by Nene Adams

Created on: August 20, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Widely rumored to be the home of the most beautiful beaches on Florida's panhandle coast, Destin offers more than sun and sugar-white sand for families planning to visit during the November to January holiday season.

Although average winter temperatures in Destin are mild compared to the tooth-chattering freezes endured by visitors from Up North (as Southerners put it), there's no need to bring SCUBA gear or a surfboard unless you're a die-hard enthusiast. The ocean temperature hovers around the 64 mark. In general, expect highs in the low to mid-60s and lows in the mid-40ssweater weather for most, but don't be surprised to find some native Floridians wearing coats and complaining about the cold.

Since sunbathing is out unless you're aiming for the perfect shade of blue, what else can a family do in Destin to create those special holiday memories that don't involve booze-spiked eggnog, a lampshade and your great-uncle dancing the Macarena?

You could climb aboard the family-owned Southern Star, an 80-foot glass bottom boat, and take a dolphin watching cruise. The cruise lasts two hours, is narrated by an entertaining crew, and younger kids will have a blast when they're allowed to "steer" the boat. You can pretend you're only doing it for educational purposes, even though you're so secretly delighted, you find yourself humming the theme song to Flipper. (Southern Star, HarborWalk Marina, Highway 98 E.; call 888-424-7217 or email sstar@dolphin-sstar.com)

When you're sick of listening to the kids whining that they're bored, The Track Family Recreation Center offers go-cart racing, Surfin' Safari mini-golf, bumper cars, video game arcade and more for older children and teens. Pint-sized rug-rats will have a grand time in Kids' Country with a carousel, Rio Grande train and other rides designed just for them. Tickets can be purchased on-line in advance to save time. Operating hours may vary during November and December, so be sure to call ahead. (The Track Family Recreation Center, 1125 Highway 98; call 850-654-4668 or www.destintrack.com)

For a real tourist-type experience, visit Gator Beach at Fudpucker's Beachside Bar and Grill where the main attraction is the opportunity to feed alligators (and frazzled parents to threaten to feed their misbehaving offspring to the hungry reptiles). Admission is free. Kids will find the alligators cool but they'll probably also nag you to visit Fudpucker's restaurant, boasting a huge playground, in-house arcades with air hockey and

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