So, you’re ready to check out the beautiful beaches of Destin Florida, and don’t know where to stay? There are so many Destin Florida hotels to choose from in all different price ranges, it can be hard to know where to start looking.
Take a look at the list of the best Beachside Destin hotels and resorts below, which will help you find the best hotel for you.
No matter if you want to stay in a luxury resort or one that’s more budget-friendly, you’ll be able to find the perfect hotel or resort for a beach vacation in Destin.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
One of the best resorts in Destin, is the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida is a top choice for travelers looking for a beach vacation. The resort covers over 2400 acres, with a range of villas, hotel rooms and four golf courses.
The resort has a wide range of accomodation to choose from spacious guest rooms to luxurious villas and condos, the resort has something for everyone. For those wanting a beach vacation, the resort has two beachfront properties – Beachside Towers and Westwind. Both offer a range of studios, two and one bedroom suites which are within walking distance of the beach.
All guest rooms are comfortably furnished and feature a range of amenities, such as private balconies or patios, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. For those looking for more space and privacy, the resort also offers a selection of villas and condos. These units come equipped with fully equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and private balconies or patios, making them ideal for families or groups.
If you’re visiting with family you’ll be glad to know there are tons of family-friendly activities including ziplines, race cars, a shopping mall with a range of restaurants, and live entertainment. The Sandestin Resort also offers swimming pools; a spa; a fitness center; free WiFi, and bike hire. With so much to offer, the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a top choice if you want to stay by the beach in Destin, Florida.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin
Located across the street from Destin’s white sandy beach, and right by Henderson Beach State Park this hotel is in the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday. You’ll have easy access to the Gulf of Florida, and nearby restaurants such as LongHorn Steakhouse. The hotel includes a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free on-site parking.
The hotel is close to numerous destinations, including some of Florida’s best beaches and there are many exciting activities for children and adults close to the hotel. For a quick adventure, why not go for a ride on a banana boat, or take a thrilling boat ride while you spot some dolphins?
Home2 Suites By Hilton Destin
While in Destin, FL, you’ll have plenty to do at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Destin Florida. Visiting Destin with pets? If you are I highly recommend checking out the Home2 Suites hotel. This is one of a few pet-friendly hotels in Destin, Florida, and one of the only ones in such a good location. If you’re visiting with a doggy, you’ll be glad to know it’s right by the Destin Dog Park which has a dog-friendly off-leash area for your furry friend to stretch their legs.
Home2 Suites is within walking distance of Destin’s beach, and Henderson Beach State Park. Nearby you’ll find a range of things to do like “The Track – Destin” which offers go-karting, mini-golf, and more family-friendly fun activities. Then there’s the harbor which offers a range of boat rides, fishing, and more activities. A bit further away (about 2 miles) is Big Kahuna’s Water Park.
Inn on Destin Harbor, Ascend Hotel Collection
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to stay at a beachfront resort in Destin, FL to take advantage of a seaside vacation. If your budget won’t allow for oceanfront accommodations, consider staying at Inn on Destin Harbor, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection.
The property sits right across from beautiful Destin Harbor. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views and even catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming in their natural habitat! There’s also a nearby Destin Dolphin Cruise that is within walking distance of the hotel if you want to get closer to the dolphins.
You can also take a water taxi, across to Norriego Point Beach which is great for snorkeling and its scenic views across the Destin Harbor waters. So while this is a budget hotel, there’s still easy access to the beaches and tons of fun things to do near by.
Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard
Located on the Emerald Coast Parkway, about two miles from Miramar Beach, the Hyatt Place Sandestin is in a good central location giving you easy access to beaches, restaurants, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, and other family-friendly attractions.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is only a few miles drive away and offers beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, fishing, and dune lakes.
The hotel itself is pet-friendly, and also includes free breakfast, WiFi, and parking. There’s an on-site restaurant but I highly recommend checking out nearby restaurants such as Vintij Food & Wine. If you love swimming, you’ll be glad to hear there’s an outdoor swimming pool.
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin is located near Henderson Beach State Park, and an about 7-mile drive from Gulf State Park. That means you’re close to tons of attractions, activities, and things to do near Hampton Inn & Suites Destin.
