Vacationing on the Florida Panhandle can be expensive. With condominiums for a family of four running close to two thousand dollars weekly plus restaurants that save their most expensive menus for summer tourists, a family can easily spend several thousand dollars for a week of fun in the sun. How can you stretch those vacation dollars just a little further? I’ll tell you. As a local resident for eight years and the mother of an eleven-year old we’ve found ways to enjoy Destin and not spend much money at all.
My first activity costs under one dollar. Head over to Publix and buy a loaf of their “Publix brand” bread. Then drive to one of our many public beaches. You can have a wonderful time and get some fantastic pictures feeding the seagulls. They sense food and you will not have to call them. Our favorite time to do this activity is early in the morning before the beach crowds arrive. The beach is usually clean and deserted and the birds are hungry. Take a few moments to enjoy the serenity and peace and then take out the bread. An uproar will follow that will have children and adults alike screaming with joy and delight.
Secondly, drive over to Seaside, Florida. Seaside is located just thirty minutes east of Destin. It’s a small town that was featured in the movie “The Truman Show.” Park in one of the free public parking lots and spend some time browsing all the neat little stores that make up this planned community. My favorites are varied. I love Quincy Art and Supply for its unique toys. Quite often the toys will be displayed outside for kids to try. How about Sundog Books? This small bookstore always has a little room for you to browse. It’s just a neat place. You can usually find Dover books for about a dollar too. Seaside also has several art galleries that are wonderful to browse. My favorite one is Cara Roy. End your stroll by heading into Modica Market. Modica Market is an old-fashioned grocery store. Stop in and buy a snack. Make your final stop the beach. You can walk through Seaside to their public beach. Enjoy your snack in the pavilion while taking in the breathtaking view. Your costs for this excursion can be minimal. Strolling through the shops and galleries is free as is parking. A small snack at Modica market can have minimal cost. It’s a great side trip and one my family often makes. A similar outing is to stay a little closer to Destin in the resort area known as Sandestin. Sandestin is huge but my favorite area is the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Parking is again free and you can stroll the shops and galleries without spending anything. Your ending view will be of the bay and not the gulf but it’s also a great place to spend an afternoon for free.
Another favorite is the alligator beach at Fudpucker’s. Fudpucker’s is a local restaurant known for its great casual cuisine and its alligators. Over one hundred alligators are housed in an attraction that is completely free to enter. You don’t have to eat at the restaurant. You don’t have to pay admission. Throughout the day there are various feedings and shows. It’s just a great attraction and one we always take out of town visitors to see. Alligators are amazing creatures and this exhibit does a fantastic job of educating children and adults. Fudpucker’s is located right near the Wal-Mart on Highway 98 (the main road through Destin).
For a view of old Florida, head over to Topsail State Preserve. For four dollars per car you can enter the day use area. A tram departs hourly or you can choose to walk the half-mile to the beach. You’ll be stunned at how preserved and pristine the beach is. You’ll see Florida for what it used to be before condominiums, hotels, and restaurants. Spend the day at the beach or riding bicycles. For the cost of a picnic lunch you can have a terrific time without the massive crowds of Destin. Also, ranger programs and talks are offered most Saturday mornings. Topsail State Preserve is located on Highway 30-A, just one mile off of Highway 98.
Although we frequent all of the above locations, my family prefers Destin Commons over any other local spot. Destin Commons is a massive outdoor shopping destination. Anchored by Bass Pro Shops and Belk there is so much to do and much of it just doesn’t cost anything. Check out the fish in the huge tank at Bass Pro Shops. Play in the water play area located in the center of the mall. Browse through the famed Wyland Galleries. Check out the books at Books-A-Million. Your children will love the playground also located right in the center of everything. When you’re hungry choices inexpensive choices abound. Dave’s Dogs makes great hot dogs. The popular Panera Bread chain is also on site. Our favorite time to visit Destin Commons is a weekend night. There are usually free events or concerts going on and the atmosphere is completely family friendly. It’s really just a great place to go to.
I hope these five ideas give you some ability to stretch that vacation dollar just a little further. The Florida Panhandle is a wonderful place to visit and an even better place to live. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
