Best Resorts in Destin

You can truly discover the meaning of relaxation at this expansive Miramar Beach, Florida, resort. Visitors particularly enjoy the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa's monumental size – the property comprises four golf courses, 15 tennis courts, a world-class spa and a long stretch of white sand. The resort provides everything guests need for a fun day at Destin Beach, from beach chairs and sunscreen to volleyball, paddleboards and the beachfront Sand Bar. Meanwhile, this Hilton's guest rooms are beachy chic with bright color palettes and high-end amenities like minifridges, flat-screen TVs and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the resort's respectable size, the large number of guests who flock here during peak seasons (spring through summer) can lead to long lines and crowds. No matter the time of year you go, Hilton Honors members can always use or earn points for complimentary perks like free room upgrades.

Located near Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (though there is no airport shuttle service) and a host of adventure parks, malls and other attractions, the Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach’s beachfront guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea makers with complimentary supplies, free Wi-Fi access, microwaves and minifridges. On-site amenities include a business center, a fitness room, an indoor pool, an outdoor whirlpool and a heated beachfront lazy river pool. There are also activities for children, including a game room and table tennis. There is a restaurant on the property that serves classic American cuisine and fresh seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a cocktail lounge. Kids 19 and under can stay and eat on the property for free when sharing a room with an adult. Recent guests said the hotel was perfect for kids, with plenty of activities and swimming options. This property also participates in the IHG Rewards Club program, so members can earn or use points by staying here.

The massive 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida, is a mini-metropolis in and of itself. Travelers come here for the wealth of activities and amenities – four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts, several restaurants, multiple pools, a 113-slip marina on Choctawhatchee Bay and a 7-mile stretch of beach along the Emerald Coast are just a few of this compound's biggest draws. A stay at this resort also comes with complimentary kayak, boogie board and bike rentals included in the daily resort fee. As for accommodations, you have your pick of villas, homes or condos in four property categories – Beachside, Lakeside, Bayside and Village – that all offer different vantage points of the Florida landscape and varying in-suite amenities. Regardless of which digs you choose, recent visitors are quick to praise the pristine beach, endless activities, and top-notch staff.