Heading to Florida with kids doesn’t have to mean waterparks, theme parks and attractions, and Destin is one of the most stunning vacation spots on the state’s panhandle.
This once quiet fishing town now boasts 13,000 year-round residents and is an excellent destination for families, couples, or singles simply looking to get away from it all.
One of the key draws of Destin is its Appalachian quartz beaches where the sand is cooler than other types, even on the most scorching of Floria days. Its beautiful white powdery sand looks gorgeous as well!
Next time you visit Florida’s marvellous Emerald Coast and beautiful Destin, check out one of these great family resorts to enjoy the state in luxury.
- 1. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
- 2. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
- 3. Henderson Beach Resort
- 4. Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa
- 5. Club Wyndham Majestic Sun
- 6. Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort
- 7. Pelican Beach Resort & Conference Center
- 8. Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard
- 9. Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
- 10. Club Destin
1. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
This premier resort gives visitors their own little slice of beachfront heaven, plus a whole other suite of services that make it ideal for families. This resort has seven dining options right on-site, plus three pools, four golf courses, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, three bars, and a world-class day spa.
It is the biggest beachfront hotel in all of Northwest Florida, and while the adults are enjoying a day at the spa or a round of golf, the kids can participate in special Kids Krewe activities just for them.
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has free, hotel-wide internet, valet parking, and a bicycle rental option. There are also babysitting services available so the adults can share a romantic evening together if they wish. All rooms have air conditioning, and private balconies are available.
Each room is equipped with a safe, microwave, refrigerator, and flatscreen TV with movies available for the whole family. Choose from ocean view rooms, suites, family rooms, and more. The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa can accommodate your entire family comfortably.
Find it at: 4000 Sandestin Blvd S, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
2. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a 2,400-acre resort with vacation rentals that will suit any budget, style, or family size. They have almost 1,300 studios, penthouses, villas, condos, and apartment units right on site. Additionally, you simply can’t beat the location. This resort has beachfront access and offers beachside dining, tennis, golf, shopping, and more right on site.
If you and your family stay there, you can enjoy free bicycle rental, kayaking, tennis, and a fitness centre membership. There’s free parking on-site, plus complimentary internet throughout the facility. In addition, the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort features a pool and children’s playground that will keep the little ones occupied for hours.
There are several different types of rooms available, including ocean and pool view ones. In addition, you can get a private balcony or opt for non-smoking accommodations. There are housekeeping services right on-site as well.
One of the key things that families love about this resort is that it’s competitively priced. So you can get really great accommodation for both you and your family for a few hundred dollars a night.
Find it at: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W, Destin, Florida
Website: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
3. Henderson Beach Resort
Take your family to visit Henderson Beach Resort, and you will undoubtedly enjoy the best of both worlds; the emerald blue Gulf of Mexico and a 200-acre nature preserve. Although Henderson Beach Resort is undoubtedly in the middle of a natural paradise, it’s also state-of-the-art with all of the amenities that you could ever want.
With 170 rooms, excellent dining options right on the beach, pools, and a premiere day spa, this resort is top of the line for both exploring and relaxing. Additionally, there’s a children’s activity zone and kids club so that your littles will stay fully entertained. Henderson Beach Resort has a private stretch of beach that is fully safe and accessible.
Henderson Beach resort has complimentary high-speed internet, and all rooms have air conditioning, coffee makers, minibars, flatscreen televisions, and toiletries. Choose between ocean view, non-smoking rooms, and suites comfortable enough for the whole family. The bathrooms are spacious, and the resort’s commitment to cleanliness is second to none.
If you’re looking for an opulent, family-friendly experience that won’t leave you wanting for a thing, you should check out Henderson Beach Resort!
Find it at: 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, Florida
Website: Henderson Beach Resort
4. Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa
The Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa is the last word in top Destin vacation rentals. There are flexible options to suit every family size. Choose between one to four-bedroom accommodations. Each one comes with a fully stocked kitchen, washing machine, dryer, and extra sheets and towels. You can see the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico right from your balcony.
With private parking on site, a members-only pool and hot tub, and plenty of private beach access, your family will have tons of fun options to keep them occupied throughout the vacation. Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa provides you with a complimentary beach chair and your own umbrella for those lazy days as well.
Their private pool is 7,500 square feet of fun, with a whirlpool and waterfall. Swim up to the Sandbar Restaurant and Beachside Bar to relax in the pool with the cocktail of your choice. There are plenty of delicious dining options nearby as well, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa is perfectly positioned right in the heart of Destin’s shopping district.
There’s free parking on-site, high-speed internet, a playground for the kids, and snorkelling. All rooms have air conditioning, all the amenities that you need, and access to the private beach.
Find it at: 15000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, Florida
Website: Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa
5. Club Wyndham Majestic Sun
Club Wyndham Majestic Sun is a quick walk from Florida’s Emerald Coast and a fantastic place to take your family on the vacation of their dreams. This laid-back resort is an excellent option for people who want to be able to relax by the beach and have a home base for exploring Destin.
Centrally located next to plenty of dining and golfing options, Club Wyndham Majestic Sun allows you and your family to get an authentic taste of Destin while staying in the lap of luxury. With options for one and two-bedroom suites, you’ll have ample room for the whole family. Additionally, all of their suits are equipped with a full kitchen and washer, and dryer.
