Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you don’t have a long itinerary. You pack a bag, head somewhere new, and spend a few days enjoying good food, beautiful beaches, and whatever activities sound fun along the way.
That was exactly what our weekend in Sandestin, Florida looked like. We drove from Central Florida to spend the weekend with friends, and our plans were pretty simple. Our goal was to spend a day golfing, relax at the beach, eat good foo. We also wanted to explore some of the popular places around Sandestin and Miramar Beach.
We stayed at The Grand Sandestin, golfed at Seascape Golf Course, explored The Village of Baytowne Wharf, enjoyed time at the beach, and tried several restaurants throughout the area. It ended up being the perfect mixture of relaxing and exploring without needing an overly packed itinerary.
If you’re planning a weekend in Sandestin, Florida, this quick travel guide covers where to stay, restaurants to try, things to do, golfing, beaches, and helpful tips for making the most of your Florida weekend getaway.
Where Is Sandestin, Florida?
Sandestin is a resort community located in Miramar Beach along Florida’s Emerald Coast. It sits between Destin and the beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A, giving visitors easy access to beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and entertainment.
Although many travelers refer to Sandestin as its own destination, it is technically located within Miramar Beach. During your trip, you’ll likely find yourself going back and forth between Sandestin and other parts of Miramar Beach for restaurants, beaches, and activities. Fortunately, the area is relatively easy to explore, making it a great destination for a quick Florida weekend getaway.
How to Get to Sandestin, Florida
We drove to Sandestin from Central Florida, which takes approximately six to seven hours depending on your starting location, traffic, and stops along the way. Driving worked well for us because we had our own vehicle to explore Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and the surrounding area throughout the weekend.
If you’re flying, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest major commercial airport to Sandestin. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), near Panama City Beach, is another option worth comparing for flight prices and schedules.
Travelers flying into the area can rent a car from one of the major rental car companies available at the airports. While visitors staying within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort may have access to resort transportation, I recommend having a vehicle if you want to explore restaurants, beaches, attractions, Destin, or Scenic Highway 30A during your trip.
One important thing to remember when driving from Central Florida is that Sandestin is located in the Central Time Zone. You’ll gain an hour on the drive there and lose it again when you head home.
Where We Stayed: The Grand Sandestin
During our weekend trip, we stayed with our friends at The Grand Sandestin. The location worked really well for us because we were close to The Village of Baytowne Wharf while still having an easy home base for exploring other parts of Sandestin and Miramar Beach.
The Grand Sandestin is located on the bayside of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and offers hotel-style rooms, studios, and larger condo accommodations depending on the unit you book.
One thing to keep in mind is that accommodations within the Sandestin resort area may be individually owned or managed through different rental companies. Before booking, check exactly what amenities, resort access, housekeeping services, and other benefits are included with your reservation.
Overall, we had a great experience staying at The Grand Sandestin, and the convenient location near Baytowne Wharf was one of our favorite things about the property.
Other Great Places to Stay in Sandestin and Miramar Beach
There are plenty of hotels and resorts throughout Sandestin and Miramar Beach. The best option will depend on your budget, who you’re traveling with, and whether you prefer to stay near the beach, restaurants, shopping, golf courses, or entertainment.
Hotel Effie Sandestin
Located within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Hotel Effie is an upscale hotel with a rooftop pool and a convenient location near The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
This beachfront resort is a great option for travelers who want easy access to the Gulf of Mexico along with pools, restaurants, a spa, and other resort amenities.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including hotel-style rooms, condos, villas, and vacation rentals throughout the large resort property.
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Located near Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, this hotel is convenient for travelers who want to stay near restaurants and shopping while remaining a short drive from the beach.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach
This all-suite hotel offers additional space for families and groups and is conveniently located near Miramar Beach, restaurants, shopping, and other area attractions.
Choosing Where to Stay for Your Sandestin Weekend
Before booking your accommodations, think about how you plan to spend most of your weekend.
If walking to restaurants, shops, and entertainment is important to you, consider staying near The Village of Baytowne Wharf or Grand Boulevard. Travelers who plan to spend most of their vacation at the beach may prefer a beachfront hotel or resort.
If you want to explore Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Destin, or Scenic Highway 30A, choose accommodations with convenient parking and easy access to Highway 98.
