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#DestinActivities

The Gulfarium: A Must-Visit Destination for Families on the Emerald Coast

If you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or along 30A, and looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that blends adventure and marine wildlife, then The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park should be at the top of your list. Located just a short drive from Destin in Fort Walton Beach, The Gulfarium offers exciting marine encounters, educational shows, and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in petting a stingray, swimming with dolphins, or enjoying an up-close encounter with sea turtles, The Gulfarium has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to visiting The Gulfarium, including all the must-do activities, visitor information, and tips for making the most of your day at this Emerald Coast treasure. Visitor Information Website: The Gulfarium Location: 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Cost: General Admission: $26.95 for adults, $17.95 for children (3-12), children under 2 are free Special experiences like swimming with dolphins, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours have additional fees. Parking is free, and the park is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The Gulfarium is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Destin and Miramar Beach and about 40 minutes from Santa Rosa Beach and 30A, making it a great day-trip destination for visitors staying along the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a break from the beach, The Gulfarium provides an engaging and educational experience. Activities and Animal Encounters The Gulfarium offers a wide range of interactive programs and marine animal encounters that are sure to create lifelong memories. From swimming with dolphins to feeding sea lions, here’s a rundown of the best activities at the park. 1. Dolphin Encounters and Swim with Dolphins The Gulfarium is known for its Dolphin Encounters, where guests can get up close and personal with these intelligent and playful creatures. Choose from experiences like the Discover Dolphins program, where participants get to interact with dolphins from the platform, or the more immersive Swim with Dolphins, where you’ll get to swim and play with them in the water. Duration: 30 to 45 minutes Cost: Starting at $179 per person for the Swim with Dolphins experience Group Tip: Advanced reservations are recommended, especially for large groups, as these programs fill up quickly. 2. Stingray Bay: Touch and Feed Stingrays A favorite for kids and adults alike, the Stingray Bay experience allows you to pet and feed gentle stingrays in a shallow pool. You’ll learn about their unique biology while getting the rare opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures. Duration: Open throughout the day Cost: Free with admission (feeding available for an additional $5) Group Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially if you’re visiting with a large group. 3. Animal Encounters: Sea Lions, Penguins, and Sea Turtles For those interested in even more marine life encounters, The Gulfarium offers several hands-on experiences with animals like sea lions, penguins, and sea turtles. The Sea Lion Meet & Greet lets you get up close and personal with one of the park’s friendly sea lions, while the Penguin Encounter offers a unique look at these charismatic birds. For a more relaxed experience, the Turtle Encounters provide insight into the world of sea turtles and conservation efforts. Duration: 20-30 minutes Cost: Starting at $35 per person for each encounter Group Tip: These encounters are ideal for family photo opportunities and small groups. 4. Aquarium Shows and Exhibits In addition to the interactive experiences, The Gulfarium offers several educational and entertaining shows throughout the day, featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals. The Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Show are park favorites, where you’ll see these amazing animals showcase their talents while learning more about their behaviors and conservation efforts. Duration: 20 minutes per show Cost: Free with admission Group Tip: Check the daily schedule upon arrival to plan your day around the shows. These are great for group viewing and provide plenty of seating. Plan Your Visit with Legacy Beach Homes At Legacy Beach Homes, we understand that your vacation should be filled with fun, family-friendly activities. After spending the day exploring marine life at The Gulfarium, return to one of our spacious vacation rentals in Destin, Miramar Beach, or along 30A. Legacy Beach Homes offers the Emerald Coast’s largest collection of newly-built, large vacation rentals, perfect for multi-family vacations and large group gatherings. Our 8-bedroom beach homes can comfortably sleep 20+ guests, and for even larger groups, we offer side-by-side homes that can accommodate 50 or more guests. With easy beach access, private pools, and amenities like free golf carts and paddleboards, your group will have everything needed for a luxurious and comfortable stay. After a fun-filled day at The Gulfarium, you can relax in your designer vacation home, enjoy a dip in the pool, or take a stroll to the beach just steps away. Visit Legacy Beach Homes today to book your stay and ensure your group has the perfect home base for your Emerald Coast adventures. #Gulfarium #DestinActivities #MiramarBeachAdventures #30AFamilyFun #SantaRosaBeachFamilyActivities #LegacyBeachHomes #LargeGroupVacationRentals #MultiFamilyVacationRentalHomes #MultiGenerationVacationRentalHomes #DestinLargeBeachRentals #MiramarBeachLargeVacationRentals #30ALargeBeachVacationHomes #BeachVacationRentalsForLargeGroups #FloridaLargeBeachVacationHomes #8BedroomBeachHomes #SideBySideBeachRentalsForLargeGroups #VacationRental #MultigenerationVacation #MultifamilyVacation #GroupVacationFlorida

