My husband and I love being able to travel with our kids! There’s something magical about a family vacation: especially when it involves a beautiful beach like Destin, Florida. Our recent trip was made even more special by our stay at a Vrbo condo in Seascape Resort. In this blog post, I'll share what we did, where we ate, the perks of this great Vrbo, and some useful tips I’ve gathered over the years for bringing a baby (or young toddler… I’m in denial about this) to the beach.

Favorite Features of Our Condo:

Our Vrbo in Seascape had numerous amenities that added to our trip’s success. The two large pools were a big hit with our boys, who spent hours splashing around and making new friends. In the condo, the built-in bunk beds were a fun feature for them too! The well-stocked kitchen allowed us to prepare meals including tasty tomato sandwiches for the beach each day. The renovated bathroom and floors were beautiful touches, and the stunning ocean view from our balcony was simply breathtaking. There was a pullout couch in the living area as well but we didn’t need to utilize it. I would confidently say that this Vrbo would house a family of six comfortably as long as you were willing to put up the pullout during the day. Another perk was the short walk to the beach from the property which made coming back to take a midday break with the kids super convenient. Lastly, I want to mentioned the great walking trails around Seascape. Just steps away from the property is a paved sidewalk that stretches for miles. The beach breeze was so relaxing while enjoying a little exercise a few mornings. We will definitely be staying at this Vrbo Condo again!

Exploring The Area:

During our stay, we found close by dining options and activities that made our vacation truly memorable. One evening, I pulled the baby in the beach wagon and the big boys rode bikes to the Surf Hut restaurant. We enjoyed the casual, family-friendly atmosphere and beachfront dining at the Surf Hut. Another night we watched the sun set while having a picnic dinner on the beach with delicious Marcos Pizza and key lime pie from Publix! This was a highlight of our trip for sure. The crystal-clear waters were perfect for swimming, snorkeling, building sandcastles, and simply enjoying this beautiful slice of heaven.

Family-Friendly Activities:

If you're traveling with kids, the Track is a must-visit destination. Our kiddos (and us) had a blast racing around the go-kart track! I have to brag and tell you that I beat my husband on the last lap! Our middle son who was riding with me still brings up how we beat Daddy! The Track offered several other kid rides and an arcade as well.

Tips for Bringing a Baby to the Beach:

Since this was our third go-around with taking a baby to the beach, I wanted to share a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. Yes, bringing a baby to the beach requires some extra effort, but with some additional planning, it can be an enjoyable experience. First, of all set the bar low. Your baby may LOVE the beach and all that comes with it OR they may hate the sand, heat, salt water, and just being out of their element. Be flexible with them as they’re adjusting to this new environment. You may have to bring them out in small increments. Until they get used to it all. Don’t compare what your baby does that first day (or two) to they perfectly staged photos on the internet (including mine!)

Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way let’s talk about what to bring. First, the make sure to pack plenty of baby-sunscreen, a swim shirt for boys, and a hat to shield your little one from the sun. Bring plenty of swim diapers, wipes, and plastic bags to put dirty diapers in as well. Having a comfortable beach tent or umbrella for shade is the perfect way to create a designated area for your baby to relax. I love having an outdoor blanket to spread out under the shade. We purchased this small pool beforehand and set it up in the shade for Avett too. He loved it! It kept him cool and also entertained. We simply blew it up on the beach and filled it with the ocean water.

If your baby is old enough to drink out of a sippy cup, don’t forget to pack it for the beach. Keep it full of water and offer it often so they don’t get dehydrated. Of course bring lots beach toys to keep your baby happy!

You may be wondering how you are going to transport ALL these items down to the beach. I highly recommend getting a beach wagon with big wheels designed for pulling through the sand. We have used ours every trip and I don’t know what we would do without it. Another tip is to get beach chairs that you can wear on your back. This will free up more space in the wagon and your arms so that you can carry your babe (or more stuff…)

I have another blog post you can read here with some general tips about traveling to the beach with kids that could be applied to traveling with a baby as well.

Our family vacation to Destin exceeded our expectations in every way. Staying in a Vrbo condo in Seascape Resort offered the space, comfort, and amenities we needed to fully enjoy our time together. From the perfect location and huge pools to the stunning ocean view, every aspect of our accommodation contributed to an unforgettable experience. Exploring the local area, eating delicious food, and spending quality time on the beach made this vacation one we will always cherish. If you're planning a trip to Destin, consider booking this Vrbo condo for an exceptional and personalized family getaway.