Vacation Itinerary: 3 Days at SunDestin (Family Edition)

September 16, 2022

The sun is shining along the Gulf Coast, and it’s finally time for your trip to SunDestin in the heart of Destin, Florida! SunDestin Beach Resort is the ideal beach destination for families with plenty of on-site amenities and a convenient location to all that Destin has to offer. When planning your next trip, use our family beach itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Arrival Day

You’ve arrived, explored your accommodations, and unpacked for your beach vacation. Let the good times begin! We recommend scheduling a grocery pick-up or delivery from InstaCart to coincide with your arrival time and access to your condo, so you have plenty of snacks and things to cook in your well-appointed kitchen. There’s still plenty of time to go down and enjoy some sunshine on the beach before sunset. No need to get too dressed up because dinner is at the on-site restaurant Fudpucker’s Pelican’s Roost. The restaurant has an assortment of traditional American fares such as chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, pizza, fried pickles, and your favorite beach delights like fish tacos and popcorn shrimp. After dinner, relax in your condo and get a good night’s sleep because your first full day in Destin will be filled with sun and fun.

Insider tip: If you forgot any beach essentials, stop by The Sea Store in the lobby of SunDestin. Here, you’ll find beach gear, sunscreen, frosty beverages, and other treasures to make your getaway one for the books.

First Full Day

Day Activities

Your beach vacation officially begins when you’re kicked back in a beach chair with the waves lapping the shore, but before you do, consider grabbing some drool-worthly breakfast and one of Destin’s many breakfast joints. The Pancakery offers, you guessed it, gourmet pancakes that’ll fill you up, as well as a selection of omelets and other breakfast fares. The Ruby Slipper Cafe, in their words, is obsessed with brunch and worth a stop. And if you’re in a rush to get to the beach (we don’t blame you) but still want a great morning meal, First Watch offers online ordering and an online ‘get in line’ option to skip the wait!

Book your beach chairs and umbrella set before you arrive through La Dolce Vita. Each setup comes with two beach chairs and an umbrella so you can get some sun and rest in the shade. Beach chair rental is seasonal. Cabanas will be available post-season on a first come, first serve basis. Once you’ve had your fill of body surfing, snorkeling, and building sandcastles, check out the pool and kid’s seasonal splash pad. Your little ones will have a splish splashin’ time with the water features, and no vacation is complete without a game of Marco Polo in the pool. For lunch, pack sandwiches or order food to go from Pelican’s Roost; then, it’s time for a nap before your evening out on the town.

Evening Activities

The Track is less than a three-minute drive from SunDestin and brings the adventure to your family vacation itinerary. With all ages, solo and two-seater go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, amusement park rides, and a full arcade, there’s plenty to keep everyone, from the oldest member of your crew to the youngest, entertained. Hop in the car after you’ve worked up an appetite and take the short trip from the Track to the Back Porch. Located directly on the beach, the Back Porch is family-friendly with fresh Gulf seafood and has been a local favorite since 1974. With an extensive menu, even your pickiest eaters in the group will find something to nibble on. If you save room for dessert, venture to Shake’s Frozen Custard for a special treat.  Shake’s is across the street from SunDestin, so it won’t take you long to get back to the resort and snuggle down into your bed before another big day in Destin.

Second Full Day

Day Activities

Are you ready for a cannon blast of the day? You’re in luck because the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise sails the high seas of Destin! The trip through Destin Harbor will be filled with singing, dancing, sword fights, pirate training, and loads of swashbuckling fun. At the end of the trip, kids are invited to pick out a piece of treasure from the special chest on board. You’ll disembark the ship in HarborWalk Village, where abundant activities include an escape room, ziplining, and shopping. During the year, HarborWalk Village features free live music, festivals, fireworks, and entertainment, all open to the public. As a special treat, Sugar is abundant for any sweet tooth in the group, with a gourmet milkshake truck, The Fudgery, and a cotton candy booth all on-site.

Evening Activities

Back at the resort, make your own happy hour and another day well spent in Destin at the Tiki Bar (seasonal) or the bar at Pelican’s Roost, and don’t forget to take a dip in the indoor pool. End your night by changing into your PJs, playing board games, and watching movies with your family. Order pizza from Merlins Pizza. It’s a local favorite, and we recommend trying one of their specialty pizzas for a relaxing pajama party.

Don’t feel like staying in? No problem!  Skip the PJ party and head to one of our many local establishments. Destin Commons offers something for everyone, from bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill to catching the latest movie at AMC Destin Commons and plenty of shopping and dining. Consider trying one of Destin’s many escape rooms, like Escapology, or bounce the night away at Urban Air.  The choices for some good old family fun are endless when you’re at SunDestin.

Departure Day

We’re sad to see you go, but we hope you’ve had an unforgettable family vacation at SunDestin Beach Resort. Hopefully, you woke up early to enjoy a peaceful sunrise with a fresh cup of coffee before you start packing up for the journey home. Stop by The Sea Store for coffee on the go and souvenirs to bring back to your friends and family at home. Check under the beds, in every drawer, and in closets, and make sure everyone has all their belongings, especially electronic devices and chargers before you depart. Your final morning can easily be one of the best parts of your trip if you stop at the Donut Hole in Destin on your way out of town. Don’t be intimidated if there’s a line out the door because the service is always excellent and quick. The iconic restaurant is the go-to breakfast spot in Destin, and for a good reason. When your meal wraps up, you’ll want to grab a dozen donuts to go, trust us!

We hope you have a safe trip home and that you’ll visit SunDestin year after year for your family beach vacation.

See You Soon!

SunDestin Beach Resort would love to host you for your next trip to Destin. Stop by the SunDestin Front Desk on the day of departure to reserve your next vacation. We hope you’ve created special memories during your visit and hope to see you again soon!

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