Kristen by the Coast

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Explore the Emerald Coast
  • Navarre Beach
  • Destin/Fort Walton Beach
  • Pensacola
  • Gulf Shores/Org Beach
  • 30A/Santa Rosa Beach
  • Panama City Beach
Weekend Adventures
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Kristen by the Coast

Kristen by the Coast Kristen by the Coast Kristen by the Coast
Home
Explore the Emerald Coast
  • Navarre Beach
  • Destin/Fort Walton Beach
  • Pensacola
  • Gulf Shores/Org Beach
  • 30A/Santa Rosa Beach
  • Panama City Beach
Weekend Adventures
About
  • Get to know Kristen
  • Lifestyle
More
  • Home
  • Explore the Emerald Coast
    • Navarre Beach
    • Destin/Fort Walton Beach
    • Pensacola
    • Gulf Shores/Org Beach
    • 30A/Santa Rosa Beach
    • Panama City Beach
  • Weekend Adventures
  • About
    • Get to know Kristen
    • Lifestyle
  • Home
  • Explore the Emerald Coast
    • Navarre Beach
    • Destin/Fort Walton Beach
    • Pensacola
    • Gulf Shores/Org Beach
    • 30A/Santa Rosa Beach
    • Panama City Beach
  • Weekend Adventures
  • About
    • Get to know Kristen
    • Lifestyle

Eat, Stay, and Play around Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Eat

AJ's on the Bayou

AJ's on the Bayou

AJ's on the Bayou

This laid-back, family-friendly restaurant overlooks Cinco Bayou. 

AJ's has a menu full of variety from fresh seafood to mouthwatering burgers. Their kid's menu offers a generous number of options, and everyone will enjoy feeding the fish from the dock. Consider gathering your crew and giving their Sunday brunch a try. Bottomless Mimosas pair nicely with a water view. 

Burrito Del Sol

AJ's on the Bayou

AJ's on the Bayou

Pick your dish, pick your protein, then pick your style! Burrito Del Sol serves up fresh Baja-style Mexican food with Florida flair.  Their salsa, guacamole, sauces and seasonings are made in house, and they offer unique daily specials. If you’re in the mood for a fun, relaxed, friendly and unique atmosphere with fresh, homemade food then Burrito Del Sol is the place for you!

Harbor Docks

Pink Coyote Dessert Company

Pink Coyote Dessert Company

This laid-back, family-friendly restaurant has been a Destin tradition since 1979. 

Each menu item is made from scratch, and they serve only the freshest local Gulf-to Table seafood. Try the fried green tomatoes, house smoked yellowfin tuna dip, a seafood platter, or their famous sushi rolls. 

Pink Coyote Dessert Company

Pink Coyote Dessert Company

Pink Coyote Dessert Company

Pink Coyote Dessert Co. offers a rotating selection of handcrafted ice cream, baked goods and beverages. You'll find flavors ranging from classic favorites to new flavor combinations that you've never experienced before. Grab a scoop or a treat and enjoy in-house or grab a pint to go. They also have a second location right on the bay on Calhoun Avenue in Destin.

Stay

The Island Resort - Fort Walton Beach FL

 This incredible resort offers everything you could want in one unforgettable destination: pristine beaches, activities for every age, exceptional dining and expertly crafted cocktails.


You'll find entertainment around every corner along with effortless amenities designed to make your only task pure relaxation. Once you arrive, you may never want to leave. Drop your keys, grab your swimsuit, and let each sun-drenched day unfold into pure enjoyment. 


Book direct:

https://www.theislandfl.com/

Play

Baytowne Wharf

Baytowne Wharf

Baytowne Wharf

Located right on the bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf contains a fun variety of restaurants, shop, entertainment, and nightlife. This quaint complex is located within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and we've found it to be the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening.  


Grab a bite or a beverage, sit outside, and take in the sights and sounds of beautiful Baytowne. Play a few games at the arcade, grab ice cream for dessert, and let the younger kids burn of some energy at the spectacular play area. Looking for a thrill? Take a ride on the zipline or test your limits on the adventure course. 


Keep an eye on their website and social channels because they have a full schedule of outdoor festivals and special events year-round. 


 The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Located in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 

Crab Island

Baytowne Wharf

Baytowne Wharf

If you're coming to Destin, then of course you have to visit the famous Crab Island. Known for its shallow clear waters and good times, it acts as a massive floating playground from April to October and is a top destination for visitors to the Emerald Coast. 


On weekends, hundreds of boats fill the waters in search of fun and sun. There are several shuttle services dedicated to Crab Island excursions as well as an abundance of boat rental companies located in close proximity that offer half or full day rentals. We have personally rented pontoon boats from Wet N Wild Watersports as well as Luther's Pontoons and had great experiences with both companies. 


It should be noted that high tide offers the best chance to experience the clearest emerald waters and weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends. Be sure to stay hydrated, bring plenty of sunscreen and cash for the vendors, and be mindful of the strong currents that can be present. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty and it is unsafe to swim or paddle to Crab Island from shore due to the strong and changing currents in the channel. 


 Destin's Best Watersport Adventures | Wet 'n' Wild Watersport 


 Luther's Pontoon WaveRunner & Kayak Rentals | Destin FL 

Destin Commons

Baytowne Wharf

Goofy Golf Fort Walton Beach

Destin's favorite destination for shopping, food, and fun. Destin Commons has a great lineup of stores and restaurants as well as entertainment like movies and bowling. We love strolling this outdoor mall and it's a frequent destination whether we're on the hunt for a specific item or looking for dinner and a treat. Don't leave without taking a few minutes to relax on The Lawn and be sure to let your younger kids run around at the play area. 


Be sure to keep an eye on their website and social channels because they have a full schedule of outdoor festivals and seasonal events year-round. 


 Best Shopping & Dining in Destin, Florida 

Goofy Golf Fort Walton Beach

Goofy Golf Fort Walton Beach

Goofy Golf Fort Walton Beach

This classic gem has been preserved like a time capsule. This is hands down our favorite place to play mini golf - quite possibly anywhere. The nostalgia is thick and its cash only so come prepared. They have two old-school challenging courses and it's a super affordable outing for a group or family. We always have such a great time!


They are located on Eglin Parkway in Fort Walton Beach. 

Southern Star Dolphin Cruise

Goofy Golf Fort Walton Beach

Southern Star Dolphin Cruise

We recently had the pleasure of boarding the sunset dolphin cruise with Southern Star in Destin. Located on the Destin Harbor, Southern Star is Destin's original dolphin cruise company.  

This family friendly cruise is suitable for all ages. There's ample shade on the two-story boat, a restroom, and a small indoor seating area with snacks and beverages. 


This 1.5 hour cruise takes passengers along the Destin Harbor, Destin Jetties, East Pass, Crab Island, & Destin Coastline (pending wave & weather conditions) and ends with a glorious view of the sun slowly sinking into the water before returning to the dock. 


Parking is limited at Harborwalk Village. If you are planning to cruise during the peak vacation months, be sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking and boarding. You will not be able to board the cruise until your entire party is present. 


 Destin Dolphin Cruises | Southern Star Dolphin Cruise 

Suds N Cinema

Goofy Golf Fort Walton Beach

Southern Star Dolphin Cruise

Located in the heart of Downtown Fort Walton sits a special theater rich in history. This cherished local establishment dates back to the 1940's. Offering first-run movies as well as value matinees, this family friendly theater provides an experience unlike any other around. Filled with nostalgia, guests are treated to a menu filled with classic movie concessions as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees. Arrive early to get the best seats in the house as this theater is known to sell out. 


 SudsNCinema | Cinema | 174 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA 

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