Discover how to enjoy Sandestin this year, from beach-to-bay activities and golf to dining and events, plus where to stay with Sandestin FL vacation rentals.
A Guide to Sandestin Vacation Rentals & Much More
Widely regarded as one of the best resorts in Florida(no small claim in a state filled with resort destinations!), Sandestin is not a traditional beach town. Rather than a single strip of sand lined with hotels, this is a resort community that was designed to be experienced from multiple angles.
The Gulf side delivers classic Emerald Coast beaches, while the bay side offers quieter water, marinas, and sunset views that slow the pace.
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. If you're looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we offer a wide range of options to suit every preference.
As local experts, we know the area inside and out. Check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast; from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides, it's all there.
Today, this guide walks through what makes Sandestin work so well as an all-in-one destination, including its outstanding Sandestin Vacation Rentals and much more.
TL;DR
- Let the day unfold while exploring Sandestin's beachside.
- Trade the waves for water adventures on the bay.
- Play one of several scenic rounds while golfing in Sandestin.
- Enjoy miles of beautifully kept biking and walking trails.
- Browse boutique shopping and dining at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
- Mark the calendar for seasonal festivals and events.
- Find great places to eat in and around Sandestin.
- Venture out on easy day trips and nearby places to explore.
- Experience resort living at its best with Sandestin vacation rentals.
Exploring Sandestin's Beachside
There's no doubt that the Gulf-facing beaches are what first draw many visitors to Sandestin, and they deliver immediately: soft, white sand meets calm, turquoise water, creating ideal conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply spending a long afternoon by the shore.
You can lounge right on the shore, with private beachfront areas available to resort guests, often offering complimentary chairs and umbrellas.
For those venturing beyond the resort boundaries, nearby Miramar Beach offers public access and the same beautiful stretch of coastline.
For those venturing beyond the resort boundaries, nearby Miramar Beach offers public access and the same beautiful stretch of coastline.
Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding. The light softens, the crowds thin, and the beach takes on a more reflective mood. Sunset here is not rushed. It is something people pause for.
Water Adventures on the Bay
On the bay side, the experience shifts noticeably. Everything moves at a slower pace, offering a welcome contrast to the energy of the Gulf beaches.
The Choctawhatchee Bay offers calm water that feels tailor-made for paddleboarding and kayaking. The Baytowne Marina serves as a starting point for boat rentals and easy on-the-water exploration.
Fishing is a major draw as well. Charters depart from the marina, tapping into the area's long-standing fishing culture and catering to everyone, from experienced anglers to the simply curious. It is an easy and rewarding way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Golfing in Sandestin
Golf is not a side activity here. It is a defining part of the destination.
Sandestin is home to four championship courses, each offering a different experience and level of challenge.
This variety allows golfers to play multiple rounds without repetition, all without leaving the resort.
This variety allows golfers to play multiple rounds without repetition, all without leaving the resort.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Courses
The resort's collection of courses caters to a wide range of skill levels, combining thoughtful design with scenic coastal settings.
Raven Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Raven is known for its strategic layout and balance between challenge and playability. Natural surroundings and water features add visual interest throughout the round.
Burnt Pine Golf Club
Burnt Pine delivers a more exclusive experience. Designed by Rees Jones, the private course features rolling fairways and striking views over the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Baytowne Golf Club
Baytowne offers a more relaxed round, with approachable fairways that still showcase the area's coastal landscape.d typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
Biking and Walking Trails
Sandestin's trail network encourages movement without pressure. The paths are well maintained and thoughtfully routed, passing through landscaped grounds, alongside golf courses, and near the water.
Biking is a popular way to get around, but walking the trails can be just as satisfying, especially in the early morning or evening.
The flat terrain makes exploration easy, and the changing scenery keeps even short outings interesting.
The flat terrain makes exploration easy, and the changing scenery keeps even short outings interesting.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
If Sandestin has a living room, it is the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Set along the bay, this walkable village blends shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment into a compact, inviting setting. Cobblestone streets connect waterfront dining spots with boutiques and gathering places, making it easy to wander without a plan.
Why It's Worth Your Time
- Boutique shopping with beach-ready finds
- Dining options that range from casual to polished
- Waterfront tables that make sunset dinners especially appealing
- Nightlife variety, from dueling pianos to dancing
- An all-day rhythm, from morning coffee to late-night cocktails
Seasonal Festivals and Events
Sandestin's events calendar adds texture to the experience, especially for travelers who enjoy planning around a particular atmosphere.
Sandestin Wine Festival
A spring celebration centered on fine wines and coastal cuisine.
Baytowne Beer Festival
A fall favorite featuring craft beers from across the country.
Holiday Festivities
During the holiday season, the village transforms with lights, ice skating, and special programming that brings a festive feel without overwhelming crowds.
Places to Eat in and Around Sandestin
Dining plays a central role in the Sandestin experience.
And it is not all confined to the resort boundaries: step beyond them and the surrounding 30A area adds even more flavor, mixing casual favorites with polished dining rooms that know how to treat seafood seriously.
