Top Things to See and Do in the Area
We offer more than just a place to stay—we create a welcoming retreat where you can relax, explore, and make unforgettable memories during your holiday.
Sandestin
Sandestin features numerous amenities for guests, including community pools, a private beach, bay access, water sports, boardwalks, nature trails, golf, and fishing. For general information, reservations, and maps, visit the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort website.
The Village at Baytowne Wharf
Located along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries, and nightlife—not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. This spectacular setting, all within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is the perfect spot to spend a vibrant afternoon or evening during your vacation!
The Village is just a one-minute walk from the townhouse’s porch.
Grand Boulevard
On the bayside of Sandestin, just southeast of the resort, lies the Grand Boulevard Shopping Center. Here you’ll find various restaurants, clothing stores, a movie theater, an arts theater, a UPS Store, and, of course, your neighborhood Publix and Wine World Wine & Spirits. Strolling along Grand Boulevard is a delightful experience, especially during the holidays. Visit the Grand Boulevard website for more information.
Beach Access and Rentals
Travel out to the main Sandestin entrance, cross over Highway 98, pass through the guard station, and drive until you see the putt-putt golf course. There’s a large parking lot on the right, along with a walkway and boardwalk leading down to the beach.
A set of chairs and umbrellas can be rented daily from the beach services hut to the right after you reach the sand.
Booking in advance is possible by phone and is recommended during peak season. Call Beach Services at (850) 267-8171 for pricing and more information.
Jet Ski and Kayak Rental
Available on both the beach and bayside, we recommend the bayside—where the water is calmer, allowing you to cruise the bay to admire area homes, meander up surrounding bayous, or zip across the bay at high speeds with ease.
For jet ski rentals, note that you’ll need a valid driver’s license. To rent from the bayside, walk to the Marina and visit the rental services shack to the left as you pass the main circle. For the beachside, visit the Beach Services shack on the right after you reach the sand.
Jogging, Biking and Golf
Jogging: Visit the Sandestin website for suggested jogging routes and mileage. Our personal favorite is the ‘Short Loop’ via the ‘Connector,’ which winds through quieter Sandestin neighborhoods and along the bay and Links Course for a stunningly picturesque run.
Biking: Bikes are available for rent at the bicycle shop in the Sandestin Marina.
Golf: To book a tee time, visit the Sandestin website for more information.
Fishing Information
You can fish in any of the lakes at Sandestin. All lakes are well stocked with various species of fish, and Sandestin requests that all catches be released back into the lake.
You can fish in Choctawhatchee Bay from a few specific areas: the Baytowne Boardwalk Pier, Jolee Island Nature Park, and Bayside at Sandestin.
For beachside surf fishing, the closest location is Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The good news? This state park is just a short ten-minute walk east along the beach from Sandestin’s main swimming beach. Alternatively, you can drive east on Highway 98 and access the main park entrance and parking just off Highway 30A.
If you didn’t bring your fishing gear, Sandestin offers fishing rods and reels for rent at the bait store in the Sandestin Marina. For tackle, visit the Bass Pro Shop at Destin Commons, west of the resort on Highway 98.
Note: Florida requires a fishing license to fish in the bay or from the beach, which you can purchase online.
Great Area Restaraunts
Just a short list, but you can’t go wrong grabbing grub at these local establishments!
Ovide
Ovide, located in the Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection, is hands down the best restaurant in Sandestin.
The food is amazing, and the setting is wonderfully immersive. We suggest dinner or Sunday brunch. The valet will park your car for free if you have a reservation—just pull up in front of Hotel Effie for service. Ovide is just inside the hotel to the left. Five-star quality also means five-star prices, FYI.
A full meal with two drinks for a couple will run upwards of $200. Worth it, though! Try the braised short rib, and don’t forget the bread pudding to finish things off.
Fleming’s
Pick your favorite style of steak—perhaps an 8 oz filet mignon, a dry-aged 10 oz New York strip, or a 12 oz prime rib. Add your favorite sides, like steamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes, and order a classic Old Fashioned or enjoy an excellent glass of wine.
Hands down, it’s the only steakhouse in the area that truly stands out.
Don’t forget to order a plate of exotic raw oysters with their signature red wine and shallot dipping sauce as an appetizer! Five-star quality, not cheap, but absolutely worth it!
Grimaldi's
Grimaldi’s Pizza in Grand Boulevard—Do you know the history of this awesome New York-style pizza place? It offers great salads and pizza, plus a wonderful open-air bar on the west side of the restaurant (open weather permitting).
Great Breakfasts
Sunset Bay Cafe in Sandestin—our number one pick! Located on the bayside, over on the western side of Sandestin Resort, this spot is a must-visit. Get the beignets—so bad for you, but oh so delicious! Pair them with a glass of fresh orange juice, two eggs and bacon, a tasty Denver omelet, or Eggs Benedict.
