The city of Destin lies between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. It boasts an abundance of beaches, offering travelers plenty of things to do and see. If you love water sports and other adventurous activities, then a trip to this city can surely be a delight. You can visit Destin Harbor Boardwalk with your loved ones, where you can find plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to explore. Destin History & Fishing Museum is the perfect place for history buffs who want to know more about the city’s fishing industry. For an unforgettable trip, you must also consider staying in a place that can ensure comfort and convenience. Read on for the top beach resorts in Destin, Florida.
What to look forward to:
- Beach lovers won't want to miss out on affordable Destin boat rentals for an awe-inspiring sunset cruise.
- If you're looking to create memorable experiences for your kids, be sure to take them to Big Kahunas Water & Adventure Park.
- For more water adventure ideas in Destin, check out their official tourism site.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on September 10, 2024.
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1. Henderson Beach Resort (from USD 483)
Henderson Beach Resort is right next to Henderson Beach State Park, offering guests easy access to one of Destin’s top attractions. Accommodation in this resort is offered in rooms with features such as a flat-screen TV, a balcony with ocean, pool or garden views, a minibar, and a private bath, with certain rooms having comfortable sofa beds for relaxation.
The notable shared amenities include a full-service spa, a lovely swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and a business center. You can enjoy private beach access during your stay for some engaging water activities.
Henderson Beach Resort
Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way
15.63 km (9.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
2. SunDestin Beach Resort by Wyndham Vacation Rentals (from USD 311)
SunDestin Beach Resort by Wyndham Vacation Rentals offers spacious rooms and suites that feature a flat-screen TV, a comfortable living area, a balcony with stunning sea views, and a private bath with bathing essentials. It is also one of the top hotels with an in-room kitchen in Destin. In addition, the property has a Mexican restaurant so you need not go far for delicious food options.
Some of the shared amenities and facilities in this resort include two swimming pools, a fitness center for a quick workout, and a game room. It also has a private beach area that guests can utilize if they do not want to use the on-site pools.
SunDestin Beach Resort by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Address: 1040 Highway 98 East, Destin Beachfront, Destin (FL), United States, 32541
12.08 km (7.6 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
3. Resorts of Pelican Beach (from USD 194)
At Resorts of Pelican Beach, you can be treated to lovely water views, being located right in front of the beach. The air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a Blu-ray player for entertainment, a cozy seating area, a toaster, a coffee machine, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries for convenience.
The resort has a hot tub, a private beach area, on-site dining, a fitness center, and a sauna, ensuring guests a relaxing stay. Some of the nearby attractions worth checking out include Destin History & Fishing Museum and the beautiful beaches of South Walton, which are both less than 4 km (2.5 mi) away.
Pelican Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Address: 1002 Highway 98 East
9.37 km (5.9 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Nearby beach resorts
4. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (from USD 234)
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort lures tourists with its idyllic location steps from a white-sand beach. Its strategic setting affords many of its rooms magical ocean views that complement the bright, beach-inspired interiors. For travelers who are not fond of sandy swims, outdoor pools are waiting for you on the premises. While there are plenty of on-site restaurants, in-room kitchens are also available for those who like preparing their meals.
No need to worry about your physique after an entire weekend of eating and boozing, as there’s a fitness center for that.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W
25.32 km (15.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
5. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach (from USD 248)
Nothing beats a seaside holiday in accommodation with a view. If you agree, The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is perfect for you. Nestled on Okaloosa Island, this high-end paradise features a beach area dotted with loungers and parasols, swimming pools, and rooms with a view. Other than these, weekly activities are prepared for guests’ entertainment. You can relish live music, mermaid visits, marine shows, and more.
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach takes guests on a culinary adventure with its abundance of dining options, including The Island Grille, Coastal Kitchen, and Tripp Tide Beach Bar.
