Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida has been my family’s go-to vacation spot for Thanksgiving for three years in a row.

Sandestin is a gated community consisting of 1,600 homes, villas, condos and hotel accommodations along 7 miles of white sandy beaches. In addition to the pristine beaches, you will find everything from paddle boarding, kayaking, 15 tennis courts, 4 golf courses, walk/bike trails, spa, restaurants and nightlife.

Within minutes from Sandestin are outlet malls, movie theaters, restaurants galore, mini golf, bumper cars, a water park and much more!

We stayed at a Third Home property which came equipped with a golf cart. So we were able to zip around from corner to corner of Sandestin without ever using our car.

Zipping around Sandestin in a golf cart

The Best Of Sandestin

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the entertainment district of Sandestin and a blast for kids aged 5-13. Ropes course, bungee jumping, zip lining, candy shop, arcade, ice skating (in the winter) and fantastic restaurants – Baytowne Wharf has it all!

Baytowne Wharf

Bungee jumping at Baytowne Wharf

Ropes course at Baytowne Wharf

Candy Maker candy shop in Baytowne Wharf

Baytowne Wharf arcade

Baytown Wharf restaurants and nightlife

White Sandy Beaches and Gorgeous Sunsets

Nothing beats the sugar sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Make sure you bring a good camera and take family photos at sunset.

The moment a wave took us out at the knees

Sandestin sunset

Playing football on the beach at sunset

Tennis

Sandestin is the place to go for tennis fans. The Sandestin Tennis Club offers adult clinics in the mornings and youth clinics in the evenings.

Sandestin Florida tennis club

Sandestin Marina and Water Activities

The Baytowne Marina offers plenty of fun on or near the water: Bike rentals, dinner cruise, kayaking, paddleboards, WaveRunners, fishing, pontoon boats and the Marina Bar and Grill.

Sandestin marina water sports

Destin, Florida

Shopping

Minutes from Sandestin is the main city of Destin, Florida. Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall is a popular destination for shoppers and is home to over 110 designer stores.

Slightly more upscale shopping can be found at The Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach.

Entertainment

My kids could spend every day at The Track. Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, mini roller coasters and an arcade. The Track is fun for all ages.

The Track Destin, Florida

Oh no, she’s cutting him off!

Our Favorite Restaurants Near Destin

Surf Hut – excellent seafood, kid-friendly and right on the beach. They have an outdoor play area with corn hole and other beach activities while you wait for your table.

Stinky’s Fish Camp – Popular dive in Santa Rosa Beach, a short drive from Sandestin. Wait times for a table can be very long so either go during off-peak times or have tremendous patience when you go!

Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster Bar – located inside Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. The perfect place to stop for dinner after bungee jumping. The Candy Maker chocolate shop is across the street. Slicks Lips makes the best calamari we have ever had.

Pompano Joe’s Seafood House – located in Miramar Beach about 10 minutes from Sandestin, Pompano Joe’s is super casual, ocean-front and a great place to take your family photos at sunset and then grab dinner.

One of our favorite restaurants in Sandestin

What are some of your favorite parts of the Florida Panhandle? Any other suggestions for beachgoers heading to Destin? Leave a comment below. See you on the beach!