Certain resorts are better for those long weekends or week-long vacations for the whole family. Florida locals, as well as those from across the United States, who are looking for a new spot to take their family for their next big break, should see what Destin has to offer. From theme parks to shopping malls, Destin has plenty to offer the whole family. The vacation options we have on the list below have their own ways of providing a good time. Some put you a short walk away from the beach, while others come with swimming pools and other sources of fun and relaxation to make you feel like never leaving. The downtown attractions aren’t too far away, either. Wondering where to stay in Destin, FL, for a family vacation? Take a look at our list of family resorts in Destin, Florida, USA, that will help you have a fun time.
What to look forward to:
- A family vacation in Destin isn't complete without dolphin watching! Book a tour with Dolphin Cruises Destin for a fun tour with your little ones.
- For more family-friendly activities in Destin, check out Destin-Fort Walton Beach for more ideas.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2024.
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1. The Island by Hotel RL (from USD 149)
Great food options on-site, but pricey. Excellent beachside food truck. Breakfast buffet had cold food and undercooked sausage.
High prices for food, drinks, and amenities. Additional charges for breakfast, parking, and beach chairs.
Perfect beachfront location with easy access to the boardwalk, pier, and nearby dining options.
Private beach access, multiple pools, beach bar, and live entertainment. Close to restaurants and attractions.
Amenity highlights: Beach access, family rooms, outdoor pools, fitness center, hot tubs, restaurants, in-room kitchenette
It’s one thing to be a short walk away from the beach at your hotel, but it’s another when you can step on the beach when you leave the main entrance. Those who stay at The Island by Hotel RL will get to enjoy this privilege. We advise getting a room that is facing the water so that you watch the sun rise and set from your window. Accommodations include a fitness center to make the huge meals later in the day worth it and hot tubs to relax after long laps in the pools. Each room comes with cable TV to enjoy at the end of the day, as well as a coffee maker for starting the day with the right amount of energy. This is one of the best places to stay in Destin, Florida for families, so book your stay now!
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Address: 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast
467 meters (0.3 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
2. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (from USD 327)
Top-notch dining options with great variety, especially for families.
Competitive poolside restaurant prices, good value buffet breakfast.
Convenient beachfront location with easy access to dining options and activities.
Fantastic beach access, clean facilities, friendly staff, indoor and outdoor pools.
Amenity highlights: Outdoor pools, spa, tennis courts, fitness center, game room, restaurants, family rooms, in-room spa tubs
One of the best accommodations that a Destin resort for families can provide is a spa, as it gives you a chance to relax after a long day of activities. That is the case with Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, which has a spa available for unwinding. Tennis fans will be treated with 15 tennis courts, and three pools are available for a cool down after working out. The game room should be fun if your kids like arcade games and the shops are full of souvenirs to take home. Restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, with options including sushi, steak, and burgers.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Address: 4000 S Sandestin Blvd
25.7 km (16.0 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
3. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (from USD 233)
The Sunset Bay Cafe offers excellent food with a perfect view, while the resort provides various restaurant choices.
Pricing is a bit steep, but the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities.
Located in the heart of the Emerald Coast with easy access to the beach and Baytowne Wharf.
Access to 4 pools, free bikes, and a resort shuttle for convenient transportation.
Amenity highlights: Restaurants, outdoor pool, in-room kitchens, free shuttle service, fitness center, health club, bicycle rentals, tennis courts, watersports equipment rentals, kids’ club, children’s playground
If you’re a golf fan and are looking for a place that lets you work on your swing, then it’s best to reserve a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Like most spots that make it easy for you to engage in certain activities, this Destin resort for families puts you close to several golf courses to take all your loved ones to. The beach is also a 20-minute walk away, so you have somewhere to go for a swim, and your kids will love it if they enjoy surfing and snorkeling. A pool is onsite in case you prefer pool games, and visitors have a long list of restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy
25.33 km (15.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
4. Henderson Beach Resort (from USD 427)
Excellent dining experiences at Primrose, but with high prices. Room service and breakfast lacked variety and were expensive.
High prices for dining and amenities, valet parking at $35, and additional charges for incidentals.
