There are some of the country’s best beaches in Destin, making it a popular vacation destination. This stretch of land is known as the Emerald Coast for its white sands and emerald green waters, which make for stunning scenes where Florida’s Panhandle meets the serene Gulf of Mexico.
A beautiful beach and abundant golf courses make Destin an attractive destination for millions each year, located in northwest Florida.
It’s not just the beaches that make Destin famous; there is also Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, Indian Bayou Golf Club, and Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Henderson Beach State Park is known for its wild dunes and untouched nature trails.
What are the best resorts in Destin, Florida to stay at during your next beach vacation? We’ve got you covered.
Here are the top seven resorts in Destin, Florida, if you’re looking for a place to stay on the Panhandle.
The Henderson
Featuring 170 rooms designed to serve as a comfortable home away from home, The Henderson, A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort is a Destin favorite. Each room comes equipped with a flat-screen television, a sitting area, a minibar, tea and coffee makers, and of course, free WiFi. Best of all, you’ll get a view of the Gulf of Mexico if your room is ocean-facing.
In fact, The Henderson sits across the road from Destin’s famous white sands, with barely 200 paces between the pool gate and the beach, according to a former guest. There is a 6,000-foot stretch of natural coastline adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park, making it a tranquil place to enjoy a tranquil beach day.
In addition to free parking and five dining options, The Henderson offers a beach grill and bar. In addition to the pool and lazy river, the hotel also offers fitness classes and a spa. It’s up to you to pry yourself away and get to the beach if you want an upscale beach vacation.
Emerald Grande
It’s true that the beach is the main attraction in Destin, but Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village is a great choice for those who want a closer view of the action. You won’t miss the turquoise Destin Harbor from your room, and best of all, every Emerald Grande room has its own balcony with a beautiful view, even though it’s a little further from sand and sea.
Guests can choose from four different room categories, all of which come with full kitchens, so the hotel can accommodate a wide range of families and groups. Spa services, fitness centers, and heated pools overlooking the Gulf are all available onsite. A full-time concierge is also available – but don’t forget to explore the nearby restaurants, activities, and entertainment of HarborWalk Village.
There is also a free shuttle boat service to the nearby beaches and harbor offered by the Emerald Grande.
Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa
With its six Gulf-front buildings on 31 acres and 1,000 feet of beachfront, Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa offers a trip to the beach as well as luxury. You’ll find all sorts of accommodations at this resort, including Gulf-front penthouses, renovated two-bedroom condos, and a host of luxurious amenities — such as beachfront dining, a spa, a beach rental service, a fitness center, and even a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse onsite.
Aside from the proximity to Destin Harbor and Henderson Beach State Park, Silver Shells’s Gulf-front lagoon pool is the resort’s pièce de resistance. In addition to a waterfall, whirlpools, and a kiddie pool, it is an ideal place to spend the day (if you can get yourself away from the gorgeous beach).
The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center
Located in central Destin, next to Henderson Beach State Park and a mile from Indian Bayou Golf Club, the Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center offers all-condo accommodations. In addition to free shuttle service to Calhoun Beach, the hotel offers a lagoon pool with waterfalls and bridges for those who want an all-inclusive day.
Condos and villas at The Palms range from one to three bedrooms. Each hotel room has standard hotel amenities like a washer and dryer, a full kitchen, and a balcony. Some even offer stunning views of the Gulf. In addition to a bistro and a coffeehouse, guests can dine at three onsite eateries.
The Islander
Holiday Isle’s The Islander condominium is a great option if you’re looking for family-friendly vacation rentals. Built in the 1980s, the condo underwent a $3.5 million renovation in 2010, offering two-bedroom units.
The rooms offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Destin Pass; guests also have access to a private beach, two pools, two hot tubs, as well as tennis courts, a basketball court, shuffleboard, and pickleball courts.
Once you experience the island lifestyle, you’ll likely be tempted to stay longer at The Islander. It’s not just a great vacation spot – it’s also an excellent home base for extended stays.
Pelican Beach Resort
With spectacular views and unbeatable beach access, Pelican Beach Resort in Destin offers 340 condo-style units on a stretch of picture-perfect beach, along with a beach cafe and tiki bar at midday.
In addition to vitamin D and sand, there are multiple pools (three adult pools and a shallow kiddie pool) plus tennis courts, fitness centers, a game room, and two spas off the beach to enjoy. Family vacationers can enjoy it here in a laidback setting.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is technically located near Miramar Beach, not Destin, but is worth considering for a Destin vacation since it is a destination in itself on 2,400 acres. Besides golf, shopping, dining, and a ton of things to do, there are also a lot of activities organized by the resort, including water sports, beach days, and special events. In addition to a marina, the Village of Baytowne Wharf has boutiques and entertainment. Sandestin probably has everything you could dream of when it comes to a beach vacation.