A short walk from Hampton Inn & Suites Destin, you’ll find June White Decker Park which is one of the smaller beautiful strips of beach in the area. Nearby, there’s the Candymaker candy store that offers a range of chocolate and candy souvenirs. For lunch, why not visit The Back Porch – a fish shack, selling a range of seafood that you can enjoy while relaxing on the beach.
The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool; free WiFi; and a 24-hour fitness center. There is no free onsite parking, but off-site parking is available nearby.
Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites
The Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites in Destin Florida is just steps from sugar-white sand beaches, fine dining and world-class entertainment. This hotel offers easy access to Henderson State Park Beach (5 minute walk), and slightly further away is Crystal Sands Beach (19-minute walk)
The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub! Guest rooms at Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites include free WiFi, cable TV with extended movie channels and air conditioning. There’s a fitness centre and the hotel serves breakfast. They’ll also put a fridge in your room on request, and free cots/infant beds are available if you have young kids/babies.
Seabreeze Inn by Fort Walton Beach, Florida
The Seabreeze Inn is one of those vacation spots where all you need are your swimsuits and some cash to have a relaxing, beach holiday. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and free parking is available nearby.
The hotel is located right by Fort Walton Beach which has a range of activities available such as Jet-ski tours of Crab Island that lets you also spot dolphins. If you’re on a romantic getaway, why not book a private sunset dinner on a secluded beach? For family-friendly activities, make sure to visit Okaloosa National Mini Golf & Ice Cream, or Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone.
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Destin Florida
Located along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, this hotel offers access to nearby beaches such as Miramar Beach which is only 10 minute drive away. If you like golfing, this location is perfect as nearby is the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, giving you easy access to 4 championship courses.
Hotel Effie is pet-friendly and offers a range of amenities and activities for dogs. There is an extra fee, but this is one of few hotels in the area offering a pet-friendly stay.
The hotel also has a spa, and a rooftop pool & bar offering panoramic views over Florida’s Emerald coast. Nearby, is the The Village of Baytowne Wharf which has a range of great restaurants, and the Baytown Adventure Zone – a family-friendly sky ropes climbing course. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is about a 10-minutes drive away, and a bit further on is the Point Washington State Forest. Both parks, offer beautiful natural areas for you to explore.
SummerPlace Inn Destin
The SummerPlace Inn is a charming beachfront hotel complex offering a range of hotel rooms including wheelchair accessible king-size rooms.
The beachfront hotel offers an outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, but rooms also include access to a microwave. If you’re on a budget, a small grocery store is within walking distance so you won’t have to go far to buy some food. The hotel complex also offers free WiFi, and parking (including parking for disabled people).
Nearby, is The Track – Destin (offers mini-golf, children’s rides and more), June White Decker Park (a small, but beautiful beach), and Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club. Making this hotel a great place to stay if you’re looking for a family friendly.
Henderson Beach Resort
The Henderson Beach Resort is a luxury beachfront hotel located next to Henderson State Park. This hotel isn’t right on the beach but you do get access to a private beach! You’ll also have easy access to the Henderson State Park where you can enjoy some of Destin’s nature, and if you’re travelling with kids they’ll love exploring the different areas throughout the park. There’s also a beach in Henderson State Park, which I highly recommend visiting as it has lushus white sand and the water is amazing.
When it comes to the facilities, the hotel has an outdoor pool, fitness center and a spa for you to enjoy. There’s also 3 different restaurants for you to pick from serving different types of food including seafood, steaks, and a grill restaurant. The hotel rooms are large, with a range of bed sizes available and if you’re traveling with a baby you can request a free cot is added to the room. You can also choose to pick to upgrade to a room with a pool view or an ocean view.
You’re also only about 15 minutes drive from Destin’s Harbor Broadwalk and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Both of which offer great shopping and dining options.
Hilton Garden Inn at Fort Walton Beach
The Hilton Garden Inn, is in the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday. Located on Okaloosa Island, if you choose to stay here you’ll be overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and steps away from the beach.
The Hilton Garden Inn at Fort Walton Beach is located within walking distance of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and Wild Willy’s Adventure Park. Nearby there’s a range of seafood restaurants such as Stewby’s Seafood Shanty so you don’t need to travel far to enjoy some of the local food.
