Florida: Destin & Fort Walton Beach

Destin Beach

Dolphins Jumping

Florida: Destin & Fort Walton Beach

The panhandle of Florida, stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, is often called the Emerald Coast–the name is not in vain. The water’s clarity results from the fact that no large sediment-bearing rivers flow directly into the area’s gulf waters.

Established

1984

Population

14,077

Please see a sample itinerary below. All itineraries are fully customizable.

Trip Inclusions

Welcome to your unforgettable adventure with A-Z Travels, a leading educational travel company. As your trusted educational travel agency, we’re here to make learning come alive.

  • Round trip transportation
  • 4 Nights hotel accommodations at student-friendly hotel
  • Breakfast daily at hotel
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Dinners
  • Admission to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
  • Admission to Destin History & Fishing Museum
  • Admission to Hurricane Lanes Bowling
  • Admission to Indian Temple Mound Museum
  • Admission to Escape Room
  • Admission to Baytowne Adventure Zone
  • Admission to Sunset Dolphin Cruise
  • Admission to Sandcastle Lessons
  • Visit to HarborWalk Village and Boardwalk
  • Visit to Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
  • Visit to Air Force Armament Museum
  • Visit to Henderson Beach State Park
  • Visit to Village of Baytowne Wharf
  • A-Z Travel tour guide
  • Private security upon request
  • Free chaperone spaces based upon number of paying passengers
  • All taxes and fees for above listed inclusions
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Day 1

Day 1: Arrival Day, HarborWalk Village, Welcome Dinner

Morning:

Your group arrives in Destin, Florida, home to unique coastal and marine environments as well as picturesque beach towns, white sand beaches, and emerald waters. Welcome! Get ready for a trip centered around maritime science, local history, and diverse ecosystems. Have lunch en route to the hotel.

Afternoon:

Students check in and meet their A-Z Travels Tour Guide. Have some time to settle in and make yourselves comfortable—this will be your home base for the duration of the trip. Then, get acquainted with your surroundings with a group walk around HarborWalk Village and boardwalk. This introduces your group to the waterfront and lets students take in the bustling atmosphere of fishing boats, street performers, and local shops. Stretch your legs, breath in the sea air, and get to know Destin.

Evening:

To celebrate your group’s first night in Florida, head out to your Welcome Dinner at LuLu’s—a lively bayside restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, Lucy Buffett. This waterfront spot is all about fun, and has a sandy beach area with a playground, ropes course, and an arcade. Hear local live music as you enjoy a delicious menu known for its scratch-made, Southern-style dishes. After dinner, make your way back to the hotel for a much-needed rest.

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Day 2

Day 2: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Destin History & Fishing Museum, Hurricane Lanes Bowling

Morning:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then have your group dive into oceanic studies at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where your group will get to see dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles. The Gulfarium’s mission is to inspire a love for marine life and encourage conservation. With exhibits designed to be exciting and engaging, this park is a great opportunity for students to learn directly from the animal care experts. Behind-the-scenes talks from specialty scientists highlight the importance of preservation, biology, and marine careers.

Afternoon:

Have lunch at the group-friendly eatery within the park before continuing on to the Destin History & Fishing Museum. Here students can trace Destin’s historic trajectory from a tiny fishing village with a lot of heart to today’s vibrant beach town. Exhibits on early nets, boats, and tools show the ingenuity and resilience of the community.

Evening:

Then, for a night on the town that includes a relaxing and social way for your group to unwind, enjoy dinner and bowling at Hurricane Lanes! Choose from a menu of American classics and mix a little sport and competition in with the evening’s camaraderie. When your group is all bowled out, enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep back at the hotel.

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Day 3

Day 3: Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, Indian Temple Mound Museum, Air Force Armament Museum, Escape Room

Morning:

Fill up on breakfast at your hotel before taking a morning stroll on the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. Greet the day with lovely views and a chance to see dolphins and pelicans among the many people fishing. Then, make your way to the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Housing an impressive collection of local prehistoric artifacts, students will see exhibits on the Florida Beach community (including European explorers and known pirates) from 14,000 B.C. all the way through the 1950’s, including thousands of archaeological finds that span a hefty 12,000 years of Native American history.

Afternoon:

Recharge with a satisfying lunch at SAX Grille, known for its large portions and delicious sandwiches and comfort food. Then head up to the Air Force Armament Museum to see impressive displays of military aircrafts and exhibits dedicated to U.S. defense and combat aviation. For a more in-depth and STEM-intensive focus, add on a curriculum-friendly guided tour and make the most of your visit to this specialty museum.

Evening:

As day turns to night, chow down at La Calle Food Hall for dinner. This vibrant food hall offers a variety of food vendors from Pizza to Peruvian food. Then, gear up for your evening activity: a Pirate themed Escape Room! Stuck on an abandoned ship, you and your group will partake in the ultimate team-building exercise as you piece together clues to win the game and escape. These imaginative rooms are designed for players of all kinds, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. After your adventure, head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

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Day 4

Day 4: Henderson Beach State Park, Village of Baytowne Wharf, Baytowne Adventure Zone, Sunset Dolphin Cruise, Farewell Dinner

Morning:

Fill up on breakfast at your hotel, then get ready to spend the morning at Henderson Beach State Park on an expert guided tour. Students will learn about the dune ecosystems, coastal wildlife, and active conservation efforts in the area through ranger-led activities. Enjoy some free time at the beach with your group before heading out to lunch.

Afternoon:

Lunch this afternoon will be at the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf. Discover this quaint bustling community that offers art galleries, specialty stores, and amazing eateries. Pick your lunch spot of choice before readying your group for the next excursion—a mix of ziplines, rock walls, and scenic ropes courses! At the Baytowne Adventure Zone, you can challenge and surprise yourselves by going all-out and embracing new heights of exploration in this unique environment.

Evening:

As the sun sets, have your group board a Sunset Dolphin Cruise! The route your ship will take is so famous for dolphin activity, the guides onboard guarantee your group will catch a sighting of these playful animals on your journey. Enjoy the beautiful, picture-perfect views as you sail around the Gulf and soak up every moment of this memorable adventure. Once back on land, enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner pizza party at Merlin’s Pizza. Voted best in Destin and offering customized build-your-own specialty pizzas, everyone in your group is sure to be delighted with this delicious, personalized experience. After a night celebrating the memories made on your group’s successful trip, head back to your hotel to rest up before departure day.

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Day 5

Day 5: Sandcastle Lesson, Departure Day

Morning:

Enjoy one last complimentary breakfast together with your group before gathering all belongings and checking out of the hotel. Shop around for some additional souvenirs to take home or stroll along the beach boardwalk. If time allows, take part in a Sandcastle Lesson! Build a unique sculpture representative of your group in this hands-on crafting workshop and get ready to impress yourselves with your newfound skills in sand construction. Don’t forget to take a last group photo to commemorate your time in Destin! When ready, begin your safe journey home.

Thank you for considering A-Z Travels, your go-to school travel company. We hope this experience will inspire lasting memories and learning.

 

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Every student should travel

A-Z Travels is dedicated to help every student on their path to global citizenship by offering a scholarship program.