A key destination on northern Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is surrounded by natural beauty. Almost surrounded by the sea, it’s situated on a peninsula and is popular for its golfing, pristine white sand beaches, and glimmering emerald waters.
There is a selection of hotels on offer, but with thousands heading to Destin during vacation season, it’s important to book your spot in advance. It can be tricky to work out which hotel is right for you, so here’s a selection of only the best Destin hotels, with just about something for everyone on offer.
1. Embassy Suites Destin Miramar Beach
Source: booking.comWith modern and very quiet rooms, the Embassy Suites Destin Miramar Beach is perfect for a great night’s sleep. Rooms are well-polished and have large windows; some even have a view of the swimming pool.
In the mornings at this top Destin hotel, guests can look forward to a complimentary breakfast. You won’t find it hard to find room to relax in the spacious lobby area, or you can always make a splash in the pool or hit the gym. There are even hand-crafted cocktails on offer at the bar.
Location: Situated on Scenic Gulf Road, just across from Miramar Beach (mere steps away), there is a selection of restaurants in the area, as well as an outlet mall close by.
2. Ariel Dunes by Seascape Resort
Source: booking.comAriel Dunes is by far one of the best hotels in Destin. The rooms here feel cosy and relaxing; they’re decorated in a nautical theme, reflecting the views of the sea below. Each one boasts a balcony and seating area for extra comfort.
The hotel itself boasts three outdoor swimming pools, as well as tennis courts and a fitness centre to keep up with those all-important workouts. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the hotel cafe, but there’s also a beachfront bar and grill to enjoy.
Location: Right on the beach, from here you can be on the sand in just a couple of minutes. Nearby, there’s Emerald Bay Golf Club (two miles) and Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall.
3. Hampton Inn and Suites Destin
Source: booking.comA small but charming hotel, the rooms here are surprisingly sizeable, decorated in natural colours for a calming environment. They also come with large beds and relaxing seating areas.
Time spent away from your room means being able to enjoy a swim at the outdoor pool, getting in some workouts at the fitness centre, or tucking into the complimentary daily breakfast each morning. There’s an outdoor seating area to chill out in, too.
Location: This hotel is just 150 yards away from Destin Beach, but Henderson Beach is also within easy reach. The hotel is also just over a mile away from Harbor Walk Village, and a quick drive from Indian Bayou Golf Club.
4. Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Source: booking.comThe friendly atmosphere and modern rooms at this sprawling hotel definitely make it a fantastic place to take a break for a few days. Featuring an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a tennis court, this is also a pet-friendly hotel, so you can bring your pooch along for the ride.
The rooms are equipped with dark wood furnishings and polished, contemporary bathrooms; some boast kitchens and seating areas and are an excellent option for families or groups.
Location: All the entertainment and dining options at the Village of Baytowne Wharf are very close by. The natural bounties of the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are a five-minute drive away from the hotel.
5. Henderson Beach Resort
Source: booking.comHenderson Beach Resort adds more than a touch of glamour to your Destin vacation. The grounds are dotted with palm trees, and there’s a selection of swimming pools to enjoy, as well as a full-service spa for indulgent treatments.
The rooms at this hotel boast beautiful views of the coastline and are decorated in a subtle blue and yellow colour palette, reflecting the surrounding nature. Onsite, there are several dining options, including Primrose, which serves up fresh seafood with ocean views.
Location: Henderson Beach Resort is located five miles away from Harbor Walk Village, and just a mile away from Kelly Plantation Golf Club. The hotel is adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park and boasts beach access.
6. Club Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Majestic Sun
Source: booking.comThis vast hotel has a ton of amenities packed in for an all-inclusive vacation. Each of the suites and apartments on offer is modern and fresh, boasting with their own fully equipped kitchen (so you can whip up a snack at any time of day).
Away from the rooms, there are five swimming pools to choose from across the grounds of this top Destin hotel, as well as eight tennis courts and two hot tubs. There’s also a gym.
Location: Miramar Beach is just yards from the front door. The Emerald Bay Golf Club and the Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club are around 2-3 miles from here, too.
7. Bay Club of Sandestin
Source: booking.comBay Club of Sandestin has some impressive grounds, all surrounded by the vastness of the sea, with the beach right on the doorstep. The rooms are large and boast a sea-facing or marina-facing balcony, modern bathrooms, and kitchens.
Onsite, guests can enjoy a swim in the sizeable pool, let their children explore the playpark, or workout at the fitness centre. In the evenings, you can tuck into dinner at the onsite restaurant.
Location: Situated in the resort area of Sandestin, staying here means being within easy reach of numerous restaurants, shopping opportunities, golf clubs and – of course – the beach.
8. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach
Source: booking.comWith bright, contemporary rooms – white-washed and accented with aqua blues – this top Destin hotel feels very new and clean. When guests first arrive, they’ll be welcomed into the huge lobby, home to a beautifully decorated bar (perfect for evening drinks).
This hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool to splash around in, as well as a fitness centre. It also boasts the convenience of a mini-mart on its premises, and free parking, too.
Location: Just 800 yards from Miramar Beach, staying at this hotel means you’ll be just steps away from Emerald Bay Golf Course. You’ll also be close to Crystal Sands Beach. All the shopping and restaurants at the Village of Baytowne Wharf are nearby, too.
9. Resorts of Pelican Beach
Source: booking.comRooms at this elegant resort hotel are pleasantly decorated and well laid out, accented with decor that gives the rooms a beachy vibe. Each apartment is well equipped and has enough room for the whole family, with features like bunk beds and kitchens.
The resort itself features a private beach area and, incredibly, an onsite water park complete with a large swimming pool. The accommodation also boasts an onsite restaurant where guests can enjoy meals throughout the day.
Location: Set just 500 yards from Big Kahunas – a water and adventure park – the beach is also just mere steps from the property. Nearby, guests will find a selection of restaurants and supermarkets, with shopping also available at Shores Shopping Center.
10. Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Source: booking.comClean and well equipped, this hotel boasts rooms that feel laid back and relaxing; these are decorated with a colour palette of soft greys and whites, and boast light wood furnishings for a calm, seaside feeling.
Healthy food is on offer at its onsite dining option, The Bistro, and guests can enjoy a relaxing poolside hot tub or a swim in the pool. It’s also possible to hike or jog along one of the walking/running trails winding through the property.
Location: From this hotel, Destin Beach is a five-minute drive away, but the Village of Baytowne Wharf is within easy walking distance. Craft breweries, restaurants, and even a farmer’s market are also a leisurely stroll away.
11. Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Source: booking.comA smart, sophisticated hotel, the rooms here are well-appointed and feel fresh and well maintained. They’re decorated with plush carpets and crisp white linens for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The hotel boasts an onsite restaurant, which serves food throughout the day; there’s also a bar for an evening drink or two. Elsewhere, guests can make the most of the palm-fringed swimming pool or simply relax in the outdoor sun terrace.
Location: This hotel is situated just under a mile from Miramar Beach, and is close to a number of restaurants and bars in the surrounding area. Emerald Bay Golf Club is under five miles away.
12. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin
Source: booking.comRooms at this central Destin hotel are spacious and modern and have been well designed for a comfortable stay by the sea. There is a selection of different rooms on offer – some with large balconies and others boasting spacious seating areas.
In terms of amenities, guests can enjoy the onsite fitness centre, take a swim in one of the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, and start their day the right way with a complimentary breakfast.
Location: Situated just three minutes’ walk from Henderson Beach State Park, Big Kahunas Water Park is just a mile and a half away, and Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a five-minute drive from the property.
13. Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Source: booking.comThe Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach is brand new and modern. Staff here are extremely friendly and welcoming, making it an enjoyable place to stay. The rooms are fresh, with light wood furnishings, large windows, and a calming colour palette.
There is a restaurant and bar here where guests can enjoy an evening of drinking and dining. You’ll also find a mini-mart for convenience. You could just spend your time splashing around in the pool and kicking back in a sun lounger.
Location: A great spot, this hotel is just yards from Miramar Beach. Silver Sands Premium Outlets is only half a mile away, while more shopping can be found at the nearby Village of Baytowne Wharf.
14. Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites
Source: booking.comThe rooms at this top Destin hotel are traditionally decorated with natural colours to create a welcoming atmosphere. There is a choice of rooms on offer to suit different travel needs; some feature seating areas and differently-abled access.
The outdoor swimming pool is a refreshing place to cool off on a baking Florida afternoon; there is an onsite arcade to play in and a fitness centre if you need to keep up with your workouts. There’s even a complimentary hot breakfast served each morning.
Location: Close to a selection of beaches, including Henderson Beach, Crystal Sands Beach and James Lee Public Park Beach, guests won’t have trouble finding their own patch of sand to kick back on.
15. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Source: booking.comThis resort is so big it’s almost like its own village. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is packed with a range of amenities and activities. There’s the large outdoor pool, the health club, bicycle rental, kayaking, and even babysitting service, for starters.
Rooms here are high-spec and boast clean lines and minimal decor for a stylish finish. Away from the contemporary rooms, guests will find a restaurant and bar to enjoy evening meals and drinks in.
Location: Boasting its own private beach, this resort is also just a kilometre away from Miramar Beach. There’s also a free shuttle that runs between the hotel and outlet shopping opportunities at places such as Village of Baytowne Wharf.