What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the word, Florida?

Home to an abundance of beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and exhilarating aquatic activities… Okaloosa Island, Florida is the perfect spot to spend Spring Break!
Okaloosa Island is located along the gorgeous Emerald Coast, nestled nicely in-between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. We were so incredibly lucky to have The Island by Hotel RL host us for our very first trip as a family to the Emerald Coast! Here are 3 reasons why Okaloosa Island is the perfect destination for your future family vacation!
#1 – Life is BEACHY keen on the Emerald Coast

The exact moment we walked into our Gulf View room at The Island by Hotel RL, it was clear we booked the perfect spot for our Spring Break weekend. Rays of sunshine bounced off the walls in our newly, renovated room as the relaxing sounds of waves tumbling ashore filled the air.


The Island by Hotel RL is a family friendly resort featuring a selection of newly renovated rooms, only steps from the beach at an affordable price.


The Island by Hotel RL offers southern hospitality with a tropical retro twist! Aside from being located directly on the shores of the Emerald Coast, this resort includes multiple pools, swim-up grotto bar, a variety of dining options and is only steps away from family-friendly island entertainment.

Our favorite activity at The Island by Hotel RL was spending time at the beach! The Island by Hotel RL made our beach days a breeze! No need to stress over packing beach chairs or umbrellas because BOTH are available to rent ON-SITE. Food and drink while soaking in the sunshine? No worries! Simply stroll on up to Tripp Tide Beach Bar, located directly on the beach, and place your desired food/drink order to take out on the beach.
#2 The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island

Fresh seafood, beachside games and tasty tropical cocktails! Need I say more? The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island offers all of this with a view overlooking the Gulf Of Mexico.
Floyd’s Shrimp House Front of Al’s Burger Bar
Staying at The Island by Hotel RL, allowed us to only be a few sandy steps away from The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island. We let our taste buds go wild and explored several of the delicious dining options available at the boardwalk. You can check them all out here… The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island.

Tacos & Vacation go hand in hand for our family! Naturally, we wanted to dine at Rockin Tacos located upstairs at The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island. I opted for the Rockin Shrimp Tacos featuring lightly fried bay shrimp drizzled with a “Rocking Sweet & Spicy” sauce. The bold flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with a Pineapple Infusion Margarita, making this a must-try meal one for the vacation books. Rockin Tacos…you go for the tacos but STAY for the drinks!
#3 The Village of Baytowne Wharf

This family friendly entertainment hot-spot is just a short car ride away but promises a lifetime of memories! The Village of Baytowne Wharf offers a variety of fun activities and dining options tucked in-between cute boutiques located around a scenic pond. Hampton loved the carousel, play park and arcade. This is perfect spot for any unexpected rain showers during your vacation.

Spring Break may have come and gone but our memories while visiting Okaloosa Island, Florida will last a lifetime! Help keep our beaches sparkling and our sea turtles happy…leave only your footprints behind.

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