Best all inclusive resorts in destin florida

Miles of gorgeous beaches, beautiful nature trails, coastlines dotted with oak and pine trees, exciting water parks and animals thriving in their natural habitats — it’s no surprise that families flock to Destin in vacay mode!

The Emerald Coast shows all signs of a promising getaway with its tons of immaculately-maintained golf courses and the fine, white sand of its spectacular beaches by the Gulf of Mexico.

Planning a trip for the entire family can be quite a hassle, especially when you’re probably juggling a job and managing the household and parenting full time!

(Whew! You go, girl!)

It’s no easy job and that’s why, to make things a little easier, here’s a list of my top picks for the best family resorts in Destin, Florida.

On this list of where to stay in Destin with family, you’ll find a range of hotels with different amenities and features, but the one thing that remains constant is their kid-friendly and family-friendly vibes.

Take a look; you may just find “The One” for your next big family break in Destin!

1. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf And Beach Resort

This sprawling resort will have all the golf fans going gaga over it, given its proximity to a ton of the most beautiful turfs in Destin!

While dad (or mom) is swinging away to glory, either at the turfs closeby or the resort’s 4 golf courses, the tiny tots can enjoy a ton of activities at the resort’s kids’ club.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort boasts a total of 1,600 rooms, broken down into 4 different blocks and 30 different areas.

Each area comes with its own themed decor and price tag; regardless, all rooms show off some pretty classy, upscale decor!

Families can take their pick among standard rooms, villas, townhomes or condos, depending on their brood size and budget.

Owing to its prime location on Miramar Beach, guests are just 20 minutes away from a ton of family-friendly beach fun, including activities such as snorkeling and surfing.

Walk to the village for some shopping, local grub and entertainment, or stay in and enjoy the resort’s 15 tennis courts, 19 pools (complete with pool games), sauna, fitness center, miles of beautiful beachfront, and a range of restaurants.

2. Henderson Beach Resort

Henderson Beach Resort

Don’t forget to carry tons of sunscreen if you’re headed to The Henderson Beach Resort — this family-friendly resort is the perfect place for seemingly endless days in the sun!

Sip on a drink, catch up with the latest Sophie Kinsella or Clive Cussler and work on your tan, while the tykes enjoy the emerald-green waters at the resort’s beachfront area.

Rooms at the Henderson come with fantastic views of the ocean (not all of them, though, so ask for an ocean-facing room).

Every room comes with a flat-screen TV, so you can finally find out what happened to Daenerys, or give in to that urge of binge-watching “This Is Us” that you’ve harbored for months, sans the guilt!

Or better yet, grab some popcorn, gather the family and watch a family-favorite flick, carrying over your family-bonding time from the long day at the beach to your room!

The resort is also a few minutes worth of walking away from the Henderson Beach State Park, making it easy to get to the area’s fun spots and saving you a ton of time and dollars while you’re at it.

The resort also has a great bar, fitness center and restaurant, and is also pet friendly.

Also See:
Family Hotels in Miami
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3. Hampton Inn and Suites, Destin

Hampton Inn And Suites Destin

For the perfect combination of in-house entertainment and outdoor fun, head to the Hampton Inn and Suites.

A sure-fire contender on any list of family places to stay in Destin, Florida, this resort comes with an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen-TV-equipped rooms, while also being situated close to many of the tourist attractions in the area, such as the Big Kahuna’s Water Park.

Guests can enjoy a sumptuous continental spread for breakfast each morning.

While the kids splash about in the pool, parents can either burn off some calories in the resort’s fitness center or squeeze in some work-time at the in-room work desks.

Depending on when you visit, you can also soak in the festive spirit and enjoy different festivals at the HarborWalk Village, such as the Destin Seafood Festival or the Destin Boat Parade.

Related: Best Things to Do in Destin

4. Club Destin

Club Destin

Club Destin is one of the best choices among Destin Florida family resorts for those whose jam lies in the Great Outdoors, whether it’s exciting rides at parks or just a walk to reconnect with Mother Nature.

The resort lies a stone’s throw away from the Henderson State Park, as well as the Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park, letting you decide whether you want a relaxed afternoon walking on the beach or an adrenalin-rush-inducing time at the slides and rides in the park.

You can also stay in and enjoy all that the resort’s beautiful rooms have to offer, including a fully-equipped kitchen and gorgeous terrace.

Cook a fabulous dinner; turn it into a family affair by getting the kids and your spouse to help and enjoy your room-cooked dinner on the terrace as the sun goes down and the cool breeze gently runs its hands through your hair.

Related: Things to Do in Destin, Florida with Kids

5. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort And Spa

As the name suggests, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa is a haven for those who enjoy spa sessions and golf!

However, the hotel’s entertainment isn’t limited to just those two amenities — take your pick from the 15 tennis courts, the 3 pools, the kids’ game room full of arcade games or the many shops for some last-minute souvenir-hunting.

Families at this resort are also spoilt for choice when it comes to food; the resort’s restaurants serve up a range of Gordon-Ramsay-approval-worthy dishes, from steak to burgers to sushi.

Also See:
Miami Beach Hotels for Families
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Kid Friendly Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

6. Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa by Wyndham Vacation Rentals

Silver Shells Beach Resort And Spa By Wyndham Vacation Rentals

The Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is the whole package — a sauna, fitness center, internet facilities, restaurant, tennis court, family rooms, free parking and gorgeous views to wake up and fall asleep to.

Families staying at this kid-friendly rental in Destin, Florida, are treated to beach-view rooms (the beach is a mere 5-minute walk away), full-day spa sessions at the resort’s classy spa, an indoor and outdoor pool and 2 hot tubs to unwind in after a vigorous day of water games and beach activities.

