Longing for a Caribbean Island retreat? Well, Florida’s Emerald Coast is perhaps the next best thing for those unable to travel far. It offers beaches with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and some excellent nightlife! Destin is the largest city in the area and is an excellent option for travelling on a budget this summer.
Because it’s spread out along the Gulf Coast, figuring out where to stay in Destin can seem a little daunting. The busy city centre is great for those that constantly need something to do, but where do you go if you just want to relax? It’s important to get your bearings a little before you book your trip, so you can enjoy the kind of staycation you’re looking for.
To help you out, we’ve created this guide on the best places to stay in Destin. We’ve included something for a variety of travel styles and budgets, so you can find the best one for your needs.
Don’t mind which neighborhood you’re staying in? If you’re bringing a car, getting around is quite easy. If you’re relying on public transport, take extra care with the erratic schedules.
Here are our top overall accommodation picks.
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The Lucky Dune Bird | Stylish Airbnb in Destin
We love the Airbnb Plus range for the excellent interior design and impeccable customer service, but sometimes it can get a little pricey. Thankfully, this two-bedroom apartment is very reasonably priced yet still comes with all the extras of Airbnb Plus! It features calming blue interiors and a large private balcony, and guests also have access to a beach locker with boogie boards!
Cabana Club | Beachfront on a Budget in Destin
When it comes to great condos in Destin, we really struggled to pick just one as our top choice. Cabana Club is not only stylish but also very affordable – which is why it holds our top spot for condos in the area. Crystal Beach is right on your doorstep, and the laidback vibes of the neighborhood are reflected in the interior design.
Pelican Beach | Laid Back Resort in Destin
This awesome resort offers one and two-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to six people and are designed to mimic condo living. On top of that, there are a couple of great restaurants, a water park, and a spa on-site. It’s the perfect blend of living independently while enjoying resort amenities, and is super close the beach!
Downtown Destin
Downtown Destin is the beating heart of the city and an absolute must-visit for anyone heading to the area! This is where you’ll find the bustling nightlife in the evenings, with bars, clubs, and fairground rides waiting to keep you entertained all night long.
Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is technically a separate city from Destin – but is only a ten or fifteen-minute drive from Downtown. For this reason, we think it’s a great alternative for families that want to balance peace and quiet with plenty of options for keeping the kids entertained.
Crystal Beach
Sandwiched between Downtown Destin and Miramar Beach, Crystal Beach offers the best of both worlds. It is one of the more upmarket neighbourhoods in the city, making it the perfect retreat for a couple’s holiday.
Destin’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
The best place to stay in Destin really depends on what you want out of your trip! Thankfully, there’s a little something for everyone, so keep reading for our top picks. We’ve also included our favourite accommodation and things to do in each.
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1. Downtown – Overall Best Place to Stay in Destin
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown Destin: Take in the stunning coastline from the comfort of a tour boat with Crab Island Cruises.
- BEST Place to Visit in Downtown Destin: The Destin Harbour Boardwalk for its great bars, restaurants, and boutiques – as well as boating activities for all levels.
Downtown Destin is the beating heart of the city and an absolute must-visit for anyone heading to the area! This is where you’ll find the bustling nightlife in the evenings, with bars, clubs, and fairground rides waiting to keep you entertained all night long. Even during the day, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants catering to all tastes, as well as the most popular outdoor shopping area along the Boardwalk.
Families will enjoy Downtown Destin thanks to the watersports and theme parks on offer. There are a few campgrounds in the north where you can pitch up your motorhome – although the Florida Airbnbs on offer in the neighborhood are very budget-friendly and offer some additional comfort.
Public transport isn’t the best in Destin, but you can overcome this by staying downtown. Alongside the many tour companies offering excursions to other parts of the Emerald Coast, there are plenty of shuttles on offer. These usually take you directly from the city centre to the most popular tourist neighborhoods nearby.
The Lucky Dune Bird | Lavish Apartment in Downtown Destin
Stylish and modern, this Airbnb Plus apartment is perfect if you have a little extra to spend. The balcony enjoys panoramic views of the sunset, and the main Downtown area is only a two-minute walk away. The calming blue furnishings create an easy-going and relaxing atmosphere – perfect if you just need to unwind during your trip.
Renovated Condo with Spectacular Views | Beachfront Condo
This stunning beachfront condo is perfect if you’re planning a city beach escape. It’s been recently renovated and is modern throughout, with large balcony doors letting in plenty of natural light and stunning views of the Gulf. Up to six guests can stay here, making it the perfect base for groups and families.
Pelican Beach | Laid Back Resort in Downtown Destin
Can’t decide between a hotel or a condo? With Resorts of Pelican Beach, you get the best of both worlds! They offer one and two-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to six people and are designed to mimic condo living. On top of that, there are a couple of great restaurants, a water park, and a spa on-site.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Destin
- Lucky’s Rotten Apple is an excellent nightclub with regular drinks offers and a pulsing atmosphere throughout the week.
- Looking for an older crowd? Ocean Club is known for its classy atmosphere and upmarket clientele.
- Fudpucker’s Beach Bar and Grill is another excellent nightlife venue – a bit more laid back than the clubs, and with reasonable prices.
- Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is packed with more than 40 attractions, including huge slides, a lazy river, and wave pools.
- Wet-n-Wild Watersports offer a variety of activities, such as windsurfing, paragliding, and jet-skiing – plus a few great options for younger kids.
- There are far too many great restaurants to list in this article, but we do really love Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant!
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Miramar Beach – Best Place to Stay in Destin for Families
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Miramar Beach: Take a trip onboard the Solaris – the dinner cruise offered by Sandestin Yacht Club.
