15 Best Resorts in Destin (Florida)

If you’re packing up and getting ready for your Florida vacation, then you’re probably looking for the perfect destination to unwind. Florida offers many stunning cities, elegant resorts, and enjoyable beach getaways. But if you’re seeking out the perfect spot on the picturesque and iconic Emerald Coast, then take a look at Destin.

Destin is a city that is known for its white sand beaches and popular tourist spots. It’s nestled in the peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay, and the town boasts the largest fishing vessel fleet in all of Florida. Naturally, this Emerald Coast vacation destination draws in millions of visitors each year.

Because of its popularity, Destin is bound to have just the right resort or hotel for each and every visitor. Whether you’re seeking something intimate, fun for a friend group, or looking for a resort big enough to house the whole family, you’ll not be disappointed with what Destin has to offer. With its hot summers and fairly mild winters, Destin is a city that’s worth traveling to any time of year. So If you’re looking for a vacation getaway for the holidays, or setting up an exciting spring break, Destin will be able to meet all your needs.

1. Sugar Sands Inn & Suites

The Sugar Sands Inn & Suites is centrally located in Destin to allow guests access to both the warm, sandy beaches that the Emerald Coast has to offer, as well as prime tourist destinations. Sugar Sands Inn offers an array of guest rooms and suites, including intimate studios for couples looking to escape their daily lives, as well as two bed king suites that give room for the whole family.

Sugar Sands Inn offers guests complimentary breakfast every morning, and although there is no on-site restaurant, Sugar Sands Inn is located in an area where guests will be able to locate a delicious restaurant that will fill all their cravings within a few minutes’ walk or drive. Amenities at this hotel include a 24-hour fitness facility as well as a universal gym and outdoor heated pools. And when it’s time to hit the streets, the Sugar Sands Inn is located nearby all kinds of attractions.

Website: bestwestern.com

2. Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa

Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa is a stunning, oceanfront destination that will leave guests breathless in both the beauty of the resort as well as the view from the rooms. Guests can take their pick of rooms that overlook the beach and the ocean, with private, furnished balconies. There are also rooms that overlook the city, from standard guest bedrooms to suites with living and cooking areas.

Located on-site at the Silver Shells Beach Resort is Ruth’s Chris Steak House, where guests can dine on prime steaks and local seafood, as well as cuisine that’s inspired with New Orleans flair. For guests looking to escape their day to day lives, the Spa at Silver Shells is a perfect place to relax and let the trained professionals massage away your troubles with relaxing treatments that will leave you refreshed and re-energized.

Website: silvershells.com

3. Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Majestic Sun

This resort is located just across the street from the picturesque white sands of Miramar Beach. Wyndham has all the ambiance of a beachside town coupled with all of the luxury amenities that guests deserve. Each guest will be able to indulge in a condo style suite here at Wyndham, with living and dining areas separate from the bedrooms, and views of the ocean that stretch on for miles in either direction.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts is located centrally in Destin so guests will be able to discover all the hottest local restaurants around the property. Onsite, this resort offers 4 outdoor swimming pools, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, tennis courts and even golf. Guests will be able to spend their time just how they want, or even explore all the other fun activities that local Destin has to offer, including the Miramar Beach just across the street.

Website: clubwyndham.com

4. Palms of Destin Resort

With both a few of the nearby beaches and ocean, as well as being surrounded by gorgeous gardens and trees, the Palms of Destin Resort upholds real, Florida ambiance. Guests who stay at the Palms of Destin Resort will be able to choose from one, two or three bedroom suites with bedrooms, living areas, and private balconies. They can also look into renting a vacation villa, which can sleep up to six guests – perfect for family vacations and reunions!

The Palms of Destin Resort offers guests access to a delicious onsite restaurant, where American favorites as well as a delicious seafood dishes can be found. While this resort is not beach side, there is a complimentary beach shuttle to Calhoun Beach, which is only a three-minute ride away! For kids, there’s a playground where parents can relax while their children burn off that vacation energy.

