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Your 7-Day Itinerary for a Destin Vacation

Happy young family have fun on beach at sunset. View from behind.

This 7-day Itinerary is sure to make your Destin vacation unforgettable! While this Itinerary is geared more toward families with kids, there is sure to be something on each day everyone will love! Not sure where to stay? Check out my 16 Best Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Destin post!

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time

After arriving in Destin, settle into your accommodations and head straight to the beach to relax and soak up the sun. Destin is famous for its beautiful, sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, so make the most of your first day by spending time at the beach. Not sure which one? Check out my post: 10 Best Beaches in Destin, Florida!

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Destin is also known for its natural beauty, so on your second day, explore some of the area’s nature parks and wildlife. Start with a visit to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which spans over 150 miles of protected coastline and includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of bird-watching and wildlife-viewing opportunities. The closest part of this park is about a 10-minute drive from Destin.

Next, head to the Destin Harbor and book a dolphin-watching tour or a fishing excursion. You’ll have a chance to see dolphins up close and personal, and perhaps even catch your own dinner. Thinking about going deep-sea fishing? Check this out first!

Day 3: Water Parks and Family Fun

On your third day, take a break from the beach and head to one of Destin’s many water parks. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park and Destin’s Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park are both great options for families with kids. These parks offer a variety of water slides, wave pools, and animal exhibits between the two of them that are sure to keep everyone entertained.

Day 4: Shopping and Dining

Spend your fourth day exploring Destin’s many shopping and dining options. The Destin Commons is a popular outdoor shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants to choose from. You can also head to the HarborWalk Village, a waterfront shopping and dining district that offers a variety of local seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and family-friendly activities. If you don’t mind the drive, the Silver Sands Outlet Mall is just a 20-minute drive away. With over 100 stores it’s sure to have something for everyone!

Ready to start packin’? Grab My Easy Beach Packing List

Day 5: Beach Day and Sunset Cruise

After a day of shopping and dining, head back to the beach to relax and enjoy the sun. Be sure to check out a different beach today. You can get some recommendations from my post about the 10 Best Beaches in Destin, Florida. In the evening, take a sunset cruise to see the beautiful Gulf Coast sunset from a different perspective. Many tour companies offer sunset cruises that include dinner and drinks, making it a perfect end to a relaxing day.

Day 6: Watersports and Adventure

On your sixth day, get your adrenaline pumping with some exciting water sports. Destin is famous for its parasailing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding opportunities, so make the most of your time and try something new. If you prefer something more low-key, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard and exploring the local waterways at your own pace.

Day 7: Departure

On your final day, enjoy one last morning at the beach or explore the area before heading home.

A family vacation to Destin, Florida can be a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family fun. With a well-planned itinerary, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful Gulf Coast destination.

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