If you’d like to hire a jet ski or pontoon boat, Crab Island Watersports is only 15 minutes walk away from the hotel. There’s also a range of dolphin-sight jet ski tours and surfing lessons taking place nearby.
As for the hotel itself, it has a great range of amenities including free WiFi, and free onsite parking (including accessible parking) with EV charging. There’s both an indoor and outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Plus a hotel restaurant with room service available so you don’t necessarily have to eat out if you’d rather just chill around the pool, or on the beach.
The hotel has a good level of accessibility such as braille in the elevators, an accessible swimming pool, and accessible rooms, and the hotel restaurant is accessible with large print menus available.
Pelican Beach Resort
The Pelican Beach Resort is one of the best places to stay in Destin especially if you’re looking for somewhere right next to Destin beach. The hotel has well equipped hotel rooms, which are beautifully furnished. Each room comes with a private balcony, that offers a seating area and a view of the ocean. If you’re travelling with kids you can opt for a room that has bunk beds, and for an adult-only group there’s rooms offering double beds, and sofa bed options. The hotel has both an indoor and outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, hot tub, a sauna and a fitness room. There’s also a sauna, steam room and a beachside Tiki Bar. There’s also free WiFi and free private parking available.
If you do choose to stay at this great hotel, you’ll be located near the Destin Harbor Braodwalk and only 5 minutes from Henderston State Park. If you like playing golf, the Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club is only 10 minutes drive away. This is one of the best places to play golf in Destin, with an 18-hole golf course. If you’d like to improve your golfing abilities whilst you’re on vacation, you can also opt to book golf lessons with one of their instructors. You’ll also be near plenty of restaurants and cafes including an amazing breakfast restaurant called The Pancakery.
Find More Hotels in Destin
Check out the map below to find more hotels in Destin, Florida that you could consider booking for a relaxing vacation.
I hope you found this guide on the best beach hotels in Destin, Florida helpful. If you need more help with planning your trip to Destin, check out my guide on the top things to see & do in Destin, Florida.
While in Florida, why not extend your vacation with a trip to explore Key Wests haunted areas, or take a day trip to Orlando?
More Travel Tips & Resources
- Get Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover you in case you have an accident, get sick, lose your passport or other belongings, miss your flight, andis canceled/delayed. If you’re in the UK, I recommend using Allclear, for the USA you should consider AXA and for the USA, UK & Rest of the World check out SafetyWing.
- Hiring a car – I recommend booking your car hire through Discover Cars. They offer 24/7 support, and free cancellation. They help by finding the cheapest car hire available, by searching hundreds so companies so you don’t have to.
- Booking budget-friendly accommodation – I normally book hotels and hostels through Booking.com, as they allow me to filter for properties based on my needs. They also have a great free cancelation policy. For my UK holidays, I normally use Park Holidays to book lodges/caravans and pet-friendly accommodation. For long-term stays and holiday rentals, I use VRBO.
- Booking Tours – When I am booking tours, I like to use GetYourGuide or Tiqets. They both have great selections of guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and city passes.
- Booking Flights – I always find my cheapest flights using Kiwi or Skyscanner. Both search for the cheapest flights, and let you filter by stops, times, etc so you can find the cheapest options. You can also sign up for Jack’s Flight Club to be alerted to cheap deals if you’re happy to travel anywhere.
- Travel eSims – If your phone supports an eSim, I recommend using Airalo. They sell eSims based on country, region, and even global ones! There’s one for almost every country and they can work out cheaper than sim cards.
- Travel Sim cards – If you don’t want an eSim, then this Orange travel sim card will have you covered for Europe or this Global Sim Card that works in over 200 countries. Make sure to check out my sim card guides for information on buying local sim cards.
- Face masks – Not just for covid! I’ve worn an n99 face mask on planes since 2017, as they’ve helped me avoid getting sick from other passengers’ germs and avoid bad smells. I always wear a Cambridge Mask when visiting countries with high pollution such as Taiwan, as they help against air pollution, bacteria, and more.
- VPN – Whilst traveling you’ll normally end up using WiFi in public places or at your accommodation, which may not be fully secure. I recommend using Proton VPN, as they don’t track your browsing history and are reasonably priced.
