fun for familites

Coolest Place to Summer it Up

Crab Island

Choctawhatchee Bay by Destin Bridge

 



No address on land for this Coolest on the Coast spot! Crab Island is located a little ways out from Harborwalk Village, north of the Destin bridge in the middle of the water bayside.

 

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If you’re a visitor to the Emerald Coast, you have probably heard of this unique spot. You might even have already seen it while crossing over the bridge coming into Destin from Okaloosa Island. Thanks to its widespread publicity in all forms of media, Crab Island is a famous landmark, or should we say watermark?  Both tourists and locals alike enjoy taking family and friends out to this summertime destination. 

 An underwater sandbar formed after Hurricane Eloise in the 70s, and locals quickly discovered that this is a great place to go. Crab Island got its name from the shape of the island. The sea averages two to four feet deep throughout, and on an average summer day (especially at high tide), it is sparkling and crystal clear. What started off as a nice little spot to dock your boat to swim with marine life up close has now become a hot spot for everyone to gather.

 Crab Island is only accessible by boat, paddle board, or kayak. You can also take one of the water taxis there. Once there, you can find people galore, food and drinks, inflatable water parks, bands, movies and more. It’s a regular gathering spot for locals but they welcome all.  If you’re going as a family, know that the center tends to be more for a party crowd with its bars and bands, while the outskirts tend to be more for families with activities.

Head on out to this top destination On the Coast, and get ready for a day full of adventure, fun, and a whole lot of water.

Cool Factors:             Great place to meet up with your boating friends, Inflatable water parks for the kiddos, Everything you need to spend the day



Coolest Spring Water on the Coa

Vortex Springs 

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Looking for a change – an exciting place to swim and play away from the beaches of the Gulf?  Then head to Vortex Springs!  Its crystal cool water is so refreshing during the hot summer days. It's just pure fun to be there! You'll find a lot of local families enjoying this spot as well as groups of friends who have discovered this very cool hangout. 

The natural clear spring water stays a cool 68 degrees year-round and is a fun place to dive and swim.  You can also snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, canoe and tube - all are available for daily rental. Food and beverages are permitted at Vortex Springs so pack up those picnic baskets for the full day. If you'd like some shade, the large oaks that surround the area provide plenty. For the littles, you'll find a few playgrounds at Vortex too.  

If you're a camper, Vortex offers that as well. From tent camping to cabins to larger lodges, they can accommodate you and your group. 

For diving enthusiasts, Vortex Springs is home to one of the largest cavern systems, so who knows what you'll discover down below.  The crystal-clear water are perfect conditions to explore and train. If you're not certified, this is the place to do it! Nothing beats the calmness and clarity you'll experience while learning to dive. 

Daily admission is $10. Children 4-8 are $8 and children under 3 are free.  The springs are open Monday-Thursday 8-7 pm, Friday-Saturday 7-8 pm and Sundays 8-5 pm. Vortex Springs also features a diving board, 10 slides, jump platforms and an old-fashioned rope swing that has become a popular signature of Vortex Springs over the years.  Picnic tables are available for use and a gazebo is available to rent. 

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Cool Factors: Coolest, clearest springs, cave diving, lots of activities for every age, camping.








1517 Vortex Springs Ln, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455

(850) 836-4979

www.vortexspring.com