Website: palmsofdestin.com

5. Fairfield Inn and Suites

Fairfield Inn and Suites is located just across the street from Henderson Beach State Park, where guests will have access to the stunning white sands of Florida’s unforgettable Emerald Coast. Fairfield Inn offers both guest rooms and suites, along with studio rooms that have furnished and private balconies. Guests will be treated to views of the waters of the gulf and the breeze just off the water from their balconies.

Complimentary continental and hot breakfast is offered to guests each morning at the Fairfield Inn, and for dinner, you can order from local restaurants and try out the best food that Destin has to offer. With the central location to Henderson Beach State Park, guests have access to deep-sea fishing charters, along with the ever-stunning white sand beaches that stretch along the Florida coast.

Website: marriott.com

6. Wingate by Wyndham

Another resort with access to Henderson Beach State Park, Wingate is a resort where guests will be able to enjoy all the comforts for home while fully committing to their Florida destination vacation. The Wingate design is all soft and light colors, to fit in with the general tropical Florida ambiance. Guests are welcome to take their pick of any number of guest rooms and suites, some that overlook the nearby trees or the pool, as well as the city of Destin.

Along with the complimentary breakfasts, guests are welcome to explore the nearby restaurants for all their dining needs. Explore a steakhouse, or local and fresh seafood harvested from gulf-to-plate. Nearby, guests can take a real Destin vacation by taking part in a jet-skin around the bay, or doing a round of golf at the Indian Bayou Golf Club.

Website: wyndhamhotels.com

7. Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Located in the Commons Mall Area of Destin, the Holiday Inn Express is ideal for both shoppers and beach goers, as its surrounded by the Destin Commons of year-round shopping, as well as being only one and a half blocks from the white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast. Guests will be offered of guest rooms and suites, with views of the surrounding Destin Commons area.

Although the Holiday Inn Express doesn’t have an onsite restaurant, it’s located within easy walking or driving distance of nearby local Destin venues, such as the Cafe Crazie with delicious Italian and seafood meals, or the Crab Trap for a seafood and oyster bar. Along with the onsite pool, this hotel is located nearby beaches and shopping, for non-stop vacation entertainment around Destin and the Emerald Coast.

Website: ihg.com

8. SunDestin Beach Resort

SunDestin Beach Resort is located in the heart of Destin, nestled on its own private beach along the Gulf of Mexico, with stunning sands and gorgeous, endless views of the water. Guests will enjoy all of the luxury amenities of a resort while staying in condo style suites that have with private, furnished balconies and views overlooking the water from their accommodations.

Cabana Cafe is located onsite at the SunDestin Beach Resort, and it offers guests casual dining and American favorite dishes such as burgers, wraps, seafood and pizza. Seasonally, Cabana Cafe also offers full service on the beach, so you can keep lounging in the sun while you eat. Located on its own beach, SunDestin Beach Resort offers guests access to the Emerald Coast in a secluded way, so guests can enjoy their vacation without all the hustle of tourists. Guests also have easy access to fishing and golfing activities, whether the ocean or the greens call to them.

Website: wyndhamvacationrentals.com

9. Hidden Dunes

Hidden Dunes is exactly what the name describes – a perfect, hidden oasis that’s almost tailor made for couples looking to escape the real world and experience romance. Hidden Dunes is located along the coast, surrounded by beach dunes and oak trees, hidden away from the rest of Destin. Hidden Dunes has 27 acres of natural landscape property with three and four-bedroom beach villas with Gulf-side pools and balconies overlooking the water.

Hidden Dunes offers complimentary tram service, so guests can go to and from the resort to the rest of Destin and explore the nearby restaurants for their dining needs. The accommodations also come with fully equipped kitchens, and the property has grilling and picnic areas. Along with the stunning property and beachfront location, Hidden Dunes also offers beach services, bonfires, and tennis courts.

Website: hiddendunesdestin.com

10. Hampton Inn and suites

Hampton Inn and Suites is only footsteps away from the Gulf of Mexico shores, which makes for a perfect destination spot when booking your vacation in Destin. Enjoy the bright pink exterior and the array of guest rooms and suites that will make you feel right at home, surrounded by the stunning sights of the ocean. Guests will be treated to work areas and free Wi-Fi in each room, with suites available for extra space.

