It is perhaps an unspoken reality that there are some trips better taken with friends than family. Aside from having to forego an exciting night out at a Vegas casino because there’s no one to watch the kids, there’s a lot more to consider when you’re traveling with your family, especially if the children are still too young for a lot of touristy activities. When planning that yearly family vacation, you not only have to consider where you’re going, where you’re staying, and what you can do there, but also if all of those are family-friendly and what restrictions you need to take note of. And of course, the place you choose should make for a fun vacation for every member of the family from junior to grandma.
Nestled against the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that tons of snowy white beaches are sprawled across the town of Destin. With the almost always sunny weather in Destin, Florida, one of the tourist destinations is to flock to the place to enjoy a nice vacation by the sea. So if you’re looking to visit the town with your family, here’s a list of the best family-friendly resorts. For more information, you can visit TouristSecrets.
Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa
If waking up to a stunning view of the ocean is on your checklist, then you might want to consider this beachfront resort and spa. Room sizes range from a standard bedroom to four-bedroom suites equipped with a full kitchen. So if you have a kid that’s particularly picky when it comes to food then you can easily whip up a meal for them. If you don’t want to miss out on your workout even when you’re on holiday, don’t worry, the resort comes with a fitness center, a basketball court, and tennis court. And if you want to unwind, the resort’s spa is available for the entire day. They also have poolside cabanas with bathrooms and beach rentals for a fun afternoon at the beach. And if you’ve had enough of the salt water, you can go ahead and chill in the lagoon pool which comes with a waterfall.
Wingate by Wyndham Destin
Just a short distance away from Destin Harbor and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, you won’t run out of activities to do when you stay at Wingate by Wyndham in Destin. They offer many room variations, some even including a microwave. But breakfast is no problem since their complimentary breakfast is served daily. And later on in the day, you can take a swim in their outdoor pool and whirlpool. You won’t even have to spend that much because kids under 18 can stay for free.
Hampton Inn and Suites Destin
This beachfront hotel offers free Wi-Fi and adding that to the room’s flat-screen TV set up, you can have a nice movie night in after a long day at the beach (which, by the way, is just footsteps away from the hotel). If the kids aren’t in the mood to be covered in sand, then don’t worry because the hotel has a nice outdoor pool you can use instead. It is also just a couple of miles away from Big Kahuna’s Water Park so you can have that option if you’re looking for something a little more exciting. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, so that’s one less thing to worry about when you’re planning out your day with the family.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
This resort is the perfect place to stay if you love the beach and also love to golf. The place is near several courses, and whether you’re a pro or just someone who wants to give it a whirl, it’s a nice opportunity to golf by the gulf (pun intended, of course). And if the kids don’t find interest in golf, there’s still a ton of things you can do at the resort. Complimentary kayak rentals are available for guests and there’s also a complimentary shuttle service that can take you to various fun activities from water sports to biking. With its proximity to an array of options, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a fun and accessible lodging experience.
The Henderson
If luxury is what you’re looking for, then Henderson is perfect for you. Not only is the beach a few steps away but the resort offers its guests private access to the beach. And you can do so much at the beach since the hotel also offers rentals for water sports equipment. And beyond the beach, there are other activities each member of the family can enjoy. There’s a fitness center if you want to keep in shape even on vacation. There’s a spa so you can really get into vacation mode and unwind. And there’s even a kids club that has tons of activities for the munchkins whether you visit at day or night. And if you want to explore outside the hotel, the HarborWalk Village and Henderson Beach State Park are just nearby.