Hotels in Destin, FL

Best time to visit Destin

Blessed with sunshine almost round the year, any time is a good time to visit Destin. From April – May, the seawater is warm, and average temperatures are around 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer months from June – August are peak tourist season with peak hotel rates. If you visit between September – October, pack an umbrella and be prepared for several rainy days. Sunshine may be a little scarce during this time of the year. However, you may be able to experience the town’s key events such as Destin Seafood Festival, and Destin Fishing Rodeo. Winters are cool, and average temperatures vary between 45 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you wish to take advantage of the off-season room rates, this is a good time to visit.

Getting around Destin

If you have a car, you will have the flexibility and convenience to explore any of the 13 beach access points in Destin. This is a tourist town at heart, so don’t hesitate to ask the locals for directions, if needed. Check out great deals on car rentals with momondo. If you simply want to relax and leave the driving to someone else, there are several taxi companies in the area, including ride-share options such as Uber. The seaside town also has dedicated bike and pedestrian paths. Hire a bike from any of the rental shops near the beaches to get from one beach to another. Public transport in the form of 3 bus routes is available but the frequency of buses is not very high. In summer, each route operates at 30 minute intervals, while in winter, this changes to 60 minutes. One-way fare costs $1.50 USD.

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.

Called the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’, Destin is a year-round destination for stellar fishing opportunities in the northwest Florida Panhandle. The town boasts a coastline dotted with golf courses and mature trees sheltering wildlife. Destin offers abundant opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the sparkling blue-green waters. You will also find several other entertainment options, including outdoor fun activities, bustling nightclubs, and amusement parks that cater to visitors of all ages.

• Enjoy sun-bathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving at various beaches all over Destin. The white sand beaches of Henderson Beach State Park and Crystal Beach are particularly noteworthy.
• Charter a fishing boat and test your luck at plenty of cast-off hot spots. Alternately, watch local fishermen catch pompano, channel bass, bluefish, king mackerel and flounder from one of the jetties, beaches, 7 piers, or the Destin Bridge.
• Book a tour with one of the local tour operators such as Southern Star Dolphin Cruises or Olin Marler’s charter fishing and dolphin tours, to catch a glimpse of the resident bottlenose dolphins.
• Book a session with Fly the Beach.com to learn how to fly a seaplane over the beach.
• Indulge in a game of golf or simply visit the lush green expanses to enjoy the manicured landscapes and beautiful bay views. Notable golf courses include the Kelly Plantation Golf Club, Emerald Bay, Regatta Bay, and Sandestin.
• Paddleboat or kayak your way to Crab Island to enjoy other water activities such as water volleyball, inflatable slides, and water trampolines. You can also rent a jet ski or pontoon boat to reach the island.
• Learn about Florida’s marine creatures, including alligators, penguins, sea lions, and stingrays at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
• Browse through scores of shops and eateries, and enjoy a host of shows, concerts and family entertainment as you walk along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
• Treat yourself to retail therapy and plenty of food and drink options at venues across Destin. Check out Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, and Downtown Marketplace.
• Spend a day at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park to enjoy a wide range of thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment, including a mini race track and mini golf course.