Destin is a city located in the western part of the state of Florida in the United States, on the Emerald Coast, that is known for its white sand and green emerald waters. From a small and humble fishing village, Destin has come to be a popular tourist destination today. Many hotels with a private beach abound in the city, making it a must-visit destination for sunseekers. Packed with family resorts and water sports, it’s a perfect place for a summer (or winter) getaway to paradise. Whether you’re in town to relax, play, or maybe even party the night away, don’t forget to check out this list of the best hotels with a lazy river near Destin, Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 25, 2024.
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1. Waterscape Resort by Tufan (from USD 363)
Variety of dining options nearby, but some onsite food options had limited hours.
Reasonable pricing for beachfront property with multiple pools and amenities.
Convenient location close to restaurants, with easy beach and pool access.
Well-maintained grounds, spacious rooms, multiple pools, waterslides, gym, and beach access.
Situated on Okaloosa Island, Waterscape Resort by Tufan boasts a beachfront location, as well as a meandering lazy river with a waterfall. Apart from these fun amenities, the resort also has three pools as well as two jetted tubs. This family resort near Destin also offers well-appointed apartments as accommodations, providing plenty of space for a medium to large group of guests. These apartments are fitted with air-conditioning and heating, which is perfect for dealing with the Florida climate.
Since you’re already in this area, make sure not to miss out on the region’s various marine cuisines. Try out the gourmet experiences offered by these seafood restaurants in Destin, ranging from beachside snack breaks to fine dining.
Waterscape Resort by Tufan
Address: 1110 Santa Rosa Boulevard
533 meters (0.4 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
2. Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach (from USD 368)
Where every day is another day in a tropical paradise, Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach is a popular choice for family escapades just outside Destin. It’s easy to get lost in its unique mix of complimentary amenities but the best way to kick off a vacation here is to take a plunge in its seasonally heated lazy river pool overlooking the beaches near Destin. The hotel’s oceanfront tiki bar is also a great spot to take pleasure in the cool summer breeze.
When taking a break from the harsh rays of the sun, the heated indoor pool and hot tub have got your relaxation pursuits covered. Meanwhile, the little ones can get busy in the kids club and seasonal activities. You can also benefit from free perks such as WiFi and parking during your stay.
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach, an IHG Hotel
Address: 1299 Miracle Strip Parkway SE
348 meters (0.3 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
3. Destin West - Pelican (from USD 140)
If you’re looking for a nice place to stay near Destin, Florida, and you dream about having a lazy river right by your window, you should check out Destin West Pelican. They have a great offer for those who travel with a big family or with big groups of friends because their apartments can host six or eight people. In the 8-person apartment, you’ll get everything that’s needed for a comfortable stay - kitchen with all kitchenware, microwave, tea/coffee maker, toaster, as well as a TV, DVD player and much more.
Each apartment, of course, has a private bathroom, some of them with a bathtub, some of them with a shower. The bigger apartment has 3 bedrooms and one living room. The 6-person apartment is smaller, but not at all less equipped. It has 3 bedrooms as well as a living room and kitchen. Most apartments have a balcony. The hotel itself is located just a short walk from Fort Walton Beach Park. The hotel gives their guests access to a fitness centre, hot tub and free WiFi. There are tennis and golf courses on the property, and of course a huge tropical swimming pool with a great lazy river.
Destin West - Pelican
Address: 1326 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast
678 meters (0.5 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Destin West - Heron
Destin West - Heron is another apartment building offered by Destin West. Their big apartments are the best places to stay near Destin for large families. Each unit has three bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom with a bathtub or shower. The kitchen features a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and much more.
There is a master bedroom with a queen bed, another bedroom with one twin bed and a full bed and the third one with one king size bed. There is also a sofa bed in the living room, as well as a TV with a DVD player. Heron is located in the same facility as the Pelican. Guests also get access to the fitness centre, hot tub, free WiFi and a huge lazy river and tropical swimming pools in front of the hotel. The facility is located on the beachfront, so there is a chance you will get an apartment with an ocean view. There is an elevator in the building.
Destin West - Heron
Address: 1326 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast
677 meters (0.5 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
5. 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.
Here’s an option this time for smaller groups. All rooms in Henderson Beach Resort are 4-person rooms. Like the name says, the hotel is located right by the water and even has a private beach area, as well as rooms with beautiful views from the windows or balconies, and those views include an ocean or garden view. The hotel has a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar and private parking on site, and most importantly a swimming pool with a lazy river, that operates year-round. You’ll even find a hairdresser and a gift shop at the property.
The hotel offers also free bike rental to bike around and enjoy the views, and there’s also a car rental service in the hotel. All rooms have private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers. Thanks to the hotel’s balconies, the beachfront areas around Destin can easily be admired at any time of the day. All rooms also feature a minibar and flat-screen TV. There is free WiFi throughout the property. There are many different rooms with different types of beds and views.
Henderson Beach Resort
Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way
15.63 km (9.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
6. Big Kahuna's
Come Spend Memorial Day Weekend With Us! Remember, Season Passes Are As Low As $54.99 and You Get FREE Parking and One Bring A Friend Ticket! Visit bigkahunas.com For Details
Posted by Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park on Saturday, 27 May 2017
Although it’s not a hotel, people who’d like to visit a lazy river should go to Big Kahuna’s, which is a huge water park located in Destin. The park has over 40 water attractions, but that’s not all you can find there, they also have a couple of thrill rides, as well as a mini golf course. Water attractions include interesting slides for all ages and heights, some of them also with tubes; there are a couple of pools, like for example the tropical oasis for the youngest, a lazy river called “Humunga River”, which is not a type of river you expect - this one takes you through currents and waves around the lush island of Crocodile Flats.
In this kid-friendly attraction, you’ll also find a couple of kiddie rides without any height or weight requirements. Thrill seekers will be happy with the adventure park, where they can catch a wave or try a sky coaster. Remember that children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Daily admission is 44.99 USD for people over 48" and 34.99 USD for children under 48", but visit their web page for some discounts! The park during the season is open Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Check out their web page for hours during the rest of the year.
Big Kahuna's (water park)
Address: 1007 U.S. 98, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Website: Big Kahuna’s
Wish list
There are not many accommodations with lazy rivers and they’re not the cheapest hotels in the city, but if someone wishes to have a lazy river right by the door of their room or apartment they shall receive it in and around Destin! They’re a good alternative to theme parks if you wish to treat your family to a fun-filled weekend.
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Frequently asked questions about hotels with a lazy river near Destin, Florida
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