10 Things to Do in Sandestin That You Shouldn't Miss

January 12, 2018 Mollie Coke

Sandestin, located on the Emerald Coast of Florida, is known for its stunning white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Originally a tiny fishing village, the destination is now popular with tourists and welcomes millions of visitors each year. Sandestin is a spectacular setting for tourists to participate in a range of beach and water-based activities. Discover the beauty of Sandestin’s beaches and bask in the glorious heat of the sun. Take a dip in the clear waters, or do something adventurous like snorkeling, boating or water skiing. Seek out one of Sandestin’s many golf courses and play a round of golf or two. If you rent a bike you can explore this region on wheels. Casual and fine dining restaurants are abundant in Sandestin. Go to Roberto’s Pizzeria for fine pizza and pasta. For fresh seafood, try the excellent Finz, or for hot dogs and a beer visit Trader Tom’s Dogs & Suds. Find authentic New Orleans Creole food at New Orleans Creole Cookery, and then top it off with a delicious dessert at Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream. When the sun sets, Sandestin truly comes alive and it is easy to find buzzing nightlife. Ballyhoo Bar offers tourists comfort and relaxation. Here, guests can enjoy a drink while looking over the Grand Lawn. For beers and wines from all over the world, try Lumpy’s Wine Bar. For live music and entertainment, head to Rum Runners bar. Sandestin offers endless shopping opportunities. Take a trip to My Favorite Things, a superb gift store that sells handbags, pottery, and more. For more upscale souvenirs, shop for fine jewelry and more at Baytowne Jewelers.
Restaurants in Sandestin

1. Kitchenique

12590 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL 32541 +1 850-837-0432
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 153 reviews

Kitchenique

The Kitchenique Cooking School has moved to a new location: The Cuvee Catering Center behind Community bank on Highway 98 2 miles east of our old location. We also have a small retail location at the Retail Therapy mini mall at 4552 US Hwy 98W in Santa Rosa Beach Fl.

Reviewed By mskazooli - Destin, Florida

Vicki makes this the most fun way to learn about cooking. We attended the Tim Creehan version and loved the food and the learning process! If you are ever in town be sure and check to see if she is offering classes. You will get a wonderful meal taught in great surroundings, she even sells great wines to go with dinner. I love this place, don't ever close this down!!

2. SunQuest Cruises

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W, Sandestin, FL 32550-7268
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

SunQuest Cruises

Embark on a truly memorable experience. Cruise through your next dinner, Destin wedding or reception, meeting or event aboard SunQuest Cruise’s SOLARIS yacht in Sandestin. Sunset Fireworks Dinner Cruises every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer. Rated as one of the top things to do in Destin, the 125′ SOLARIS yacht features three decks with indoor and outdoor waterfront space for up to 150 people. An amazing alternative to waterfront and seafood restaurants in Destin Florida as we take it ON the water and INTO the sunset. The SOLARIS cruises year-round from Sandestin, rain or shine for weekly fine dining, dancing and sunset cruises. The SOLARIS takes Destin restaurants and waterfront dining to the next level as you indulge in award-winning cuisines while cruising into the sunset. Our fine dining menus include prime seafood and fresh, local Gulf seafood. Voted as the best venue for Destin Florida weddings by readers of the Knot for 7 consecutive years and 2016 WeddingWire Couples Choice award winner, a SOLARIS wedding also includes experienced wedding planners, a breathtaking, open-air sky deck, flexible Destin wedding packages and award-winning cuisines. This is where amazing is unforgettable. Plus enjoy an all-inclusive experience at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Whether you looking for things for your group to do, seeking an event venue or meeting facilities, the SOLARIS is a unique option, offering inspiring waterfront spaces for any event. Private and semi-private cruise packages available that include experienced event planners. Leave your worries in our wake! The SOLARIS is conveniently located at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, providing an all-inclusive experience. Cruise through your dinner, wedding or event and then stay on property for a worry-free experience. The Sandestin Resort features a variety of accommodations, transportation, entertainment and more.

Reviewed By legalluke - Greenville, South Carolina

I'm a foodie. French heritage (I Age my beef, marinate etc. ) and I was BLOWN away by the filet mignon. Didn't expect this quality on a " port cruise" b

The extras quickly run up if you're not careful. But heck you're on vacation. If you indulge in everything (appetizers, souvenir drink cups, bottle of wine , souvenir picture) you can spend 125-145$/per person. But it's worth it.

The staff is very pleasant and attentive. The cruise is alright. Nothing to write home about. Fireworks are above average. Timing by the captain can make or break the arrival and show. Our guy nailed it.

Definitely do it. Worth every penny.

3. Topsail Beach State Preserve

7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459-3532 (850) 267-8330
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 404 reviews

Topsail Beach State Preserve

With three miles of beach, this state beach appeals to nature lovers.