And it is not all confined to the resort boundaries: step beyond them and the surrounding 30A area adds even more flavor, mixing casual favorites with polished dining rooms that know how to treat seafood seriously.
Pazzo Italiano
A cozy Italian restaurant serving freshly made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and rotating chef specials.
Ovide at Hotel Effie
Southern-inspired dishes with Gulf Coast influences, served in a polished but approachable setting.
Bayou Bill's Crabhouse
A local favorite known for fresh oysters and generous crab feasts, ideal for groups and families.
Café Thirty-A
A long-standing Santa Rosa Beach institution offering creative seafood dishes, expertly prepared steaks, and memorable desserts.
Day Trips and Nearby Places to Explore
While Sandestin easily fills a stay on its own, nearby destinations make for easy extensions.
Miramar Beach
Sitting just outside Sandestin, Miramar Beach offers the same sugar-white sand and clear Gulf water, with a slightly quieter, more residential feel.
Destin
Located just west, Destin is known for its harbor, fishing culture, and lively waterfront.
Scenic Highway 30A
To the east, 30A connects a string of walkable beach towns such as Seaside and Rosemary Beach, each with its own cafés, shops, and coastal character.
Sandestin FL Vacation Rentals
Sandestin vacation rentals throughout the resort, including condos and homes, offer space, privacy, and flexibility. Here are some top picks among our Sandestin vacation rentals:
WhimSea Retreat
House, 2 bedrooms, 4 guests, Pets Allowed
A relaxed, lakefront villa offering a peaceful setting just minutes from the beach and Sandestin's main attractions. This home-style rental provides comfortable living spaces, access to community amenities, and an easygoing layout well suited to couples or small families. A strong option for guests who want water views with a quieter, residential feel.
What people say:
"The home is nestled within a golf course community. It is incredibly private, secure, and family-oriented. The home is spacious and has everything you need to enjoy your stay. We really enjoyed the shower and steam room combo. We loved seeing the turtles every morning. The location is perfect, close to activities and restaurants. The host is proactive and incredibly responsive. We loved our stay."
A relaxed, lakefront villa offering a peaceful setting just minutes from the beach and Sandestin's main attractions. This home-style rental provides comfortable living spaces, access to community amenities, and an easygoing layout well suited to couples or small families. A strong option for guests who want water views with a quieter, residential feel.
What people say:
"The home is nestled within a golf course community. It is incredibly private, secure, and family-oriented. The home is spacious and has everything you need to enjoy your stay. We really enjoyed the shower and steam room combo. We loved seeing the turtles every morning. The location is perfect, close to activities and restaurants. The host is proactive and incredibly responsive. We loved our stay."
Luau II 6425 – Suite Destin-ation
Condo, 4 guests
Set within the Luau complex, this studio-style retreat is all about location. Just a short walk from the beach, it offers streamlined comfort with resort-style amenities nearby, including pools and shared spaces. Ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time outdoors and appreciate being close to shops, dining, and walking trails.What people say:
"We loved our weekend stay. Room was great, and access to the pool and beach was perfect. The balcony has a parking lot view, which I was aware of from the description and other reviews. Finding the building and parking garage was easy, thanks to the clear instructions given ahead of time, and the gate attendant told us where to go. The pool was amazing. The room was very clean. Would definitely come back—it was awesome, especially for the price."
Harbour Hideaway
Condo, 2bedrooms, 6guests
Tucked into a calm, bayside setting, Harbour Hideaway lives up to its name. This rental emphasizes space and privacy, making it a solid choice for longer stays or guests looking to slow the pace. Its location offers convenient access to golf, the bay, and Sandestin's broader resort amenities.
Tucked into a calm, bayside setting, Harbour Hideaway lives up to its name. This rental emphasizes space and privacy, making it a solid choice for longer stays or guests looking to slow the pace. Its location offers convenient access to golf, the bay, and Sandestin's broader resort amenities.
What people say:
"Our stay was wonderful. The views from the balcony were breathtaking. The unit was very clean and had everything we needed for an extended stay. We did have an issue with a missing pool key; however, within hours of notifying the rental company, a replacement key was delivered directly to the unit. A great place and a great rental company."
Beachwalk Villas 5079 – On the Rocks
Townhouse, 2 bedrooms, 8 guests
Positioned close to the beach, this villa-style rental blends coastal convenience with comfortable interiors. Guests enjoy easy beach access alongside community features that support laid-back days and social evenings, making it a reliable pick for families or groups traveling together.What people say:
"Our experience with Real Joy was superb. We received texts and calls checking how our stay was going and whether we needed anything. Top-notch service. Accommodations were great. I would recommend Real Joy to all family and friends."
Experience the Best Sandestin Vacation Rentals
Want to explore more options for Sandestin FL vacation rentals? Perhaps other Sandestin condo rentals or house rentals with pools or even pet-friendly stays? We've got you covered at RealJoy Vacations.
All our properties feature top-notch amenities designed to make your stay truly unforgettable. Book now with RealJoy Vacations and experience the ultimate Emerald Coast vacation!