By Will Estell
It’s no secret that particular historical figures, presidents, and the men and women who’ve served to keep us free all get a special day to signify their immense contributions. What you may not think about as often, however, is that the average dad is also quite the hero himself. So much so, in fact, that his own day is right around the corner, Sunday, June 18, to be precise.
For as long as we’ve observed Father’s Day – since 1972, as a nationally observed holiday — the most frequent question has probably always been, “What do we do with Dad to celebrate?” And, you guessed it, 94.38 percent (if I’m totally guessing here) of dads polled would answer with something like, “I don’t care where we go, or what we do, as long as my kids are with me.” Which sounds, well, like a dad joke.
Here I’ve put together a short list of some local fun spots in our immediate beach communities where your dad might really dig going, even though he says he doesn’t care where you take him. Trust me, I’m a father of three. I know we’d rather be out on a boat than at another bouncy house place.
Breakfast out with the family is always a great way to spend some time together over something Dad, the kids and even adults can all enjoy – eating. Tailfins on the Destin Harbor is definitely one of my favorites, where I’ve shared great times with my own children, friends and family. Besides the wonderful view, Tailfins serves up an array of good food, coastal concoctions and live music that, quite frankly, I think any dad would be happy with… I mean, as long as you’re there with him. Try the Cajun Omelet, and don’t forget about its very dad-like Bloody Mary specials.
Get out on the water! Whether Dad likes to fish, float, hit Crab Island or go wave jumping on a Sea Doo, don’t let not owning a particular watercraft of your own put a damper on his big day. It’s no secret that Destin and Fort Walton Beach have a fair share of charter boats and watercraft rental companies. So, if you book a week or two in advance, there is a good chance that you, and the 200,000 tourists coming that same weekend, can likely all find something.
For pontoons and watercraft rentals, check out any of the rental locations along Destin’s harbor, and those along Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach. I’d personally recommend S.E.A. Chase Watersports for pontoons, Waverunners, kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as Boogie’s Watersports. You can also look into some of the special watercraft tour opportunities, such as the early morning guided dolphin tour at Boogie’s.
As for fishing, Destin isn’t called “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for no reason. Boasting the largest fishing fleet in the entire country, it’s pretty easy to find a good half-day or full-day charter from one of the many reputable companies along the harbor. That said, our recommendations include Charter Boat Outta Line, with excellent service, equipment and guidance.
If our beautiful Gulf doesn’t float your boat for your dad’s big day, then try floating with him at Destin’s Float Brothers Spa. It’s a great way to give dad some relaxing time to unwind, and you can even do it with him, side by side. This water adventure of a different type offers the experience of Epsom Salt water in a temperature that mimics your body, bringing your dad (and you, if you go along) into a state of bliss with no gravity, sound, sight or touch during his float. (FloatBrothers.com)
If your dad is into movies, Father’s Day is also a great time to hit a local theater and treat him to his (uh, not yours today) choice of new flicks. With multi-cinemas in both Destin and Miramar/Santa Rosa Beach, there is sure to be something new you and dad, or the entire family, can agree on taking in.
If your dad is a fan of the beach, Father’s Day is also a great time to grab the chairs, pack his cooler with his favorite beer, drink or water and hit the more than 75 miles of beach that encompass Destin, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton and the beaches of 30A/South Walton. In fact, as a dad who loves the beach myself, I can’t think of a much better way to spend the big day than with those you love in a place you love… like these white sands some of us are lucky enough to call home.
Whether you choose one of the above Father’s Day outings, or you take dad for a picnic, to watch live music at his favorite beach bar, to a local shooting range, or just for a day at the pool, the important thing is you have a dad, and your dad has you. Make the most of it and have fun!
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