- BEST Place to Visit in Miramar Beach: The Village of Baytowne Wharf is packed with family-friendly amusements and boutique stores.
Miramar Beach is technically a separate city from Destin – but is only a ten or fifteen-minute drive from Downtown (and Florida by car is the best way to go). For this reason, we think it’s a great alternative for families that want to balance peace and quiet with plenty of options for keeping the kids entertained. Nearby Sandestin is one of the most popular attractions in the area, but there’s so much more on offer.
Miramar Beach itself is a lot quieter than the inner city offerings but comes with the same white sands and turquoise sea. There is a shuttle that connects the neighborhood with Downtown Destin, so even those without a car can reach this neighborhood easily. If you just need to kick back and relax with the family, you can’t go wrong with Miramar Beach!
The Crescent | Elegant Family Home in Miramar Beach
With a balcony facing the waterfront, this calming home is perfect for an easy-going getaway on the Gulf Coast! As it is a corner unit, the balcony wraps around the building, giving you panoramic views across the area. The Silver Sands Outlet Mall is only a short walk away – perfect for picking up some designer bargains.
Ariel Dunes by Seascape | Idyllic Hotel in Miramar Beach
This hotel is perfect for families seeking the added convenience of hotel living. It comes with two laid back dining venues, one of which is on the beach! Alongside the three swimming pools, guests also enjoy access to tennis courts and a large indoor fitness centre. Each self-contained unit comes with a kitchenette that is adequate for a short self-catering stay.
The Salty Emerald | Bright and Breezy Apartment in Miramar Beach
This two-bedroom apartment is perfect for larger families heading to Destin. Up to six guests can stay here, and the master bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom. There is a large balcony with views right over the ocean, which is only a two-minute walk from the front door. Guests are also given XPlorie access, meaning big discounts and even free entry to major attractions.
Things to See and Do in Miramar Beach
- Head to Seascape, a large resort area that encompasses a golf course and multiple sports courts. They also offer water sports equipment hire and are open to the public.
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets is a large designer outlet just north of the neighborhood offering incredible prices on luxury goods.
- Get away from the bustling city at Coffeen Nature Preserve; there’s a great walk leading towards Fuller Lake.
- The Whale’s Tail Beach Bar and Grill is run by Ariel Dune by Seascape, but it is open to all and offers a laid-back dining experience on the beach.
- Pino Gelato Café is one of the best places to go for an ice cream. .
3. Crystal Beach – Where to Stay in Destin for Couples
- COOLEST Thing to Do Crystal Beach: Enjoy endless rounds of golf at the two biggest courses in the city – Kelly Plantation and Emerald Bay.
- BEST Place to Visit Crystal Beach: Enjoy the upmarket vibes at James Lee Beach – but make sure to arrange beach service in advance.
Sandwiched between Downtown Destin and Miramar, Crystal Beach offers the best of both worlds. It is one of the more upmarket neighborhoods in the city, making it the perfect retreat for a couple’s holiday. If you’re happy to splurge a little, Crystal Beach is definitely the place to be.
The vast beach has a lot of the atmosphere of Downtown Destin without going overboard. Head further inland and you will discover the best shopping destination in the city. At night, Crystal Beach is home to ambient cocktail bars and romantic restaurants with sunset views and candlelit vibes.
Chateau La Mer | Pet Friendly Pied-à-Terre in Crystal Beach
Bringing the family fido along? Chateau La Mer isn’t just welcoming to pets; it’s also well located so you can take them on plenty of walks during your stay. There are bikes available for guests to use, which is a great romantic activity at sunrise. The interiors are minimalist and calm. This is our top pick for couples visiting Destin.
RealJoy Vacations | Coastal Townhouse in Crystal Beach
Visiting as a large group? This townhouse is the best accommodation for you. Sleeping no less than 18 people in five bedrooms, it is located right on the beachfront in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Destin. Guests are given complimentary beach service (two chairs and an umbrella) through the peak season. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Cabana Club | Budget-Friendly Condo in Crystal Beach
Leave all your worries at home and unwind in this gorgeous yet affordable beachfront condo! There is a small balcony with views directly over the ocean, as well as a seating area where you can admire the sunset. The spacious bathroom comes with a bath and a separate walk-in shower. Silver Shells Premium Outlets is nearby – perfect for couples looking to indulge in some retail therapy.
Things to See and Do in Crystal Beach
- Southern Cross Equestrian Centre offers horse rental as well as a few taster sessions for beginners.
- Destin Commons Shopping Centre is the largest mall in the area. The surrounding streets are also home to high street brands and boutiques.
- Take a romantic stroll through Henderson State Park – or rent a bike and take a ride along the path that hugs the beach.
- 790 on the Gulf is an excellent restaurant offering modern takes on cajun seafood – perfect for date night.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Destin
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Destin and where to stay.
What To Pack For Destin
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Destin
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Destin
Destin is a gorgeous resort on the Gulf Coast with a great mix of white sandy beaches, bustling nightlife zones, and peaceful suburbs. If you’re looking for the perfect budget staycation in the US this summer, Destin will definitely delight.
If you really can’t decide between the three neighborhoods, we especially love Crystal Beach! Its location between Downtown and Miramar Beach gives you a good balance between calm beach resorts and quick access to the more vibrant nightlife areas. It is a little pricier than the other two neighborhoods, but well worth the cost if you’re looking to splurge.
That being said, all the neighborhoods mentioned in this guide come with their pros and cons. Even in the more expensive areas, Destin is one of the most budget-friendly staycation destinations.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Florida instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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