Destin vs Sandestin for Vacation? An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose!

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If you are planning a family vacation or a honeymoon to Florida’s mesmerizing Emerald Coast, then undoubtedly two places that come to mind are the historic fishing town of Destin and the massive luxury beach resort Sandestin.

Although both share similar names they are two different places located just within a few minutes drive from each other.

So, which place is a better fit for a vacation? The “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” or the luxurious beach resort town of Sandestin.

Here’s a comparison to help you choose.

ParametersDestinSandestin
The average cost of a 7-day trip 💵$3317 (For couples)$4597 (For couples)
Known for 👍Fishing, Family-friendly vibe, soft white sandy beaches, Water sports & fishing festivalsWorld-class Golf courses, Luxurious beachfront condos, Village of Baytowne Wharf, High-end shops
Beaches 🏖Soft white sandy beaches with Emerald blue-green waters and lively vibesAccess to pristine white sandy beaches with a laid-back vibe and luxurious oceanfront condos
Popular Tourist Attractions 🏛Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Henderson State Park, Miramar Beach, Big Kahuna, Crab islandVillage of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, Crystal beach, Camp Creek lake beach, West side park

Destin vs Sandestin

Beaches 🏖

Destin

Henderson State Park Destin

The Emerald Coast on the Florida Panhandle is home to some of the best beaches in the world and Destin well and truly is the gem of the Emerald Coast.

The soft powder-white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of sunshine make it a paradise for beach lovers. However, with so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit.

If you are looking to get away from the claustrophobic vacation crowd and spend a relaxed time enjoying the seaside bliss, then Henderson Beach State Park is a great option for you and your family.

The James Lee Park in Destin offers a more traditional beach experience. Located in the heart of Destin, this beach offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and features all the amenities you would expect from a beach, including showers, restrooms, a picnic area, concessions, and a parking space.

Last but not least is the gorgeous Miramar Beach. Located just a few miles away from Destin Harbor, Miramar Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world owing to its immaculate powdery white sand and azure blue-green waters. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

If you decide to visit only one beach in Destin, then make it this one.

🏖 Relevant reading: 7 Best Public Beaches in Destin Florida for Families in 2023

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Sandestin

Miramar Beach

The beach resort of Sandestin gives you access to some of the most beautiful pristine and private white sand beaches in Destin. 

If you prefer the serenity of laid-back beaches and private beach settings for a relaxing and intimate beach experience with your partner or family, Sandestin is the place to go.

Another advantage that only guests staying at the Sandestin resort have is that they do not have to drive around to access these pristine beaches and other attractions as the resort provides a free shuttle service to all its guests.

Talking about beaches, one of the best beaches along the Sandestin resort is undoubtedly the Miramar beach, located just on the outskirts of Destin.

This gorgeous beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the US and the moment you set your foot on its sugary soft sand and calm Emerald green waters you will be mesmerized by its sheer beauty.

Another lesser-known but the equally beautiful beach is the Crytal beach, known for its laid-back vibe and pristine white sand.

If you love fishing and birdwatching, then you can head to Camp Creek Lake Beach known for its unspoiled beauty and marine life.

For families with little ones, West Side Park is a perfect place to spend quality time with your family with amenities like playgrounds and picnic spots without having to worry about large crowds.

No matter what you are looking for, a family-friendly beach with lifeguards or a secluded spot to spend some romantic time with your soulmate on your honeymoon, Sandestin has it all.

🏖 Related post: Destin vs Orange Beach: Which is Better for a Vacation?

Who has the best nightlife? 🍻

Destin

The fun in Destin doesn’t end with sunset. As the sun goes down in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” that’s when the fun is just getting started! 

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene or just spending your time stargazing on the powdery beaches of Destin, there are plenty of things to do in Destin at night.

For fantastic sunset cocktails and live music head to Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill or The Landing for an amazing night of live music alongside an outdoor deck with a stunning view of the harbor.

If you’re looking to dance the night away, then head to Fat Tuesdays and Club LA

Destin offers plenty of bars and restaurants with picturesque outdoor seating and a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico for those looking to just unwind and enjoy the seaside bliss.

Sandestin

This beautiful beach town located on the Emerald Coast is not behind Destin when it comes to offering the best Floridian nightlife.

