Destin Golf Courses: Outdoor Fun Beyond the Beach
Destin, a city on Florida’s Emerald Coast dubbed “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” draws some 4 million visitors every year. Most come to experience Destin’s sandy beaches, which are reportedly among the whitest on the planet, but a good number come for the golf, too. Destin has a wealth of world-class golf courses, making it an ideal destination for your next golf getaway. But where in this city should you go to get your golf fix? You can choose among this list of top golf courses in Destin, Florida.
Live and breathe golf at these Destin golf courses
Some Destin golf courses are self-contained communities. They have their own vacation rentals, often with views of the fairway and green. Since the fairway can be literally at your doorstep, you can tee off whenever there’s an open slot and just walk back to your vacation home after your round. Or you can head off to the clubhouse and explore your options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. You probably won’t need to leave the golf resort unless you want to hit the beach and see the sights around Destin.
Spacious vacation rentals at Emerald Bay
The 18-hole Emerald Bay Golf Club sprawls from Destin’s shoreline facing Choctawhatchee Bay. The verdant fairways heavily feature water; these water features both make the course charming to look at and challenging to play. This Destin golf course winds through the gated Emerald Bay community, where you can find vacation rentals spacious enough to fit a big group. Aside from the golf course, Emerald Bay has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a restaurant.
Vacation homes close to nature at Regatta Bay
Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club sits in the middle of a nature reserve, so you get to play surrounded by views of pristine woodland and water. This Destin golf course is designed to fit players of any skill level, but you can head to its golf academy if you want to build your confidence in your swing. After your game, you can hike the surrounding trails, play tennis or billiards, swim at the pool or the beach, or shop at Destin Commons. Or you can head back to your vacation rental and enjoy views of the fairway.
Luxury villa rentals at Seascape Golf Resort
At Seascape Golf Beach and Tennis Resort, you get to play golf on rolling hills surrounded by lakes and pine forests. At certain elevations, you can even enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico while making your shot. If you want to be able to play as soon as there’s a tee slot available, you can stay at one of the golf villa rentals and condos within the premises of this Destin golf course. These vacation rentals are also conveniently located to the beach, and to shopping and dining hubs within Destin and Miramar Beach.
Strictly come swinging at these Destin golf courses
Many Destin golf courses are just that: golf courses. In such facilities, you can play your rounds, explore the clubhouse’s amenities, and maybe host an event there. But they don’t have gated communities or vacation rentals where you can bed down during your visit. Not to worry, though—you can easily find vacation homes near your chosen golf course, so you can conveniently return for a new game if you can’t bear to tear yourself away for good.
The Golf Garden of Destin: a golf course for newbies
The Golf Garden of Destin has something for players of every skill level. If you’re a seasoned player, you can practice a short game at its 9-hole executive course. But if you’re a newbie, this Destin golf course has a driving range and practice green where you can work on your swing. If you’re just goofing around with the kids, you can take them for a round of putt-putt.
Indian Bayou: a scenic Destin golf course
Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club has a couple of 9-hole courses designed to reward accurate shot-making. The lush woodland and the lakes surrounding its fairways may look pretty, but they’re also there to challenge your game. This Destin golf course is centrally located, so if you want to stay close, you can easily find a vacation rental—as well as plenty of shopping and dining options—just a few minutes away.
A Destin golf course with history
Kelly Golf Club has a unique story—formerly a turpentine farm, today it’s an 18-hole championship Destin golf course boasting designs by the legendary Fred Couples. It stretches 7,000 yards along the coast facing Choctawhatchee Bay, with each hole featuring lakes and groves of turpentine trees. Many of these trees have been around since the golf course’s farm days. Kelly Golf Club is conveniently located near shopping centers like Destin Commons, and you can find a number of beachside vacation rentals within easy reach as well.