Fun, Affordable and Relaxing Beach Fun
We love going to the beach. My wife grew up on the South Carolina coast and we bring our family there often to spend time in her hometown, often taking the boat out and setting up on a remote island beach with the rest of the small town. It’s a great time.
We also do visit the bigger beach towns, and the most frequented is Destin, Florida. Yes the traffic stinks in the evening going to dinner, and there are more touristy shops and franchise restaurants, but there also are some great value options. Here are some tips to help you plan your family adventure -
1) Silver Dunes Condominiums. I hate to even post this out into the world, as we love this place and it is less dense than the surronding condos. The property is setup in a horseshoe shape and the only 3 levels high. In the middle of the condos is a great pool and large grass field - where the kids can run around with little worry. The beach is footsteps away over the dunes and you have the option of chair service (which we always get to limit the amount of STUFF we have to haul back and forth to the beach). Check this place out - yes its a bit dated, but so are a lot of Florida condos, and this place is a great place to let the kids roam around and not worry about getting lost in all the Florida beach flurry.
2) Walk to Back Porch restaurant for lunch or dinner. Yes, this a more touristy spot - but the food and drinks are great. We really enjoy walking to this spot for lunch to break up the day. You avoid having to get into the car and battling the relentless traffic on the main strip. The kids get their meals served on a frisbee, which makes the walk back to your condo fun with a bit of frisbee toss mixed into the beach walk.
3) The Gulf on Okaloosa Island for lunch or dinner. This place is a bit of a haul depending on where you are staying, but it is worth it. They have some many things to keep the kiddos occupied while you and your partner enjoy a great cocktail and really good food. The food is always changing and the kitchen does a great job. I really have never had a bad meal here. Its all outside and you order at the counter and seat yourself. If you have the chance to visit this place, highly recommend!
4) Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe. Wake up early and beat the crowd to treat yourself to an awesome sweet treat. These donuts are amazing and they have so many different varieties - in addition to the most common types. We usually order 2x more than we need for the morning and have in our condo to snack throughout the trip. We have been here for breakfast as well - and it’s standard, good breakfast if you want something more substantial than donuts.