Sandestin Off-Season: A Great Family Get-Away in Destin, Florida

Do you enjoy a family beach trip? Well, if you're like me, you do...but only off-season. With two blondes and a redhead, the summers are too hot and the sun too intense for us! So we booked our beach trip over Thanksgiving.

Sandestin Resort in Destin, Florida was the perfect pick for us. Because it is off-season, the prices were great and we still were able to take advantage of all the amenities. It is a lively place year-round and a fantastic place for families. You can visit as a hotel guest, rent a condo, buy a timeshare, or even buy a home within the resort. Here are some of the highlights.

Beaches

The Sandestin Resort has both sound side and Gulf of Mexico beaches. The pure white, soft sands of the Florida panhandle are incredibly beautiful. Even in November, you can still swim in the gulf, though it may be a bit chilly. The resort's private beaches have beach chair, umbrella and cabana rentals, complimentary boogie boards and beachside service. And don't bother bringing beach towels; the resort lends them with a show of your room key. Also, if you are environmentally aware, the Sandestin resort is a nesting place for Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles.

Activities by the Water

Sandestin's Baytowne Marina houses a 98 slip dock and offers cruises, fishing charters and boat rentals. Canoes, boogie boards, and kayaks are available to guests at no additional cost.

Activities on Land

Sandestin is home to four award winning championship golf courses designed by Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Tom Jackson. But if golf is not your speed, try one of the 15 tennis courts. The tennis club offers many amenities including children's tennis, private courts and ladies tennis. The fitness center offers free access to any guest of the resort (over the age of 18; 16-17 years must be accompanied by an adult; no children under the age of 16). You can take classes or utilize personal training at a minimal cost. Shop at the Village for gifts and souvenirs and enjoy one of the many restaurants. The Village has everything from New Orleans cuisine to gelato shops. After hours, the Village is hopping with concerts, events and happy hour at one of the several bars and nightclubs. Last, there is a spa and salon for those who really want to relax. Spa packages are available.

Family Activities

Kids reign at the Sandestin resorts! Not only are there children's programs available, but also many family friendly events. Children ages 3-10 (potty trained) can enroll in KidZone, a fully supervised program of activities. If mom and dad need a day to themselves, simply call by 5 p.m. and enroll the kids for the next day. Or if mom and dad want an evening out, Sandestin offers CEO (children's evening out) from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday nights. There are several playgrounds that the children can enjoy including a fabulous pirate inspired jungle gym complete with lookout towers and tire swings. There is a five acre nature park on Jolee Island accessed by a wooden footbridge over a scenic salt marsh. Biking trails abound at Sandestin and guests can take advantage of free bike rentals. During the months of November and December there is even an ice skating rink available for use. There is also grocery service available for those in condo rentals.

Sandestin Resort is a great get-away during off-season. With all the activities, you and your family will never have to leave the resort grounds! Enjoy Destin during the cooler months and still come away refreshed from a beach vacation.