7. The Island Ft Walton Destin by Hotel RL

The Island Ft Walton Destin By Hotel Rl

The Island Ft Walton Beach Resort by Hotel RL, or The Island, as it is popularly known, is bang on the beach.

No, not a short walk away; you walk out of the hotel to find yourself on the hotel’s 600 feet of beautiful beachfront! 

To further sweeten the deal, the resort offers a range of some pretty great ocean-facing accommodation, from standard rooms to suites, from where you can catch splendid sunrise and sunset views.

Enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center, swim in the outdoor heated pool or soak in the hot tub till all of you become wrinkled prunes!

You and the better half could also enjoy a delicious dinner at any of the resort’s 3 restaurants and get a drink at the resort’s 2 watering holes, ending your day on a relaxed yet intimate and romantic note. 

The resort is also situated close to many attractions such as the Island Watersports Company and the Dueling Piano Bar, to name a few.

Also See:
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8. Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

Courtyard By Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

The Marriott enjoys a global presence, highly popular for the luxurious experiences it provides guests, the efficient staff and a range of family-friendly amenities.

The Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard is no exception; it is a must consider among all kid-friendly resorts in Destin, Florida.

One of the hotel’s selling points is its restaurants and sinfully delicious food, with hot breakfasts, dinners and a range of dining options for the little ones as well as mom and dad.

Rooms are classy, with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi to “Netflix and chill”.

Apart from the beach, families can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, explore the many walking and running trails in the area or head to the closeby golf course.

The Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is barely 1.5 miles away for those looking to get away from the noise of the city and be amidst the silence and beauty of nature.

9. Wingate by Wyndham Destin

Wingate By Wyndham Destin

The Wingate by Wyndham Destin enjoys a super-convenient location, merely minutes away from top attractions such as the beach, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Destin Harbor.

With so much to do around, your vacation will seem to fly by!

Enjoy water games and rides at the Adventure Park or explore Destin Harbor and discover its treasure trove of restaurants.

The hotel also offers a pretty awesome continental spread for breakfast, ensuring you and your family start the day on the right note!

The hotel also has a great fitness center and business center, as well as services such as laundry, newspapers, a 24-hour front desk and parking.

10. Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Residence Inn Sandestin At Grand Boulevard

The Grand Boulevard comes with classy, family-friendly accommodation, a superb fitness center and a complimentary breakfast.

When you’re not lounging about the outdoor pool area or exploring the nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State, the beach, or the many shopping centers and restaurants, chill in your room watching your favorite TV shows on the flat-screen TV.

You could also smash a few aces in the hotel’s tennis court, or enjoy some golf at the nearby turf.

Like the Henderson, the Grand Boulevard is pet friendly, so bring Toto along for some all-inclusive family time!

Related: Best Hotels in Destin

11. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Emerald Grande At Harborwalk Village

This sprawling resort enjoys a prime location in one of Destin’s most popular tourist attractions — the HarborWalk Village, the center for great dining, shopping, entertainment and spectacular views of the harbor.

Families staying at the Emerald Grande can enjoy spacious accommodation in condos that come equipped with laundry facilities, fully-equipped kitchens, gorgeous balconies and elegant decor (which varies from unit to unit).

Kids can enjoy a range of activities in the Emerald Grande, such as their fun game room, a playground following a nautical theme, and a super-fun funkily-shaped outdoor pool.

Despite the lack of direct beach access (you just have to cross the street to get to the beach), the Emerald Grande is a great option to consider for a Destin Florida family vacation.

Related: Best Family Vacations on A Budget

The Parting Note

There is no dearth of options on the list of “Destin Florida Resorts for Families”; the area is teeming with resorts that can give you and your family the perfect mix of entertainment and relaxation, resulting in an amazing vacation experience.

Whether its gorgeously-blue pools filled with silky water, the dynamic emerald-green sparkling waters of the ocean and the white, sandy beaches or proximity to centers for shopping, entertainment, dining and tourism, these hotels strive to provide them all to visiting families.

Do keep them in mind for your next big Florida family vacay, or you can check them out and start booking your vacation packages right away!

Also See:
Family Friendly Hotels in Key West
Naples Family Resorts

List of image sources

11 Best Destin Florida Family Resorts of 2022

Best Family Resorts In Destin Florida
  • Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
  • Henderson Beach Resort
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
  • Club Destin
  • Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
  • Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
  • The Island Ft Walton Destin by Hotel RL
  • Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
  • Wingate by Wyndham Destin
  • Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
  • Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

11 Best Family Resorts in Destin,
Florida — All Ages Love!

Does Florida have any true all

Lucie River about an hour north of West Palm Beach, Club Med Sandpiper Bay prides itself as the only true all-inclusive resort in the United States, meaning that travelers pay a flat rate for the room, food, drinks and activities.

What is the difference between Destin and Sandestin?

Sandestin is a community development located near Destin–roughly 8 miles to the east. Despite their similar names, Sandestin and Destin are not the same community. In fact, they're located in two different counties! Sandestin is in Walton County, whereas Destin is located in Okaloosa County.

What time of year is the water clearest in Destin?

Summer is also the best time to visit Crab Island in Destin. Crab Island will have the most clear water days and comfortable swimming/wading temperatures than any other season.

What is so special about Destin Florida?

Destin is "the world's luckiest fishing village" because the edge of the Continental Shelf -- the gathering place for blackfin tuna, grouper, amberjack, and king mackerel -- is just 20 miles offshore.