Discover the best places to stay and hotel values in Destin, Florida, a top family beach vacation area. Since Destin and Fort Walton beaches have been ranked among the "Top Three Best Family Destinations" for several consecutive years by Southern Living readers, this area of Florida's Panhandle should provide an exciting getaway for all ages. Remember that during the summer high season, hotel and condo prices may rise dramatically.
For general information, attraction and weather advice, and suggested rental agents for furnished homes, contact the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800/322-3319 or 850/651-7131.
Favorite Family Beach Hotels in and around Destin
Four Points By Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
1325 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
850/243-8116 or 800/325-3535
This hotel offers all of the modern amenities in its beachside, garden-view and poolside rooms. Added bonuses include the poolside Tiki hut, which serves lunch and beverages in season and is also available for parties and casual get-togethers. Children (5-12) can join the Beach Bums Club Children's Summer Program, available from June 1 to mid-August. It hosts a variety of activities such as exotic animals presentations, face painting, water days, and much more. A Parents Night Out is offered twice a week (6-10pm). Children under 18 stay free when sharing a room with parents.
Holiday Inn Destin
1020 Hwy. 98 E.
Destin, Florida 32541
888/465-4329 or 850/837-6181
Holiday Destin is a full-service hotel located directly on the emerald green Gulf of Mexico. The guest rooms offer all the modern amenities: cable television, voice mail, iron, hairdryer, and much more. Facilities include a kiddie pool, Jacuzzi, the Holidome (includes pool, whirlpool, sauna, exercise equipment, and free games), just to name a few. The Destin Café provides seasonal breakfast buffet and dinner, while the Deck provides seasonal beachside lunch. The Little Buccaneers provides children's activities from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Schedules and fees may vary. Those under 19 stay free when sharing a room with parents.
Ramada Plaza Beach Resorts
1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
800/874-8962 or 850/243-9161
The Ramada's many amenities include 335 guestrooms, a gift shop and boutique, fitness center, and Northwest Florida's largest swimming pool accentuated with a five-story Polynesian Island. In addition, there are sundecks and a kiddie pool for toddlers. For dining, there is the home-style southern cooking of the Garden Café, the Grotto Bar, the Lobby Bar, Bayou Country Bar-B-Que, and the Beach Bar. A minimum nights stay applies to the following weekends: Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Sandpiper Cove
775 Gulfshore Drive
Destin, Florida 32541
800/874-0448 or 850/837-9121
This 43-acre beachfront property includes nearly 600 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom, fully equipped, two-story condos. Each has linens, cookware, microwave, and cable television. Guests can sunbathe and swim in a choice of five swimming pools and three outdoor hot tubs. The property offers a golf course and lighted tennis courts. Full beach services with umbrellas, chairs, wave runners, kayaks, sailboat rentals, and beachside volley is also offered. The condominiums are located within a short distance from area restaurants, some accessible by water taxi. No pets are allowed.
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