Reviewed By viajamujer - viajamujer

Lots of sites! Not much space between sites but people didn't seem unhappy about it. Our site was near the Camp Store so we had amazing internet - they have a cupola with benches for others to use to get wifi. It's a really pretty park with tons of trails and a huge long untouched beach front. Squeeeky sugar sand! Lovely.

4. Raven Golf Club

9300 US Highway 98 W, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sandestin, FL 32550-7268 +1 800-622-1038
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Raven Golf Club

The newest addition to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the Raven features a challenging course with a gorgeous natural backdrop.

Reviewed By Jim R - Tampa, Florida

To start off, this is one of the prettiest golf courses I have ever played. We played in late June and the conditions were great. From the moment you drop your bag at the curb, the staff is friendly and welcoming.

There seems to be water on just about every hole. Most of it doesn't come into play, as my wife says. However it came into play for me on three occasions. I would recommend this course to anyone who happens to be in the area will plans to travel here.

5. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

495 Grand Blvd, Suite 220, Miramar Beach, FL 32550-1403 +1 850-837-3099
Excellent
62%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin(R) is the shop, work, play and stay Town Center that offers one grand experience. Shop specialty retailers such as The Orvis Company, Anthropologie, Kinnucan's, Pottery Barn, Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines and J. McLaughlin. Guests can enjoy great restaurants such as Emeril's Coastal Italian, everkrisp, P. F. Chang's China Bistro, Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and more. See the latest movies at state-of-the-art 10 screen Boulevard 10 Cinema. Two Marriott hotels are also conveniently located within the Town Center. Grand Boulevard is located at the entrance to Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort. More stores and restaurants are set to open including Peter Millar, Hemline and Vin'tij.

Reviewed By allisonb825 - Atlanta, Georgia

This outdoor shop complex has it all from fine dinning to shopping. You can shop, eat and drink all within walking distance.
They even had a farmers market on Saturday! Great idea to take back fresh tomatoes. The Craft Bar and Wine Bar were wonderful.
The the shops. See you next time!!!

6. Henderson Beach State Park

17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541-3343 +1 850-837-7550
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Henderson Beach State Park

Reviewed By burghughes - Greendale, Wisconsin

We were driving to Orlando and stopped for a few hours. We had driven along the coast in Destin previously and loved the turquoise water, so we decided to try this park.

I have been to a lot of beaches, including one in the Philippines that consistently ranks among the top 10 in the world, but I have never seen a beach I liked more than this. The sand is very soft and white. The surf is various shades of green to turquoise to blue. There are dunes bordering the beach.

We were there the Monday after Easter, so spring break for many school districts, yet the beach did not feel crowded. There is more than enough parking right by the beach. Even though we were there mid-day the picnic areas were almost empty. The covered picnic areas are great, and raised just enough to see the water over the dunes. There are grills adjacent.

Everything was in good condition, including picnic areas walkways, and beach showers. We will definitely return for a much longer stay

7. Baytowne Adventure Zone

9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Sandestin, FL 32550-1815
Excellent
51%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 28 reviews

Baytowne Adventure Zone

Get an aerial view of The Village of Baytowne Wharf and its surroundings as you soar across the lagoon on the Baytowne Zipline, test your balance and agility on the Sky Trail Ropes Course . If you still haven't had enough fun and excitement, the Rock Wall and Eurobungy are Destin attractions sure to thrill you.

Reviewed By Megan W - Magnolia, Arkansas

We bought the large package to use while staying in Sandestin. Kids had a ball with the various activities. The staff were extremely patient with our young kids, and were very kind when my little girl got scared at the top of the zip line...MoreThank you so much for the nice review, Megan. We're so happy you and your family enjoyed your time in the village. We hope to see you again soon!

8. Burnt Pine Golf Club

9300 US Highway 98 W, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sandestin, FL 32550-7268 +1 850-267-8112
Excellent
90%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 17 reviews

Burnt Pine Golf Club

Reviewed By Howard R - Oakton, Virginia

Best course in the area by far. The excellent service started with Mike from Pittsburgh at the front desk. Libby in the cart is always great and the check in fellas were great.
The course is very challenging and has great water views. Don't miss this course if you are playing golf in the area.

9. Crystal Sands Beach

Destin, FL
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 406 reviews

Crystal Sands Beach

Reviewed By Nomad314 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We rented a house here while looking to purchase a winter home. To our surprise dogs are not allowed on the beach and there is not even a designated dog section. Just flat out not allowed. While I understand the potential concerns while we stayed St. Augustine the week before, the dog friendly beaches were clean, everyone was respectful and cleanup after their pet.
Destin doesn’t have much to do if you can’t access the beaches and it’s our first and last trip here.

10. Blast Arcade & Laser Maze

The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, FL +1 850-654-3333
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 22 reviews

Blast Arcade & Laser Maze

Reviewed By Douglas H

We booked the room and when we arrived they were still cleaning it up... We waited and then set up the party. Minutes before the party was over they came in and started spraying cleaner on the tables right in front of the kids. Rushing us out before the party had ended. Bad business bad management!!!!#

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