How to Have a Blast at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Yo, Golf Gang! Feeling a need for epic swings, sandy toes, and activities that'll give your heart that giddy-up? Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida is your jam. With four stellar golf courses, places to crash ranging from cool to 'I’m never leaving,' and a buffet of attractions, it's golfer paradise. Let's dish!

Lets Start with a Sample Travel Itinerary

Here is a possible 9-day travel itinerary for your golf trip to Destin, Florida. The prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season and availability. I hope you enjoy your stay!

Day 1: Travel from Toronto to Destin

• Fly from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (DSI) with one stop in Atlanta. The flight duration is about 5 hours and the ticket price is around CA$600 per person.

• Rent a car at the airport and drive to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where you will stay for the duration of your trip. The resort is about 40 minutes away from the airport and offers a variety of accommodation options, from studios to penthouses. The average nightly rate is around CA$300 per room.

• Check in at the resort and relax in your room or explore the property. You can enjoy the amenities such as pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and beach access.

• Have dinner at Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, a waterfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood, steaks, and salads. The average meal cost is around CA$30 per person.

Day 2: Golf at Burnt Pine Golf Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as Another Broken Egg Cafe or Sunset Bay Cafe.

• Tee off at Burnt Pine Golf Club, one of the four championship courses at Sandestin Golf Resort. This course is designed by Rees Jones and offers scenic views of the bay and the forest. The green fee is CA$159 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves sandwiches, salads, burgers, and beverages.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can relax by the pool, go to the spa, or shop at the resort’s retail outlets.

• Have dinner at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in prime steaks, seafood, and wine. The average meal cost is around CA$80 per person.

• Watch a show at The MAXIMUM MAGIC Theater feat. Noah & Heather Wells, a dazzling display of magic, comedy, and audience participation. The ticket price is CA$52 per person.

Day 3: Golf at Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as First Watch or Donut Hole.

• Tee off at Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club, a public course that features water hazards, bunkers, and rolling greens. The course is designed by Robert C. Walker and offers a challenge for all skill levels. The green fee is CA$119 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can go to the beach, kayak on the bay, or bike on the trails.

• Have dinner at Louisiana Lagniappe, a waterfront restaurant that serves Cajun and Creole cuisine. The average meal cost is around CA$40 per person.

• Go on a Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin Harbor with Flippers Adventures. You can see dolphins, sea birds, and other wildlife while enjoying the sunset views. The cruise price is CA$73 per person.

Day 4: Golf at Emerald Bay Golf Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as Panera Bread or Starbucks.

• Tee off at Emerald Bay Golf Club, a semi-private course that overlooks the bay and features water on 12 of its 18 holes. The course is designed by Bob Cupp and offers a fun and challenging layout. The green fee is CA$99 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves burgers, wraps, soups, and salads.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum, where you can learn about the rich maritime heritage and culture of the area. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military, and $3 for children.

• Have dinner at Marina Cafe, a contemporary restaurant that offers panoramic views of the harbor and serves seafood, steaks, pasta, and sushi. The average meal cost is around CA$50 per person.

• Enjoy some nightlife at Coyote Ugly Saloon, a lively bar that features dancing bartenders, karaoke, and drink specials. The cover charge is $5 after 9 p.m.

Day 5: Golf at Kelly Plantation Golf Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as The Breakfast Table or The Donut Hole Bakery Cafe.

• Tee off at Kelly Plantation Golf Club, a semi-private course that is carved out of the natural landscape and features water on 11 of its 18 holes. The course is designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates and offers a spectacular setting and challenge. The green fee is CA$129 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can go to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets, where you can shop for bargains and deals from over 100 stores such as Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

• Have dinner at Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, a waterfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood, steaks, and salads. The average meal cost is around CA$30 per person.

• Have some fun at The Red Door Saloon, a casual bar that features live music, pool tables, dart boards, and drink specials. The cover charge is $5 after 9 p.m.

Day 6: Golf at The Links Golf Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as Maple Street Biscuit Company or Camille’s at Crystal Beach.

• Tee off at The Links Golf Club, one of the four championship courses at Sandestin Golf Resort. This course is designed by Tom Jackson and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the bay. The green fee is CA$99 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where you can see dolphins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, and other marine animals. Admission is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and military, and $16 for children.

• Have dinner at Pompano Joe’s Seafood House, a beachfront restaurant that serves Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes. The average meal cost is around CA$25 per person.