No matter where you stay, Sandestin and Miramar Beach offer a variety of accommodations for different travel styles and budgets.
Golfing at Seascape Golf Course in Miramar Beach
One of the main activities we planned for our weekend in Sandestin was golfing. We spent the day at Seascape Golf Course in Miramar Beach, which was a short drive from The Grand Sandestin.
The 18-hole golf course is located within Seascape Resort and gave us the opportunity to spend part of our weekend doing something different from the typical beach activities the area is known for.
If you plan to golf during your trip, I recommend booking your tee time in advance, especially during weekends and busy travel seasons. Morning tee times can also help you avoid some of the Florida heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
Other Golf Courses Near Sandestin, Florida
Sandestin and Miramar Beach have several golf courses for travelers who want to add a round of golf to their weekend or plan an entire golf getaway.
- The Links Golf Club: Located within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this course offers views of Choctawhatchee Bay and Baytowne Marina.
- Baytowne Golf Club: A resort golf course that stretches across the Sandestin property and offers a course suitable for a variety of skill levels.
- Raven Golf Club: Another Sandestin resort course known for its scenic setting and championship-style layout.
Whether golf is one of the main reasons for your trip or simply something you want to add to your itinerary, the Sandestin and Miramar Beach area offers several options for spending a morning or afternoon on the golf course.
Spending a Day at the Beach in Sandestin
You can’t plan a weekend in Sandestin, Florida, without spending some time at the beach. The white sand and beautiful Gulf water are some of the biggest reasons travelers visit Florida’s Emerald Coast, so we knew we wanted to dedicate part of our weekend to relaxing by the water.
Before heading to the beach, check whether your hotel, resort, or vacation rental includes beach access. Some accommodations within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort provide designated beach access or transportation, while other visitors may need to use one of the public beach access points throughout Miramar Beach.
During busy travel seasons, public beach parking can fill quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea. Bring sunscreen, water, sunglasses, towels, and some type of shade if your accommodations do not provide beach chairs or umbrellas.
Always check the beach warning flags and current water conditions before swimming. Conditions along the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly, and rip currents can occur even when the water appears calm.
If you want to explore beyond the beaches in Sandestin and Miramar Beach, Henderson Beach State Park in Destin and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are two nearby options for enjoying more of Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast.
Balancing activities like golfing and exploring with time relaxing at the beach made our weekend feel like an actual getaway without needing to fill every hour with plans.
Exploring The Village of Baytowne Wharf
One of the places we enjoyed exploring during our weekend in Sandestin was The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Since we were staying at The Grand Sandestin, the village was conveniently located nearby and was an easy place to visit without having to drive somewhere else for the evening.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a pedestrian-friendly area filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment, and activities along Choctawhatchee Bay. You can walk around the village, grab something to eat, listen to live music, and enjoy seasonal events throughout the year.
Families traveling with children will also find plenty to do, including an arcade, playground, ropes course, zip line, and other activities. Some attractions require an additional fee, so check prices and operating hours before your visit.
We enjoyed walking around, exploring the area, and spending time at Rum Runners, one of the restaurants and entertainment venues located within Baytowne Wharf. The lively atmosphere makes the village a fun place to spend an afternoon or evening during a weekend in Sandestin.
If you’re staying within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, I definitely recommend setting aside some time to explore Baytowne Wharf. Even if you’re staying elsewhere in Miramar Beach, it is worth adding to your itinerary for the restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and waterfront atmosphere.
Where We Ate During Our Weekend in Sandestin
Trying different restaurants is always one of our favorite parts of traveling, even during a quick weekend getaway. Sandestin and Miramar Beach have plenty of places to eat, from casual breakfast spots and pizza restaurants to seafood and waterfront dining.
During our weekend in Sandestin, we tried Maple Street Biscuit Company, Lost Pizza Co., and Rum Runners.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
We stopped at Maple Street Biscuit Company for breakfast before heading out for the day. The menu focuses on Southern-style breakfast food, including biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and other comfort food options.
It was a casual place to grab a filling breakfast before spending the rest of the day exploring the area.
Lost Pizza Co. Miramar Beach
We also ate at Lost Pizza Co. in Miramar Beach during our trip. This was another casual dining option with pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads, and other easy meals.
