Beyond its beautiful beaches, Destin offers a variety of golf courses that make it easy to spend a day on the greens. From championship layouts surrounded by coastal scenery to courses designed for a relaxed afternoon outdoors, golfers of all skill levels can find a place to play along the Emerald Coast.
Whether you're planning a golf getaway with friends, adding a round to your family vacation, or looking for something to do beyond the beach, here are some of the best golf courses near Destin to consider during your stay.
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Located in Destin, Kelly Plantation Golf Club offers a scenic round of golf with views of Choctawhatchee Bay, winding bayous, and native coastal vegetation. Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, the 18-hole championship course combines natural surroundings with challenging play.
Stretching more than 7,000 yards, the course features wide fairways, contoured greens, and strategically placed hazards. Multiple tee options make it possible for golfers to choose a level of difficulty that suits their game.
After your round, stop by the clubhouse for a meal or a drink while enjoying views of the course.
Location: 307 Kelly Plantation Drive, Destin, Florida
Website: Kelly Plantation Golf Club
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For golfers looking for a challenging course in a beautiful setting, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is another excellent option in Destin. The 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by Robert C. Walker, a former lead architect for Arnold Palmer.
The layout winds through coastal landscapes, marshes, and wooded areas, creating a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Destin's popular beaches and attractions. Strategic bunkers and water features add variety to the course, making each round an engaging experience.
Regatta Bay also offers practice facilities, making it a good choice for golfers who want to work on their game before heading out for a full round.
Location: 465 Regatta Bay Boulevard, Destin, Florida
Website: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
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Situated along Choctawhatchee Bay, Emerald Bay Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course with scenic waterfront views. The course combines natural coastal surroundings with a layout that challenges golfers while providing an enjoyable day outdoors.
With its greens, fairways, and views of the bay, Emerald Bay is a popular option for visitors who want to experience the area's golf scene without straying far from Destin.
The clubhouse also provides a place to relax before or after your round, making it easy to spend several hours enjoying the course and its surroundings.
Location: 4781 Clubhouse Drive, Destin, Florida
Website: Emerald Bay Golf Club
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Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club is a convenient option for visitors staying in Destin who want to fit a round of golf into their vacation schedule. The club features 27 holes of championship golf across three nine-hole courses, giving players opportunities to experience different layouts.
The course offers a mix of challenges for golfers at various skill levels. Its location near many of Destin's vacation areas also makes it a practical choice for a morning on the greens before spending the afternoon at the beach.
If you're traveling with a group of golfers, Indian Bayou is worth considering when comparing tee times and course options.
Location: 1 Country Club Drive East, Destin, Florida
Website: Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club
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Located in Miramar Beach, just east of Destin, Seascape Golf Course provides another option for visitors looking to enjoy a round along the Emerald Coast. The 18-hole course features rolling fairways, landscaped greens, and a layout that offers a mix of challenges throughout the round.
Its location near the beach makes it easy to combine a morning of golf with an afternoon by the water or dinner at one of the area's coastal restaurants.
Seascape is a convenient choice for golfers staying in Destin or Miramar Beach who want to enjoy outdoor recreation without planning an entire day around travel.
Location: 556 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Seascape Golf Course
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For golfers who want several courses to choose from, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach offers four championship courses with a combined total of 73 holes.
The resort's courses feature a variety of landscapes, including pine forests, wetlands, marshes, and views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Each layout offers a different experience, making Sandestin a great option for travelers planning multiple rounds during their stay.
Baytowne Golf Club is known for its varied terrain and suitability for different skill levels. The Links Golf Club offers a traditional links-style experience, while Burnt Pine is a more exclusive option with access restrictions. The Raven Golf Club provides another distinctive layout to explore.
With several courses in one destination, Sandestin is especially appealing for golf trips with friends or longer vacations built around time on the course.
Location: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, Florida
Website: Sandestin Golf Course
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If you're willing to travel a little farther from Destin, Fort Walton Beach Golf Club offers additional opportunities to play in the surrounding area. The club features two courses, the Pines and the Oaks, each with its own layout and playing conditions.
The Pines course offers a more open setting among pine trees, while the Oaks course incorporates water hazards that add difficulty to certain holes. Having two courses available gives golfers another option when planning a day outside Destin.
This course is worth considering if you're exploring more of the Emerald Coast or staying in the Fort Walton Beach area.
Location: 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Website: Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
A golf trip to Destin offers more than a day on the greens. Between scenic courses, fresh coastal air, local restaurants, and miles of beautiful beaches, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time on the Emerald Coast.
When you're ready to plan your stay, Compass Resorts offers a selection of vacation rentals throughout Destin, including beachfront condos and spacious accommodations for groups and families. Choose a place to unwind after a day on the course, enjoy the beach between tee times, and experience everything the area has to offer.
Ready to plan your next getaway? Browse Compass Resorts' Destin vacation rentals and find a comfortable place to stay while you explore the area's golf courses and coastal attractions.