• Watch a movie at AMC Destin Commons 14, a multiplex cinema that shows the latest releases. The ticket price is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $9 for children.

Day 7: Golf at Indian Bayou Golf Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as Bad Ass Coffee or Capriccio Cafe.

• Tee off at Indian Bayou Golf Club, a public course that features three nine-hole courses: Creek, Choctaw, and Seminole. The courses are designed by Earl Stone and offer a variety of challenges and scenery. The green fee is CA$69 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves burgers, wraps, salads, and beverages.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can go to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, where you can have fun with water slides, lazy river, wave pool, and mini golf. Admission is $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and military, and $30 for children.

• Have dinner at Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, a modern restaurant that offers creative dishes, wine, and cocktails. The average meal cost is around CA$60 per person.

• Enjoy some nightlife at Nightown, a popular club that features DJs, dancing, and drinks. The cover charge is $10 after 10 p.m.

Day 8: Golf at Raven Golf Club

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as Lulu’s Destin or Another Broken Egg Cafe.

• Tee off at Raven Golf Club, one of the four championship courses at Sandestin Golf Resort. This course is designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and offers a challenging layout with water hazards, bunkers, and elevation changes. The green fee is CA$139 per person.

• Have lunch at the club’s restaurant, which serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads.

• Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. You can go to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, where you can hike, bike, fish, or camp in a natural oasis with beaches, dunes, lakes, and wildlife. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle or $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. Camping fees vary depending on the season and amenities.

• Have dinner at Margaritaville Destin Restaurant, a tropical-themed restaurant that serves burgers, seafood, salads, and margaritas. The average meal cost is around CA$20 per person.

• Go on a Fireworks Cruise in Destin Harbor with SunVenture Cruises. You can enjoy a boat ride with music, drinks, and snacks while watching the fireworks show over the water. The cruise price is CA$50 per person.

Day 9: Travel from Destin to Toronto

• Have breakfast at the resort or at one of the nearby cafes, such as The Local Market or The Pancakery.

• Check out of the resort and drive to the airport. Return your rental car and board your flight back to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with one stop in Atlanta. The flight duration is about 5 hours and the ticket price is around CA$600 per person.

• Arrive in Toronto and enjoy your memories of your golf trip to Destin.

Here is a chart that summarizes the costs for each category of your golf trip to Destin, Florida. The prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season and availability. The total cost of the trip is around CA$5,500 per person.

Where to Crash 🛌

Choices, choices, choices! Sandestin makes other resorts look like they're slacking.

🏠 Osprey Pointe: Space for days with 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms. Peep views of the bay, golf, or a tropical paradise. Full kitchens, living space, private balconies, AND pool and hot tub access. From $217/night. 🏖️ Beachside: 1 or 2-bedroom spots literally on the beach with the Gulf of Mexico doing its pretty dance right outside. Full kitchens, chill-out areas, balconies, heated pool, and a fitness center to flex. Dive in from $112/night. 🚤 Bayside Villas: Bay or marina views in these 1 or 2-bedroom gems. Think kitchens, relaxation zones, balconies or patios, plus pool and hot tub. Starting from just $99/night.

For a closer look with all the tempting pics, check out the resort’s website.

Golf Galore ⛳

Sandestin has courses that’ll make your heart do the cha-cha:

⛳ Burnt Pine Golf Club: A Rees Jones masterpiece. Picture pine forests, wetlands, and then bam - Choctawhatchee Bay views. Members and resort guests only, ranging between $115 and $169. 🌲 Raven Golf Club: Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s creation with fairways, water hazards, bunkers, and all the fun challenges. Available to members, guests, and the public, priced $69 to $119. 🌞 Baytowne Golf Club: Reimagined by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2005, it's a mix of wide fairways, greens, and lovely challenges. Open to everyone at $55 to $109. 🌊 The Links Golf Club: A Tom Jackson treat that's a true links experience. Narrow fairways, pot bunkers, water hazards, and wind? Check! For all the golf fam at $55 to $109.

Booking hint: members and guests can snag spots 90 days ahead, and the rest can dive in 30 days in advance. Spontaneous plans? Their website or a quick call might have some surprises.

More Than Just Clubs and Balls 🌴

Taking a swing break? Dive into these:

🏖️ Luxuriate on their pristine sandy beaches. 🐬 Snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, boating, and dolphin sightings? Yes, please! 🎉 Baytowne Wharf's nightlife is the cherry on top – bars, grub, tunes, shopping, fireworks, and more.

