THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANNUAL PASSES FOR FAMILIES IN DESTIN FLORIDA
#1 – Annual Passes for a Family-Friendly Cruise Near Destin Harbor
Southern Star EcoTour Dolphin Cruise
Located right in the vibrant Destin Harbor, adjacent to the famous HarborWalk Village, our Southern Star Dolphin Cruise is a fun activity for all ages. Starting at $149 for adults, our dolphin cruise annual passes offer numerous opportunities to see dolphins in their natural habitat, whether near the East Pass or venturing into Choctawhatchee Bay. Special membership pricing is available at $109 for Child Membership (ages 4-14) and $139 for Senior Membership (60+). These cruises offer a delightful, nature-rich experience for all ages, complete with interactive narrations from our skilled captains.
Buccaneer Pirate Ship Cruise
Bring friends and family alike onto the pirate-themed Buccaneer Pirate Cruise! Their pirate cruise annual pass starts at $199 for Adult Membership (ages 15+) and $149 for Child Membership (ages 4-14). These pirate cruise annual passes make fantastic gifts during the holiday season! The more you come, the more you’ll save and the more memories you’ll make in Destin, Florida.
Extra Perks: Discounts on Food, Drinks, Merch, and More
Bring friends and family alike onto the pirate-themed Buccaneer Pirate Cruise! Their pirate cruise annual pass starts at $199 for Adult Membership (ages 15+) and $149 for Child Membership (ages 4-14). These pirate cruise annual passes make fantastic gifts during the holiday season! The more you come, the more you’ll save and the more memories you’ll make in Destin, Florida.
#2 – Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island
Nestled on Okaloosa Island, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers an intimate look at marine wildlife. It’s situated near the picturesque Brooks Bridge, a staple for any Emerald Coast itinerary. Besides the obvious appeal of dolphin and sea lion shows, the Gulfarium invites you to immerse yourself in interactive animal feedings and touch tanks featuring an array of marine life. An annual individual pass will run you $105 for unlimited access to the park, though there are options for a “One Plus One” pass that allows a guest for $165 and a “Pod Pass” that allows up to 4 guests on each visit!
Exclusive Benefits for Members: Okaloosa Island Discounts and Special Events
When you become a Gulfarium member, you’re not just signing up for endless ocean fun. Your Gulfarium membership includes special event admission, 10% discount at the Fins gift shop and Dive In eatery, and an exclusive 25% off on Animal Encounters featuring dolphins, seals, penguins, and reptiles.
#3 – Emerald Coast Science Center in Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Situated in Downtown Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Science Center is a hub for educational experiences. Besides interactive exhibits, the center offers a varied calendar of events like Planetarium Nights and Discover Science Saturdays. The Indian Temple Mound Museum, another local landmark, is just a short distance away. You can combine your trip to both for a fulfilling day of education and cultural immersion.
Membership Perks: Nationwide Museum Access and More
With membership, the learning doesn’t have to stop in Fort Walton Beach. Your membership grants reciprocal admission to over 300 museums nationwide. Your entry to Planetarium Nights, Discover Science Saturday, and more special programming will be entirely FREE. Plus, you’ll receive discounts at the local gift shop and early booking for special events, enriching your experience further. This is an excellent value for your family!
#4 – Florida State Park Annual Pass Close to Deer Lake State Park
If the call of the wild is too strong to ignore, a Florida State Park Annual Pass is your golden ticket. Just a short drive from Destin and valid for 365 days, the pass offers discounted entry to numerous state parks like Deer Lake, Grayton, and Henderson Beach State Parks. Hiking trails, freshwater lakes, and sprawling beaches are some of the natural wonders you can explore.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Nearby Henderson Beach and Blackwater River State Parks
With this pass, your adventure extends to Blackwater River State Park’s flowing streams and Henderson Beach’s captivating dunes and crystal-clear waters. It’s the ideal way to soak in Florida’s rich geographical diversity. Available for $60 as an individual pass and $120 for a family pass, it provides access not just to beachside paradises but also to inland treasures like Blackwater River State Park and Eden Garden State Park. Embark on a journey of fun, adventure, and learning with these exceptional offerings in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and beyond. Enjoy a year teeming with family-friendly adventures on the awe-inspiring Emerald Coast!
#5 – Annual Passes for Destin, Florida Residents
Residents of Destin have a unique opportunity to save with an annual beach, parking, or boat launch pass so you’ll never have to deal with the daily costs while enjoying Destin’s Emerald Coast activities. An annual pass to visit Henderson Beach State Park is $30 for residents of Destin and only $25 for seniors age 65+. Better yet, get your money back as a rebate if you’ve already purchased the above Florida State Park Annual Pass! Enjoy more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline that borders the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico as much as you’d like! Whether you’re hiking, camping, or enjoying a beach day, the annual pass is a great deal to enjoy the beauty of Henderson Beach all year.
Annual Parking and Boat Launch Passes
Whether it’s a boat or a car, you’ll be thankful to have a parking pass when you’re heading to the next family activity, city event, or even the beach itself. Both are available for Destin residents and can be obtained from Destin City Hall or online. Parking passes allow the use of paid parking all along Scenic Highway 98 in Crystal Beach, Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle, and the Destin Harbor District parking area. Boat launch passes are available through Joe’s Bayou Boat Launch and the first is FREE for residents, $205 for non-residents, and $25 per day for non-pass holders. Boat registration must be provided. You can submit online for any of these passes through the Destin Parks and Recreation Online Customer Portal.