Searching for the perfect family-friendly vacation destination? Look no further than Destin, Florida!
Editor’s Note: Our guide to the best Destin, Florida resorts for families has just been updated for 2023! We’ve done the research and put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision for your next family vacation.
With its sugar-white sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and endless activities, Destin is a paradise for families of all ages. But with so many resorts to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard work for you and analyzed dozens of Destin resorts to find the best ones for families. Our top picks offer everything from kids’ clubs and waterparks to spacious suites and convenient amenities.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for the best Destin, Florida resorts for families.
Destin Florida Resorts for Families
Destin, Florida is a popular vacation destination for families. With its sugar-white sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and endless activities, Destin has something to offer everyone. But with so many resorts to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for your family.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve identified 10 key aspects to consider when choosing a Destin resort for families:
- Location: Where is the resort located in relation to the beach, attractions, and other amenities?
- Amenities: What amenities does the resort offer, such as a pool, waterpark, kids’ club, and restaurants?
- Room type: What type of room do you need, such as a suite, condo, or villa?
- Price: How much does the resort cost per night?
- Reviews: What do other families say about the resort?
- Activities: What activities does the resort offer for families, such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking?
- Dining: What dining options does the resort offer, such as restaurants, room service, and grills?
- Safety: What safety features does the resort have, such as lifeguards, security, and gated entrances?
- Convenience: How convenient is the resort to get to and from, and are there nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and other conveniences?
- Value: Is the resort a good value for the price?
By considering these key aspects, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect Destin resort for your family.
Location
When choosing a Destin resort for families, location is key. You’ll want to choose a resort that is close to the beach, as well as to other attractions and amenities that your family will enjoy. Here are a few things to consider:
- Distance to the beach: How far is the resort from the beach? Is it within walking distance, or will you need to drive?
- Proximity to attractions: What attractions are nearby? Are there any theme parks, waterparks, or other family-friendly activities within a short drive?
- Convenience to amenities: Are there grocery stores, pharmacies, and other conveniences nearby? Is the resort located in a walkable area?
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that is convenient for your family and allows you to make the most of your vacation.
Amenities
When choosing a Destin resort for families, amenities are key. You’ll want to choose a resort that offers a variety of amenities that will keep your family entertained and comfortable. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pool: Is there a pool at the resort? Is it heated? Is it large enough for your family to enjoy?
- Waterpark: Does the resort have a waterpark? What kind of water slides and other attractions does it have?
- Kids’ club: Does the resort have a kids’ club? What activities does it offer? Is it supervised?
- Restaurants: Does the resort have a restaurant? What type of food does it serve? Are there kids’ menu options?
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that has the amenities that your family will enjoy.
Room type
When choosing a Destin resort for families, room type is an important consideration. The type of room you choose will depend on the size of your family, your budget, and your preferences. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: How many people will be staying in the room? Do you need a room with multiple bedrooms or a suite with a separate living area?
- Budget: How much can you afford to spend on a room? Suites and villas are typically more expensive than standard hotel rooms.
- Preferences: Do you have any specific preferences for your room? For example, do you want a room with a balcony or a view of the ocean?
By considering these factors, you can choose a room type that is right for your family.
Price
When choosing a Destin resort for families, price is an important consideration. The cost of a resort can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, the type of room, and the amenities offered. Here are a few things to consider:
- Time of year: Resort prices are typically higher during peak season (summer and spring break) than during off-season (fall and winter).
- Type of room: Suites and villas are typically more expensive than standard hotel rooms.
- Amenities: Resorts that offer more amenities, such as waterparks, kids’ clubs, and restaurants, typically charge more than resorts that offer fewer amenities.
By considering these factors, you can budget for your Destin family vacation and choose a resort that fits your needs.
Reviews
When choosing a Destin resort for families, it’s important to read reviews from other families. This can give you valuable insights into the resort’s amenities, staff, and overall atmosphere. Here are a few things to consider when reading reviews:
- Look for reviews from families with similar needs to yours. For example, if you have young children, you’ll want to read reviews from other families with young children.