Feeling adventurous? Explore the neighborhood. Close-by, you've got:

🏌️ Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club: 5 miles out, designed by Robert C. Walker. $99-$149 per round. ⛳ Kelly Plantation Golf Club: About 6 miles away, birthed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. $99-$179 per round. 🌴 Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club: 7 miles out, with three 9-hole challenges. $49-$89 per round.

Alright, golf aficionados, that’s the scoop on the Sandestin scene. Grab your clubs, your sunscreen, and maybe a party hat – it’s gonna be one epic trip! 🎉🏌️‍♀️🌊🍹🎶

Navigating from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) to Sandestin 🌴

Got your bags? Let’s talk about how to vroom from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport straight into that Florida fun at Sandestin.

🚌 Shuttle Your Way: Dive into ShuttleFinder, Beachside Express, or Destin Shuttle. Pay $30-$40 per head for a 35-minute journey. PSA: Book ahead for some of these babies by hitting their websites.

🚖 Taxi Time: Find taxis outside the baggage area or ring local heroes like 654 Taxi or Yellow Cab. It'll set you back $60-$80, and you'll be at the resort in roughly 35 minutes.

🚗 Uber/Lyft Vibes: Techy and easy – tap your app and be on your way. Cost? About $40-$50 and you're cruising for around 35 minutes. Remember to meet your driver at the airport’s designated pickup spot.

🚘 Roll Solo with Car Rental: All the biggies are there - Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Check out deals on KAYAK or Expedia. Expect to drop $30-$40 daily for a compact car. Drive time: 35 minutes covering 25 miles (40 km).

🌈 Journey Tips:

• Before hitting the road, peek at traffic and weather.

• Traveling with the whole crew or tons of bags? Pre-book that shuttle or car.

• Using Uber/Lyft? Double-check driver details before hopping in.

• Opting for car rental? Do a vehicle check and brush up on local road rules.

Scoot to the Greens from the Resort 🏌️

Four fabulous courses and you’re in the heart of it all! Here's your map to golf glory:

🌲 Baytowne Golf Club: Tucked near The Village of Baytowne Wharf on the north side of Highway 98. Grab the resort shuttle running every 30 minutes from 6 am-10 pm, or drive via Sandestin Boulevard North to Baytowne Avenue East. Drive time? A quick 10 minutes.

⛳ Burnt Pine Golf Club: Neighbors with Baytowne on the north side of Highway 98. Either catch the resort shuttle or zoom via Sandestin Boulevard North to Burnt Pine Lane. Again, just a 10-minute spin.

🌅 Raven Golf Club: On the south of Highway 98 near Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Hop on the resort tram, available every hour from 7 am-7 pm, or drive through Sandestin Boulevard South to Emerald Coast Parkway West. Get there in 15 minutes.

🌊 The Links Golf Club: Also on Highway 98’s south side, close to Miramar Beach. Take the tram or drive via Sandestin Boulevard South to Emerald Coast Parkway East. It's a 15-minute drive.

🏌️‍♀️ Golfing Tips:

• Before you tee up, check the shuttle/tram timings.

• Driving? Stick to golf course signage and watch for peak hour traffic.

• Golfing across multiple courses? Consider renting a golf cart from the resort. It's about $65-$85/day (plus the usual add-ons). Pop into Sandestin Welcome Center or Baytowne Marina for one. Drive safely!

Alright, navigation ninjas, there’s your map to all things Sandestin! May the rides be smooth and the golf games smoother! 🚘🌴🏌️‍♂️🌅

Dive Into the Unexpected

1. Xtreme H2o Sports: Amp up the fun! Parasail, dolphin tour, or jet-ski, you pick. Quick price glimpse: $80/person for parasailing, and more options on their website.

2. Harmony Beach Vacations: Fancy condo rentals with a side of pool, hot tubs, fitness centers, and beach? Rates? As cool as $99/night for a single-bedroom.

3. Bric à Brac: This joint isn't just about munching on crab cakes. They’ve got music, karaoke, and a vibe that stays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Heads up! $5 cover post 9 p.m. on weekends.

