Two Weeks and an Ocean - Road Trip Florida
- Alexis Bennett
- Feb 21, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 28, 2023
In 2016, we were blessed to take a two week road trip to Florida. We planned a week in Panama City Beach, Florida, a new experience for us all. Then on to Captiva Island, Florida, a family favorite.
This trip was the start of multiple extended vacations in less than four months. It was also a driving force that began our love of traveling with our family.
Family travel is completely different than adult vacations. While traveling as an adult is a lot of fun and more relaxation than stress, traveling with kids brings the stress of parenting along for the ride, without the comfort of home. While it may be more difficult it is 100% worth every moment.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is one of the top beaches in the United States according to Trip Advisor. While it is more crowded than some of the other beaches, there are a lot of family-friendly activities, including 27 miles of beaches.
Where We Stayed
We checked in Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City, Florida. We love vacation rentals because we have extra space to move around and with three kids, you need all the space you can get!
Edgewater is a family-friendly resort with rentals ranging from studios to 4 bedrooms. There are eleven pools, four hot tubs, a golf course, beach amenities, and more.
Our rental was equipped with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and enough space for us all to spread out. We were a short walk to the beach and one of the smaller pools was outside the entrance to our building.
What We Did
Most days we took the short walk out to the beach to play in the water and sand. With little kids, being this close to the beach was a blessing. Carrying all the toys and towels, etc. can be a lot, and a short distance makes it easier to tackle. Plus, your rental is a short walk for bathroom breaks and more snacks and drinks.
One evening we went ghost crab hunting on the beach. This was our kids favorite part of the trip to Panama City Beach. If you have some sand toys and a flashlight, definitely take some time to hunt the crabs at night. They are hard to find, but once you find them, you see them everywhere!
On the other days, we explored the area and the many touristy things to see.
This was a small amusement park. The park itself was a bit like going to a county fair, but there were quite a few things for the kids to do, without being overwhelmed. They enjoyed riding the roller coaster, driving go-carts and bumper boats, as well as playing in the arcade area. We spent a few hours here and they were worn out by the time we left.
This was a fun stop for the kids. Gulf World Marine Park was opened in 1970, as a family destination. They have many different opportunities to watch the many daily shows and see a variety of marine animals including sea lions, dolphins, stingrays, seals, penguins and more. If you have older kids there are opportunities for interactive programs through the Marine Park. If your kids love animals this is a great way to spend some time learning more and encountering marine animals.
Goofy Golf has been in Panama City Beach since 1959. It is family owned and operated and has two miniature golf courses. The best part about the mini golf at Goofy Golf is that it keeps everyone entertained. You are allowed to climb on the statues, go inside others and the varied course makes it great for kids.We golfed during the day, but in the evenings, they have a nighttime experience with glowing eyes that could be fun.
This is a family owned restaurant and alligator beach in Destin, FL. Just a short drive from Panama City Beach. With live alligators, an alligator show (which Jackson was asked to star in) and dinner, this is a place to keep your kids entertained while you get a bite to eat. While this is definitely a touristy place, the kids loved walking around and seeing all the alligators. The alligators are the attraction because the food is ho-hum.
Where We Ate
We ate quite a few time in our rental, but we did venture out a few times for dinner in the area. There are numerous restaurants and many of them are family friendly so you are bound to find something your family will enjoy.
As I mentioned above, the food here is ho-hum but the kids enjoyed the environment. I would suggest going to the alligator area but picking a different place for dinner.
When in Florida, we seek out oysters. Hunt's is a staple in Panama City. The restaurant itself, is small and simple, however the food was delicious. If you are looking for fancy, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for great food and a laid back atmosphere, you will love Hunt's Oyster Bar. They have a ton of food options (mostly fish) and the service was great. If you are in Panama City Beach and want some delicious oysters and seafood, we recommend Hunt's Oyster Bar.
Next Stop - Captiva Island, Florida
Captiva Island has been a family favorite for many years. We have taken the kids quite a few times and love the small island feel with plenty of amenities and activities. While Hurricane Ian took Captiva too ground zero last year, they are working to restore it to it's beauty as we speak. In fact, it was chosen as the fourth top beach in the United States according to MSN.com.
