So have you started dreaming of a relaxing Family Beach Vacation? I know I have! But then again I’m always dreaming of the beach. Let me help you plan the details and you can pack up the kids and head to Okaloosa Island. For more photos on Okaloosa Island check out: Budget Friendly Family Beach Vacation: Okaloosa Island, Florida
This post will highlight:
- Where to Stay
- What to Do
- Where to Dine
Where to Stay Okaloosa Island, Florida
Morning Views from Our Balcony, Island Princess 314, Okaloosa Island
How about starting the morning with a cup of coffee while watching the dolphins play in the surf? Not a bad way to begin each day!
When planning a Budget Friendly Vacation, I always begin my search online at VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner).
- Condo rental is much cheaper than hotel rooms!
- Condo rental includes a full size, fully stocked kitchen!
- Condo rental includes a full size washer and dryer!
- Condo rental comes with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms!
- Condo rental comes with FREE parking!
- Condo rental gives you so much more for your money!
For Condo Rental Tips and a FREE Packing Checklist Read: Planning an Affordable Family Beach Vacation Part II
Island Princess 314, Okaloosa Island, Florida
- I usually don’t recommend a specific Condo Unit. However, this time I’m making an exception.
- We’ve been renting beach condos for 20+ years and finally we found one that was decorated as a southern beach cottage! The condo unit has recently been totally updated. Including new appliances, new furniture and TV’s in every room.
- Patti is by far the best hostess (management) we’ve experienced in 20 years!
- Now be nice and don’t rent it the week we want it!
Island Princess 314, Okaloosa Island, Florida
- Island Princess 314 was very affordable for a 2 week stay during the off season (after Labor Day).
- All of the Condo Units are individually owned so you must do your research on VRBO before you book.
- Prices are usually negotiable for longer stays and off season rentals.
Island Princess, Okaloosa Island
- Island Princess is small enough to offer a less crowded beach while providing one of the best pools and hot tubs.
- Other condos have smaller pools and often NO hot tub.
- Chair Rental was included for FREE with Island Princess 314. Most often Chair Rental is an additional fee. Since we vacation at the beach every year, we have our own fabulous beach chairs and umbrella. However, it was such a treat not having to lug our own chairs to the beach each day!
- Just lo0k at all of those empty chairs during the off season. Seriously, consider a budget friendly vacation with no crowds during the off season.
- Island Princess 314 even came with beach toys including these flippers!
What to Do Okaloosa Island, Florida
- Look at that water! Why would you ever want to leave the beach?
- Rent kayaks right on the beach.
- Explore the abundant ocean life: big crabs, little crabs, hermit crabs, big fish, little fish, teeny-tiny fish, pipefish, jellyfish, rays . . .
- Don’t worry. If you’re a scaredy cat. The water is crystal clear and the critters will leave you alone. MacGyver on the other hand, spends his day pretending he is Jeff Corwin!
- Sit back, relax, read a good book and watch the dolphins!
- Of course there’s always fishing.
- The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island offers covered picnic areas, volleyball nets, public restrooms, outdoor showers, vast parking, eateries and shopping, and night life.
- Okaloosa Fishing Pier accessible from The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
- $7.50 to Fish
- No Fishing License Required
- $2.00 to Walk on Pier
Worth the Drive
- This is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.
- A great place to observe sea creatures like turtles, dolphins, crabs and fish.
- No highrises, no buildings, just miles of white sand and clear blue water.
- Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Air Force Armament Museum – Great Museum to visit for any history or war enthusiasts.
- Historic Pensacola with its eclectic shops and restaurants.
- Blue Angels - Drive to Pensacola to watch the Blue Angels Flight Demonstrations. Don’t miss this!
- Destin is just over the bridge about a 10 minute drive. You can find plenty of touristy action there.
Where to Dine with Children Okaloosa Island, Florida
- Location! Location! Location!
- Watch the sun set while the kiddos play on the beach playground.
- Food is a bit pricey but very comparable for the area.
- Located at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island with a view of the pier and ocean.
- Take a walk on the pier before or after dinner.
- It’s all about the location!
- Fabulous playground. You can watch the kids play while you dine with a view of the ocean.
- Located at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island with a view of the pier and ocean.
- Some people love the food. We found it a bit overpriced for the quality. We preferred Angler’s just across the pier. But hey, look at that playground!
- A new restaurant to consider!
- This is a new restaurant that has recently changed name and owners.
- We liked dinning at this location because of the outdoor seating right on the bay. The children loved watching the ships, fish, ducks and dolphins while we dinned.
- Located right next to Brooks Bridge, just across the bay from The Island Princess Condos.
Worth the Drive!
- Cactus Flower Cafe – Best restaurant in the area!
- Located in Navarre, Florida.
- I love their fresh and delicious Mango Shrimp appetizer. I continue to dream about this dish! Also try the Mahi, Mahi tacos. The food is very fresh and not too heavy.
- Great stop along the drive to The National Seashore and Pensacola.
Where to Shop
We save a ton of money cooking our own meals!
- Burris Farm Market
- If you’re traveling from the west on I-10, you’ve got to stop at Burris Farm Market for fresh, local produce.
- After driving 10 hours, this is the first stop we’ll make. We’ll buy pounds of their big red tomatoes and have them EVERY day for lunch while we’re at the beach. My mouth is watering!
- It’s located about 5 minutes off I-10.
Homemade Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp with Sweet Ginger Sauce
Where to Buy Fresh Seafood
- Gulf Coast Seafood, (850) 243-3030, 51 Miracle Strip Pky Se, Okaloosa Island, FL 32548
- Sexton’s Seafood Market (850) 837-3040, 601 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
Okay I’ve done all of the work for you! It’s time for you to hit the beach!
Life with Jeannine
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