Each morning, guests will be treated to a complimentary breakfast, or to a health grab ’n’ go breakfast meal to take with you. Around the hotel, there are plenty of Destin restaurants to explore for lunch and dinner. For a day out on the town, Hampton Inn is located within easy traveling distance of the Track Family Recreation Center, or the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park.

Website: hamptoninn3.hilton.com

11. Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites is an all-suite accommodation hotel located across the street from Miramar Beach, giving guests a view of the white sands and the endless stretch of stunning ocean. Guests will have access to a private boardwalk along a private beach, for the utmost seclusion and relaxation during their stay. Each suite is decorated and furnished for optimum comfort, with views that overlook the shimmering waters.

For breakfast and dinner, guests are encouraged to check out the onsite Calypso Cafe, with made-to-order breakfast meals and dining menu that’s as healthy as is it is delicious. Embassy Suites gives guests access to their own private boardwalk and beach, where they can spend the day lounging away and enjoy the sun and the ocean. When it’s time to hit the town, this hotel is located within easy traveling distance to all of the activities that Destin has to offer.

Website: embassysuites3.hilton.com

12. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a sprawling property of 2,400 acres on the beach front of Florida’s Emerald Coast. This is the perfect resort for any and all occasions, including couples retreats and family getaways. There are 1,250 vacation rentals at Sandestin, from studios to 4 bedroom suites, condos, villas and penthouses. Guests will never run out of options here, and there will be an accommodation to fit every need, style and desire for decadence.

Guests will be able to take their pick of over 20 dining venues and casual eateries at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, including a bay view breakfast at Sunset Bay Cafe, or a private couples’ dinner at the Marlin Grill. Guests will be able to enjoy complimentary rentals of kayaks so everyone can hit the water and have a blast on the beach. Sandestin also includes four pools, tennis courts and a fitness center.

Website: sandestin.com

13. SummerPlace Inn

SummerPlace Inn is located just a short minute’s walk away from Emerald Coast Parkway, which makes it a premier destination for all your vacationing needs. It’s a perfect, ambient hotel for both couples and families looking to enjoy the sunny Florida atmosphere. Guests can take their pick of any number of spacious guest rooms and suites, with all of the amenities of a luxury resort and the comforts of home.

Guests are served fresh and hot complimentary breakfasts, and have nearby dining options around Destin for their lunch and dinner venues. For fun, guests can explore the surrounding entertainment, such as a nearby arcade, laser tag and indoor mini golf. Of course, if you’re a guest looking to relax along the beach, the sands are just steps away from your hotel door.

Website: summerplaceinn.com

14. The Henderson

Boasting itself at Destin’s finest beach resort, the Henderson is a resort that calls on the design and ambiance of a seaside manor, located on the warm and luxurious beaches of the Emerald Coast. There are 170 guest rooms and suites for guests to choose from, with views of the Gulf of Mexico, the nature reserve or the Crystal Beach cottages dotting the nearby landscape.

Guests will get the true sea-to-table experience at any one of the Henderson’s onsite dining venues, with cuisine that is brought in daily from local fishermen and dishes made from the finest of local ingredients. The Henderson is nestled up against 200 acres of nature preserve, which allows guests an endless array of things to explore, along with access to the warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Website: hendersonbeachresort.com

15. Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village

Surrounded by HarborWalk Village, and nestled up against the glistening waters of the Emerald Coast of Florida, Emerald Grande is a resort that’s perfect for both couples and families looking to escape their day to day lives. Each room at the Emerald Grande offers a spacious balcony that overlooks the waters, as well as panoramic views. Guests will have a choice between standard guest rooms and suites, with room for the whole family.

Surrounded by HarborWalk Village, guests will have their pick of any number of delicious dining venues, from Italian cuisine to Mexican dishes to fresh seafood. For fun, guests are welcome to explore the shopping at HarborWalk Village, or take to American’s Fun Sports for a mirror maze or shooting gallery.

Website: emeraldgrande.com