Topsail Hill State Park/Destin, FL Area...

[owensmama2007]

We are staying a week at Fort Wilderness in June and then a week at Topsail Hill State Park in the Destin, FL area.

We stayed there a couple of years ago but were new to the area and didn't really venture out to see anything that was around that area. (I love the beach but can't do just a beach for 7 days after having done Disney the week before...I'll be bored! LOL!).

Anyone ever been to Destin or surrounding areas and have any advice for things to do or see? We're going to have a 2 y/o, 10 y/o, and a 12 y/o along with me and DH so anything family oriented or kid-friendly would be great, too!

 

[YellowXterra]

Go over to NAS Penscola They have the National Navy Air Muesum. Its free and a great way to spend the day.

 

[mnsprk]

Check the schdeule at the Air Museum, the Blue Angels have a practice show on Tues & Wed when they are in Pensacola, weather permitting..It starts at 8:30 get there early.

 

[5Days]

your older kids would enjoy Big Kahuna's water park and there is also a place called The Track Family Amusement if you have anyone who likes go-karts and such. The Air Force Armament Museum just outside Eglin AFB is quite interesting. There is an outlet mall, and a mall called "Destin Commons" that is an outdoor mall with mostly upscale stores but does have the best movie theater around if you feel like seeing a movie. Also a Bass Pro Shop there. There is a Gulfarium over on Okaloosa Island. Lots to do down here...but most people come for the white sand beaches and beautiful water!! Don't forget the sunscreen Hope you have a great time!!

 

[owensmama2007]

your older kids would enjoy Big Kahuna's water park and there is also a place called The Track Family Amusement if you have anyone who likes go-karts and such. The Air Force Armament Museum just outside Eglin AFB is quite interesting. There is an outlet mall, and a mall called "Destin Commons" that is an outdoor mall with mostly upscale stores but does have the best movie theater around if you feel like seeing a movie. Also a Bass Pro Shop there. There is a Gulfarium over on Okaloosa Island. Lots to do down here...but most people come for the white sand beaches and beautiful water!! Don't forget the sunscreen Hope you have a great time!!

Was hoping I'd find a "local" that could give me some info! Thanks! Do you know of the area near Topsail called "Seaside", I believe. We drove through there on our way to the Panama City area and it looked like a nice little town, too.

 

[5Days]

Not a local by any means...we're a military family!! Been here almost 2 years. Honestly, we haven't been that far over on 98...been to the Silversands Outlet Mall and that's about it!! Have been over to Panama City a couple of times but we take I-10 to 331...just to avoid the beach traffic! We live in a city north of Ft. Walton Beach and try to avoid going to Destin in the summer!! I love small beach towns too (after tourist season) so I'd recommend not being shy and just get in the car and drive all around...never know what you might discover!! Our plan for this next year is to try out some of the state parks nearby and hopefully another trip to the Fort!

 

[m1tchells]

Well, Hello! "Local" here! Live about a mile from Tops'l Hill SP and have been here most of my 44 years! Seaside is right down the road as is Watercolor and Rosamary Beach. All are very family oriented and offer excellent dining, shopping and entertainment. Very pedestrian. Different nights will have movies or concerts "under the stars" or "life size" game night. An absolute can't miss is a night in Destin at the docks. You have to get there in the early afternoon and watch the charter boats unload their daily catches. Seriously a great time! As you "walk the docks" you will pass many more restaurants and shops. As mentioned by a pp, Big Kahunas is great as is The Track....but after being at the fort for a week....

The Blue Angels are practicing at PNS this month but their big "local" show is in mid-july so I don't think that will work for you. But with that said....if you have never seen them, and you have the chance....it is a must do! And to see them on their home turf (or air) in P'cola is spectacular!

Feel free to pm me and I will give you my phone#. Would love to help you with your plans!

 

[lastminutemom]

Seaside is cute but the stores (in my opinion) are pricey so just be prepared. When you get closer to your trip see what their activity schedule is. It isn't a tourist town in the traditional sense -- much more pricey than most other touristy towns.

The Track is fun -- though much, much, much more low key than DW. We have been going to Destin at least once a year for the last 20 or so years and have never gone to the Big Kahuna as we think it is pricey.

SanDestin is run in the evening at Bayside as well.

 

[OK GRUMPY]

Just stayed at Topsl this weekend. BEAUTIFUL! Making plans to go back. I'm a local Panhandler that is I started out in Destin. I was thinking when we go back I would love to try the Destin Fishing Museum. You may not find it interesting. Destin fishing doc's pretty interesting.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

We leave for Topsail in 15 days!!! We love that place and it's our favorite vacation spot. We, too, considered a 2 week vaca - doing Disney then driving to Topsail...play hard, then relax for a week. For some reason we just never did it. But I've got Topsail in 2 weeks, Disney in about 5 months, so how could I complain???
Have fun. You'll love it. Destin is a great area, but we really enjoy tooling all around 30-A much more.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

Just stayed at Topsl this weekend. BEAUTIFUL! Making plans to go back. I'm a local Panhandler that is I started out in Destin. I was thinking when we go back I would love to try the Destin Fishing Museum. You may not find it interesting. Destin fishing doc's pretty interesting.

Did you get in the pool? Was it cold??

 

[OK GRUMPY]

We leave for Topsail in 15 days!!! We love that place and it's our favorite vacation spot. We, too, considered a 2 week vaca - doing Disney then driving to Topsail...play hard, then relax for a week. For some reason we just never did it. But I've got Topsail in 2 weeks, Disney in about 5 months, so how could I complain???
Have fun. You'll love it. Destin is a great area, but we really enjoy tooling all around 30-A much more.

Were going to be there on the 30 of April & May 1st are you going to be there the same time?

I didn't get in the pool still a little cool for me.