Eglin Air Force Base: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is about a 25-35 minute drive from Destin, so anyone arriving or leaving late at night should still plan for a decent trip, whichever area they choose. Travelers who want Destin's harbor, restaurants and nightlife find the downtown area, around the harbor, convenient; those after the beach and more quiet prefer the east side of town, toward Henderson Beach State Park; while those wanting golf, a spa and an all-inclusive resort can choose Sandestin or Miramar Beach, a little further along Highway 98.

Destin

Nearby town · About 25-30 minutes by car from the airport along Highway 98.

Best for: Travelers who want Destin's harbor, restaurants and nightlife just a few minutes' walk away.

Pros

A short walk from the harbor, the fishing charters and Harbor Boulevard
Lively area in the evening with restaurants and bars

Cons

The beach isn't always right by the hotel: often means crossing Highway 98
Heavy traffic on Highway 98 on summer weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Destin Inn & Suites: A three-minute walk from Destin Harbor, among the more affordable options in the area.
Spark by Hilton Destin: Near Destin Commons shopping center, a few minutes from the beach and Highway 98.
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin: On Highway 98 East, a short walk from the beach, with hot breakfast included.

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East Destin - Henderson Beach

Neighbourhood · About 30-35 minutes by car from the airport, continuing east on Highway 98.

Best for: Those looking for a quieter beach, away from the harbor's nightlife.

Pros

Close to Henderson Beach State Park and the beach
Quieter area in the evening compared to the harbor

Cons

Far on foot from the harbor's restaurants and bars
A car is needed for almost every trip

Recommended hotels in this area

Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin: In-room kitchen and breakfast included, a few minutes from the beach and Destin Commons.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin: Right on the beach and a short walk from Henderson Beach State Park.

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Sandestin / Miramar Beach

Neighbourhood · About 35-40 minutes by car from the airport, continuing past Destin along Highway 98.

Best for: For those who want golf, a spa and an all-inclusive resort, even with a longer transfer.

Pros

Golf courses, a spa and several pools inside the resort
Private beach and less traffic than Destin's harbor

Cons

Longer transfer from the airport than Destin
A car is needed to leave the resort

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa: The largest beachfront resort in the area, with a spa and several in-house restaurants.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach: Two-room suites with breakfast included and direct access to Miramar Beach.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Sandestin: Inside the Sandestin resort area, with access to the beach, tennis courts and bicycles.

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