Best Hotels in Destin

The Henderson sits along the Emerald Coast in Destin, Florida, adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park. Accommodations embrace the resort's locale, decorated in tones of teal, cerulean, sage, sand and white. All rooms feature views of the pool, gardens or Gulf of Mexico, plus LED TVs, pillow-top mattresses, minibars and balconies. Guests also have access to a wealth of seasonal on-site activities, ranging from holiday craft making and scavenger hunts to beach volleyball tournaments and trivia nights. Those heading to Florida for some rest and relaxation will love the property's Salamander Spa, with 11 treatment rooms, a salon and a fitness center. As far as dining goes, The Henderson is home to five eateries, including an upscale seafood restaurant, a casual beach grill and an ice cream shop. This Preferred-affiliated resort's size and event spaces also make it popular for conferences, weddings and retreats. Plus, iPrefer Hotel Rewards members can use accrued points to pay for rooms. Overall, previous guests enjoyed their stays here, highlighting The Henderson's picturesque location, stylish decor and ample amenities. But remember, a $29 nightly resort fee (which covers beach access, use of beach cruiser bikes and water sports equipment rentals, among other amenities) applies.

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.

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.