- Pay attention to the positive and negative reviews. What do people like and dislike about the resort? Are there any recurring complaints?
- Read between the lines. Sometimes, reviewers will say something positive but then follow it up with a negative comment. For example, a reviewer might say “The staff was friendly, but the rooms were dirty.” This tells you that the staff was friendly, but the rooms were not clean.
By reading reviews from other families, you can get a good sense of what the resort is really like and whether it’s a good fit for your family.
Activities
When choosing a Destin resort for families, it’s important to consider the activities that the resort offers. After all, you want to make sure that your family will have plenty to do during your vacation. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about activities:
- Variety: Does the resort offer a variety of activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking? This will help ensure that everyone in your family can find something to enjoy.
- Age-appropriateness: Are the activities appropriate for the ages of your children? For example, if you have young children, you’ll want to make sure that the resort offers activities that are safe and fun for them.
- Cost: Are the activities free or do they cost extra? If they cost extra, factor that into your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that offers the activities that your family will enjoy.
Dining
When choosing a Destin resort for families, dining options are an important consideration. You’ll want to choose a resort that offers a variety of dining options that will appeal to everyone in your family. Here are a few things to consider:
- Variety: Does the resort offer a variety of dining options, such as restaurants, room service, and grills? This will help ensure that everyone in your family can find something to enjoy.
- Age-appropriateness: Are the dining options appropriate for the ages of your children? For example, if you have young children, you’ll want to make sure that the resort offers kid-friendly menu options.
- Cost: Are the dining options affordable? If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to make sure that the resort offers some affordable dining options.
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that offers the dining options that your family will enjoy.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points to consider when choosing a Destin resort for families based on dining options:
| Feature | Importance | Considerations ||—|—|—|| Variety | Ensures that everyone in your family can find something to enjoy | Look for resorts that offer a variety of dining options, such as restaurants, room service, and grills. || Age-appropriateness | Makes sure that the dining options are appropriate for the ages of your children | If you have young children, look for resorts that offer kid-friendly menu options. || Cost | Helps you stay within your budget | Consider the cost of the dining options before booking your stay. |By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that offers the dining options that your family will enjoy and that fits your budget.
Safety
When choosing a Destin resort for families, safety is a top priority. You’ll want to choose a resort that has a variety of safety features in place to keep your family safe and secure. Here are a few things to consider:
- Lifeguards: Are there lifeguards on duty at the resort’s pool and beach? This is especially important if you have young children.
- Security: Does the resort have security guards on patrol? This can help deter crime and keep your family safe.
- Gated entrances: Are the entrances to the resort gated and secure? This can help prevent unauthorized people from entering the resort.
- Other safety features: What other safety features does the resort have? For example, does it have smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, and emergency exits?
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that has the safety features that are important to you and your family.
Convenience
When choosing a Destin resort for families, convenience is a key factor to consider. You’ll want to choose a resort that is easy to get to and from, and that is located near grocery stores, pharmacies, and other conveniences. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about convenience:
- Location: Is the resort located in a convenient location? Is it easy to get to and from the airport? Is it close to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other conveniences?
- Transportation: Does the resort offer transportation to and from the airport? Does it have a shuttle service that can take you to nearby grocery stores and pharmacies?
- Amenities: Does the resort have amenities that can make your stay more convenient, such as a grocery store, a pharmacy, or a laundry facility?
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that is convenient for your family and allows you to make the most of your vacation.
Value
When choosing a Destin resort for families, value is an important consideration. You want to choose a resort that offers a good value for the price, so that you can get the most bang for your buck. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about value:
- Amenities: What amenities does the resort offer? Are there activities and amenities that your family will enjoy, such as a pool, waterpark, kids’ club, or fitness center?
- Location: Where is the resort located? Is it close to the beach, attractions, and other activities that you want to enjoy?
- Price: How much does the resort cost? Is it within your budget?
