Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you looking to vacation in the Emerald Coast and wondering where to stay in Destin? In this post, we will look at some of the best options for staying in Destin!
We will not only look at the best places to stay in Destin, Florida but also in the greater Destin area, including Miramar Beach and Fort Walton Beach.
Each of these resorts and vacation rentals offers different amenities and features that make them unique.
These resorts are also near different attractions, such as Crab Island and HarborWalk Village, so you can find the place that best suits your needs!
No matter which place you choose, you are sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Destin.
Table of Contents
Where To Stay In Destin?
7 Amazing Options!
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 7.4/10 stars 📍Location: Indian Bayou Trail, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
If you’re wondering where to stay in Destin, The Palms of Destin Resort is the ideal place.
This resort offers luxurious accommodations, a coffee shop, and a large pool; it’s also conveniently located near area attractions.
You could spend all day just relaxing at the resort and enjoying the pool but if you’re looking to explore all that Destin has to offer, Henderson Beach State Park is Destin’s most well-known beach.
The park is one of the popular places to catch a beautiful sunset in Florida. It’s also just a couple of minutes from the resort by car.
From here, you’re also near the Track, which is perfect for a family day with go-karts, mini golf, and bumper cars.
I stayed here during my first trip to Destin and everyone in my group enjoyed it.
The balconies have incredible views of the area. There’s a gym for guests to work out and the rooms have flat-screen TVs and free wifi.
The rooms also have a kitchen and there’s a Walmart just a block away for you to get your groceries and beach day supplies.
The highlight of the trip was taking a pontoon cruise to Crab Island and spending the day there.
Come experience all that The Palms of Destin Resort has to offer.
📌 Nearby Attractions
- Henderson Beach State Park
- The Track
- Gator Beach (at Fudpucker’s Restaurant
- Fat Daddy’s Arcade
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 8.8/10 stars 📍Location: Sandestin Blvd South, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
If you’re looking for the best motels in Destin, Florida, Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway.
Enjoy a fabulous free breakfast in the restaurant and other amenities including their award-winning spa or swim at the pool to keep you relaxed.
This luxurious beachfront resort offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.
There are several tennis courts, swimming pools, restaurants, and more on-site – not to mention the location is near the Village of Baytowne Wharf and Miramar Beach Regional Access.
When here, you’re also near Santa Rosa Beach and all of the things to do including Top Sail Hill State Park and Grayton Beach.
The Hilton Sandestin is also just 25 minutes from Seaside, Florida.
You’ll love spending your days lounging by the pool or taking a walk on the beach.
And when it’s time for dinner, there are 5 restaurants on the resort to choose from.
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, steak, or sushi, the Hilton has you covered.
The resort has flat-screen TVs in the rooms, free wifi, yoga classes, a fitness center, and a host of other amenities.
For those looking to get on the open waters, there are plenty of activities including canoeing and fishing.
📌 Nearby Attractions
- The Village of Baytowne Wharf
- Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access
- James Lee Park
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 7.4/10 stars 📍Location: Highway 98 East, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
Located in the heart of Destin, Florida, Pelican Beach Resort is one of the best options when looking for the best hotels and resorts within Destin and the Florida Panhandle!
Pelican Beach Resort has private balconies that offer beautiful waterfront views, an indoor pool, a restaurant on-site, and so much more.
Plus, this resort is just a mile away from HarborWalk Village and all of the fun it has to offer! You may not find a better place to stay in Destin.
Come relax by the pool or take a short walk along the harbor. There’s plenty to do here at Pelican Beach Resort – you’ll never be bored!
And with its prime location, you’ll be able to enjoy the best that Destin has to offer.
Guests can venture off the resort and spend the day on nearby Crab Island, which is a famous sandbar, great for adults and families.
Try a Crab Island Adventure from a tiki bar.
Fort Walton Beach is just 5 miles west of Destin and has beautiful beaches such as the Gulf Islands National Seashore and John Beasley Park.
And just a little further west is the Okaloosa Island Beach & Pier.
This resort offers free wifi and free parking for guests, as well as a kitchen and grill for your cooking needs.
📌 Nearby Attractions
- Destin History & Fishing Museum
- HarborWalk Village
- Crab Island
- Boardwalk Okaloosa Island
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 8.4/10 stars 📍Location: Palm Street, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
Wingate by Wyndham in Destin is a nice place to stay while you’re in town.
This resort has an outdoor pool and fitness center that are perfect for keeping up your routine while on vacation, and it’s close to some of the best shopping and fishing in town.
Try this fishing with dolphins-adventure.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is within walking distance of the hotel. You can also enjoy Destin Harbor when staying at the hotel – it’s just a short drive away!
Destin Commons is a shopping center with over 100 stores and restaurants and is a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Guests at Wingate can enjoy many free perks including parking, complimentary breakfast, and wifi.
📌 Nearby Attractions
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
- Destin Harbor
- Destin Commons
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 7.3/10 stars 📍Location: Santa Rosa Blvd, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
The Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach is located right on the beach and offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
You’ll have easy access to all the best fishing, water activities, and diverse restaurants in the area.
Plus, the property has bicycles that you can use to explore everything Okaloosa Island has to offer.
Just a short drive from all the fun in Destin, Florida, this hotel is a top-notch choice for families or groups looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
They offer spacious rooms with all the amenities you need, including a hot tub, free WiFi, and cable TV.
And the location can’t be beaten – it’s right next to the beautiful Okaloosa Island Beach.
