As the self-proclaimed “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin, Florida offers visitors gorgeous beaches, great fishing, quality shopping, and an array of lodging options to fit any budget or style.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best places to stay in Destin, ranging from beachfront resorts and condos to budget motels and campgrounds.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic couple’s getaway, fishing trip, or just a weekend on the sand, Destin has no shortage of amazing lodging choices.
I’ll highlight over 30 of the top lodging options in Destin, providing an overview of amenities, room types, on-site attractions, locations, and price points.
Recommendations span from large resort chains to cozy inns to private rental condos and vacation homes. No matter your needs, you’ll discover the perfect place to stay in Destin for your next beach getaway.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly where to book your accommodations in Destin to enjoy convenience, comfort, great rates, and fun amenities that match your travel style. Let’s dive into the best lodging choices in Destin!
Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Destin
For travelers seeking upscale accommodations right on the sand, Destin offers several 4-5 star luxury resorts:
Henderson Beach Resort
This elegant 17-story beachfront resort features luxurious rooms with Gulf views, on-site restaurants, pools, spa, tennis courts, kids club, and free beach service. The location is conveniently central.
- Beach Setting: Directly on a private beach
- Room Types: Standard rooms, suites with 1-3 bedrooms
- Price Range: $$$$
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin is a massive 2,400-acre resort with condos, villas, a beachside hotel, golf courses, spa, marina, shops, restaurants and on-site attractions.
- Beach Setting: On a private bayou just steps from the Gulf beaches
- Room Types: Standard rooms, condos, multi-bedroom villas
- Price Range: $$$
Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa
This upscale resort situated right on the beach has beautifully appointed rooms, on-site dining, lagoon pools, kids club, spa, and complimentary chair & umbrella beach service.
- Beach Setting: Directly on beach
- Room Types: Standard rooms with patio or balcony
- Price Range: $$$
Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort
Part of the reliable Hilton chain, this resort on Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort offers well-appointed rooms with views, multiple dining options, spa, pools, water sport rentals, and easy beach access.
- Beach Setting: Short walk to the beach
- Room Types: Standard rooms with balcony
- Price Range: $$$
So if you’re looking to indulge in luxury accommodations with premium amenities and easy beach access, these high-end resorts deliver the ideal indulgent escape.
Beachfront Condo Rentals in Destin
For more space, privacy, and comforts of home, renting a beachfront condo is a top lodging choice in Destin:
Destin West Beach & Bay Resort
Visitors rave about the spacious condos overlooking the Gulf or Choctawhatchee Bay at this beachside resort, which also offers nice pools, on-site dining, and activities.
- Beach Setting: Beachfront or bayfront units available
- Room Types: 1-4 bedroom condos, perfect for families
- Price Range: $$$
Emerald Towers Resort
Situated directly on the beach, these roomy condos have fully-equipped kitchens and washers/dryers, along with resort amenities like a health club, outdoor pool, hot tub, beach service and more.
- Beach Setting: Direct beachfront location
- Room Types: Condos ranging from studios to 3 bedrooms
- Price Range: $$
Pelican Beach Resort Destin
Spacious 2-4 bedroom condos right on the sand provide all the comforts of home plus resort features like gulf-view pools, kids’ splash zone, fitness center, tennis, and free beach chairs & umbrellas.
- Beach Setting: Beachfront setting
- Room Types: Multi-bedroom condos with full kitchen amenities
- Price Range: $$$
Sterling Shores Condominiums
These one-ten bedroom condos on the beach have full kitchens, washers/dryers, balconies, and access to shared amenities like outdoor Gulf-side pools, hot tubs, basketball court and more.
- Beach Setting: Directly on beach
- Room Types: Condo units from 1-10 bedrooms
- Price Range: $$
With extra space and convenience, plus resort-style features, Destin’s beachfront condo rentals make excellent home bases for families and groups.
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
The taller west tower at this harborfront hotel provides wallet-friendly rates for clean, modern rooms and access to amenities like a health club and lagoon pool.
