Ideas for Multigenerational Emerald Coast Beach Vacations
Planning a multigenerational family vacation can be both exciting and challenging. Fortunately, the Emerald Coast offers a wide range of activities that appeal to family members of all ages, ensuring everyone from toddlers to grandparents has a memorable time. Whether you’re visiting Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or 30A, here are some great ideas for making the most of your multigenerational beach vacation. 1. Enjoy a Relaxing Beach Day One of the best ways to enjoy time together as a family is with a classic beach day. The sugar-white sand and clear waters of the Emerald Coast provide the perfect setting for a day of fun in the sun. Bring along beach games like frisbee or paddleball, build sandcastles with the kids, or simply relax under a beach umbrella. Where to Go: Destin’s Henderson Beach State Park offers picnic areas and nature trails in addition to its pristine beach. Santa Rosa Beach and the beaches along 30A are also excellent options for a quieter beach experience. Relevant Link: Henderson Beach State Park 2. Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise A dolphin watching cruise is an exciting and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy. Most cruises depart from Destin and offer close-up views of dolphins playing in their natural habitat. Children and grandparents alike will love the thrill of spotting these playful creatures. Where to Go: Destin Harbor offers a variety of dolphin cruises, including AJ’s Water Adventures. Relevant Link: AJ’s Water Adventures Cost: Approximately $35–$50 per person 3. Explore State Parks and Nature Trails For families who enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring the state parks along the Emerald Coast is a great way to bond while surrounded by nature. Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park near 30A offer walking trails, fishing opportunities, and beautiful beach access. Older family members can enjoy a peaceful walk while the younger ones have fun exploring the area’s unique ecosystems. Relevant Links: Grayton Beach State Park | Topsail Hill Preserve 4. Go Fishing or Book a Charter Fishing is a relaxing and fun activity for family members of all ages. Whether you cast a line from the beach or book a deep-sea fishing charter from Destin or Miramar Beach, this activity offers a chance for some friendly competition or quiet bonding time with your loved ones. Where to Go: Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” making it a prime spot for fishing charters. Destin Charter Boat Service offers group charters. Relevant Link: Destin Charter Boat Service 5. Paddleboarding or Kayaking Paddleboarding and kayaking are fantastic activities for families looking to explore the calm coastal waters of the Emerald Coast. Santa Rosa Beach and the coastal dune lakes along 30A provide tranquil settings where everyone can enjoy a peaceful paddling experience. Paddleboarding can be particularly fun for younger family members, while older members can enjoy the calm, scenic paddle. Where to Rent: The Rental Shop 30A provides paddleboard and kayak rentals. Relevant Link: The Rental Shop 30A 6. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach is a great day trip for families staying in Destin or Miramar Beach. This marine park offers exciting dolphin shows, interactive exhibits, and animal encounters, making it a hit for kids and adults alike. Relevant Link: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park Cost: Admission starts around $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 7. Family Bike Ride Along 30A For a more leisurely and scenic experience, rent bikes and explore the 30A bike trail, which stretches through charming beach towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach. It’s an easy and safe way for families of all ages to see the beauty of the Emerald Coast. Where to Rent: Big Daddy’s Bike Shop on 30A offers bike rentals for all ages. Relevant Link: Big Daddy’s Bike Shop 8. Group Sunset Bonfire on the Beach A beach bonfire is a perfect way to end a fun-filled day with the entire family. Several local companies provide beach bonfire setups, complete with seating, s’mores kits, and tiki torches. It’s a great way to relax as the sun sets, and everyone can enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Where to Go: Beach bonfires are popular on the beaches of 30A and Miramar Beach. Relevant Link: 30A Blaze 9. Beachfront Photography Session Capture the memories of your multigenerational vacation with a professional family photography session on the beach. A professional photographer can help you find the perfect spot along Destin, Miramar Beach, or 30A to take stunning group photos that you’ll treasure forever. Relevant Link: 30A Photography Studios Where to Stay: Legacy Beach Homes At Legacy Beach Homes, we specialize in providing the perfect accommodations for large, multigenerational family vacations along the Emerald Coast. Our homes in Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A are specifically designed to meet the needs of families traveling together. With large 8-bedroom homes that sleep 20+ guests and side-by-side homes that accommodate 50+ guests, your entire family will have plenty of space to relax and enjoy their vacation. Each of our newly-built vacation homes comes with easy beach access, private pools, and complimentary amenities like golf carts and paddleboards. We pride ourselves on offering 5-star hosting and ensuring that your stay is an outstanding experience from start to finish—without any third-party fees. If you’re planning a multigenerational vacation to the Emerald Coast, Legacy Beach Homes is here to provide the perfect home base for your family. #MultigenerationalEmeraldCoastVacation #FamilyBeachVacations #DestinFamilyVacation #MiramarBeachFamilyFun #30AFamilyVacation #LegacyBeachHomes #LargeGroupVacationRentals #MultiFamilyVacationRentalHomes #MultiGenerationVacationRentalHomes #DestinLargeBeachRentals #MiramarBeachLargeVacationRentals #30ALargeBeachVacationHomes #BeachVacationRentalsForLargeGroups #FloridaLargeBeachVacationHomes #8BedroomBeachHomes #SideBySideBeachRentalsForLargeGroups #vacationrental #multigenerationvacation #multifamilyvacation #groupvacationflorida