Perhaps the biggest draw to Henderson Beach State Park­ – aside from its relaxed atmosphere – is the sugar-white sand of the mile-long beach, made up of pure Appalachian quartz. The sand not only remains cool in the summer sun, but it gives the pristine waters an emerald cast. Offering a welcome change of pace from the crowded and hotel-backed beaches closer to the resorts, this easily accessible and clean oasis offers nature trails, spots for grilling and picnicking, and campsites.

Recent visitors loved the area's peaceful atmosphere and highly recommended travelers make a stop here. The park rangers and staff also received accolades for their helpful tips and vast knowledge of the area.

Crab Island is less of an island and more of an underwater sandbar – and its surrounding crystal clear water attract boaters and ocean lovers from all over the area. People flock to this destination to relax on their boats or to socialize in the shallow water. Although it's known for its party atmosphere, recent visitors said Crab Island is also fun for families, and note there is plenty of room for everyone to find their own space in the water. A Crab Island Adventure Tour, complete with inflatable waterslides and other water toys, can be a fun, family-friendly way to see the area.

Previous visitors recommended bringing floats to use in the water and visiting at high tide for the best experience. They also suggest bringing coolers of food and drinks, but if you'd rather purchase refreshments, there are floating vendors at Crab Island (although make sure to bring cash, as some don't accept credit cards). Keep in mind that while you can bring alcoholic drinks, there will be nowhere to buy these types of beverages once you reach Crab Island.

When visiting this seaside city, you would be remiss to spend your entire trip on land. Luckily there is no shortage of boat tour options in Destin, and many are specifically dedicated to finding dolphins in their natural habitat. Catching sight of these playful sea creatures will surely delight the whole family and add a bit of excitement to your Florida vacation.

Some previous visitors recommended AJ's Water Adventures which, in addition to dolphin cruises, offers sailing and snorkeling adventures. Those who booked the dolphin tour appreciated the knowledgeable guides and affordable prices. (An adult ticket costs $28 to $32 depending on time of cruise, and child rates are discounted.) And, best of all, they were amazed at the many dolphins they saw in the water.

The boardwalk, which stretches about a quarter mile along the waterfront, is a great free activity that can keep visitors entertained for hours. Travelers can enjoy unparalleled views of the harbor's ships and spend time watching them sail in and out of the area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out along the boardwalk as well; past visitors described the boardwalk's venues as enjoyable but touristy. When the sun sets, the fun continues at the boardwalk bars and restaurants where there's often live entertainment. While there are nightlife options here, visitors said the boardwalk still retains a family-friendly atmosphere.

If a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk is too calm of an activity for you, consider something more exciting. From the boardwalk, you can embark on a number of different adventures: There are places to rent kayaks and paddleboards, as well as stands selling parasailing and Jet Skiing excursions.

Whether you're looking for a pirate-themed cruise, a romantic sunset sail or a dolphin-spotting excursion, Destin has a boat tour for you. In fact, according to the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Destin boasts the largest for-hire fishing fleet in the U.S.

If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the area's resident bottlenose dolphins, consider booking a dolphin cruise – the activity comes highly recommended by recent travelers. Those looking to try their luck on the open seas will also find plenty of fishing charters run by highly rated companies. Check out our roundup of the top Destin fishing charters for more info and to book a trip. Many companies that offer daytrips and snorkeling excursions also offer sunset sails, perfect for groups of about six people. Sail Away in particular is favorably rated by recent visitors. Or, if you're in Destin with your partner, you might consider a romantic dinner cruise such as those offered by SunQuest Cruises.

If you're having trouble deciding which of the many stunning shorelines in Destin and neighboring Okaloosa Island to visit, previous travelers recommended Shores at Crystal Beach Park. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this beach park is frequently praised for its ivory sands and crystal-clear waters. Travelers also appreciate the cleanliness of the beach.

The Shores at Crystal Beach Park is home to a bevy of vacation rentals and cottages as well; if you're traveling with a large group and don't want to spend a small fortune on several hotel rooms, consider renting a house or cottage here.

When the weather won't cooperate or when you've had your fill of sun and sand, indulge in a little retail therapy at one of Destin's shopping complexes. Whether you're looking for charming boutiques, outlet malls or open-air complexes, the Emerald Coast delivers.

The visitors bureau suggests Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village and Downtown Fort Walton Beach in particular. Destin Commons offers an open-air setting with restaurants and national retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Bass Pro Shops, Bath & Body Works, H&M, Sephora and more. HarborWalk is the spot for purchasing beachwear or a quick bite to eat, though travelers warn the restaurants here can be pricey. Visitors can also book water sports rentals like Jet Skis, and organize a fishing charter trip, dolphin excursion or parasailing tour at HarborWalk. Downtown Fort Walton Beach is a great choice for anyone seeking a farmer's market atmosphere full of local retailers, including an antique shop and flea market. Travelers especially enjoyed the flea market's affordable and diverse offerings, and they said it's a great place to spend an hour or two. Visitors are also quick to recommend Silver Sands Premium Outlets for deals at stores like Adidas, GAP and Vans. Visit each location's website for more information on hours and stores.

