Looking for the best beachfront hotels in Destin Florida?
Famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, Destin is the perfect place for a holiday by the ocean. The sand is soft and smooth. In fact, it’s often compared to sugar. The people are friendly. The ocean water is crystal clear. In fact, its beautiful green color is why this shoreline is called the Emerald Coast.
There’s plenty to do in the city that calls itself “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Into fishing? Those emerald-green waters are teeming with fish. Prefer golf? There are pristine courses for even the most handy of golfers. Committed foodie? Destin has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood while looking out at the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Some of the resorts listed below even have gourmet eateries on-site.
Above all that, though, are those beaches. If you’re planning on visiting Destin, you won’t want to be far away from the ocean. Nothing beats walking straight from your room and onto the sand. Nothing’s worse than having to pile into a scorching hot car while you’re covered in sand and salt.
So, if you are wondering about where to stay in Destin, we have got you covered. Luckily there is no shortage of stunning seafront hotels in Destin FL. Read on for a selection of the best 14 hotels that are right by the beach.
Quick list of our top oceanfront hotels in Destin:
14 Best Beachfront Hotels in Destin Fl You Must Stay at!
Emerald Towers: Jewel of Destin
Emerald Towers is the perfect hotel for families. If you’re seeking a more adventurous trip to the coast, you’ll love being just across the street from Big Kahuna’s. Go wild in the water park and test your skills on the mini golf course. It’s a kid’s dream. And maybe an adult’s dream too! There’s more than enough activities for you to spend the whole day there, and you might just find yourself drawn back again and again.
Of course, you’re here for the beach. Emerald Towers is just 250 feet from beautiful Destin Beach. Step out of the hotel and onto the silky white sands of the Emerald Coast. Less than a mile away is the equally beautiful Henderson Beach.
Enjoy the sea view from your balcony. If it’s too hot, stay inside your air-conditioned room and watch TV on comfy leather sofas. Emerald Towers also has a swimming pool with a barbeque station where you can cook up a post-swim snack.
Sterling Sands: Old-School Luxury
Just steps away from Destin Beach stands Sterling Sands Hotel. Each one of the condos in the hotel is a luxurious, fully-equipped room from which you can enjoy the best Destin has to offer.
Grab a room with a balcony to enjoy the breathtaking sea view. When it gets too hot, retreat inside and lounge on the multiple sofas, armchairs, or the colossal bed. When you go out, you don’t have to go far. The hotel has a hot tub and swimming pool. It also has a fitness center for those who don’t want to miss a workout.
There are barbeque facilities for those itching to grill up some grub. If you prefer having food served, you only have to go two miles to get to the city center. Just be aware you must be at least 25 to check-in.
SunDestin Beach Resort: Pools Galore
Still looking for great beachfront hotels in Destin FL? SunDestin Beach Resort offers a premium experience without the price tag. In your room, you’ll have everything you expect. Enjoy the stunning sea view from the balcony, or gather around the kitchen bar for drinks and snacks.
The hotel is just steps from Destin Beach and under a mile from Henderson Beach. The private section of Destin Beach is just over 100 yards, which is a little smaller than provided at other resorts.
However, it is open all year. For those who want to avoid salt and sand, SunDestin Beach Resort is just moments away from Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park and The Track Family Fun Park. It also has two pools. One is indoor, meaning you can enjoy a swim regardless of the weather.
For families, SunDestin Beach Resort puts on a recreation program to keep kids busy and active. Of course, while the kids are busy, you can relax in peace. SunDestin also has over 3,000 of event space available to rent. That’s more than enough for a blowout party or dream destination wedding.
If you’re flying into Destin Executive Airport, you’ll only be a mile from the hotel. No need for long taxi rides or the hassle of renting a car!
Ariel Dunes: Oceanfront Fairytale
If you want modern comfort, look no further than Ariel Dunes. It’s newer than most resorts on the Destin shoreline and has the amenities to match. You’ll be in one of two towers standing on the edge of the beautiful white beach. Settle in to a spacious room filled with color.
As part of Seascape Resort, Ariel Dunes gives visitors access to a championship golf course, tennis club, and range of watersports. With eight tennis courts, you won’t have to wait for a turn. Go kayaking, surf the waves, and more. Once you’re tired, grab a drink at the bar or indulge in a meal at the restaurant.
Of course, at Ariel Dunes, you’ll be just a short walk away from Miramar Beach, and Crystal Sands Beach is a quick three-mile drive or cycle away. You can also stay in the resort and swim in the multiple lagoon-style pools.
If you’re in the tower called Ariel Dunes I, you can take the kids to a fully-kitted arcade. If you’ve come to Destin in winter to get some cold-season sun, don’t be afraid of the pools—they’re heated. Note that this isn’t the case for the pools at the tower called Ariel Dunes II, however.