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Address: 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach (FL), United States, 32548
451 meters (0.3 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
6. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (from USD 547)
There is a multitude of reasons why you should choose Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa for your next Sunshine State getaway, and one of the most convincing ones is its dreamy location parallel to a beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The resort’s Instagram-worthy shore area is curated with blue furnishings and yellow parasols that reflect Florida’s sunny, coastal characteristics. The outdoor pools offer a delightful alternative to the beach, and there’s a hot tub as a bonus.
With a gym, steam room, and massage services, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has plenty of relaxation opportunities for guests.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Address: 4000 S Sandestin Blvd
25.7 km (16.0 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
7. Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach, an IHG Hotel
Since Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach, an IHG Hotel is nestled on the beach, it has become a popular getaway destination for sunseekers and swimming enthusiasts. Beach aficionados can swim in the open sea or lounge on a chair while enjoying the shade of a parasol. The pool area overlooks the sea, making patrons feel like they’re dipping into an extension of the ocean. Guests can also enjoy dive-in movie viewing, exercising, and food trips on-site.
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach, an IHG Hotel offers a kids’ club and seasonal kids’ activities for young vacationers.
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach, an IHG Hotel
Address: 1299 Miracle Strip Parkway SE
311 meters (0.2 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
8. WaterColor Inn & Resort (from USD 694)
From magical ocean views to a plethora of on-site restaurants, including Gather Kitchen + Bar, Watercolor Grill, and Costa Chica, WaterColor Inn & Resort has all the ingredients for a fabulous seaside getaway. A white-sand private beach area lined with vibrant furniture makes it extra enticing for water lovers. Sign up for a beach bonfire package and make lasting memories with your vacation buddies.
There are also swimming pools, including a children’s pool, for those who aren’t into open water soaks. With flavorful drinks, the poolside bar will quench your thirst after hours of sunning and dipping.
WaterColor Inn & Resort
Address: 34 Golden Rod Circle
43.82 km (27.3 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
9. Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort (from USD 164)
Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is a waterfront resort 3 mi (4.83 km) from Miramar Beach. While there’s no nearby beach area from the resort, it provides free shuttle services for guests seeking a fun day on the sand and under the sun. Bicycle rentals are available should you wish to ride around the area.
There are plenty of fun things to do for guests who prefer to stay on the premises, from barbecuing to bonding in the game room. Swimming pools are present for those in the mood for a swim as well.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Address: 8626 Baytowne Ave., West
25.83 km (16.1 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Other beach accommodations in Destin
Though these options aren’t resorts, they’re situated close enough to the beach for a fantastic holiday, so check them out!
10. TOPS’L Tides II (from USD 181)
TOPS’L Tides II is just a short distance away from Miramar Beach. It features air-conditioned accommodations, each with a balcony for gorgeous views, a microwave, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
For those who would love to explore the surrounding areas, you can rent a bike on the premises for a fee. The property also boasts a hot tub for a relaxing soak after a fun day outdoors.
TOPS'L Tides II
25.81 km (16.1 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
11. Beautiful apartment with ocean views (from USD 589)
This facility offers accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms with a hot tub. The property is also equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and barbecue facilities, so you can have some fun with your loved ones after a lovely day of exploring.
Henderson Beach is only 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the property, where you can enjoy several exciting water activities. There is a washing machine to help you take care of your laundry needs.
Best beach front vacation, Ocean View, 8th Flr
Address: 1002 U.S. 98 Unit #802
11.47 km (7.2 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
12. Shoreline Towers 1024 by RealJoy Vacations (from USD 61)
Shoreline Towers 1024 by Realjoy Vacations is a gorgeous apartment that is situated near Henderson Beach. The rental is air-conditioned and comes with a balcony that has breathtaking views of the sea. It features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a microwave, a seating area, and a private bath. There is an outdoor pool on the property if you wish to enjoy a refreshing swim. For your daily caffeine fix, you can take advantage of the coffee maker.
Shoreline Towers 1024
10.96 km (6.9 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Enjoy a great stay in Destin
Destin is a wonderful tourist destination, especially for beach lovers. Consider booking any of the top beach resorts in Destin, Florida, for an unforgettable stay.
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