- Beach Setting: On the harbor, short walk to beach
- Room Types: Standard rooms with mini-fridge & microwave
- Price Range: $$
Budget-Friendly Hotels & Motels in Destin
Travelers watching their wallets can still find nice Destin accommodations at these affordable hotels and motels:
Sleep Inn on the Beach
This reasonably-priced motel sits beachfront in the heart of Destin just steps from the sand. Amenities include outdoor pool, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and beach chairs.
- Beach Setting: Directly on beach
- Room Types: Standard guest rooms with microwave & mini-fridge
- Price Range: $
Inn on Destin Harbor
Within walking distance of beaches and HarborWalk Village, this affordable motel-style lodging has an outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and rooms with a balcony or patio.
- Beach Setting: Short walk to beach
- Room Types: Standard guest rooms
- Price Range: $
Motel 6 Destin
The famously affordable Motel 6 chain offers a Destin location just off the beach. Standard amenities include an outdoor pool, free morning coffee, free Wi-Fi, no resort fees, and budget-friendly rates.
- Beach Setting: Short walk to beach
- Room Types: Standard guest rooms
- Price Range: $
So even when watching your vacation budget, Destin offers plenty of hotel and motel options that still provide comfort, amenities, and convenient beach access.
Destin Resorts and Hotels on Choctawhatchee Bay
Destin’s harbor and bay also offer scenic lodging options away from the beach crowds but still close to water recreation and dining:
Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin
This newer all-suite hotel sits right on Choctawhatchee Bay and the Indian Bayou Golf Club course. Amenities include free breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness room, and spacious pet-friendly suites.
- Beach Setting: On the bay near Sandestin Resort
- Room Types: Studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites
- Price Range: $$
Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Part of Marriott’s Courtyard brand, this bayfront hotel provides rooms with mini-fridges and balconies, along with an outdoor pool, fitness center, bike rentals, restaurant and lounge onsite.
- Beach Setting: Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay
- Room Types: Standard rooms with balcony
- Price Range: $$
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
Lovely waterfront hotel on Choctawhatchee Bay offering amenities like a marina, outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, fitness room, free bicycles, and spacious rooms with microwave and mini-fridge.
- Beach Setting: On the harbor/bay
- Room Types: Standard rooms
- Price Range: $$
Holiday Inn Express Destin Harbor
This reasonably priced harborfront hotel includes free breakfast, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, and standard rooms with a microwave, mini-fridge and Destin harbor views.
- Beach Setting: Across the harbor from the beach
- Room Types: Standard hotel rooms
- Price Range: $$
Lodging options located right on Destin’s scenic harbor offer quieter settings while still providing easy access to beach and harbor activities.
Golf Course Hotels & Resorts in Destin Area
Destin lies in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast, known for beautiful coastal courses. For golfers, staying at one of Destin’s golf resorts provides excellent course access:
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
This massive beachside resort includes four on-site championship golf courses for guests, including Burnt Pines, Raven, Links, and Baytowne. Packages with tee times are available.
- Beach Setting: Next to the beach with shuttle service
- Room Types: Standard hotel rooms, condos, villas
- Price Range: $$$
Kelly Plantation Golf Resort
Located just east of Destin in the Freeport area, this semi-private course offers lovely lodging options including villas and vacation homes right on the course.
- Beach Setting: 20-minute drive from Destin beaches
- Room Types: Golf villas, condos, and vacation homes
- Price Range: $$
Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club
Regatta Bay has lodging in private golf villas nestled on a scenic semi-private course in nearby Niceville, just a quick drive from Destin’s beaches and attractions.
- Beach Setting: 10-15 minutes inland from beaches
- Room Types: 2-3 bedroom golf villas
- Price Range: $$
Origins Golf Club
This daily-fee public course located north of Destin in Inlet Beach has rental cottages and vacation homes directly overlooking the course and a short walk from the beach.
- Beach Setting: Short walk to the beach
- Room Types: Golf course cottages and homes
- Price Range: $$$
For traveling golfers who still want beach access, Destin’s golf resorts and course communities offer the perfect blend of amenities.
More Great Destin Accommodation Options
Beyond just hotels, Destin offers unique lodging choices like camps, house rentals, and B&Bs:
Henderson Beach State Park Campground
Pitch a tent or bring an RV right on the beach at Destin’s scenic state park, which offers campsites along the water and access to park trails, nature programs, and more.
