Located in South Walton, Florida, Seacrest Beach is a relaxed coastal neighborhood that sits along the gorgeous Emerald Coast. Many Seacrest Beach vacation rentals are situated just steps away from sandy beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of beaches in the area, which include Alys Beach, Miramar beach, and Rosemary Beach. The nearby Camp Creek Coastal Lake offers plenty of recreational options, making Seacrest Beach a great place to visit with children. If you booked a trip to Florida and are compiling a list of kid-friendly activities, consider including these top 11 things to do in Seacrest Beach and its surrounding areas.
1. Go Kayaking
For an easy way to explore the gulf waters and coastal lakes that surround Seacrest Beach, rent some kayaks for the day, and head out on a family adventure. Jongle Beach Service in Santa Rosa Beach offers kayak rentals, and they’ll even travel to your area and help you set up before you hit the water.
2. Ride Bikes to Peddler’s Pavilion
Peddler’s Pavilion is a popular neighborhood spot in Seacrest Beach where residents and visitors alike gather to shop, drink coffee, and eat pastries. Like the name suggests, most people ride their bikes there, so make a day of it and rent some bikes from 30 A Bike Rentals, and then take the mile-long scenic route to the pavilion.
3. Take a Surfing Lesson
If your kids are hoping to catch a few waves during your Florida vacation, sign up for a family surfing lesson. Head over to 30 A Adventures, which offers daily surf camps for kids at nearby Rosemary Beach. You can also sign the entire family up for hourly lessons. The lessons and camps cover all the basics, so it won’t take long for you to feel like a surfing pro after you hit the waves.
Find the perfect Seacrest Beach vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Have a Beach Day
Nothing beats a day at the beach, and Seacrest Beach is the perfect place to splash in the surf, build sand castles, enjoy a beach picnic, or simply soak up the sun. If you want to check out other nearby beaches, both Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are just a few miles away from your vacation rental in the Seacrest neighborhood.
5. Go “Eco-Sploring” Through the Dunes
The sand dunes of Camp Creek Coastal Dune Lake are just a few short miles away from your vacation rental in Seacrest Beach and are definitely a sight to behold. The coastal dune lakes are rare bodies of water formed by winds in various coastal areas throughout the world. Wake up early, and head to the lake to explore or “eco-splore” the dunes and marshy areas, then relax by along the shoreline with a picnic lunch.
6. Go Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a fun and easy water sport that’s perfect for families. Sign up for a group lesson, or rent a few boards from Yolo Board + Beach in Miramar Beach. Spend the entire day exploring the waters as a family. If you’re not comfortable standing upright, try paddling on your knees for extra stability.
7. Play Some Laser Tag
If your kids are itching for some high-tech excitement, take them to Thrills Laser Tag in neighboring Miramar Beach. The two-level laser tag arena can accommodate up to 24 players per game, so your family is sure to have a great time roaming the expansive space. When the game is over, stop by the arcade and play some old-fashioned video games.
8. Go Horseback Riding
For some fun on the beach with beautiful horses, sign up for a guided horseback ride with Anna’s Gulfside Trail Rides. Kids ages 6 and up are welcome, and the experienced guides work with all skill levels. The horses specifically chosen for children are gentle and move at a slower pace, so even first-timers are encouraged to ride.
9. Take a Scenic Fishing Charter
For a fun morning on the water and the chance to bring some freshly-caught fish back to your vacation rental, sign up for a scenic fishing charter cruise with 30-Angler Fishing Charters in neighboring Santa Rosa Beach. The tour takes passengers around to the limestone reefs of the Emerald Coast, and Captain Ted helps everyone reel in some of the best red snapper and white trout around. Captain Ted is also a science whiz, so he can answer practically any question you have about marine life.
10. Get Back to Nature at Deer Lake State Park
Deer Lake State Park sits less than a mile from Seacrest Beach and provides the perfect backdrop for a fun day of enjoying nature’s beauty. Go exploring along the boardwalk, and enjoy spotting the beautiful butterflies and snowy plover birds. The park is also the relocation area for the endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse, and you just may catch a glimpse of one these adorable white mice running along the sand.
11. Go Jet Skiing at Alys Beach
For a day of adrenaline-packed fun, take a short two-mile trip into Alys Beach, rent some jet skis from AAA Jet Ski Rentals and Tours, and hit the waves. If you’re new to jet skiing or you want your kids to learn the basics, you can also sign your family up for a two-hour guided lesson. During the first hour of the lesson, guests go through an orientation and are given a jet skiing guide. During the second hour, everyone is free to go off and jet ski on their own.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Seacrest Beach vacation rentals on Tripping.com.