Why Destin Is Perfect for a Family Beach Vacation

If you’re looking for the best family Florida beach vacation, look no further than Destin. I’m serious—this trip had everything: oceanfront views, powdery white sand, delicious food, and enough family memories to fill up a scrapbook. If you’ve been searching for family-friendly Florida beaches, this post is for you.

Where We Stayed: Jade East Towers – Our Beachfront Home Base

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 Easy Family Vacation Rhythm

If you need a relaxed family beach trip itinerary, ours looked like this:

• 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.

Where We Ate in Destin (Because Food = Family Memories)

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.

🍀 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.

☕ 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.

A Mother’s Day to Remember

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.

Shopping + Mini Golf = Nighttime Family Fun

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!

Why We Choose to Go Back to Destin

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!

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Celebrating 28 Years in Utah: A Winter Wonderland
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