Destin is one of the best getaways in the Southeast, and there’s more than sand and surf here. You can shop, do water activities, go on a cruise, eat amazing seafood, play golf, and bike. So I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Destin.
Plan the perfect trip to Destin
From boutique inns to oceanfront resorts to Hyatts, Hiltons, and Marriotts where you can use your points, I’ve rounded up the best hotels for your beach vacation.
Here are the best hotels in Destin!
Henderson Beach Resort
You can’t beat this resort’s location next to Henderson Beach State Park. The Henderson has private beach access, two pools, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and three restaurants, including the must-eat-at Primrose restaurant. Your room will have an ocean, pool, or garden view, and there are complimentary paddle boards, bikes, and kayaks for all guests.
WaterColor Inn & Resort
WaterColor Inn & Resort
This option is the wild-card on this hotel list because WaterColor is actually in Santa Rosa Beach, about thirty minutes from Destin. But the seclusion, luxury accommodations, spa, and private beach are worth the drive. WaterColor is located next to Grayton Beach State Park, which has nature trails for hiking and biking and a lake for swimming, fishing, and paddling. You’ll also have access to the property’s fitness center and complimentary bikes and water sports equipment.
Pelican Beach Resort Condos
If you need a hotel room with extra space, then this resort is for you. These apartment-style rooms have a full kitchen, dining area, and plenty of room for a family or someone needing a remote workspace. You’ll have access to the property’s pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, game room, tennis courts, beach-side tiki bar, and sun deck.
Embassy Suites Destin Miramar Beach
This hotel is across the street from the beach and just a short drive from the Destin Commons, Henderson Beach State Park, and three golf courses. You’ll have a complimentary daily breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, free parking, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary snacks, beer, and wine served at a nightly evening reception.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Located on Miramar Beach, this resort lets you combine beach and golf days from the convenience of your hotel. This resort has a private beach, full-service spa, 15 tennis courts, three swimming pools, shops, five restaurants, a full-service bar, and complimentary paddleboards and kayaks.
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Blvd
This hotel is perfect for cashing in your hotel points for free nights. You’ll have a fitness center, bar, lounge, terrace, concierge service, 24-hour front desk, ATM, business center, and luggage storage. Plus, you’ll get a complimentary breakfast every morning.
Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
If you need a suite or studio apartment-style room on a budget, then this hotel is for you. Every room has a living and dining room and a full kitchen. The property has an outdoor pool, hot tub, complimentary breakfast every day, a fitness center, and a sports court. Plus, your furry friends can stay with you here.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
You’ll have everything you could ever want on a beach vacation at this hotel complex. There’s a private beach, four swimming pools, a golf course, a fitness center, multi-bedroom units with a full kitchen, and seventeen dining outlets. Each guest also has access to the complementary health club, bicycles, kayaks, boogie boards, and tennis courts.
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Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to go to Destin, Florida?
April – May is Destin’s shoulder season. Daytime temperatures will be in the mid-70s to low-80s. All restaurants and attractions will have re-opened, and hotel rates and crowd numbers won’t be at their summer peak. April is more crowded than May because of the Spring Break crowds, so you should book your accommodation and guided activities in advance to ensure availability.
June – August is the peak season in Destin. Temperatures are hot in the 90s, and the humidity will make it feel like the 100s. The water will be warm for swimming, but stake out your beach spot early because the beaches will be packed. Hotel prices will be at their highest, so book ahead of time to make sure there’s a room for you. Vacation homes also have peak prices during these months, and most rentals require you to reserve the home for an entire week.
September – November is hit-or-miss with the weather. This is the wet season, so you’ll have rain most days. These months are also hurricane season, so any trip during the Fall will always have a chance of being canceled. Daytime temperatures will be in the 80s and 70s, and nighttime temperatures can get down to the 60s in September and the 40s in November, so bring a layer for walking on the beach at sunset.
December – March is the low season because of the cold water and average temperatures in the low 60s to low 40s. Many tours, attractions, and restaurants close for the low season. But if you’re okay golfing and enjoying the beach in a jacket, then you can score some bargain accommodation deals.
What is the difference between Destin and Sandestin?
Sandestin is a development located in Miramar FL between Pensacola and Panama City Beach, about eight miles east of the city of Destin.
What is the prettiest beach in Destin, Florida?
The Best Beaches in Destin:
1. Henderson Beach State Park
2. James Lee Beach
3. Crab Island
4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Which beach is prettier Destin or Panama City?
Panama City and Destin are both incredible beach destinations. They’re very similar in prices, beach quality, and activities. So I highly recommend visiting both of these beach towns, just not on the same trip.
Which is better Miramar beach or Destin?
Miramar Beach and Destin are both incredible beach destinations. They’re very similar in prices, beach quality, and activities. So I highly recommend visiting both of these beach towns, just not on the same trip.
What is the nicest beach in the Florida Panhandle?
The Best Beaches in Destin:
1. Henderson Beach State Park
2. James Lee Beach
3. Crab Island
4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Where is the clearest water on the Florida Panhandle?
Destin has some of the whitest beaches and clearest water on the Florida Panhandle.
What other beaches are close to Destin?
The Best Beaches in Destin:
1. Henderson Beach State Park
2. James Lee Beach
3. Crab Island
4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
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This article about the best hotels in Destin is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about the best hotels in Destin are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.