From the hotel, you’re just steps away from the Okaloosa Island Pier & Boardwalk, which has a nice stretch of beach, kids’ playground, souvenir shops, and awesome waterfront restaurants.
For a small fee, you can take a stroll on the pier and try your luck fishing.
During the summer months, there are fireworks right from the pier every Wednesday night.
The Gulfarium is within walking distance and is perfect for families and couples.
This marine park is a good way to get up close to dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life!
If you’re looking for more fun, Wild Willy’s is close by and offers an arcade and mini golf.
While staying at this resort, you’re near this dolphin and snorkeling tour.
📌 Nearby Attractions
- Okaloosa Island Beach & Pier
- Gulfarium Marine Park
- Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
The Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach is located right on the beach and offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
You’ll have easy access to all the best fishing, water activities, and restaurants in the area.
Plus, the property has bicycles that you can use to explore everything Okaloosa Island has to offer.
Just a short drive from all the fun in Destin, Florida, this hotel is a top-notch choice for families or groups looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
They offer spacious rooms with all the amenities you need, including free WiFi and cable TV.
It has a great location that can’t be beaten – it’s right next to the beautiful Okaloosa Island Beach.
From the hotel, you’re just steps away from the Okaloosa Island Pier & Boardwalk, which has a nice stretch of beach, kids’ playground, souvenir shops, and awesome waterfront restaurants.
For a small fee, you can take a stroll on the pier and try your luck fishing.
During the summer months, there are fireworks right from the pier every Wednesday night.
The Gulfarium is within walking distance and is perfect for families and couples.
This marine park is a good way to get up close to dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life!
If you’re looking for more fun, Wild Willy’s is close by and offers an arcade and mini golf.
While staying at this resort, you’re near this dolphin and snorkeling tour.
📌 Nearby Attractions
- Okaloosa Island Beach & Pier
- Gulfarium Marine Park
- Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 9.1/10 stars 📍Location: Grand Blvd, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
Hyatt Place Sandestin is just a few miles from Destin in Miramar Beach.
This 3-star hotel offers free wifi, a swimming pool, and free parking.
The resort is also pet-friendly. Plus, it’s close to plenty of activities like biking, hiking, snorkeling, canoeing, and fishing.
You’ll love the comfortable rooms and suites with plenty of space to relax and get work done.
The property is close to the Kelly Plantation Golf Club – one of the most popular courses on the Emerald Coast.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, you’ll enjoy playing on this championship course.
Other nearby attractions include Dune Allen and Ed Walline Public Beach in Santa Rosa Beach.
For some of the best dining in the area, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin has several upscale restaurants, including Emeril’s.
Go here for more restaurants in Miramar Beach!
There’s also shopping, family events, and a movie theatre at Grand Boulevard.
Seasonal events include lawn games, movies in the park, and live theatre events such as Shakespeare.
Guests at the resort will enjoy a free continental breakfast, a fitness center, and a bar.
📌 Nearby Attraction
- Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Restaurants & Shops
Photo Credit Expedia
⭐️Rating: 8.1/10 stars 📍Location: Harbor Blvd, Highway 98, Destin 🏩 Check Rates and Availability
The Inn on Destin Harbor is the perfect place to stay while you enjoy all that the city has to offer.
This waterfront location and outdoor pool provide amazing views of the harbor and scenic highway.
Guests can enjoy the private beach area and get free parking, which makes it easy to come and go as you please.
Plus, it’s located near HarborWalk Village so you can enjoy all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options that this vibrant area has to offer.
If that’s not enough, the free wifi will keep you connected while you’re away from home.
Book a Sunset Tiki Cruise from the Harbor.
They also have a picnic and barbeque area where you can cook up your favorite meal outdoors, as well as nearby water activities so you can get out on the water during your stay here.
The sun deck is a nice place to relax and take in all the beauty that the area has to offer.
If you’re looking for nearby food and drinks, check out the restaurants at HarborWalk Village or grab a steak or pizza at McGuire’s Irish Pub.
Also, check out these epic restaurants in Destin!
Norriego Point is a beach on the other side of the harbor and one of the most peaceful spots in Destin!
📌 Nearby Attractions
- HarborWalk Village Place
- McGuire’s Irish Pub
- Norriego Point
- Downtown Destin
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Cheapest Month To Go To Destin?
Resorts and motels in Destin, Florida are the cheapest to book in the winter months, November-February.
The rates for places to stay go up during the spring break season and peak in the summer months.
You can also save money by visiting Destin during the shoulder season or off-season.
April, May, September, and October (shoulder seasons) are also good times to go and the weather is warmer than the off-season, and you avoid the crowds and higher prices of the summer season.
Place To Stay On A Budget 🤑
Best Place To Indulge 😍
Best Value 🤩
Final Thoughts: Where To Stay In Destin
If you’re looking for resorts in Destin, Florida, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious resort, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for in Destin
Hotels in the area offer great amenities and convenient locations, making them the perfect choice for your next vacation.
For your guide to everything in Destin, Florida including the best things to do and all the white sandy beaches, go here!
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My son and I hanging out at the beach on one of my recent trips to Destin!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Destin?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Destin
Crab Island Sandbar Adventure (Crab Island has been my favorite experience in Destin!)
Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals (Half or full-day rentals)
Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise (one of the most beautiful cities to catch a sunset)
Tikis Harbor Lights Cruise (Fantastic Destin Harbor Nighttime Cruise)
Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Ride (Dolphin Watching Off The Coast of Gulf Mexico)
Looking To Get Around In Destin?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
