Welcome to the wonderful sunshine state of Florida, known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and of course, the gorgeous emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you’re flying from somewhere out of state, making a short trip from within the United States, or just passing through for the day, there are no shortage of airports to get you to your destination in Destin. Knowing which airport to choose can be a bit tricky, so let’s take a look at the best choices for Destin Florida air travel.
For anyone traveling by air to Destin, the closest major airport is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, located just 20 miles east of Destin in the town of West Bay.
Served by Delta, Southwest, and United, this airport offers both domestic and international flights that make it convenient to reach Destin without having to drive hours out of the way to a bigger and busier airport.
Once you arrive at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, the quickest way to get to Destin is a rental car – rental car companies like National, Budget, and Hertz are available at the airport, and leads directly to Hwy 98, and from there it’s just a quick drive to Destin.
How To Get To Destin
For anyone traveling from within the United States, the Pensacola International Airport is just over an hour’s drive from Destin, making it a good option for anyone flying from Chicago, Dallas, New York city, Nashville, or another city with flights to Pensacola. Like the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, the Pensacola International Airport offers domestic flights from American, United, and Delta airlines.
It also offers international flights to Mexico, Germany, Canada, and other destinations. Once you arrive in Pensacola, the quickest way to get to Destin is to rent a car – all the major rental car companies are available at the airport.
For anyone traveling from farther away and looking for a larger, busier airport, the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, sometimes referred to as the Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) Shelt airport is the best choice.
Located around 51 miles from Destin, the Northwest Florida Regional Airport is the largest airport closest to Destin, offering flights from international as well as major United States cities.
Once you arrive at the airport, the easiest way to get to Destin is by rental car – rental car companies like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and National are available at the airport.
Finally, for anyone trying to save money on airfare, the Destin Executive Airport is the best option. Located just 15 minutes from Destin’s city center, the Destin Executive Airport is a regional airfield that offers flights to and from Destin to and from cities like Miami, Atlanta, and Tampa.
While it’s a bit more expensive than the other options, it’s also the most convenient, as the flight times tend to be much shorter than those from other airports.
No matter which airport you decide to fly in to, the Destin area has plenty to offer. From the crystal clear beaches at the Gulf of Mexico to the unique restaurants in the city center, the area is a great place to visit.
Be sure to plan ahead and find out which one will be most convenient for you and get ready to explore one of the trendiest areas of the south!
Where to Stay in Destin
When planning a trip to Destin, Florida, choosing the right place to stay is essential. Whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a girls trip, there are various destinations that can provide the perfect spot for each and every traveler. In this article, I will discuss the different options available for where to stay in Destin, Florida.
For beach lovers, Destin is an idyllic destination, offering family friendly beaches with crystal clear waters, as well as unique spots for more adventurous beach trips.
Along the beautiful Emerald Coast, there are several options for great beachfront hotels, like the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort or the Seaside on 30A Beachfront hotel, both providing a wealth of amenities, and easy access to the sandy Destin beaches.
For those looking for a more private and luxury vacation, there are many celebrated resorts that provide the highest standard of coastal living.
One of the best is the Watercolor Inn & Resort, located in one of the prettiest parts of the Gulf Coast. With its private access to the beach, extensive and lush grounds, and tantalizing amenities, this is a great option for those looking to treat themselves to a luxurious and serene getaway.
If you’re looking for something a little more rustic, consider renting a beachfront condo or house. There are an abundance of condos scattered throughout the Emerald Coast, each providing a convenient home-away-from-home on your beach retreat.
Whether you’re looking for penthouse views of the Gulf or a cozy waterfront cottage, there are plenty of choices for long-term stays or even shorter weekend getaways.
For those searching for something a bit more luxurious and rustic all at once, consider staying in one of Destin’s many beachfront cottages.
Whether you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and want to escape to a quaint cottage directly on the beach, or looking for a vacation home that includes a pool and lots of outdoor space, beach cottages are definitely the way to go.
Other Stay Options in Destin
The town of Destin is also home to dozens of charming, affordable hotels that offer comfortable stays and attractive amenities.
The Holiday Inn Resort in Fort Walton Beach, for instance, is known for its friendly staff and the wide range of activities offered around the resort, from snorkeling and parasailing to fishing and dolphin watching cruises. Nearby, the Ramada by Wyndham Destin is a great budget-friendly option for families, with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Camping and RVing are also great options for those wanting to stay in the area for an extended period of time. Along Florida’s massive Emerald Coast, there are hundreds of RV parks and campgrounds available for travelers, each offering their own unique amenities and year-round activities.
One of the best is the Henderson Beach State Park, offering amazing campsites, as well as nearby beaches, charming hiking trails, and other nearby attractions.
Finally, Destin is also home to a variety of vacation rentals, like condos and beach homes, lovingly owned by locals. These rentals are often similar to a hotel in terms of amenities and convenience, but offer a more homey and localized feel.
With practically hundreds of available properties, vacationers can find the perfect type of accommodation for their needs and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon spent on the beach or an island getaway, Destin, Florida offers something for every type of traveler. With its diverse selection of beachfront hotels, resorts, rental homes, campgrounds, and much more, there are truly endless choices as to where to stay in Destin.