- Beach Setting: Beachfront camping
- Accommodations: Tent & RV campsites
- Price Range: $
Vacation Property Home Rentals
Private vacation homes and beach houses are popular lodging choices, found on sites like Vacation Rentals By Owner and Airbnb. Whole houses or condos offer plenty of space.
- Beach Setting: Options across Destin region
- Accommodations: Privately owned homes, cottages, condos
- Price Range: $ – $$$
Destin Palms Luxury Homes
For high-end private home rentals, Destin Palms manages a selection of multi-bedroom beach homes with luxury amenities and decor. An upscale alternative to hotels.
- Beach Setting: Beachfront homes in Destin
- Accommodations: Luxury waterside homes
- Price Range: $$$
Beachside Inn B&B
This charming bed and breakfast inn offers a cozy, romantic beach retreat with lovely rooms, full southern breakfasts, outdoor pool, and complimentary beach chairs and bikes for guests.
- Beach Setting: Short walk to beach
- Accommodations: Quaint B&B rooms
- Price Range: $$
In addition to the many hotel and resort options, Destin’s home and condo rentals, campground, and B&Bs add unique character to places to stay around town that suit different needs.
Tips for Booking Your Destin Accommodations
Here are some helpful tips for booking great places to stay in Destin:
- Reserve early for the best selection – prime seasons book up fast.
- Consider renting a condo for more space and amenities when traveling with family or groups.
- Compare rates across multiple sites like Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, etc.
- Read recent reviews to gather insights from other travelers’ experiences.
- Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to earn free nights and perks.
- Consider vacation home rentals as an alternative to cookie-cutter hotels.
- Weigh scenic bay/harbor locations versus staying directly beachfront.
- Factor in whether resort fees, parking, breakfast etc. are included.
- Use coupons, promo codes, and travel sites for hot deals on rooms.
No matter your budget or needs, the perfect place to stay in Destin awaits. Use this guide to match your preferred travel style to the lodging that’s right for you. With gorgeous beaches, great fishing, attractions, shopping, and dining, Destin offers the ideal Florida Gulf Coast getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Destin Accommodations
What is the best area or neighborhood to stay in Destin?
The best places to stay are generally right along Destin Harbor or directly on the beachfront. Central areas allow easy access to attractions. Avoid the East Pass area, which is further from harbor and beach fun.
When is the high season in Destin?
Peak times in Destin fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. This is when rates climb highest. Spring and fall offer milder weather with fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Which hotels have the best beach access?
Top hotels directly on the beach with no roads to cross include Residence Inn by Marriott, Silver Shells Beach Resort, Crystal Beach Suites, Embassy Suites, and several retro 1950s-style motor inns.
What is there to do near Destin Harbor hotels?
Harborfront lodging provides easy access to Destin Harbor Boardwalk, charter fishing fleets, harbor cruises, waterfront dining, nightlife and events at HarborWalk Village, water recreation rentals, and bayside parks.
Is public parking available near Destin hotels and resorts?
Pay public parking is available at most beach accesses, fishing piers, and harbor locations. Larger resorts offer parking, while smaller motels may not. Street parking is very limited.
What are the best family-friendly resorts in Destin?
Top accommodations for families include Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, the beachfront high-rises, many condo communities, Residence Inn, and Home2 Suites – all with kids pools and activities.
Where should couples stay for a romantic getaway?
Couples may enjoy more intimate settings at boutique inns like Henderson Park Inn or private vacation rentals. The Boathouse Oyster Bar area offers peaceful sanctuaries away from the crowds.
Are there pet-friendly hotel options in Destin?
Many hotels, condos and vacation rentals allow pets, often with size limits and fees. Residence Inn Sandestin, La Quinta Inn, Motel 6, Regency Inn & Suites and some cottages are pet-friendly.
When are the cheapest hotel rates found in Destin?
Late fall through winter offer the lowest hotel rates, excluding holidays. Also look for deals on weekdays rather than peak weekends in high season. Sign up for hotel email lists to receive special offers.
Is Uber or Lyft available in Destin?
Yes, Uber and Lyft operate in the Destin area, providing an easy transportation option to get around town, especially at night. Rental cars are recommended for full flexibility exploring the region.
