This quaint seaside resort is set right along the white sands of Destin. Only three stories high, Crystal Villas by Wyndham Vacation Rentals caters to escape-seekers. All the resorts in the area are similarly sized, so you won’t find big crowds on the beach. I hope you packed your sunblock because I have a feeling you’ll spending a lot of time outdoors. Splash with the kids in the outdoor pool; it’s heated seasonally. Or lounge on the spacious lawn while the little ones run around. If the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s an indoor pool that’s open year round. When it’s time for lunch, fire up the bbq grills. Let the little ones help carry burgers, hot dogs, and sides and get ready for a fun family cookout. After lunch, reapply sunblock and walk to the beach where you can lounge, swim, splash, and paddle kayaks.

Air-conditioned one-bedroom condos sleep six guests, are individually decorated and feature private balconies with gulf views. Make and serve meals in your full kitchen if you’re feeling so inspired, or dine at a nearby restaurant. Try the Cajun food at 790 on the Gulf, or the seafood at Carmille’s. Back in your condo, Cable TVs provide in-suite entertainment. Gather everyone on the couch, put one of the kids in charge of the remote and another on snack duty. Or bring movies from home to watch on your DVD player. Show off your multitasking skills and throw a load of laundry into your in-suite washer/dryer while the movie is playing.

Get ready to shop ’til you drop at Destin Commons. Looking for your next beach read? Books a Million has you covered. Tweens will love the jewelry at Icing and Claire’s while grownups will love the jewelry at Pandora. For apparel, there’s H&M, Lucky, and Forever 21. Pick up a new pair of shades at Sunglass World. Hungry? Grab a sandwich at Which Wich, a burger at Smashburger or Johnny Rockets or pizza at Redbrick Pizza. Work on your golf game at Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club. It features three nine-hole courses: Seminole, Choctaw, and Creek and it has a 4.5-star rating on GolfAdvisor. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park features over forty attractions including slides, pools and water playgrounds that will be a big hit with the little ones. Play a family game of Tropical Mini Golf. There are three courses with a total of fifty-four holes. Ride the SkyCoaster and fly one-hundred feet in the air at sixty miles per hour.