How’s the Wallet Feeling? Destin vs. Toronto

• Inexpensive meal? Destin ($15) vs. Toronto ($20)

• One-way transport ticket? Destin ($1.75) vs. Toronto ($3.25)

• Gas for the ride? Destin ($0.79/liter) vs. Toronto ($1.33/liter)

• Monthly commute pass? Destin ($40) vs. Toronto ($156)

• Trendy jeans shopping? Destin ($42) vs. Toronto ($67)

• Fresh haircut, guys? Destin ($15) vs. Toronto ($25)

Stay Connected: Mobile Scoops

• Destin's pretty covered by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. But, peek at those maps before the trip!

• Coming from Canada? Roaming could be pricey. WiFi apps like WhatsApp or Skype might be lifesavers.

• Fancy a local number? Grab a prepaid SIM card, with a month's service around $30-$50.

• In the eSim gang? It’s a digital breeze! Switch between networks with no card swapping.

Game, Set, Match! Sports & Entertainment

• Golf: Multiple courses with views to die for. Rounds range from $50 to $150.

• Fishing: "World's luckiest fishing village" isn't just a title. Get that license and join the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October.

• Beaches: Destin's sparkling shores like Henderson Beach and Miramar Beach are must-visits.

• Shopping: Whether it’s chic boutiques at Destin Commons or steals at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, shop till you drop!

• Eating Out: From Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House to Dewey Destin’s, every palate's catered for.

• Night Moves: Destin’s nightlife? Sizzling! Dance at AJ’s Club Bimini, enjoy live tunes at The Village Door Music Hall, or theater at Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

Join the Party: Events & Festivals

• Mardi Gras Celebration: Every Feb/March. Think parades, costumes, and HarborWalk Village energy.

• Sandestin Wine Festival: Come April, it's wine o'clock at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

• Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic: June sees this fishing fiesta with over $2M in prizes, entertainment, and a dose of fireworks.

• Baytowne Beer Festival: October's for beer lovers. Over 200 brews, live music, and a taste fest!

• Destin Seafood Festival: Also in October, savor seafood galore, coupled with music and the gorgeous HarborWalk Village backdrop.

There you have it! Destin's secrets spilled. Dive in, enjoy, and explore! 🌊🍤🎷🍺🎉🌅

What’s Fresh in the Last 5 Years?

• Hotel Effie: Fresh outta 2021, think swank, think luxury, think 250 rooms and suites. A dip in the rooftop pool or a spa day? Yes, please! Oh, and let your taste buds meet James Beard winner, Chef Hugh Acheson. All this nestled in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Golf, sun, spa? Score!

• Osprey Pointe: Also from 2021's gift basket, 77 condominiums giving you those 'I could live here forever' vibes, all with that lush view of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Plus, the Sandestin golf goodies? Right at your doorstep.

• The Cascade: Buckle up for 2023, pals! This baby's promising 113 condos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. I mean, wake up, sip coffee, watch dolphins? Living the dream! And hey, Sandestin's golf scenes? You're in!

• Regatta Bay Golf Course Glow-Up: Back in 2016, this course decided to jazz things up a bit. New greens, glammed-up bunkers, fancy irrigation, cart paths and even a clubhouse that’s looking sharp. They’ve basically come out of a fab golf makeover show!

Best Times to Swing By

• Spring (March-May): Blooms, green fairways, and that spring in your step. But! Be ready to share the beauty with other tourists (it’s kinda their fav time too).

• Summer (June-August): Got sunscreen? It’s sizzling! Though, the rain sometimes sings a tune. Less crowd, pocket-friendly prices and sun till late. Worth the heat?

• Fall (September-November): Sweater weather, vibrant leaves and golf vibes. Just watch out for the seafood fest and fishing rodeo in October - Destin gets jazzy!

• Winter (December-February): Chilly winds, occasional frosty mornings but hey, smallest crowds and jolly vibes. Plus, killer deals to boot!

Heads Up, Travellers!: Right now, Destin’s looking pretty chill with no specific travel red flags. Yet, be the smarty pants and check your local advisory before packing those clubs. And let’s keep it safe, folks! Masks, distancing, and all those jazz - let’s listen to the CDC and stay safe.

Speak the Destin Way: English? You’re golden! After all, we’re talking Florida, USA. But hey, you might bump into some peeps chatting in Spanish or sprinkling other languages. Feeling adventurous? Google Translate or Duolingo might become your new BFF for some fun phrases.

So, there ya have it! Destin's got the golf, the beach, and the groove. Swing by and see for yourself! 🏌️‍♂️🌴🌊🎉