Jetty East: Gated Luxury
Right next to the white sands of Destin Beach stands Jetty East, a private, gated resort. Just 100 feet from the beach, you are a stone’s throw away from summer paradise. If that’s still too far, stay in the resort and relax in the pool or hot tub. You can dip your feet into dozens of activities, from paddle boarding to crabbing.
Jetty East prides itself on customer service. Reviews highlight the welcoming staff, who speak multiple languages. If you want a familiar, secure holiday spot where you can go every year, Jetty East might be the place you’re looking for. Staff pride themselves on welcoming people back time and time again.
Surfside relaxation is one of many things on offer at Jetty East. The resort is less than two miles from Highway 98. Walk, cycle, or drive down to the hustle and bustle. The area has shops, restaurants, and activities for kids and adults alike. You can spend hours there without realizing it!
Like many resorts, you’ll need an ID to show you’re at least 25 and an active credit card to check-in.
Pelican Beach: Fly Away to Paradise
With 19 floors and almost 350 individual units, Pelican Beach Resort is a sight to behold. The hotel was famous for bringing a new level of luxury to Destin when it first opened. It’s recently been refurbished, meaning you can enjoy modern comfort at a well-established location with experienced staff.
The front desk is open all hours of the day. If you have a problem or a question, you’ll be able to get help, no matter the time.
Once you check-in, it might be hard to bring yourself to leave. That’s not a problem, though. In the resort, you can dip your toes in three pools, relax in the spa, and work out in the comprehensive fitness center. Have a drink by the pool or test your skills in the videogame center. Unlike some hotel resorts, Pelican Beach even has covered garage parking. You won’t have to worry about securing a public parking space or paying ridiculously high fees.
You’re most likely going to Destin to relax. Sometimes, though, you just can’t escape work. Luckily, Pelican Beach Resort provides a conference center for anyone looking to get stuff done in between trips to the beach. You could also host a work-related event here, if you think some sea air could help your team thrive.
Edgewater: Oceanfront Tranquility
If you’re looking for something that has an edge over the average beachfront hotel, look no further. Edgewater Resort is a collection of over 100 gorgeous condominiums. Each one features luxurious tiled floors, sweeping views of the emerald waters, and easy access to a private beach. Enjoy the soft, white sands of the Gulf Coast and soak up the sea air in privacy.
Booking activities is a breeze. Edgewater helps you organize and book a variety of trips, from visits to the beach to golfing trips. You won’t have to trawl through reviews to try and find a decent company.
Unlike some other hotels, Edgewater is intentionally spacious. The designers took inspiration from the world-famous resorts lining the French Riviera, and you can tell. Soak up some rays on your patio or wander down to one of the multiple pools and relax. It’s a European level of luxury without the long flight.
Hidden Dunes: Destin’s Best-Kept Secret
The towers lining Destin’s stretch of the Emerald Coast are certainly impressive. But Hidden Dunes Resort might be for you if you want something more intimate. Instead of looming over the surrounding sands, Hidden Dunes is, well, hidden amongst trees and dunes.
Though you might not have the panoramic views that come with a tower apartment, you’ll enjoy being tucked away in the gorgeous natural beauty of the Emerald Coast. Wander through the 27 acres on winding nature trails or soak up the scenery in one of the pools or hot tubs. Cook up something at one of the grilling stations and enjoy your feast in one of the picnic areas. Instead of looking at nature through a glass window, you’ll be experiencing and enjoying it firsthand. There’s nothing quite as rejuvenating as some time spent relaxing in nature, and that’s exactly what Hidden Dunes offers.
Where Hidden Dunes really excels is in tennis. It features one of the best tennis resorts in Florida. Improve your skills with some lessons or challenge a friend to a game. Of course, after you’re done, you’ll be able to cool off in the sea, which is just a few minutes away.
Cabana Club: Cozy Condos on the Beach
If you’re looking for something a little more cozy, then a Cabana Club condo might be perfect. Previous guests have enjoyed the inviting atmosphere. Cabana Club is smaller than some of the high-rise hotels, meaning a more quiet, peaceful atmosphere. There are fewer people fighting for a spot on the beach or by the pool. Fewer people means less noise. Less noise means a nicer stay for you!
Though some guests found the cleanliness lacking somewhat, Cabana Club makes up for it in location. Gorgeous views of the ocean are a given. You’ll also be near many of the best beaches Destin offers. Walk straight onto James Lee Park Public Beach or cycle to Crystal Sands Beach. Miramar and Henderson Beaches are just a mile away. And Destin Beach is just over two miles from the resort. The close proximity to so many great beaches is what makes Cabana Club’s location so perfect.
At Cabana Club, you’ll be a little further away from some of the non-beach activities in Destin, like Big Kahunas. But with fully equipped rooms, easy access to open beaches, and balconies with stunning sea views, you might never want to leave the resort!