- Reviews: What do other families say about the resort? Are they happy with the value they received?
By considering these factors, you can choose a Destin resort that offers a good value for the price and that will help you create lasting memories with your family.
FAQs on Destin Florida Resorts for Families
Planning a family vacation to Destin, Florida can be exciting, but it’s natural to have questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip:
Question 1: What are the best Destin resorts for families?
Destin offers a range of family-friendly resorts catering to different needs and preferences. Some top-rated options include The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village. These resorts offer amenities like kids’ clubs, waterparks, and spacious accommodations.
Question 2: What activities are available for families in Destin?
Destin boasts numerous activities for families. The white-sand beaches are perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying the sunshine. Additionally, there are opportunities for fishing, boating, dolphin cruises, and visits to attractions like the Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park.
Question 3: Where can families dine in Destin?
Destin offers a diverse culinary scene with options ranging from casual beachside eateries to fine dining restaurants. Many resorts have on-site restaurants, and there are also numerous family-friendly restaurants within a short drive, such as The Crab Trap, Dewey Destin’s Harborside Restaurant, and Captain Dave’s on the Gulf.
Question 4: How can families get around Destin?
The most convenient way to get around Destin is by car. Rental cars are readily available at the airport and provide flexibility for exploring the area. Additionally, there are taxi and ride-sharing services, and some resorts offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.
Question 5: What are the best times to visit Destin for families?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit Destin with families. Summer (June-August) is peak season with warmer temperatures and more activities, but also larger crowds and higher prices.
Question 6: Are there any tips for saving money on a Destin family vacation?
Consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season for lower rates on accommodations and activities. Look for discounts and package deals offered by resorts and travel websites. Pack snacks and drinks to save on dining expenses, and take advantage of free activities like beach walks and swimming.
With its sugar-white sands, emerald-green waters, and abundance of family-friendly activities, Destin, Florida is an excellent choice for a memorable vacation. By planning ahead and considering these FAQs, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your family.
Now that you’re better informed about Destin Florida resorts for families, you can start planning your next family getaway and create lasting memories in this beautiful destination.
Tips for Choosing the Best Destin, Florida Resort for Families
Planning a family vacation to Destin, Florida can be exciting, but it’s crucial to choose the right resort to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. Here are some valuable tips to consider:
Tip 1: Determine Your Family’s Needs and Preferences
Consider the ages of your children, their interests, and any special needs or preferences your family may have. This will help you narrow down your choices and find a resort that offers the amenities and activities that your family will enjoy.
Tip 2: Research and Read Reviews
Take the time to thoroughly research different resorts and read reviews from other families. This will provide valuable insights into the quality of accommodations, amenities, and overall guest experience. Look for resorts with positive reviews from families with similar needs to yours.
Tip 3: Consider the Resort’s Location
The location of the resort plays a significant role in the convenience and accessibility of your stay. Choose a resort that is close to the beach, attractions, and other activities that you plan to enjoy during your vacation.
Tip 4: Explore the Amenities and Activities Offered
Destin resorts offer a wide range of amenities and activities, including pools, waterparks, kids’ clubs, and fitness centers. Determine which amenities are important to your family and choose a resort that offers them. Additionally, consider the activities available in the area, such as water sports, fishing, and dolphin cruises.
Tip 5: Set a Budget and Stick to It
Establish a realistic budget for your vacation and stick to it. Research the costs of different resorts, including room rates, dining options, and activity fees. Consider booking during the off-season or shoulder season to save money.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of choosing the perfect Destin, Florida resort for your family and create lasting memories during your vacation.
Destin, Florida
Destin, Florida, with its pristine beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and abundance of family-friendly attractions, offers an unforgettable vacation experience. By carefully considering the key aspects outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can choose the perfect resort that caters to your family’s unique needs and preferences.
Whether you seek relaxation on the white-sand shores, adventure in the emerald-green waters, or a combination of both, Destin has something for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones in this captivating destination. Plan your family getaway to Destin today and experience the magic that awaits.