Looking for sun-soaked luxury and family fun on Florida’s Emerald Coast? Visit Sandestin! Located between Destin and Miramar Beach, Sandestin is a resort community offering white-sand beaches, world-class golf, shopping, and scenic bay views. Whether you're relaxing, exploring, or teeing off, Sandestin blends elegance with coastal adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sandestin is from spring through early fall (March through October). Enjoy beach days, warm gulf waters, outdoor concerts, and lively boardwalk events. Late fall and winter are quieter and great for golf or a peaceful getaway.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Sandestin is located along US-98 in northwest Florida, about 45 minutes from Pensacola and 30 minutes from Panama City Beach.
- By Air: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) both offer easy access within 45–60 minutes.
- By Shuttle: Many local resorts and transport services offer direct shuttles from nearby airports.
Where to Stay
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – A sprawling 2,400-acre resort with beachside condos, golf villas, and bayside accommodations.
- Hotel Effie Sandestin – Stylish luxury hotel featuring a rooftop pool, spa, and fine dining at Ovide.
- Beachside Condos & Vacation Rentals – Enjoy beachfront views, full kitchens, and space to spread out with family or friends.
Top Attractions
⮕ Challenge Friends at the Blast Arcade and Laser Maze
When you need a short break from the beaches and the hot Florida sunshine, Blast Arcade and Laser Maze is the ideal indoor family fun destination. Here you spend a few hours trying more than 50 of the best and latest video games. There are options for all ages and skill levels. Other activities include the Blast’ Em Shooting Gallery where sharp shooters can hone their skills. The Laser Maze offers “amazing” fun for all ages as you negotiate your way through a room filled with colored laser beams; there are various levels of difficulty and everyone in the family can enjoy the challenge. The arcade is a great place to stage a children’s birthday party.
Blast Arcade and Laser Maze, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 118 Cannery Lane, Sandestin, FL 32550, Phone: 850-654-3333
⮕ Tee Off in Luxury at the Scenic Burnt Pine Golf Club
Widely acknowledged to be one of the best golf courses in Florida, Burnt Pine Golf Club is a popular choice with visitors to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The course is always kept in an immaculate condition and is beautifully laid out alongside a forest of pines. The 18-hole course offers a challenging but satisfying round of golf for most skill levels but would probably be a little intimidating for beginners. The course boasts wonderful views of Choctawhatchee Bay, but they come at a price and fresh bay breezes can be expected to influence your shots on many of the beautifully manicured fairways.
Burnt Pine Golf Course, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, Phone: 850-267-6500
⮕ Reel in the Big One with Destin Offshore Charters
Destin Offshore Charters is a popular sport-fishing charter company based in Destin. The company specializes in near-shore and off-shore fishing in the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and each and every charter is tailored to your particular interests and needs. You can forget about cramped fishing conditions – at Destin Offshore Charters you set off in style on a comfortable sport fishing yacht called the Backlash. Charters vary from short 4 to 6 hour trips, which are perfect for novices and families, to multi-day offshore excursions in search of swordfish and blue marlin. Shark fishing trips are also available.
Destin Offshore Charters, 210 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-685-9368
⮕ Cruise the Emerald Coast with Pole Position Charters
Your vacation in Sandestin is the ideal time to try something new. Pole Position Cruises and Charters offer visitors a unique combination of cruising and dining adventures on the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay. Your experienced captain will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience as you watch a perfect sunset or enjoy the ultimate romantic dining experience onboard Pole Position. Apart from their popular private dinner cruises the company also offers private fishing charters, dolphin-watching cruises and overnight trips to Orange Beach, AL. Pole Position can accommodate up to 8 passengers in comfortable en-suite cabins on overnight excursions.
Pole Position Cruises and Charters, Destin Harbor, 404 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-259-6385
Where to Eat
⮕ Feast on Fresh Catch at Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House
Located in the heart of Baytown Wharf, Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House is a family-friendly restaurant where you can enjoy the freshest fish in town. The restaurant is family run by a father/son team of seafood devotees who ensure that only the freshest, sustainable seasonal fish and seafood makes its way onto your plate. Oysters are by far the most popular appetizer and are served fresh, grilled or fried. Other delectable starters include calamari, crab cakes and shrimp. Mains include a variety of interesting fish and seafood sandwiches, pastas and grills like their popular New Orleans Blackened Tuna and Angus Ribeye Steaks or Pork Chops for die-hard carnivores.
Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House, 140 Fisherman’s Cove, Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach FL 32550, Phone: 850-347-5060
⮕ Dance the Night Away at The Village Door Nightclub
When it’s time to party, it’s time to make your way to The Village Door Dockside Restaurant and Nightclub in Baytowne Wharf. The successful restaurant, bar and nightclub is one of the most popular meeting places in Sandestin and offers great music and entertainment overlooking the water. At the Dockside Restaurant you can feast on delicious BBQ meats and seafood as you watch a spectacular sunset. Sports fans can dine indoors while watching their favorite game at the bar. After dinner you can dance the night away to the vibrant sounds of the resident Dream Band. There is always something on the go at the Village Door – check their website for event details.
The Village Door, 136 Fisherman’s Cove, Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach FL 32550, Phone: 850-601-5959
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Shop, dine, or enjoy live music and seasonal festivals along the scenic bayfront boardwalk.
- Sandestin’s Four Golf Courses – Tee off at championship courses like Raven Golf Club and Baytowne Golf Club.
- Jolee Island Nature Park – Walk peaceful trails, picnic by the water, and enjoy views of Choctawhatchee Bay.
- Grand Boulevard – An upscale outdoor shopping and dining complex with national retailers and art galleries.
- Private Beach Access – Enjoy powder-soft white sands, emerald waters, and umbrella service at Sandestin’s Gulf beaches.
More Places to Eat
- Marina Bar & Grill – Casual, family-friendly waterfront dining with Southern favorites and fresh seafood.
- Ovide – Refined Southern cuisine from celebrity chef Hugh Acheson, located in Hotel Effie.
- Bijoux – Upscale coastal French dining with a great wine list, perfect for date night or a special occasion.
If you are interested in local events:
- Baytowne Wharf Art Walk (Spring/Fall) – Enjoy regional artists, live music, and food vendors under the stars.
- Sandestin Wine Festival (April) – A beloved event featuring hundreds of wines, tasting tents, and coastal cuisine.
- Baytowne Countdown (New Year’s Eve) – Fireworks, dancing, and family fun to ring in the new year by the bay.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Sandestin, Florida:
- Grayton Beach State Park (25–30 min) – Hike, paddle, or relax on one of the most scenic and pristine beaches in Florida.
- Seaside (30 min) – Picture-perfect town with pastel cottages, food trucks, boutique shopping, and beach access.
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk (20–25 min) – Book a dolphin cruise, grab some seafood, or enjoy watersports and nightlife.
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (15–20 min) – Explore dune lakes, trails, and quiet stretches of natural beach.
- Miramar Beach (5–10 min) – Enjoy outlet shopping, beachside dining, or water sports just down the road.
FAQ:
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Where is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort located?
- Located on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, along Florida’s Emerald Coast, the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is an ideal vacation destination.
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What accommodations and entertainment options are available?
- The resort offers a wide variety of accommodation options and almost limitless entertainment for the whole family.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
- Guests can explore miles of beautiful white powder beaches and play on four brilliant golf courses.
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What sports and recreation facilities are at the resort?
- The resort boasts 15 tennis courts, multiple outdoor swimming pools, a water sport center, a fitness center, and a full-service marina.
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What shopping and dining options are available?
- At the heart of the resort, you will find the Baytowne Wharf shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.
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What activities are available on the Gulf?
- The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are ideal for fishing charters and scenic cruises.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – A luxurious resort with beachfront and golf amenities.
Explore Baytowne Wharf – Enjoy shopping, dining, and live entertainment.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm beach weather.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa – A family-friendly resort with beachfront access.
Relax on Miramar Beach – A perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures.
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin – A comfortable and budget-friendly stay.
Go golfing at Raven Golf Club – Experience one of the top golf courses in the area.
Plan Your Trip