The Florida Panhandle
We have stayed all over the Panhandle - here are some of our favorites!
Okaloosa Island
“donuts and dolphins, short walks on a pier”
The Grands stayed here when “someone named Sally” arrived. The Panhandle book was written here.
You can have breakfast with dolphins here, or wait till everyone else is beachside and take the grands here for some shade and interaction with the animals.
You can “ walk from the beach right into the pool” here!
The Grands took “short walks” on this long pier. A great place to fish or look for dolphins at sunset.
I would describe our lunch here as an elevated picnic! Let the grands play in the sand while you relax and enjoy the bay. Highly recommend!
Our preference on trips is to picnic or eat in - especially with little ones. Here you can dine in or order a seafood feast and pick it up at the drive-through window to enjoy at home. The seafood here is wonderful!
The Grands played disc golf here and there is a nice walking path and playground as well.
We usually steer clear from the crowds at Destin, but this one is worth the drive. Dine beachside at this iconic location where the amberjack sandwich was invented. Grandkids will enjoy the cat “taste testers” who have free reign. Afterwards, do some “shopping at night” and ride the train at Destin Commons. There is a playground and lots of unique shops for kids.
30A
“ a beautiful town where a movie was made”
Grandnan is not much of a camper, so this stay in a state park was the perfect compromise. You will have to be a planner- cabins are booked months in advance.
“Food trucks lined up in the shade” No matter where we stay on 30A, lunch at The Meltdown in Seaside is definitely happening.
We have spent many summer vacations at various rental homes in Seacrest. With houses that can accommodate any size group, VRBO is your best bet here.
“ A town where a movie was made”
Watch Truman with your grands before visiting Seaside. Many of the locations in the movie remain today.
With a splash pad and a covered play area, this is a great place to take the grands when they’ve tired of the beach.
Check the schedule here for shows and movie nights for kids.
This is our 30A tradition in Alys Beach. A bike ride to Charlie’s for a maple bacon donut is a favorite memory. Take donuts and coffee to the beach if your grands are early risers.
Pick up a pizza and head to the beach in the evening for a relaxing dinner without the crowds.
Panama City
This hotel is on the beach and has large pool with a waterfall island and lazy river. The lounging area with fire pit is relaxing for adults and close to the pool if the grands want to swim at night. The Grands Smoky Mountain book was written here.
Walk or bike along the many boardwalks and trails at this secluded and well-maintained park. A great break in a beach day.
We went for breakfast, but anytime is a good time to visit this locally-owned restaurant. French toast is our pick!
Fish tacos and burrito bowls at this casual eatery, and the guacamole is excellent ( we are picky about guacamole!). Grab a dessert and specialty coffee at the Barista Bar next door and everyone is happy!
Let your grands get up close and personal with giraffes, sloths, lemurs, and more. We’re partial to the goats, though!
Plenty of playground equipment including a pirate ship. Bring lunch or dinner and picnic under one of the 8 covered pavilions.
Connecting with Music
Music is an important part of our grand trips and we are intentional about the songs we listen to with our grandchildren. Mixing oldies and new favorites gets everyone singing along!
Three Day Trip Itinerary
We think three days is the sweet spot for grandtrips. Here is an itinerary for a memorable trip to the Panhandle
Day One
Arrive and settle in - check out beach and pool
The Gulf, Angelina’s Pizza, or Andy’s for dinner depending on where you are staying.
Grocery store for snacks and essentials
Walk on the beach and pier in the evening
Day Two
Donuts at the beach for breakfast- beach and pool till 11
Gulfarium or ZooWorld mid afternoon
Seaside food trucks and ice cream for dinner
Day Three
Beach and pool
Park of your choice for picnic and playgrounds
Back Porch for dinner and Destin Commons shopping and playground