Destin Family Vacation Itineraries (3, 5 & 7 Days)
The perfect family trip balances adventure with doing absolutely nothing.
One of the biggest mistakes families make is over-scheduling. Destin is a beach town—you need time to just dig in the sand. These itineraries are designed to group activities by location (so you aren't driving back and forth on Hwy 98) and leave plenty of room for naps and pool time.
In this guide:
• 3-Day "Essentials" Trip: The must-dos.
• 5-Day "Full Experience" Trip: Adds attractions and exploration.
• 7-Day "Local Life" Trip: Includes a 30A day trip and state parks.
Planning your trip? Start with our complete hub:
The 3-Day "Essentials" Itinerary
Perfect for a long weekend. Hits the "Big Three": Beach, Boat, and Harbor.
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Reset
• Afternoon: Check in and head straight to the beach (Miramar Beach or Crystal Beach). Don't try to do a big activity today. Just let the travel stress melt away.
• Dinner:The Back Porch (classic seafood) or Pizza ordered to the condo.
• Tip: Hit the grocery store (Publix/Walmart) before you get to your rental if possible.
Day 2: Dolphin Cruise & HarborWalk
• Morning (10:00 AM): Book a Dolphin Cruise (Southern Star or Sea Blaster). The water is calmest now.
• Lunch: Eat at HarborWalk Village (AJ's or Margaritaville) while watching the boats.
• Afternoon: Walk the harbor docks, feed the pelicans, or let kids do the bungee trampolines.
• Evening: Sunset beach walk near your rental.
Day 3: Crab Island & Goodbye
• Morning (9:00 AM): Rent a Pontoon Boat for 4 hours. Head to Crab Island.
• Lunch: Pack a cooler for the boat or grab a burger from a floating vendor.
• Afternoon: Return the boat, rinse off, and grab ice cream before heading home.
The 5-Day "Full Experience" Itinerary
Adds variety and a "Rainy Day" backup plan.
Days 1-3
Follow the 3-Day Itinerary above.
Day 4: Marine Life (Okaloosa Island)
• Morning: Drive 15 mins west to The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Great for kids to see dolphins, sea lions, and turtles up close.
• Lunch:The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (Rockin Tacos or Al's Beach Club).
• Afternoon: Walk out on the Okaloosa Island Pier to spot sharks and rays from above.
Day 5: State Park Chill
• All Day:Henderson Beach State Park.
• Why: It's quieter and more natural than the condo beaches. Bring a picnic, hike the short nature trail, and enjoy the pristine dunes.
• Dinner:Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House (local favorite).
The 7-Day "Local Life" Itinerary
The ultimate relaxing week. Adds a day trip down 30A.
Days 1-5
Follow the 5-Day Itinerary above.
Day 6: 30A Day Trip
• Morning: Drive east scenic Hwy 30A.
• Stop 1:Seaside, FL. Famous for being the Truman Show set. Grab breakfast at a food truck in Airstream Row.
• Stop 2:Rosemary Beach. Let kids run on the grassy lawns and admire the architecture.
• Tip: 30A is upscale and busy. Go early to find parking.
Day 7: The "Do Nothing" Day
• Morning: One last sunrise beach session.
• Lunch: Leftovers or a casual spot like Lulu's (which has a playground).
• Afternoon: Souvenir shopping at Destin Commons (Bass Pro Shops is an attraction in itself!).
Rainy Day Backups
Florida rain happens. Have these in your back pocket:
1. Urban Air Adventure Park: Trampolines and indoor climbing.
2. Gulfarium: mostly covered/outdoors but doable in light rain.
3. Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl: Underwater-themed bowling at Destin Commons.
4. Fat Daddy's Arcade: Classic arcade fun.
Keep Planning Your Destin Family Vacation
Use these guides to continue planning:
• Things to Do in Destin With Kids
• Best Beaches in Destin for Families
• Destin Dolphin Cruises for Families
A plan helps you relax, but remember: if the kids are happy digging a hole in the sand for 3 hours, let them. That's a successful vacation.