Best places to stay in Destin
Destin is an intimate and friendly resort town, known for its soft white sand beaches, clear emerald waters, and the world’s largest and best-equipped fleet of deep sea fishing charter boats. The small town with approximately 14,000 local residents caters to a tourist traffic of over 4.5 million visitors per year. The main road in Destin is U.S. 98, also known as the Emerald Coast Parkway. This runs the length of the Gulf of Mexico coast, and is lined with hotels, attractions, and dining options. While most tourist sites are on the south side of the peninsula, Destin’s city center is on the westernmost tip.
Destin Central
Along U.S. 98, the area between Marler Bridge and Airport Road is called Destin Central or Old Destin. This is the focal point of the town along Destin Harbor which is lined with docks that house the Destin Fishing Fleet. You can enjoy splendid sea views and sunsets from several restaurants along the harbor. At the entrance of Choctawhatchee Bay, you have Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, a plush, all-condo resort overlooking Destin Harbor and Norriego Point. In the heart of Destin Central, enjoy spacious, fully-equipped condos with private balconies, breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, and a host of on-site amenities at the luxurious SunDestin Beach Resort & Hotel.
Miramar Beach / Crystal Beach
Primarily a residential neighborhood with an array of spectacular beach cottages, both Crystal Beach and Miramar Beach feature plenty of shopping, dining, and commercial establishments. Adjacent to the Henderson Beach State Park, you have the charming Henderson Park Inn that offers its guests an unbeatable beachfront location and high-end lodging with character. The spacious guest rooms offer terraces overlooking the beach, romantic fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. On Miramar Beach, consider the 300-acre beachfront property of Seascape Golf Beach & Tennis Resort. The resort caters to visitors of all ages with an abundance of on-site amenities and recreational activities.
Sandestin
Sandestin is the area that stretches between U.S. 98 and Scenic Highway 30-A. Stay in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, a massive, 2,400-acre property. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Choctawhatchee Bay on the other, you can choose from a wide range of beachfront locales, and have access to Sandestin’s endless amenities and attractions. That includes access to 4 award-winning golf courses and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a huge complex that features an array of entertainment, shopping, eateries, and nightclubs. Located along one of Destin’s prettiest beachfront stretches, enjoy beach services like chair and umbrella set-up, 2 outdoor pools, 4 golf courses, 15 tennis courts, and mini golf at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
Cheap hotels in Destin
It’s easy to find cheaper hotels with simple rooms and fewer amenities across several locations in Destin. A 5-minute walk from Henderson Beach State Park, you have SummerPlace Inn that offers modern rooms and suites decorated in Colonial style. Just a block away from the sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast, and a mile from Henderson Beach State Park, consider the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Destin E – Common Malls Area. 2 large malls are right across the street from this hotel. Check out simple, comfortable rooms in Destin Village Inn which is within a short walk to the HarborWalk Village shopping and entertainment. Steps away from Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, stay in relaxed rooms and suites at the Wingate by Wyndham Destin hotel.