Sandestin is an exclusive golf and beach resort on Florida's Emerald Coast, with premium resorts and hotels peppering miles of white-sand beaches. Outdoor activities are plentiful, from deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and live entertainment to dinner cruises and canoeing in Choctawhatchee Bay. Sit back and relax on the green of a nearby golf course, or head to Grand Boulevard to explore a wide array of upscale restaurants and shops. Sandestin’s amenities are nothing short of incredible. Below are eight of our favorite things to do in Sandestin.
Relax on the sugar-white sand beaches
On the hunt for breathtaking beachfront living? Look no further than Sandestin, Florida, where you can enjoy sugar-white sand as far as the eye can see. Sandestin’s resorts are perfect for beachgoers eager to spend a day surrounded by sand, sea, and surf. Families with children will especially enjoy the soft sand, perfect for building sandcastles or picking up a fun game of beach volleyball. The crystal-clear waters make it ideal for leisurely swims, boogie boarding, and snorkeling. Many waterways boast kayak and paddleboard rentals, allowing you to get up close and personal with Florida’s natural beauty and diverse marine life, such as dolphins, pelicans, and manatees. Florida’s delightful year-round climate makes romantic walks on the beach at sunset and oceanfront picnics a regular occurrence.
Play a round of golf on one of Sandestin's championship courses
Golf aficionados flock to Sandestin for its four world-famous championship golf courses. Sandestin golf is unlike any other. Whether you're a seasoned pro or fresh to the game, you'll surely enjoy a round of golf on one of Sandestin's pristine courses. With stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay, pine forests, marshland, and more, Sandestin’s The Links, Baytowne Golf Club, Raven Golf Club, and Burnt Pine Golf Club (members only) offer first-rate golfing on verdant greens surrounded by mesmerizing natural beauty. All four courses offer their own features, from challenging greens to par-71 layouts. Sandestin's golf courses are just steps away from the resort's luxurious accommodations and amenities. Sandestin offers golf packages as well as memberships.
Work up a sweat at the fitness center
Sandestin boasts a cutting-edge gym outfitted with all the latest training gear and Cardio Theater entertainment that will help you stay on track with your regular workout routine. Enjoy the stunning vistas of Choctawhatchee Bay while taking advantage of the facility's steam room, dry sauna, showers, and locker rooms. Membership access includes group classes such as pilates, personal training options, and deep tissue massages.
Discover the Baytowne Marina
The vibrant Baytowne Marina is adjacent to Sandestin's Village and offers a comprehensive range of services. In this thriving boater’s paradise, guests can rent pontoon boats, YOLO SUP boards, Wave Runners, light tackle fishing charters, and more. The marina provides all the essentials for a day on Florida’s picturesque waters, including poles, hooks, lures, and more.
Daily and annual slips are available at Baytowne Marina for boats up to 140 feet long. A team of highly trained staff will gladly set up tee times, dinner reservations, tram transportation, and more as a part of the marina's personalized concierge service. Golf cart rentals are available to marina guests, and boaters can use Sandestin's 20,000-gallon fueling capacity. Prices for short-term dockage range from $4.50 per foot per day to $30 per foot per month when available. Baytowne Marina is a designated Clean Marina by the state of Florida's Clean Marina Program. The public can use 90% of the slips, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy a premier Northwest Florida tennis experience
Sandestin serves up exclusive lessons with seasoned pros, a top-tier Junior Tennis program, and exciting Round Robin events for players of all skill levels on its 12 world-class HydroGrid clay courts, three hard tennis courts, and six pickleball courts. Customizable programs explicitly designed for individual guests are also available.
Dine at some of the best restaurants on the Emerald Coast
From special occasions and romantic date nights to family gatherings or laid-back seafood joints, Sandestin’s culinary scene is one for the books. For an authentic Sandestin fine dining experience, look no further than the resort’s vast array of popular eateries. Here you'll find some of the best cuisine along the Emerald Coast, prepared by expert chefs who pair local ingredients with freshly caught seafood, homemade pasta, and more. Savor traditional Mexican delicacies, Floridian coastal cuisine, and just about everything else at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's 20-plus restaurants and bistros. Get a jump start on your day while enjoying breakfast with a bay view at Marina Bar and Grill, or sport your sun-kissed tan during a romantic dinner for two at Ovide, Hotel Effie's signature restaurant and one of the best restaurants in Sandestin. Sandestin takes pleasure in creating an unforgettable experience both on and off the plate, so wherever you go, you can anticipate incredible flavors and spectacular attractions.
Shop ‘til you drop at Sandestin's local luxury boutiques
If you're looking for a shopping destination teeming with high-end shops, boutiques, and specialty stores, you’re in the right place. Bursting at the seams with designer fashion brands, high-end jewelry, and beachwear for the whole family, Sandestin shopping is the perfect way to get your retail fix while enjoying a pleasant afternoon. Grab a new piece of clothing for your wardrobe at Barefoot Princess, or purchase a new bathing suit at Island Clothiers.
Explore Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf boasts a combination of unique shops, award-winning restaurants, intriguing art galleries, vibrant nightlife, and a packed schedule of entertaining events and festivals. Charming boutiques, lively restaurants, and arcades wind around a picturesque and tranquil small body of water, where guests can enjoy ziplining and other thrilling attractions. While here, ride the carousel, venture out to a bar for a cocktail, or explore the wharf’s first-class retail scene, which includes everything from trendy designer wear to premium fishing equipment.
If you're looking for a relaxing and luxurious primary residence, investment property, or vacation home, look no further than Sandestin. With its assortment of deluxe amenities, proximity to Miramar and Destin, and incredible housing options, it's easy to see why this exclusive enclave is so popular. Ready to start your journey? Contact Bremer Group Real Estate, whose team of talented and successful real estate professionals can make finding your dream home a breeze.