The Islander Resort: Family-Friendly Fun for All
Head to Holiday Isle, Destin, to stay at The Islander Resort. Life is sweet there! The whole family will fit into one of the spacious, luxurious apartments. When it’s time to hit the beach, head down to The Islander’s private beach to enjoy the sea and sand in peace.
The Islander even has a camera broadcasting a view of the beach so you can check the conditions before heading out. Sargassum, a seaweed, sometimes washes up on the beach, making it unpleasant to swim. Instead of wasting your time, check the camera feed to sea whether the beach is open for business.
Of course, you can also chill out in one of the two pools or hot tubs. But if you need activity, The Islander has plenty to offer. There’s a tennis court, a basketball net, and multiple pickleball courts. Just grab some equipment from the reception and get playing.
If you somehow run out of things to do at the resort, you can head into town and use a VIP pass to get unique discounts at participating locations. Indulge in gourmet seafood or let the kids go wild in an arcade for cheap.
The Islander also has services for the lovebirds out there. They have a refurbished, spacious room specifically for events. Have your wedding in luxury, with gorgeous views of the Gulf Coast.
Sandpiper Cove: Perfect for Pet Lovers
Most hotels in Destin don’t allow pets. Fortunately, Sandpiper Cove has pet-friendly rentals available. No need to leave your furry friends at home at this oceanfront hotel in Destin.
With or without pets, there’s plenty to do at Sandpiper Cove. You’ll be staying in a sweeping 43-acre resort just minutes from the sugar-white sands and green ocean waters. The private beach is over 1,000 feet long, so you won’t have to fight for space. Enjoy the Emerald Coast on your terms.
Sandpiper Cove’s amenities are extensive, even compared to other top-notch hotels. It has not one, not two, but five swimming pools for you to relax and play in. Oh, and three hot tubs for good measure. The resort also features a half-dozen tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course.
All that action will no doubt leave you hungry. Sandpiper Cove is close to multiple eateries serving up a variety of local delicacies. Grab some grilled fish and a drink, or go for something more substantial. The choice is yours!
Silver Shells: Gold-Star Service
For the royal treatment, head to Silver Sands Resort. The hotel has units with four bedrooms, meaning you can bring the whole gang with you. Those rooms come with whirlpool hot tubs! You can start the pampering without even stepping out your front door.
Once you leave your room, you’ll have access to more services than you could use. Work up a sweat on the basketball or tennis courts, the cardio and fitness rooms, or with one of the nearby watersports providers. Then relax in the extensive lagoon-style swimming pool, complete with an artificial waterfall.
It almost goes without saying that you’ll be able to walk onto an over 1,000-foot-long private beach. Enjoy the silky white sands without having to fight for a spot.
Rejuvenate with the part-day or whole-day spa packages. Massages, mani-pedis, and more are available.
Once you look your best, head out to the nearby malls, galleries, and restaurants to experience the hustle and bustle of Destin. Alternatively, stay in the resort and indulge in a steak at Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant.
Majestic Sun: Light-Filled Luxury
The Majestic Sun Hotel is a jewel on Destin’s Emerald Coast and one of the best beachfront hotels in Destin FL for sure. As you approach, you’ll see it towering over the sands. Within, you’ll find a variety of luxurious condominiums and apartments. Take your pick—they’re all stunning.
The sands in question belong to Miramar Beach, which is just 200 feet away from the hotel. You can leave your room and soak up the sun in minutes. If you want to explore other parts of the coast, you won’t have to go far. Majestic Sun is less than two miles from James Lee Park Public Beach and just over three miles from Crystal Sands Beach.
If those are all too far, don’t worry. At Majestic Sun, you’ll have access to two huge swimming pools. And if you get tired of lying around, try the comprehensive fitness center. It’s filled with machines and free weights. You can do cardio and weight training.
The rooms come with private bathrooms, coffee machines, and air conditioning to keep out the summer heat. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the crystal-green ocean from your room in the mornings and evenings. A washer and dryer in each suite let you quickly take care of post-beach clothes.
Mainsail: Modern Comfort
The Mainsail Hotel is the height of modern luxury. View the ocean from your open, air-conditioned rooms. Enjoy dinner or a drink on your covered balcony. And when you want to hit the beach, you’ll only have to walk 800 feet.
While the Mainsail Hotel doesn’t offer breakfast, you’re less than a mile from various food options. Once you’ve fuelled up, you can take a short drive to a range of stunning locations. Driftwood Park is just three and a half miles away. Go a bit further, and you can enjoy Henderson Beach State Park, Helen McCall Park, or Lion Park.
If you need a break from the outdoors, the Mainsail Hotel is also near multiple museums. Learn about Destin’s history at the Destin History and Fishing Museum, for example. Destin claims to have the largest fleet of fishing vessels in the world!
Public parking is available, but note that it might require payment. Bring some cash just in case. As it’s public, there’s always a chance that it might be full.
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