One Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Destin, Florida

  • 9:00AM: Henderson Beach State Park
    15 minutes (7 miles) from downtown Destin

    Begin your day exploring the beauty of the Gulf Coast at Henderson Beach State Park. Enjoy the pristine beaches, sand dunes, nature trails, and picnic areas in this peaceful oasis.

  • 11:00AM: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
    7 minutes (2 miles) from Henderson Beach State Park

    Experience the underwater world at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. See the dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and other marine life up close in a family-friendly environment.

  • 12:30PM: The Donut Hole
    10 minutes (5 miles) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

    Grab a delicious lunch at The Donut Hole, a local favorite that serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, including their famous donuts.

  • 2:00PM: Destin Harbor Boardwalk
    7 minutes (2.5 miles) from The Donut Hole

    Stroll along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and enjoy the scenic views, colorful local shops, street performers, and various water activities such as fishing, boat tours, and paddleboarding.

  • 4:00PM: Wild Willy's Adventure Zone
    12 minutes (5 miles) from Destin Harbor Boardwalk

    End your day with a fun-filled adventure at Wild Willy's Adventure Zone, featuring mini-golf, a ropes course, a 4D movie theater, a laser maze, and much more to entertain the whole family.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Henderson Beach State Park (2 hours, free)
  • Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (1.5 hours, $25/adult, $20/child)
  • The Donut Hole (1.5 hours, $15/person)
  • Destin Harbor Boardwalk (2 hours, free)
  • Wild Willy's Adventure Zone (2 hours, $30/person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $140 for a family of four

Transportation

Destin is a car-centric city and the easiest way to get around is by renting a car. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing apps or taxis to get to each destination. The estimated total cost for transportation is around $50 for the day with an average travel time of 10-15 minutes between locations.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other nearby beaches such as Grayton Beach State Park or take a sunset dolphin watching cruise from the harbor. If you have less time, skip The Donut Hole and have a quick lunch at any of the food vendors at the Harbor Boardwalk.

Airports

Destin Executive Airport (DTS) is the closest airport to downtown Destin, only 3 miles away. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the main commercial airport, located 22 miles northwest of Destin. Both airports offer various transportation options such as shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and ride-sharing services.

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