Sandestin has enough things to do at night that you would expect on a vacation to Florida. This luxury beach resort boasts an amazing laid-back bar scene at the same time has the best nightclubs for an energetic night out.

If you love a low-key evening like me, then head to Louie’s Backyard to enjoy a gorgeous view of the bay while sipping on a delicious cocktail.

For those who crave a more energetic vibe and dance their night away, nightclubs like Club LA and JubLee’s Cantina are the best places to end your day on a high note.

Finally, no night out in Sandestin would be complete without taking a stroll along the pristine white quartz beaches and enjoying the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.

The overall vibe in Sandestin is more sophisticated and upscale compared to the lively vibe in Destin.

🏖Relevant post: Santa Rosa Beach vs Destin: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose!

Activities and Best things to do 🏄🏼‍♂️

Destin

Destin is a beautiful Florida beach town that is known for its sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Owing to its popularity as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village 🎣”, Destin is renowned for fishing, boating, and other water sports.

The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and enjoying the Florida sunshine. And speaking of sunshine, the beaches in Destin are some of the best places to soak up some rays.

The first stop for many visitors to Destin is the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, where you can find charter boats for fishing, Parasailing, and dolphin-watching cruises. 

You can also rent jet skis or take a ride on a pontoon boat. If you want to stay on land, there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the harbor.

Another popular activity in Destin is visiting the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Here you can see penguins, alligators, sea lions, and other marine life up close.  

The park also has a stingray touch pool and an amazing dolphin show.

For those who want to experience the natural beauty of Destin, Henderson State Park is a must-see. The park has miles of hiking and biking trails as well as an observation tower with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Need a break from the beach?

Head into town to browse the unique shops, or parks to enjoy live entertainment, and of course, no visit to Destin would be complete without sampling the fresh seafood at one of the many fine restaurants along the Destin Harbor boardwalk.

There are so many things to do and so much to explore in Destin that you probably wouldn’t want to leave. From the amazing Destin Harborwalk with shops, restaurants & waterfront cafes with views of the Harbor to the amazing theme parks and natural sandbars, Destin is well and truly worth visiting.

🏖 Related post: The Ultimate Guide to Destin Seafood Festival 2023

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Sandestin

The massive beach resort town of Sandestin might be much smaller than Destin but it packs plenty of things to make your beach vacation an unforgettable experience.

Destin might give you access to more beaches than Sandestin, but the beaches along the resort town are some of the most beautiful private beaches in the US with access limited to only guests in the resort, making it the best beaches in Destin for a relaxed and intimate beach experience.

You won’t have to worry about finding your spot of sand on the shores or worry about driving to the beach only to find cluttered parking spaces, as the Sandestin resort offers free shuttle services to the beach to all its guests.

The beaches themselves are a haven for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, as they offer miles of soft white sands and Emerald blue-green waters and tons of activities like sunbathing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and much more, from kids to senior adults.

There are also numerous championship golf courses, tennis courts, and spa facilities.

And when the sun goes down, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy. 

One place you cannot miss is the Village of Baytowne Wharf a small area with amazing restaurants, bars, clubs, and entertainment options whose architecture is inspired by Bourbon street in New Orleans.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a night of dancing with friends, you’ll find it all in Sandestin.

Conclusion 👍

If you want to enjoy the lively beach vacation experience with access to plenty of pristine white sand beaches, world-class Golf courses, exciting fishing festivals, plenty of activities on and off the beach, and still a lot more to explore, then Destin is your cloud nine.

If you don’t mind spending the majority of your beach vacation in the 2400-acre luxury beach and Golf resort with access to some of the best private beaches in Destin, championship Golf courses, fine restaurants, and plenty of activities to enjoy without having to drive anywhere, then Sandestin beach and Golf resort are well worth your time.

No matter what you choose, Destin or Sandestin, they are within a few minute’s drive away from each other and you can easily visit one destination from another.

Why not spend a night at both of these places, and decide for yourself? You are sure to have an amazing beach vacation regardless.

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About the author
James Williams
Hey there! I'm James Williams, the guy behind floridatripguide.com. I'm a born-and-raised Floridian, and I'm stoked to share my travel adventures with you. On my website, you'll get a taste of Florida through my eyes – the places I love, the hidden gems, and the stories that make the Sunshine State special. Join me on this journey as I take you through the heart and soul of Florida, one post at a time!

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