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The Top 10 Activities for Groups Over 30 People on the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast, including Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach, is a fantastic destination for large groups looking to enjoy a variety of activities while soaking in the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, corporate retreat, or a celebration with friends, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Here are the top 10 activities for groups of over 30 people in Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach. 1. Beach Day Nothing beats a classic beach day for large groups, especially on the stunning beaches of Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach. With their beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, they’re the perfect setting for a day of sun, swimming, and relaxation. Set up beach games like volleyball or cornhole, enjoy a picnic, or just lounge by the water. Public beaches such as Henderson Beach State Park or Grayton Beach State Park are ideal for larger gatherings. Relevant Links: Henderson Beach State Park, Grayton Beach State Park Estimated Time: 4-6 hours Cost: Free to $8 per vehicle for state park entry 2. Group Sailing Excursions Explore the beautiful Gulf waters near Destin with a group sailing excursion. Large catamarans or sailboats can accommodate groups of over 30, providing a relaxing day at sea. Whether it’s a sunset cruise or a dolphin-watching adventure, sailing is an unforgettable way to experience the Emerald Coast. Relevant Links: Sailaway Destin, Destin Sailing Adventures Estimated Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $1,000–$2,000 depending on group size and duration 3. Deep-Sea Fishing Charters The Emerald Coast, especially Destin, is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” making it the perfect place to charter a deep-sea fishing boat for a large group. Boats can be rented for half-day or full-day trips, offering an exciting opportunity to catch snapper, grouper, and more in the waters near Destin and Miramar Beach. Relevant Links: Destin Charter Boat Service, Olin Marler Charters Estimated Time: 4-8 hours Cost: $1,500–$3,000 depending on trip length 4. Golf Tournaments For golf enthusiasts, organizing a group golf tournament at one of the Emerald Coast’s many scenic courses is a fantastic way to spend the day. Courses like Kelly Plantation Golf Club in Destin or Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club near Miramar Beach can accommodate large groups and even help organize tournament-style play. Relevant Links: Kelly Plantation Golf Club, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club Estimated Time: 4-6 hours Cost: $100–$150 per person for green fees and equipment rental 5. Destin Harbor Boardwalk The bustling Destin Harbor Boardwalk offers a range of activities, from dining and shopping to boat tours and live entertainment. It’s a great option for large groups looking to explore Destin at their own pace, with something for everyone to enjoy. Relevant Links: Destin Harbor Boardwalk Estimated Time: 2-4 hours Cost: Free to explore, individual costs for dining, shopping, and activities 6. Private Dune Buggy or Jeep Tours For groups that love adventure, a private dune buggy or Jeep tour offers an exciting way to explore the Emerald Coast’s backroads, forests, and coastal dunes. Companies like Coastal Cruisers can arrange group tours that are both thrilling and scenic in areas like Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. Relevant Links: Coastal Cruisers Estimated Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $300–$600 per vehicle, depending on rental duration 7. Crab Island Adventure Crab Island, located in the heart of Destin, is one of the Emerald Coast’s most famous spots, and the best way to enjoy it is by boat. Rent pontoon boats or book a group charter to this unique sandbar, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy floating food vendors and water activities. Relevant Links: Crab Island Water Sports, Destin Water Adventures Estimated Time: 4-6 hours Cost: $400–$800 for boat rental 8. Group Paddleboarding or Kayaking For a more active day on the water, consider organizing a group paddleboarding or kayaking trip. With calm waters and beautiful surroundings, locations like Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach are perfect for groups looking to explore nature together. Relevant Links: The Rental Shop 30A, Destin Kayak Rentals Estimated Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $30–$60 per person for rental 9. Beach Bonfire Night A beach bonfire is a perfect way to end the day with your group, whether you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, or Santa Rosa Beach. Several companies along the Emerald Coast specialize in setting up bonfires, complete with chairs, tiki torches, and s’mores kits. It’s a great way to gather around the fire for stories, music, and relaxation. Relevant Links: 30A Bonfires, La Dolce Vita Bonfires Estimated Time: 3-4 hours Cost: $300–$500 for setup and equipment 10. Destin Party Boat For groups that want to celebrate in style, renting a party boat in Destin is the way to go. These boats offer music, drinks, and plenty of fun as you cruise around Destin and the surrounding Emerald Coast’s beautiful waters. Companies like AJ’s Water Adventures offer custom charters for large groups. Relevant Links: AJ’s Water Adventures Estimated Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $1,000–$2,000 depending on boat size and duration Conclusion The Emerald Coast, including Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach, offers a wide range of activities for large groups, from exciting water sports and deep-sea fishing to relaxing beach bonfires and golf tournaments. No matter what your group enjoys, there’s something for everyone along this beautiful stretch of Florida coastline. For more inspiration or to find the perfect vacation home to host your group, visit our stunning properties at Legacy Beach Homes. #EmeraldCoast, #DestinActivities, #GroupTravel, #BeachDay, #CrabIsland, #GolfDestin, #Paddleboarding, #DestinFishing, #BeachBonfire, #DestinHarbor, #SantaRosaBeach, #MiramarBeach, #LegacyBeachHomes, #LegacyBeachHomesdotcom

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