Hotels in Destin

Embrace the Serenity of Emerald Waters: A Journey Through Destin’s Coastal Paradise

Nestled along Florida's stunning Emerald Coast, Destin is a beach lover's paradise, renowned for its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This vibrant coastal town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with world-class resorts, exciting water sports, and picturesque harbor views. Stroll the bustling Destin Harbor at night, indulging in fresh seafood and lively entertainment. Nearby Okaloosa Island boasts serene beaches for a quieter escape, while the scenic beauty of Destin's coastline invites exploration. Whether you're seeking romance or family fun, Destin promises unforgettable memories in a sun-soaked paradise. For the best hotel rates in Destin, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Destin

Some of the best places to stay in Destin are Seagrove Beach, Watercolor and Crystal Beach. Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, and Crystal Beach are fantastic destinations for travelers seeking stunning coastlines, clear waters, and vibrant local culture. Seagrove Beach offers a laid-back vibe with charming accommodations, while Watercolor features upscale resorts and picturesque surroundings. Crystal Beach is perfect for families, boasting family-friendly hotels and beachfront access. For first-time visitors, Seagrove Beach is ideal, providing a balance of relaxation and activities. General hotel accommodations range from cozy inns to luxurious oceanfront resorts, ensuring a comfortable stay for all preferences. Here are some of the most popular hotels with our guests in Destin:

1. Seagrove BeachOpens in a new window: Seagrove Beach is a serene destination known for its beautiful beaches and charming atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing vacation. The area boasts popular attractions like Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State Park, perfect for sunbathing and outdoor activities. For accommodation, consider Hidden Beach Villas 215 by VacasaOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel that offers entertainment options like Cable TV and Flatscreen TVs. Another option is The Lodge 30AOpens in a new window, which features direct beach access and is well-suited for business travelers, providing ample business amenities and located in a vibrant shopping district.
2. WatercolorOpens in a new window: Watercolor is a picturesque area that combines stunning coastal views with outdoor adventure, making it perfect for families and nature lovers. Key attractions include Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. WaterColor Inn & ResortOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star resort, offers direct beach access and various adventure activities such as fishing and kayaking. For a cozy experience, check out Hibiscus Coffee & GuesthouseOpens in a new window, a 3.0-star Bed & Breakfast featuring romance packages and easy access to water sports, ensuring a memorable stay.
3. Crystal BeachOpens in a new window: Crystal Beach is celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant beach scene, featuring attractions like Destin Beaches and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park. The Henderson Beach Resort & SpaOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5.0-star resort, provides direct beach access and a range of business amenities, making it a versatile choice for all types of travelers. Dunes of Crystal Beach by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, offers a variety of dining options and fitness facilities, while Crystal Dunes 204 by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window, also a 4.0-star establishment, features a bar and restaurant, ensuring guests have everything they need for a delightful stay.

Things to do in Destin for first time

A three-day getaway to Destin is ideal for soaking in its stunning beaches and emerald waters. Enjoy activities like boating, dolphin watching, and golfing, while evenings offer breathtaking sunsets. With its vibrant coastal atmosphere, this destination promises relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Destin:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at Miramar Beach, where you can relax on the soft, white sands and take a dip in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. After soaking up the sun, head over to Choctawhatchee Bay for some scenic views and possibly a leisurely kayak ride. In the afternoon, make your way to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, where you can explore the beautiful trails and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. The park offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to witness local wildlife.
• Day 2: Begin your day at Okaloosa Island Beach, a perfect spot to enjoy more sun and surf. Afterward, visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating Native American history of the area. Finally, take a stroll along the Okaloosa Island Pier, where you can enjoy stunning sunset views and perhaps catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the water.
• Day 3: Kick off the day at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, a vibrant area filled with shops and dining options. Enjoy breakfast with an ocean view before heading to Fort Walton Beach Park, where you can walk the scenic trails, relax on the beach, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball. In the afternoon, visit Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, a shopping and dining destination where you can explore unique boutiques and indulge in a delightful dinner to wrap up your trip.

5 tips to find a great Destin hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Destin is during January, November, and December, when hotel prices are lower. Domestic travelers should aim to book flights at least 4 months in advance for the best deals, while international travelers should secure their flights at least 8 months ahead. For a budget-friendly experience, plan to stay at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning sea views that Destin has to offer. With these tips, you can have a great value for money getaway in this picturesque destination.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for an affordable beach escape, last-minute deals to Destin can provide significant savings. To explore these offers on Hotels.com, head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you could find reduced rates for hotels near your travel date. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep you informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions, helping you seize opportunities to save on your getaway.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Destin.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Destin typically costs more. However, if you opt for accommodations further from the center, you can take advantage of transportation options like a car, taxi, or bike to explore the area while saving on expenses, as options in those locations are usually more likely to be affordable.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Join Hotels.com's free One Key program and book your next stay in Destin. As a member, you can earn and use rewards points for hotel bookings. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers to unlock various benefits like room upgrades when available, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up today.

What to eat in Destin

Here are a few top-recommended restaurants in Destin, Florida, United States of America:

• The Back Porch: Renowned for its beachfront location, this restaurant offers a diverse menu that emphasizes fresh seafood, including their famous grilled fish tacos and signature Back Porch shrimp. The casual yet vibrant atmosphere makes it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike, showcasing local flavors with every bite.
• Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant and Market: A family-owned gem that prides itself on serving the freshest catches from the Gulf. With dishes like their mouthwatering fried shrimp and crab cakes, Dewey Destin presents a true taste of coastal Florida, providing an authentic dining experience steeped in local tradition.
• Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House: This eatery takes pride in its creative seafood dishes, from hand-shucked oysters to innovative seafood boils. Their commitment to sustainable sourcing and local ingredients reflects the essence of Destin’s culinary heritage, offering a unique connection to the region's rich maritime culture.

Best time to go to Destin

Destin experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 54.0°F (12.2°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 83.1°F (28.4°C). August is usually the wettest month. May to July are the peak travel months in Destin, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light rainfall. On the other hand, October to December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.

Explore beachfront neighborhoods 

Elevate your beachside escape in 2025 with Destin hotels in the area's most inviting neighborhoods. Explore the charm of Crystal Beach, the tranquility of Holiday Isle, and the peaceful Crystal Shores. Renowned for their accessibility to the shore, these neighborhoods boast some of the top Destin beach hotels, many offering enticing amenities like free parking and pet-friendly accommodation. With a great selection of luxurious, family-friendly, and affordable Destin beachfront hotels, finding a great spot to drop your bags and flip-flops has never been easier. 

Delight in Destin's top activities and attractions 

Whether traveling solo, embarking on a family adventure, or enjoying a romantic getaway at a beachside Destin resort, adding activities to your itinerary is the perfect way to enhance your trip. Families will love the thrilling slides and pools at Big Kahuna's Water Park and the vibrant shops and restaurants at Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village. For couples, consider a sunset beach cruise, a local wine tasting, or a relaxing spa day to make your stay truly unforgettable. 

Experience local living with a vacation rental 

If you're seeking alternatives to beachfront hotels in Destin, a vacation rental might be just what you're looking for. Explore our selection of holiday homes, apartments, and condominiums. Many properties even feature locations rivaling the premier beachside hotels. 

Book your Destin hotel with ease 

Destin beckons with warm summer weather, averaging 82°F in July and August, cooler 57°F temperatures in January and February, and notable summer rainfall. When booking your stay, including top Destin hotels on the beach, you'll benefit from free cancellations at select hotels and OneKeyCash™ rewards. Additionally, most Destin resorts also offer flexible, refundable rates, making it easy to adjust your plans if necessary.