PRO TIP: The sugar sand isn’t made of sugar, so do not attempt to eat it.
Emerald waters - It’s pretty obvious how Florida’s Emerald Coast got its nickname. From a distance, the coastline has a beautiful emerald glow to it. As you get closer to the water, you’ll find that it is crystal clear. You can see everything as you walk through the water, from small fish to sand dollars. I felt completely safe with my kids in the water next to me because they could see everything around them. My oldest enjoyed watching the fish dart through the current as we walked through the gentle surf. As someone who has lived in Florida all his life, I found Destin to be a perfect beach for beginners like my two children. The surf wasn’t too strong and the boys could walk out pretty far before having to actually swim. Boating is also a fun option.
Pool Time - Not a fan of sand? Try a pool next to the ocean. When the kids tired of the beach, we headed over to pool at our condo. At the pool, I didn't have to worry about our youngest running away to chase seagulls.
The kids loved it - Whether it was playing in the sand at the beach, splashing around in the pool, or running around in the condo, the kids were having a blast. I scored major dad points.
The beach is always a great time, but sometimes the kids need a little change of pace. Newman-Dailey had us covered. As a bonus for staying at select Newman-Dailey properties, you receive a gift card good for all sorts of great activities for the family. Here are just a few:
- "Points" to The Track Recreation Center - The gift card gets you a reloadable card from The Track Family Recreation Center with 12 attraction points, which can be used on everything from a three-story go-kart track to bumper cars, and two rounds of mini-golf. You can reload the card each day of your stay.
- Admission to Big Kahuna's Waterpark - One adult admission to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park per paid night stay. That’s a lot of time on the lazy river!
- Destin Snorkeling - Want to see what’s under the sea? Explore the pristine waters surrounding Destin with an all-day snorkeling tour or one 3-hour snorkeling and shelling tour per day.
- Dolphin Cruise Aboard Captain Nemo or Sea Blaster - Get one adult fare onboard Captain Nemo or the Sea Blaster per paid night stay. Destin has some great wild dolphin watching and this deal offers a great way to get out on the water.
- Destin Parasailing – Get a bird’s-eye view of the clear, green waters that give the Emerald Coast its name by taking to the skies on a parasail. The Newman-Dailey gift card will get you one parasailing excursion per night stay.