Much like its Floridian neighbors, Destin and Fort Walton Beach are home to a variety of scenic golf courses. You'll find four championship golf courses and country clubs in Destin alone, and eight total in the Emerald Coast region, meaning you won't have to venture far to perfect your swing.

Kelly Plantation Golf Club, which is set along the Choctawhatchee Bay, is praised by both visitors and locals. Constructed on the former site of a turpentine plantation, the 18-hole course features miles of waterfront, bayous and magnolia and palmetto trees. Recent visitors loved the manicured grounds and friendly staff, though some note it is a bit pricey, but still worth it. Emerald Bay, which is set within the gated community of the same name, is another favorite for its Choctawhatchee Bay views.

If you don't happen to spot any dolphins in the wild, or just want to learn more about some of Florida's marine creatures, you may want to pay a visit to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Though it does feature daily dolphin and sea lion shows, the Gulfarium is no SeaWorld (it doesn't boast large animals or rides). But even with its small size, the park is still a hit with travelers, especially those visiting with children.

When you're not watching dolphins jump through the air, you can learn more about the gators, reptiles, penguins, sea lions and stingrays that call the park home. You can even interact with the dolphins (touch, feed, play and give behavior signals to the animals) and snorkel with the stingrays, if you're willing to hand over a bit more coin for one of the park's Animal Encounters.

Staying true to its reputation as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin hosts a wide variety of sea creatures, meaning anglers have plenty of hot spots from which to cast off. Test your luck at any one of the city's jetties, beaches, seven piers or the Destin Bridge, where local fishermen often catch pompano, channel bass, bluefish, king mackerel and flounder, among other varieties. Diehard anglers should plan an October trip to see or participate in the Destin Fishing Rodeo, where contestants compete for the most impressive catch of the day. If you're new to the sport and want assistance from a knowledgeable local, book one of the city's best fishing charters. And if simply eating Destin's tasty sea dwellers is more your style, you can nosh on local seafood at the annual Destin Seafood Festival, also in October. If you'd like to eat your own catch but don't have access to a kitchen, several local restaurants will cook your cleaned fish for you, prepare it any way you like it and serve it with your favorite sides. Check with the visitors bureau for a list of participating restaurants.

Okaloosa Island Pier welcomes visitors every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., mid-November through mid-March; during the summer, it's open 24 hours a day. Angling rates are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids 6 to 12, while children younger than 6 can fish for free. You can also rent rods and reels on-site. Observers will be charged $2 to watch the action. You do not need to obtain a permit if you're fishing from a pier with a saltwater fishing license or a for-hire vessel (such as a guide, charter or party boat) that has a valid charter boat license or charter captain license. For more information on fishing permits, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

According to past visitors, Big Kahuna's is pricey for a park of its size, but it's also one of Destin's best spots to take the family when you need a break from the beach. The water park is open from mid-May through August and features more than 40 attractions, including slides, water rides and the Honolulu Half Pipe with a wave simulator. You can also float through the park along its lazy river. And between September and early May – when the water rides are closed – you can still enjoy Big Kahuna's Adventure Park, which is home to a mini-golf course and other thrill rides.

Adults and children who are more than 48 inches tall pay $48.99 for a single admission to the water park, while tickets for kids shorter than 48 inches cost $40.99. If you purchase tickets online in advance you can save up to $8 per ticket. Plan to pay $5 to park and between $11 and $15 to rent a locker. Adventure Park tickets are sold separately.

Featuring five go-kart tracks, two mini-golf courses, arcades and more kid-friendly activities, The Track is sure to entertain the whole family. Previous visitors said the mini-golf courses are well-maintained and they appreciated the park's offerings for children of all ages. Bumper cars and bumper boats were also a hit among visitors. In addition, The Track offers a thrill zone that caters to those seeking a more adrenaline-filled experience. People who venture into this section of the park can feel the sensation of skydiving on the Skyflyer ride and spin through the air on Hurricane 360.

This fun complex is situated right off Highway 98, just west of Henderson Beach State Park. Each activity costs a certain amount of points, and visitors can purchase and load points onto a card. The lowest point card you can buy, for 55 points, costs $55. The highest point card is the 500 point mega card, which costs $500. For reference on how many points particular attractions cost, go-carts are four to 11 points per ride (depending on the track); mini-golf is nine to 12 points (depending on age); the Skyflyer is 20 points and Hurricane 360 is 11 points. If you purchase cards online before arrival, you can take advantage of substantial discounts. Discounts for large groups are also available. The Track is open Monday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On-site parking is available. For more information on pricing and park attractions, visit The Track website.

To learn how this quaint seaside city came to be, make a trip to the Destin History & Fishing Museum. Visitors will learn about the city's beginnings and its native inhabitants, its roots in the fishing industry and its journey to becoming an official city in 1984. There are exhibits that explain the science behind the stark white sand on the Destin beaches as well as the vast array of fish in the ocean. The museum uses artifacts, film, photographs and other media to showcase information.

Previous visitors appreciated the museum's knowledgeable staff members, many of whom have lived in Destin for years and know the ins and outs of the area. Although the museum is small, travelers feel the size adds to the quaint, family-friendly atmosphere. There are scavenger hunt activities for children as well as guided tour options for adults.