(This post contains sponsored links from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Grace Pizza and Fudpuckers and Gator Beach. All thoughts, views and opinions are my own.)
A long weekend in the Destin and Ft. Walton Beach area is a perfect escape for beach lovers seeking relaxation and adventure. Nestled along the stunning Emerald Coast, Destin and Ft. Walton is filled with white sandy beaches and stunning emerald green waters.
Whether exploring the charming Henderson State Park, to feeding alligators at Gator Beach, or embarking on a dolphin-watching show at the Gulfarium, a long weekend in the Destin and Ft. Walton Beach area promises unforgettable excitement and relaxation!
Photo from Crab Island’s website.
Crab Island
Crab Island isn’t an actual island – it’s a submerged sand bar next to the Destin Bridge. Because of its festive atmosphere and crystal-clear waters, Crab Island is a popular destination for boaters, tourists, and locals alike.
Henderson State Park
Enjoy the beautiful shoreline of emerald waters, surrounded by 30 foot white sand dunes at Henderson State Park. You can also enjoy fishing, a nature trail and camping, all connected to the area’s beach boardwalks.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Explore all the wonders of the sea with Gulfarium!! Located in Ft. Walton Beach, just off of Miracle Strip.
Unique animal encounters and can’t miss dolphin and sea line shows!! First come, first serve on seating at the shows. Arrive early for the best seating. They even have splash zones! I promised my youngest daughter that we would sit in the splash zone, next month, when we come back. Learn all about animal habitats and marine life.
Our family loves this place! You will have the opportunity to observe penguins (our girls fav), otters, dolphins, sea lions, different types of birds, sharks, manatees and more!
Fudpuckers & Gator Beach
Fudpuckers and Gator Beach is a restaurant with an alligator park, located in Destin. Come and feed the alligators, watch an alligator show or even get you and your family’s photo with an alligator!
Don’t forget to fill those hungry bellies with a meal from Fudpuckers! We enjoyed the “mini alligators” they put on each dish they served! The photo above is the Kids Mac & Cheese with Fries. Notice the tiny alligator in the plate. So fun!
Grace Pizza
Grace Pizza is a restaurant with a modern twist, offering local craft pizza baked in a brick oven and also offering the most over the top milkshakes!
They are located in 30A, in Santa Rosa Beach. I can honestly say this is the best pizza we’ve ever had!! We are planning to visit again very soon!!
McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s is a restaurant that opened in small shopping center in 1977. In 1982, they moved into their current location, in Pensacola, the original 1927 Firehouse. Inside the pub, you will find a New York Irish Saloon themed 615-seater restaurant. In 1966, a second location, McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin opened, and is located right on the Destin Harbor. A third location opened in Panama City Beach, as well. They serve pub favorites, seafood, steak and more! Locals and vacationers visit McGuire’s for the relaxed atmosphere, good food and friendly service. When you first walk into the restaurant, you will notice the walls, covered in one dollar bills. It was a tradition started in 1977 with the owners and having each customer sign their name to a one dollar bill.
Sweet Southern Grace 
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