right amount of silly. It’s one of the best fun activities in Destin for kids that grown-ups love, too, and it’s cheap! If you’re looking at budget-friendly activities in Destin, then this is it!

Best Family Beach Vacations: Why We Keep Coming Back to Destin, Florida

Like every other trip to Destin, this trip gave us space to rest, time to connect, and so many laughs. Between the beach, the food, the games, and the unexpected Walmart moment, it felt like a true getaway. It was not rushed, not overscheduled, just full of fun, sunshine, and the kind of memories you bring up around the dinner table for years. This is what matters—great memories.

If you’re planning your next Gulf Coast family vacation or searching for the best Florida beaches for families, you’ve gotta give Destin a shot. It’s got everything—plus authentic tacos!

Check out some of our other travel reviews:

Couple’s Getaway to Nashville: A Blend of Urban Cool and Southern Charm

5 Best Budget-Friendly Beach Activities Near Fort Walton Beach

Celebrating 28 Years in Utah: A Winter Wonderland

Anakeesta Mountaintop Park Review: A Magical Experience

Arriving at Anakeesta

We began our adventure with a ride up Anakeesta Mountain. Since the weather was chilly and rainy, we opted for the enclosed gondola instead of the open chairlift. I’m glad we made this choice—it kept us warmish and dry while still offering glimpses of the surrounding beauty through the misty clouds.

The ride itself is an experience. All six of us crammed into the gondola. There was excitement and some nervous anticipation as there may be two of us who aren’t fond of heights. Once at the top, we were greeted by the crisp mountain air and the welcoming charm of the whimsical atmosphere.

The theme park is separated into three different villages. Anakeesta’s Firefly Village is home to various shops, restaurants, food trucks, and ample places to relax and enjoy the views. Black Bear Village has areas for live music as well as some of the best views in the park. Last, for parents, Stone Village offers multiple areas of play for the kids and you!

Highlights of Our Visit

Despite the weather, there was no shortage of fun and memorable moments. Here are some of our trip highlights:

The Astra Lumina Light Show

Wow. What else can I say? Anakeesta’s Enchanted Night Walk Light Show is an absolute treat for the senses. The glowing pathways and vibrant displays transform the park into a magical wonderland. Even with overcast skies, the lights mesmerized, creating a warm, enchanting atmosphere that captivated everyone in our family. 

The Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta 

One of the most popular attractions is the Treetop Canopy Walk, featuring a series of suspension bridges high above the forest floor. For one of our littles and me, this was equally amazing and nerve-wracking. It was dark and wet, and the bridges swayed slightly with each step, adding a thrilling and eerie edge to the breathtaking views.

Scenic Views

While much of the panoramic scenery was obscured by clouds most of the night, there were moments when the mist cleared, revealing glimpses of the surrounding Smoky Mountains and the lights of Gatlinburg. It’s easy to see why Anakeesta is known for its incredible views—even in yuck weather, the surroundings were awe-inspiring.

Fun Slides and Play Areas for Kids and Adults

We absolutely loved the slides and the rope courses in the TreeVenture Challenge Course. Rain or shine, this area offered endless fun and a chance for the kids to burn off some energy. The carefully designed play spaces were safe and engaging, making them a hit for families with younger children. Don’t be fooled; I saw almost as many adults playing and sliding as I saw kids. Lol!

Weather Challenges

Our visit was marked by a mix of rain, clouds, and even a temporary exhibit closure due to a bear sighting. Remember, you are still in the middle of the mountains! While this may sound like a lot, it actually added a unique twist to our day. The staff handled everything so professionally, ensuring everyone’s safety while keeping the atmosphere lighthearted.

Unfortunately, the Anakeesta mountain coasters closed early due to the weather, the dueling ziplines were booked to capacity, and the slides closed early (the moisture on the slides caused them to get really slippery and fast – sounds kinda fun to me!); which was a bit of a disappointment. However, the other activities more than made up for it.

Dining and Shopping

After exploring, we warmed up with some hot cocoa and coffee from one of the cozy dining spots in the park. There is a hot cocoa crawl consisting of 7 stops around the park. If you complete the crawl, you get a special Anakeesta mug. The shopping and dining options are plentiful, offering everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals with a view.

We caught dinner at the Cliff Top restaurant. It was delicious. Ribeye steak, burgers, salads, and chicken sandwiches covered our table.

The Ridge Rambler

On the way down, we opted for the Ridge Rambler, an open-air truck ride that takes you back to the base of the mountain. It was a fun and bumpy experience, adding a touch of adventure to the end of our visit.

Staying Late at Anakeesta

We were the last visitors in the park that night, walking to the exit with the security staff. This gave us the chance to soak in every moment of the experience. The quiet and stillness of the park after hours felt like a special privilege and was the perfect way to end our day.

Tips for Visiting Anakeesta

1. Dress for the Weather: Anakeesta is an outdoor attraction, so be prepared for changing conditions. Bring layers, especially if you’re visiting during cooler months.
2. Plan Your Activities: Check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly. Some attractions, like the mountain coasters, may close in adverse weather.
3. Arrive Early: This gives you time to explore the park at your own pace and avoid crowds. It will also give you a better chance to soak in the views of the Smokies.
4. Capture the Memories: Don’t forget your camera or phone for the numerous photo opportunities scattered throughout the park. There were great photo ops throughout the park. A few of my favorites were, in Vista Gardens, the 20’ tall Willow, keeper of the forest, and the heart-shaped twiglow.

Why Anakeesta is Worth Visiting

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, unfortunately, have their share of tourist traps. Anakeesta is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s an experience that brings families together. From the thrilling and frightening suspension bridges to the crazy amazing Astra Lumina light show, there’s something magical about spending time in this mountaintop paradise. Even with the weather challenges we faced, our day was filled with laughter, awe, and connection. 

This was worth it all. As we talked and laughed about our day over dinner, I knew we had made a great decision to visit Anakeesta Mountaintop Park.

If you’re wondering, “Is Anakeesta worth it?” our resounding answer is yes! Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a unique family outing, Anakeesta has something for everyone.