Conveniently located in the heart of Destin, with easy access to the beach and close proximity to shopping, dining, and attractions.
Private beach access, spacious and clean rooms, two pools (including an adults-only pool), and a new lazy river.
Amenity highlights: Private beach, family rooms, kids’ club, outdoor pools, outdoor activities, spa, kids meals, restaurant, fitness center, salon
Some people prefer to spend their time off lying in the sand and working on their tan. If that’s your preference, then we recommend visiting Henderson Beach Resort, which provides private access to the beach. Henderson Beach State Park is also a walk away from your room, so you will be able to save time and money on getting to the fun spots in the area. The rooms at this Destin beach resort for families come with flat-screen TVs for when you want to watch your favourite shows after a long day on the beach. We advise getting a room facing the beach so that you wake up and go to bed to a great view of the ocean. Moreover, the kid’s club at the hotel is very popular with young guests.
Henderson Beach Resort
Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way
15.63 km (9.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
5. Luau at Sandestin Tower I & II (from USD 251)
Amenity highlights: Watersports facilities, private beach, water park, nature activities, outdoor and indoor pools, tennis court, laundry facilities, fitness center, bowling alley
If your family is the more adventurous type, don’t miss out on staying at Luau at Sandestin Tower I & II. The activities offered at this highly rated resort range from light water sports like canoeing and snorkeling to more intense ones such as windsurfing at diving. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to do other nature trips like hiking and horseback riding. And did we mention that the rooms at Luau give an amazing view of the ocean? Book your accommodation here and enjoy a fun-filled family getaway!
Luau at Sandestin Tower I & II
Address: 5000 S Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, Destin (FL), United States, 32550-4216
24.86 km (15.5 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
6. Embarc Sandestin by Diamond Resorts (from USD 273)
Amenity highlights: Children’s playground, board games, kid-friendly media, picnic facilities, barbecue facilities, nature activities, outdoor pools, fire pit
Warmly welcoming guests on the Miramar Beach area of Destin is Embarc Sandestin by Diamond Resorts. The resort welcomes all families, big or small. Those traveling with children will find the property’s entertainment amenities to their liking, including an outdoor playground, kid-friendly media, and several board games options. Take the family out for a picnic by the pool and make use of the barbecue facilities. Go on a nature trip by hiking or fishing, and enjoy many more activities available in the area.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Sandestin This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 8626 Baytowne Avenue East
25.85 km (16.1 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
7. St Croix at Silver Shells (from USD 70)
Amenity highlights: Beach access, family rooms, in-room kitchens, spa, outdoor pool, hot tubs
Some hotels are better at providing views of the surrounding area than others. Those who want something beautiful to look at when they wake up and go to bed should book a stay at St Croix at Silver Shells. You’ll be able to see the beach from your room, and it will only be a five-minute walk away. The spa at the beach resort is available for the entire day, and a pool is available both inside and outside the resort. Two hot tubs are also available for relaxing after long swims and water games.
St Croix at Silver Shells
13.45 km (8.4 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
8. Club Destin (from USD 71)
Amenity highlights: In-room kitchens, terrace, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, game room, fitness center
If you’re a big fan of parks, whether they put you in the outdoors or provide a variety of rides, then staying at Club Destin is the way to go. Visitors are only a short walk away from Henderson State Park if they want to spend their afternoon walking in the sand, as well as Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park if the kids want to try out some slides and rides. When you’re relaxing in your room, you can use the fully equipped kitchen to make a meal for the whole family, and the terrace makes it much more enjoyable to watch the sunset during a cool breeze.
Club Destin
Address: 1085 East Highway 98
12.29 km (7.7 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Kid-friendly hotels in Destin
For some more family/kid-friendly options in Destin, check out the hotels below!
9. Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach (from USD 155)
Amenity highlights: Beach access, family rooms, private balconies, outdoor pool, hot tub, specialty shops, pantry, in-room kitchenettes, restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to stay that gets you closer to the beach, set your sights on Four Points by Sheraton Destin. The balconies in a few suites are built right on top of the fine sands of Fort Walton Beach, and it is truly a sight to behold. Besides the resort’s close proximity to the beach, the outdoor pool, hot tub, specialty shops, and poolside bar are some of the amenities that guests can enjoy.
Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Address: 1325 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
232 meters (0.2 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
10. Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard (from USD 106)
Varied breakfast options, but some inconsistencies in quality and selection.
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped rooms.
Close proximity to attractions, but some noise from busy roads. Limited beach access.
Convenient location near beaches, shopping, and restaurants. Pet-friendly with full kitchenette.
Amenity highlights: Outdoor pool, in-room kitchens, fitness center, mini market, garden
Accommodations that allow you to prepare for a long day out at attractions are important to have at your resort. Grand Boulevard’s Residence Inn Sandestin is not short on these, which include a fitness center for staying in shape and a complimentary breakfast. When you’re not watching your favorite shows and movies on your flatscreen TV or going for a swim in the outdoor pool, you and the gang can take a short drive to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, the beach, and Destin’s numerous restaurants and shopping centers.
Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Address: 300 Grand Boulevard
26.19 km (16.3 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
11. Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard (from USD 94)
Mixed reviews on dining experiences, with some guests enjoying the breakfast and restaurant options, while others found the food to be slow, limited, or overcooked.
Reasonable pricing for the area. Some guests felt the room rates were a bit high, but many found the value to be fair for the location and amenities offered.
Convenient location near shopping, beach hot spots, and attractions. However, some guests experienced noise from nearby roads, planes, and elevators.
Clean and spacious rooms, convenient location with easy access to attractions and shopping. Some guests noted the need for room updates and additional amenities such as microwaves and refrigerators.
Amenity highlights: In-room kitchens, outdoor pool, trail access, family rooms, beach access, fitness center
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard provides hot breakfasts and dinners, offering different options. You can also prepare your own food during your stay as this is one of the hotels with an in-room kitchen in Destin. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and an outdoor pool is available in case you want to take a break from the beach. Running and walking trails are available for anyone who wants to work on their cardio, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is 1.4 miles (2.25km) away if you want to enjoy the silence and scenes of nature in the area.
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Address: 100 Grand Blvd
26.16 km (16.3 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
12. Hampton Inn & Suites Destin (from USD 130)
Amenity highlights: Outdoor pool, family rooms, in-room kitchen, outdoor furniture, fitness center
Hampton Inn & Suites in Destin is a kid-friendly hotel in Destin, Florida, that comes with an outdoor pool and daily continental breakfast. The combination of free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs makes the TV and movie-watching experience very enjoyable. Desks are included in the rooms in case you want to do a little work while the kids enjoy the pool. Big Kahuna’s Water Park is 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers) away if you’re looking for extra pool games to engage in, and you may look enough to catch a festival in HarborWalk Village, depending on when you visit.
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
Address: 1625 Highway 98 East
12.84 km (8.0 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
13. Wingate by Wyndham Destin (from USD 106)
Varied breakfast options, with attentive staff, but some minor inconsistencies in quality.
Reasonable pricing for the location and amenities offered.
Convenient location close to the beach, stores, and restaurants, with easy access to attractions.
Clean and comfortable rooms, spacious and well-kept property, friendly and helpful staff.
Amenity highlights: Outdoor pool, family rooms, laundry facilities, fitness center, beach access, hot tub
Great properties are able to put you a short distance from the attractions in the area. That is the case with Wingate by Wyndham Destin, which is a short walk from Destin Harbor, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and the beach. This gives you a variety of activities to engage in, especially if you and your family like to play water-based games and go on similar rides. The continental breakfast is full of food that will energize you for the day, and Destin Harbor has a long list of dining options available for when you’re done with your activities.
Wingate by Wyndham Destin
Address: 117 Palm Street
11.37 km (7.1 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
14. Village Inn Destin (from USD 85)
Amenity highlights: Outdoor pool, laundry facilities, in-room kitchenettes, vending machines
Sometimes it’s the kids that use up most of the WiFi at home, more than the adults could ever need. So parents love it that upon booking at the Village Inn Destin, there is free WiFi on site ready for the kids to exploit for all of their online games. The units in this hotel have a microwave ready to have some food reheated since kids usually fail to consume all of their food even if it’s at a restaurant. It is convenient for the parents in anticipation of leftovers. Breakfast is included and ready to serve. So for you, all that’s left to do is keep an eye on the kids.