Where We Stayed
Our family has a time-share at South Seas Island Resort in the South Seas Club. There are a wide range of condo options in the resort making it a great place to travel with your family, friends or as a couple.
The resort itself has a beach, multiple pools, water slides, plenty of restaurants, golf course and amenities on site. It is extremely family friendly and you can stay busy in the resort area for the week with no problem.
They are in the process of restoration and from the design details, it sounds like our haven will be even more enticing when it is complete. The new design includes a larger waterpark and splash area, arcade, kids area and more.
What We Did
Our family spent a lot of time in the pools and at the beach during our stay in Captiva.
Beach
If you are looking to go shelling, the beach is the place to be. There are a multitude of shells to find, especially early in the morning. In fact, Madison found a live sand dollar while searching one afternoon. The waves are minimal so it is easy to just chill with kids.
Pools
We also spent quite a bit of time at the pools. The water slide pool was a favorite of the older kids. They could have spent the whole day riding the slides, if we'd have let them. There is also a beautiful pool that overlooks the ocean and smaller pools near each complex. This will be an even more exciting adventure for your kids and relaxation for the adults, when the restoration is complete!
Manatee Viewing
Walking near the docks allows for manatee spotting. A fun way to get some energy out before dinner. The marina is also being rebuilt, we are praying that the manatee will not leave the area.
Trolley
The trolley at South Seas runs all day and makes traveling from one side of the island a breeze. There were a few days the kids just wanted to take some time riding on the trolley. I imagine there will still be a trolley when the South Seas Club opens back up, but I have not heard about this, yet.
Skully' Kid's Club
This is a great place for kids to get into the air conditioning and spend some time doing crafts, games, activities and more with other kids staying at the resort. They even have a scavenger hunt for the island, which is a great way to spend your trip and ensure you see all the different parts of the resort. It sounds like this will be replaced with the Camp-Tiva which is a kids only club. Because South Seas is very family oriented, I am sure this will be even more fun for your kids when it is completed.
J.N. Ding Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge
If you have a car, this is a great day trip. It's a short drive from the resort and has some great trails and a wonderful nature center. Just driving through the refuge allows you to see many different animals. Our kids had a blast walking and learning at the wildlife refuge.
Where We Ate
Another great part about South Seas Resort is the multiple restaurants in the resort area. While we cooked at the condo quite a few nights here, too, the restaurants in the resort area are delicious as well. I am unsure of which restaurants will be rebuilt and still on the island, but here are our favorites, from the past. We can't wait to return and try the new and revamped offerings of the restaurants in South Seas Resort.
Overlooking the pool and ocean, the view is beautiful. You are sure to find something delicious on their menu. They also have a kids menu to keep your kiddos happy as well. It's on the pricier side with most entrees around $30.
This is a more reasonably priced restaurant on the island. With sandwiches, shellfish and full entrees there are a multitude of options to choose from.
This fun pizza, ice-cream and candy shop is the go to for after dinner. While we didn't eat the pizza, the kids loved the ice-cream and candy. A fun stop after a day at the beach and pool, this is a must!
Off South Seas, Still on Captiva Island
This was a favorite from years past, but we were disappointed this trip. The food was not as tasty as we remembered it, but it was a fun stop for the kids. With a hook game outside and live music your kids can stay entertained while they eat. This is in the renovation stage as well. Hopefully, it will return soon with a great menu and more fun for your family.
This is an extremely gaudy, but fun. Our kids had a blast walking around looking at all the different items that fill every spot in the restaurant. The food is just ok, but you will enjoy the atmosphere. As with the others, The Bubble Room is still rebuilding, however they are baking again, and their desserts were wonderful!
Two weeks, two beaches, multiple pools and an overall great family vacation!
What are your favorite places in Panama City Beach and Captiva Island? Where did we miss?
Let us know in the comments! We'll add them to our list for next time!
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