Hotels in Destin

Destin Hotels

Destin is a small sun-struck city set on Florida’s Emerald Coast, in Okaloosa County. The buzzing, palm-lined city streets lead right down to vast stretches of pure white beachfront, where the sands are silky soft and the waters pure aquamarine. The city itself - a glitzy jewel of luxury resorts and condos - boasts plenty of chic boutiques, seafood restaurants, and bouncing bars. Nature-lovers, meanwhile, will also find a handful of nearby State Parks to explore.

Things to see

No doubt you’ll want to race to the sugary beachfront as soon as you reach Destin, but take a quick look around the city center first. Start with a lazy walk along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a 1-half mile expanse of welcoming cafes, fresh seafood eateries, and retro neon-lit arcades - great for the kids. All the while, you’ll be appreciating the shimmering backdrop of blue Gulf Waters, speckled with huge fishing boats. After your relaxed morning walk, it’s time to hit the beaches. There are a number of beach-access points in Destin, and one of the most popular is Henderson Beach State Park - probably because it blends indulgent sun-swept paradise with raw and wild Florida nature. Either sunbathe on the quiet sands, or head out for a hike among the grassy bluffs. For a smaller beach area, with nearby opportunities for glass-bottom boat tours and water-sports, check out Crystal Sands Beach.

Hotels in Destin

You don’t necessarily have to spend big to enjoy this sublime city, as you’ll find plenty of cheap 2-star hotels in Destin. In these hotels, you’ll benefit from spacious air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and that ever-important outdoor pool. If you crave a taste of opulence but don’t want to pay the high price tag, check out a 3-star Destin hotel or condo rental, where you can splash in huge pools with adjoining spa tubs and burn off excess energy at the indoor tennis courts - some even offer peaceful private beaches. For utter indulgence, there are a few 4-star hotels dotted around Destin.

Where to stay

Stay at the western edge of Destin for a quaint town-vibe, where you’ll be beside the charming boardwalk. The southern edge of Destin, adjacent to the beaches, is ideal for those who want to wake up to the sound of steady, calm waves wash against the sands. Nature-enthusiasts should stay on the eastern edge of Henderson Beach State Park, which puts you within easy driving distance of the larger Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This area is great for splurging shoppers too, as the huge, Destin Commons fashion mall is nearby.

How to get to Destin

Destin is based just 15 miles from Northwest Florida Regional Airport, an easy-going hub of domestic travel which primarily serves flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta - 2 huge centers of international aviation. If you’re flying from overseas, you’ll likely catch a flight to one of these airports, and then connect to Northwest Florida. From there, either take a cab or hire a car onsite. It’s a 22 minute drive south to Destin. In the city, there’s limited public transport. While walking will get you to and from the central beaches, you may want your own vehicle to explore further.