Posted on 3/29/2024
Since 1982, Ocean Reef Resorts has welcomed guests to the heart of Florida's Emerald Coast, where the sands are as white as sugar, and the Gulf waters sparkle like gems under the sun. Generations have made it a tradition to return to our shores, where childhood memories of sandcastles and waves transform into cherished moments with their own children. There's no better place to relive these memories and create new ones than right here, on the beachfront, where the beauty of Destin and Miramar Beach unfolds in luxury and serenity.
Choosing a beach resort isn't just about the stay; it's about embracing a lifestyle where every amenity, from shimmering pools to tantalizing dining, is at your fingertips. It's about stepping out of your vacation rental and onto the powdery sand, where the Gulf of Mexico greets you with open arms. With this selection of the top beach resorts in Destin, Miramar Beach, and Sandestin, presented alphabetically, we invite you to discover your perfect escape among the jewels of the Emerald Coast. Let's embark on a journey through the luxurious havens that await.
Edgewater Resort
1-3 Bedrooms / 1-3 Bathrooms / 4-8 Guests
Edgewater Resort stands as an iconic masterpiece of architecture in Destin's Miramar Beach, mirroring the elegance of a luxury hotel on the French Riviera. This architectural treasure features a distinctive step-like design that ascends from three stories to nineteen, each level adorned with large open terraces. The entire crescent-shaped building wraps around spectacular lagoon-shaped swimming pools, creating a vista so mesmerizing it resembles a multi-decked luxury cruise ship permanently anchored on the shores of the Emerald Coast.
By night, Edgewater transforms into a glowing spectacle, with decorative white lights that illuminate its curves, enhancing its ship-like silhouette against the night sky. Its prime location offers easy access to popular Gulf-front restaurants, friendly beach bars, and world-class shopping at the famous Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Nearby, the enchanting village of Baytowne Wharf and the upscale Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort offer lively dining, unique shopping experiences, and a plethora of entertainment options, including outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals.
The resort's grounds are a lavish retreat, where palm trees and tropical plantings stretch across 420 linear feet of sugary shoreline, setting the stage for its crown jewels: the spectacular lagoon pools. These enchanting waterscapes, connected on two levels by a gracefully cascading waterfall, invite guests into a serene world of relaxation and leisure. The shimmering pools are complemented by a simmering hot tub, offering the ultimate in pampered relaxation. Here, adults can luxuriate in soothing warmth while the adjacent wading pool provides a safe haven for children to frolic under the sun.
In addition to these aquatic pleasures, Edgewater boasts a comprehensive suite of amenities that cater to every guest's desire. A state-of-the-art fitness center, basketball and shuffleboard courts offer active pursuits, while the putting green and grilling facilities provide more laid-back entertainment options. The on-site café ensures that delicious refreshments are always within reach. Nestled within this oasis, Edgewater's lavish two and three-bedroom vacation rentals offer spacious accommodations for four to eight guests, making it an ideal setting for families and groups eager to create unforgettable coastal memories.
Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort
Nestled behind the lush, exclusively gated entrance along the Emerald Coast Parkway, Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is a hidden gem in the heart of Destin's Miramar Beach. This tranquil oasis sprawls across twenty-seven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, leading to crystalline white dunes and private beach access that promises an exclusive escape to paradise.
The resort is a haven for relaxation and activity alike, boasting three sparkling swimming pools, bubbling hot tubs, and a children's playground, alongside basketball courts and gas grills for memorable cookouts. Tennis enthusiasts will be drawn to the six championship Rubico clay tennis courts, complete with a USPTA-certified coaching staff ready to elevate your game, whether through personalized instruction or matching you for games.
Gulfside at Hidden Dunes
2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests
As you wander the meandering paths, you'll be enveloped by the resort's stunning tropical plantings. A picturesque lake, complete with a charming pier and magically lit fountains at night, adds to the serene ambiance. Gulfside at Hidden Dunes is a beacon of luxury, stands majestically on the beach, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf from its seasonally heated swimming pool, hot tub, and well-equipped fitness center. Here, two-bedroom properties adorned with coastal-styled furnishings and "box seat" balconies invite six guests to enjoy a front-row view of the Gulf's splendor.
Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort encapsulates the essence of a secluded paradise, offering a range of experiences to meet the desires of every visitor. With its blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and a commitment to providing an unmatched beachside vacation, it's a place where memories are waiting to be made.
Mainsail Resort
2-3 Bedrooms / 2-3 Bathrooms / 4-10 Guests
Mainsail Resort, set on fifteen acres of exclusively gated, tropically landscaped grounds in Destin's Miramar Beach, stands as a beacon of luxury with its four Gulf-front residential towers. These eight-story marvels boast opulent two- and three-bedroom residences designed to accommodate four to ten guests. These vacation rentals offer a blend of comfort and indulgence with multiple beds, bunks, and queen-size sleeper sofas, all overlooking the glorious waters of the Gulf.
At Mainsail Resort, the beach is just the beginning. The property features two sparkling swimming pools, including the South Pool Pavilion, a centerpiece of relaxation and fun located just steps from the sugary beach. Surrounded by lush, palm-studded patios, the pools feature a large, bubbling hot tub for adult relaxation and a wading pool for the little ones, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy and serenity. Nearby, a colorful playground with a unique mini waterfall provides endless entertainment for children as they play in its refreshing cascade.
The resort's exceptional outdoor experience is evident in its comprehensive beach service, offering umbrellas and chairs along its own pristine shoreline. For those who love to grill, cookout stations across a lush lawn offer the perfect opportunity for family gatherings under the sun or stars. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-equipped Fitness Center that overlooks the pool, complete with showers, dressing areas, and a sauna for post-workout relaxation.
Sports enthusiasts can engage in friendly competition on the four tennis courts, basketball courts, and shuffleboard areas, all illuminated for night play, adding a vibrant energy to the evenings. For the younger guests, an Arcade Game Room offers a retreat from the sun, filled with games and activities to keep them entertained after a day of splashing around in the pool or Gulf.
Mainsail Resort encapsulates the essence of a beachfront paradise, offering a wide array of amenities set against the backdrop of the Gulf's stunning beauty. It's a place where luxury meets leisure, designed to create unforgettable experiences for families and friends alike.
Pelican Beach Resort
2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests
Pelican Beach Resort, a luxury landmark in Downtown Destin, stands tall with its nineteen-story tower, encapsulating the essence of beachfront paradise. This gated oasis boasts meticulously landscaped grounds, accentuated by a captivating lagoon adorned with fountains that come alive at night, displaying a mesmerizing array of colors.
Pelican Beach's prime location is just moments away from the vibrant HarborWalk Village, Destin's crowning jewel, offering an array of dining, entertainment, and shopping options alongside the largest private charter fishing fleet in North America. From lively bars and specialty shops to family amusements and seasonal celebrations, the area teems with activities, including pontoon boat rentals and dolphin sightseeing excursions, ensuring guests an adventure at every turn. Exclusive discounts on many of these activities are available to guests, adding value to their stay.
The architectural marvel that is the Pelican Beach tower offers luxurious two-bedroom vacation rentals, each featuring expansive balconies with breathtaking Gulf views. These rental residences are designed to host up to six guests in utmost comfort, providing a perfect retreat for both relaxation and entertainment. The resort's aquatic offerings are unparalleled, featuring three swimming pools set in idyllic tropical surroundings. Guests can enjoy a long, curvy pool adjacent to the beach, a pool on a sunny terrace above a scenic lagoon, and an indoor pool with glass partitions offering outdoor views, ensuring water-bound enjoyment regardless of the weather.
The Tiki Hut Bar serves tropical drinks and savory snacks for refreshments, perfect for poolside or beachside indulgence. Two bubbling hot tubs, including a secluded one near the Tiki Hut, offer pockets of relaxation and tranquility. Additional amenities, such as tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor gas grills, and a game arcade room, cater to a wide range of interests and activities, ensuring that every guest finds their perfect balance of leisure and adventure at Pelican Beach Resort.
