Northwest Florida is a great vacation destination for families.  The best thing to do here—chill.  You don't have to entertain the kids – even if they are programmed for it.  Just give them enough recreation—going to the beach or swim in one of the beautiful area pools.  There are plenty of kayaks, bikes and other fun things for young people.   Be aware that many of the beaches, post flags for rip currents, etc., which can be serious so pay attention!  The beach and water may look beautiful but the flags are there for a reason.  

 

Eventually, everyone finds their favorite community.  The beaches of South Walton are a must to check out for those looking for the real authentic "beachy" life.  No chain restaurants here; instead authentic,  great food abounds, live music venues, lots of arts, unique shops, loads of ambiance and good vibe.

 

Kites are fun at the beach—plenty of places to fly them and lots of wind up there!  There are great places to explore . . . Jolee Island Nature Park is a nature park at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort if you happen to be staying "in town".

 

Lots of locals use the Sandestin facilities.  Just get a pass at the guard gate to go to "The Village". You can visit Jolee Island Nature Park and park a car there (along the way to the village),  If you are checking out the Sandestin area for a possible future stay and/or if you are spending money at the village (restaurants, shops, etc.) Lots of people meander around the resort that are visiting so they are accustomed to it.

 

Sandestin really doesn't care if you visit the nature park or nature trails for that matter.  Locals go and take their dogs for a run there.  The nature park (Jolee Island) is about five acres, very picturesque, filled with trails and surrounded by a salt marsh.  It is accessed by a foot bridge, has playground equipment in the shape of a pirate ship, grills, a small private beach on the bay, and a log cabin to explore.  Very fun for families. 

 

Be aware if you have a small dog:  Typical of Florida regions, this area has coyotes, large birds of prey, etc., so keep a little Fido close. 

 

Jolee Island is a great place to have a cookout, watch a sunset, have a family outing or picnic.   The Gordon Davidson Nature Trail is right across the street from Jolee Island—small but fun for small kids to play at the playground fort.

 

If you happened to get stopped by Sandestin Security (if your speeding, trying to spend the night there camping, acting unorderly or building a bonfire), just tell them you are on the way to the village and wanted to check out the resort.  There are some fun restuarants in "The Village" (Marina Cafe--fun for lunch at the marina).

 

Parents that need a night out—there are plenty of reputable sitting services in Destin.  Destin Kids Adventures is worth checking out.  We post their phone number and more about them in the "Special Services" section of the website. 

 

Turkey Creek—a great free fun place on the Niceville side of the five mile bridge.  Not a dog friendly place but a fun spring fed river to float down (provide your own) and a really nice pavilion for a picnic. The creek has a sandy bottom, is rather cold but loads of fun for a free family outing day!