They also have full dining rooms so that you can spend quality time in a common area together. Club Wyndham Majestic Sun is very close to Henderson Beach State Park, a perfect day trip option for families who love spending time in the great outdoors. You will also be close to the Destin Commons, a popular tourist strip with tons of dining options.
If you’d prefer to take a dip in a swimming pool, rather than the sea, Club Wyndham Majestic Sun has you covered there as well. They have five outdoor swimming pools and two hot tubs. Additionally, there’s a fitness centre, eight tennis courts, and a golf course right on site.
Find it at: 77 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Club Wyndham Majestic Sun
6. Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort
This premiere Destin resort sits on 27-acres of land and features all sorts of different accommodations to suit every taste, budget, and family. Choose between lakefront villas, cottages, or condominiums that face the Gulf of Mexico. Each different type of accommodation has access to pickleball courts, pools, hot tubs, picnic areas, and a playground specifically for children. There’s also a private beach for your enjoyment.
With free parking on-site and high-speed internet, Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort has it all. You can even take private lessons with USPTA trained pros or go work out at their fitness centre. As a non-smoking, family-friendly, hotel complex the Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is a wholesome, healthy home base to explore Destin.
All rooms have air conditioning, a fully-functioning kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. They’re also equipped with flatscreen televisions for those lazy nights spent at home. If you want a great escape without too much partying, this is truly the ideal place for you and your family. But, book ahead because it tends to get a little bit crowded!
Find it at: 9815 US Highway 98 W, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort
7. Pelican Beach Resort & Conference Center
This expansive resort is right in the centre of Destin, so it’s the ideal place to do a lot of fun exploring in the city. It’s got 340 Gulf side condos and a 19-floor hotel with units that range from one to two bedrooms. Regardless of where you decide to stay, you can use all of Pelican Beach Resort & Conference Center’s amenities.
Premium amenities include pools for adults, a kiddie pool, hot tubs, two state-of-the-art fitness centres, saunas, a tennis court, and a games room. Although you will have access to everything that Destin has to offer, you’ll also be able to fully enjoy the conference centre itself. Pelican Beach Resort & Conference Center has plenty of activities to keep both you and your kids entertained.
There’s free WiFi throughout the complex, as well as complimentary parking on site. You can rent bikes and explore the city that way too. All of the rooms are air conditioned, and many have private balconies and access to Pelican Beach Resort & Conference Center’s private beach. So you and your family are sure to feel right at home!
Find it at: 1002 Highway 98 East, Destin, Florida
Website: Pelican Beach Resort & Conference Center
8. Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard
If you want to stay in a beautifully appointed family-friendly hotel, this one will fit the bill perfectly. It has a boutique hotel feel with all of the amenities of a larger facility, including work by Florida-based artists and unique decor. Although it looks fancy, it’s still completely child-friendly with plenty of activities for your little ones.
One of the best aspects of this hotel is its emphasis on incredible service. It offers room service 24-hours a day, and there’s also a fitness centre that’s open day or night. If you need to check in with the office, you can access their Business Center at any time of the day as well.
There’s complimentary high-speed WiFi and speciality cocktail and coffee bars, as well as excellent dining options. Also, you really can’t beat the location. The Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard is merely a short walk from high-end shopping and entertainment. Miramar Beach is close too, so you can take your whole family for a relaxing beach day.
There’s free parking on site, a pool and complimentary breakfast. Children also stay for free, and well-behaved pets are allowed.
Find it at: 325 Grand Blvd, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard
9. Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Another great option right on Grand Boulevard, the Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin is a fantastic place if you want to stay for the long run in Destin. They offer extended stays that allow you to soak in all that this region has to offer. Since it’s right in the centre of world-class shopping and dining options, you will experience the best of the city right at your fingertips.
Close to Miramar and Santa Rosa beaches, this family-friendly destination is the ideal place to home base if you want to get some Vitamin Sea. It’s also fairly close to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets where you can score great deals on designer items. Bikes are also available right on site. The hotel has free WiFi, is pet-friendly, and all rooms have fully stocked kitchens.
They have excellent customer service and will even do your grocery shopping for you free of charge! Breakfast is included, and there’s a fitness centre, basketball court, and outdoor pool right on site, as well as plenty of activities for the kids. Speaking of kids—they stay for free! Could you ask for anything more?
Find it at: 300 Grand Blvd, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
10. Club Destin
Club Destin is an ideal place to take the whole family on your next Floridian adventure. It’s close to the famous emerald coast and within just a few minutes of Henderson Beach State Park. If your family loves to frolic in the surf, as well as hike in the woods, Club Destin is a great place for you to go! There are plenty of attractions nearby as well—all within walking distance.
Club Destin is known for its clean, comfortable rooms and accommodating staff. There are two pools right on site, as well as a sundeck, atrium, spa, putting green, and movie room. It’s exceptionally family-friendly with plenty of activities for the kids.
There are BBQ grills available outside as well, so you can truly make Club Destin your home away from home. Additionally, you’re likely to run into a fun community of people to spend time with. There are plenty of kids there, so you children will have someone to play with as well.
Destin is an ideal place for you to take the whole family. Its emerald green waters, gorgeous nature, shopping, dining, and entertainment options make it a vacation spot to remember. Next time you’re planning to head down to the Sunshine State, think Destin! Check out one of these amazing resorts, and you’re bound to have the time of your life.
Find it at: 1085 Highway 98 E, Destin, Florida
Website: Club Destin
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
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