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Nestled at the heart of Miramar Beach, the exclusive Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is a guard-gated sanctuary spanning 2,400 acres from the pristine white sands of the Gulf of Mexico to the tranquil Choctawhatchee Bay. This luxurious resort is a lush haven of forests and lagoons, boasting four championship golf courses that gracefully meander through the property, offering an unrivaled experience for all who visit.
The resort's centerpiece, Grand Boulevard, offers a slice of tropical urbanity with fine dining, boutique shopping, and entertainment, including a state-of-the-art Multiplex Theater with a VIP lounge. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, reminiscent of New Orleans' French Quarter, enchants with lively bars, family amusements, and festive events all year round, all accessible by a complimentary community tram service.
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort hosts a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and need. However, for those seeking the quintessence of beachfront luxury, the resort is home to three exceptional towers located directly on the shore, offering breathtaking views and immediate access to the Gulf's shimmering waters.
Beachside I & II
1-3 Bedrooms / 1-2 Bathrooms / 4-10 Guests
Within this spectrum of luxurious options are the Beachside Towers, two architecturally striking buildings that stand as beacons of relaxation and comfort beside the Gulf. Steps away from "The Beach House," a famed restaurant and bar, these towers offer stylishly furnished living spaces with expansive balconies that open up to the mesmerizing Gulf vistas. From cozy studio rentals perfect for romantic getaways to spacious three-bedroom condominiums ideal for families, Beachside Towers I & Beachside Towers II ensure a memorable stay with their array of amenities, including seasonally heated swimming pools, bubbling hot tubs, fitness centers, and lush sun decks.
Westwinds
1-2 Bedrooms / 1-2 Bathrooms / 4-6 Guests
Westwinds, another gem within Sandestin, offers a luxurious beachfront experience with one- and two-bedroom vacation rentals that accommodate four to six guests. Panoramic balconies open to breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. The resort boasts a tropical lagoon-shaped pool, a hot tub beside a cascading waterfall, and a sprawling pool patio. The seasonal Tiki Bar and on-site fitness center enhance the exclusive Westwinds experience, making every stay a memory to cherish.
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort embodies the pinnacle of luxury resort living, offering a diverse range of accommodations and amenities to satisfy the desires of every guest. From its lush landscapes and waterfront elegance to its world-class facilities, a stay at Sandestin is an invitation to indulge in the extraordinary.
Silver Shells Resort
3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / 8 Guests
In the heart of Destin lies Silver Shells Resort, an exclusive gated community that unfurls across thirty lush acres. This distinguished enclave is home to six luxury high-rise towers—St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Barth, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts—each a testament to the height of luxury living. While St. Thomas, St. Barth, and St. Kitts are exclusive to their owners, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Croix welcome vacationers with open arms, offering lavishly furnished residences that promise breathtaking balcony views and the ultimate in comfort.
Silver Shells St. Lucia, poised near the resort's entrance, gazes out over the Gulf, its residences framed by a canopy of palms, offering two and three-bedroom layouts for six to eight guests. St. Maarten, the flagship tower, boasts an unrivaled beachfront position with sunset vistas that captivate and enchant. Similarly, St. Croix enjoys a prime location overlooking a vast lagoon pool, merging indoor luxury with outdoor splendor.
Silver Shells Resort does not merely offer a stay but an experience, with access to a sprawling 7,500 square foot lagoon-like pool, a lap pool that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor leisure, and a suite of recreational amenities including tennis courts, a fitness club, and an on-site spa. This is where luxury meets the tranquility of the beach, creating a haven where every stay is more than a vacation—it's a retreat into a world of elegance and calm.
SunDestin
1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom / 4 Guests
SunDestin Beach Resort shines brightly in the heart of Destin, offering an exclusively gated slice of paradise directly on the beach. This majestic eighteen-story tower stands as a beacon of luxury, perched above a stretch of dazzling white sand that kisses the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf. Designed to accommodate every type of beach enthusiast, Sundestin boasts a selection of one and two-bedroom vacation residences, perfect for groups of four to six looking for their ideal beach getaway.