Sunset Bay Cafe doesn’t take reservations, so during busy tourist seasons, try to visit during off-peak times for faster table service. There’s ample parking in the lot out front. In spring or fall, request a table outside on the pool deck near the bay!
Another Broken Egg Cafe on Grand Boulevard—an American staple. Call ahead, as it’s a popular spot.
Bars
Hotel Effie Rooftop Bar and Pool—when we visit Sandestin, this is our go-to spot for celebrations. Are you heading down for the Fourth of July and want to be eye-level with Sandestin’s annual fireworks display? Or perhaps you’re coming for New Year’s and looking for some fun! Effie always throws an unforgettable rooftop party!
Outside of big celebrations, it’s a great place to gather in the afternoon, enjoy a fancy drink with stunning views of the bay and marina, and, if you’re inclined, take a dip or play some chess. Call ahead for reservations or tickets to major events.
The Craft Bar on Grand Boulevard—right next to Publix, this local gem offers good food, friendly bartenders, and a relaxed vibe.
Vintij on Grand Boulevard—pair five-star cuisine with the most impressive wine list this side of the Mississippi. Call ahead to make reservations, and during temperate seasons, book a table on the west-side patio. You can’t go wrong with this choice.
Good Eats
Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill on the Beach—Oh, did we forget to mention the coolest spot to relax, sip a drink, enjoy some chicken wings, watch the surf, and unwind? Sorry! This is your go-to place to chill at 5 PM.
Located right on the beach in the old Elephant Walk building, park in the beach parking lot next to the Hilton. Avoid the tables near the live music—it’s almost always too loud. Skip the interior tables too, and wait for deck seating instead!
Tuscany Italian in the Sandestin Shops—Across from the main entrance of Sandestin sits The Market Shops. To the east of the mall, you’ll find a fantastic Italian spot called Tuscany. Make reservations; it’s popular. The food is amazing!
Places To Visit
The greater area boasts a variety of attractions and must-visit destinations. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, this area has something for everyone.
Walk to Topsail
From the beach, if you walk east along the waterline past the private homes in Four Mile Village, you’ll reach Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This state park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and over three miles of pristine white sand beach. You can also access Topsail by car by driving east from the resort on Highway 98 until you reach the Highway 30A turnoff to the south. The main park entrance and parking lot are just a short distance after you turn off Highway 98.
Crab Island
Crab Island is a sandbar at the entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, Florida. If you’re looking for a fun afternoon excursion and feel comfortable operating a pontoon boat, this is the perfect spot to spend a day on the water! Numerous rental agencies, including Sandestin Marina, offer pontoons, but be sure to book in advance—especially during the summer. Pack a cooler with sandwiches and cold drinks, throw on your swimsuit, bring plenty of sunscreen, and head to the island! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s fun for the whole family!
Destin Harbor Walk
Also, near the Destin Bridge in Destin, you’ll find HarborWalk. This fun, family-friendly open boardwalk stretches along the Destin Marina, offering kids’ rides, a zip line, restaurants, and shopping. You can also rent pontoons and jet skis from various rental services along the marina. Many local fishing charters operate out of this marina as well.
30A Area Information
Just a few miles east of Sandestin, you’ll find a right-hand turn onto Scenic Highway 30A. This short highway is home to several world-famous planned communities, including Seaside. Remember the movie The Truman Show? Seaside served as the filming location for this unforgettable classic.
A drive down 30A offers a chance to explore unique beachside communities like Seaside, the Bavarian-style Rosemary Beach, the eco-friendly Alys Beach, and Grayton Beach with its old Florida vibe, among others. Take an afternoon or evening drive, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants along the way, and stroll through a neighborhood to discover new experiences!
Silver Sands Outlet Mall
A trip to Sandestin wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall. Featuring over 100 popular brands, it’s the perfect place to find your favorite clothing at discounts, sometimes as much as 50%–80% off. (The best sales tend to happen in the fall!) Grab your wallet and stock up for the next year!
Big Kahuna’s Water Park
Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park in Destin is your tropical paradise for nonstop fun! This massive waterpark boasts over 40 attractions—zoom down thrilling slides like the Kowabunga Racer and Jumanji, drift along the serene Lazy River, or let the kids splash away in Buccaneer Cove’s playful zones with mini slides and water cannons.
Every twist and turn delivers pure joy, whether you’re racing friends or soaking up the sun. Beyond the water, enjoy tropical mini-golf, a soaring Skycoaster, and an arcade that keeps the excitement going. Surrounded by lush Hawaiian vibes and cascading waterfalls, you can grab a tasty bite at the food court or cafe, relax in a cabana, and dive into the good times—tubes and life jackets are free!
Open from spring to fall (with the adventure park available year-round), it’s steps from the beach and promises a day bursting with laughter and unforgettable moments. Come experience the thrill!