Village Inn Destin
Address: 215 Harbor Boulevard
8.36 km (5.2 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
15. Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites (from USD 103)
Breakfast options were good with friendly staff, but some guests felt that the breakfast could have more variety and quality.
Reasonable pricing for the location and amenities offered.
Conveniently located near the beach, shopping, and restaurants. However, ongoing construction may affect parking and noise levels.
Clean and inviting property with a pool, hot tub, and fitness room. Some amenities may need maintenance or improvement.
Amenity highlights: Family rooms, outdoor pool, non-smoking rooms, in-room kitchenette, fitness center, hot tub
Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites is one of the highly-rated hotels in Destin based on feedback given by couples and families. Some rooms are spacious enough since the hotel expects families of four or more to stay in these rooms. Extra mattresses are available on request in case you have more than two kids. You have the option to book in a non-smoking unit to shield the kids from second-hand smoke that previous occupants may have left in the rooms. Breakfast is served fresh to perk you up in the morning. If flying into Destin, driving to this hotel will only take 26 minutes from the airport.
Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites
Address: 4415 Commons Drive East
15.59 km (9.7 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
16. Destin Inn and Suites (from USD 90)
Amenity highlights: Watersports facilities, outdoor pool, in-room kitchenette, vending machine
This hotel is the place to stay if your primary reason for going to Destin is taking the kids to the Big Kahuna’s Water Park or the Gator Beach. Not that there isn’t much to do at the Destin Inn and Suites itself. Kids will enjoy the water sports available for them to dive into. Activities onsite also include surfing. Some families, visiting Destin for the first time could use this hotel as a starting point when going to the Water Park or the Henderson Beach State Park. Gator Beach is a good stopover on your way back to the hotel.
Destin Inn & Suites
Address: 713 Harbor Boulevard
10.1 km (6.3 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
17. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin (from USD 319)
Amenity highlights: Outdoor and indoor pools, family rooms, in-room kitchenette, outdoor furniture, laundry room, fitness center
Only about 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the Big Kahuna Water Park, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin is one of the closest to Destin’s beloved kid-friendly park. Also, it is one of the few hotels in Destin that get a rating of 9 out of 10. Guests along with their kids are very well taken care of here. There are several things to do to keep children preoccupied with Destin Beach which is only 850 miles (1367 km) away. If your kids are into golf, driving them to the Kelly Plantation Golf Club only takes five minutes. While some rooms with a king-sized bed may be available upon check-in, booking early is highly recommended to keep that unit locked in for you.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin
Address: 19001 Emerald Coast Pkwy
14.17 km (8.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
18. Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin (from USD 145)
Good breakfast, convenient dining options nearby, kid-friendly food options
Amazing value for money, excellent pricing for USA accommodation, no overpricing
Great location, close to beach, easy to find, convenient to restaurants and nightlife
Short walk to beach, pet-friendly, spacious rooms, kitchen facilities, clean pool
Amenity highlights: Family rooms, non-smoking rooms, outdoor pool, laundry room, fire pit, beach access, fitness center, snack bar, kid-friendly buffet
For guests that like it big, then Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin is the perfect choice for them. Rooms can host up to six folks, children included. Just make it a point to book the non-smoking units to shield the children from second-hand smoke. The best non-smoking units come with a gulf view and at least one king size bed. The hotel is pet-friendly. Getting a view of the gulf entices guests of all ages to dive in and enjoy the water. The swimming pool by the hotel has always been the safe option for parents concerned that the waves by the shore might get too big for their kids to handle.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 14060 Emerald Coast Parkway
13.12 km (8.2 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Take the family to Destin's Resorts
Destin is full of resorts that provide sources of entertainment and relaxation for the whole family. The options on this list include indoor and outdoor pools and arcade rooms for fun when you’re staying in, and the parks, beaches, and other attractions are a short walk and drive away. Families may choose from a variety of restaurants in Destin, as well as different attractions and things to do downtown. Spend your Destin, Florida family vacation at any of these resorts!
Frequently asked questions about family resorts in Destin, FL
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