Guests at Sundestin are treated to not one but two swimming pools, ensuring a refreshing dip is always within reach. The outdoor pool, adjacent to the beach, features a spacious sun deck that offers seamless transitions from poolside relaxation to Gulf adventures. For the younger guests, a fun splash pad provides endless entertainment, while adults can savor their favorite drinks and snacks at the seasonal Tiki Bar. An outdoor grilling area invites families to enjoy barbecues under the sun, crafting memorable meals against the backdrop of the Gulf.
For those seeking enjoyment indoors, the resort's indoor pool—framed by a wall of windows—affords stunning views of the outdoor pool and beyond, complemented by a bubbling hot tub for ultimate relaxation. A fully equipped Fitness Center and an Arcade Game Room cater to both the health-conscious and the fun-seekers. Additionally, a convenient dining café and a beach provision shop ensure that every need is met without ever having to leave the comfort of Sundestin Beach Resort.
Sundestin isn't just a place to stay—it's a destination that promises a vacation filled with joy, relaxation, and an array of activities that cater to every member of the family.
Tops'l Beach & Racquet Resort
Tops'l Beach & Racquet Resort, nestled between Emerald Coast Parkway and the shimmering Gulf waters, claims its spot at the heart of marvelous Miramar Beach. Renowned as a top destination for tennis enthusiasts nationwide, the resort boasts an impressive array of professional Rubico clay tennis courts, complemented by multiple swimming pools for cooling off after a match. Spanning fifty-two lush acres, Tops'l provides a scenic private shoreline stretching 660 linear feet, offering guests exclusive access to the Gulf's pristine beauty.
Among the diverse accommodations Tops'l offers, Beach Manor stands out as the quintessential beachfront experience. Positioned directly on the beach, this fourteen-story marvel features residences designed to blend comfort with the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf.
Beach Manor
2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests
Beach Manor, the crown jewel of Tops'l Resort, rises majestically with balconies and patios offering unobstructed views of the Gulf's vast expanse. The two-bedroom residences are perfectly suited for six guests, making it an ideal retreat for families or groups seeking a serene beach vacation. Bordering the untouched natural beauty of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Beach Manor provides a unique opportunity to explore the park's exotic coastal dune lakes, abundant wildlife, and secluded sugary beaches.
The allure of Beach Manor extends beyond its luxurious accommodations. A Gulf-front swimming pool, nestled among palm trees, invites guests to relax in its tranquil waters or enjoy poolside cookouts at the nearby gas grilling stations. For a distinctive experience, a special hot tub housed in a glass-topped sunroom offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to soak in warmth while admiring the outdoors. Additional amenities include a landscaped putting course and a glass-walled fitness center with a cedar sauna, enhancing the wellness experience.
Tops'l Beach & Racquet Resort, with its esteemed Beach Manor, presents an unparalleled vacation destination, where guests can indulge in the luxury of beachfront living and the thrill of top-tier tennis facilities, all within the enchanting setting of Miramar Beach.
Embark on Your Beach Adventure in Destin
Discover the essence of a perfect beachfront vacation with Ocean Reef Resorts, where every condo offers a gateway to the pristine beaches of Destin and Miramar Beach. Dive into the luxury, charm, and tranquility of our handpicked resorts, each promising an unforgettable escape where the sand meets the sea, and every moment is a treasure waiting to be uncovered.
Let Ocean Reef Resorts be your guide to a beach vacation filled with laughter, relaxation, and memories that will linger long after the sunsets. With just a few clicks, your dream getaway is within reach—experience the joy of the beach in a place where every stay is more than just a vacation; it's a celebration of the coastal lifestyle. Book now, and let the waves beckon you to a world of unmatched beauty and serenity.
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Top 4 Kid-Friendly Resorts in Destin
If you're planning a beach vacation with kids, it's important to find accommodations that are kid-friendly. We want to make planning your Emerald Coast vacation as easy as possible, so we've identified the top four kid-friendly resorts in Destin for you.