If you’re traveling with children, a group of friends, or simply want somewhere relaxed to eat after spending the day at the beach or exploring Sandestin, Lost Pizza Co. is a convenient option.
Rum Runners
While exploring The Village of Baytowne Wharf, we spent some time at Rum Runners. The restaurant and entertainment venue is known for its lively atmosphere, food, drinks, and live music.
Since we were staying nearby at The Grand Sandestin, it was easy to spend the evening exploring Baytowne Wharf, grab something to eat, and enjoy the entertainment without needing to travel far from where we were staying.
More Restaurants to Try in Sandestin and Miramar Beach
There are plenty of other restaurants throughout Sandestin and Miramar Beach that are worth considering during your weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, fresh seafood, waterfront dining, or a nicer dinner, you’ll find plenty of options nearby.
Breakfast and Brunch
- Sunset Bay Cafe: Located along Choctawhatchee Bay within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this casual restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with waterfront views.
- 2 Birds Coffee + Cafe: A casual cafe in Miramar Beach serving coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and other lighter meals.
Lunch and Casual Dining
- Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House: Located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Slick Lips is a convenient option for seafood and casual coastal dining while exploring the village.
- Pompano Joe’s: A beachfront restaurant in Miramar Beach serving seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes with views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Dinner
- Bijoux: Located within The Market Shops near Sandestin, Bijoux offers steaks, seafood, and New Orleans-inspired dishes in a more upscale setting.
- The Bay: Located along Choctawhatchee Bay, this waterfront restaurant serves seafood, sushi, and Southern-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting.
These are only a few of the many restaurants in Sandestin and Miramar Beach. Since the area has so many dining options, you can easily try something different for every meal during a weekend getaway.
More Things to Do in Sandestin and Miramar Beach
Between the beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, it is easy to fill a weekend in Sandestin. If you have extra time or want to add a few more activities to your itinerary, there are plenty of other things to do in Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and the surrounding area.
- Explore Grand Boulevard at Sandestin: Spend a few hours shopping, eating, or simply walking around this outdoor shopping and entertainment area. Grand Boulevard also has a movie theater and hosts events throughout the year.
- Shop at Silver Sands Premium Outlets: Located in Miramar Beach, this large outdoor outlet mall is a popular stop for travelers who want to spend part of their weekend shopping.
- Visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: Explore hiking trails, coastal dune lakes, and beautiful beaches at this nearby Florida state park.
- Spend the Day in Destin: Take a short drive into Destin to explore HarborWalk Village, book a dolphin cruise, enjoy watersports, visit local restaurants, or spend more time along the Gulf Coast.
- Take a Dolphin Cruise or Boat Tour: The Destin area offers a variety of sightseeing cruises, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and boat trips that can easily be added to a weekend itinerary.
- Explore Scenic Highway 30A: If you have additional time, take a drive along Scenic Highway 30A and visit some of the nearby beach communities. You can explore places like Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Rosemary Beach while enjoying another part of Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Whether you want to spend your entire weekend relaxing at the beach or fill your itinerary with shopping, outdoor activities, and nearby destinations, Sandestin makes a convenient home base for exploring this part of Northwest Florida.
What to Pack for a Weekend in Sandestin, Florida
Packing for a weekend in Sandestin is relatively simple, especially if your plans include spending time at the beach, golfing, exploring the area, and enjoying local restaurants. Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and plenty of sun protection will cover most of what you need for a quick Florida weekend getaway.
Keep in mind that Florida weather can change quickly, especially during the warmer months, so checking the forecast before your trip is always a good idea.
Sandestin Weekend Packing Checklist
- Swimsuits and a beach cover-up
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, casual clothing
- A nicer outfit for dinner
- Golf clothes and shoes if you plan to golf
- Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
- Reusable water bottle
- Beach bag and towels
- Portable phone charger
- Small cooler for drinks and snacks, where permitted
- Bug spray
- Personal toiletries and medications
If you’re flying into the area or simply want to pack lighter, check what your hotel, resort, or vacation rental provides before leaving home. Beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and other equipment may be available with your accommodations or for rent nearby.
A Quick Weekend Itinerary for Sandestin, Florida
If you’re planning a quick weekend in Sandestin, you don’t need an overly packed itinerary to enjoy the area. Our trip included golfing, time at the beach, local restaurants, and exploring The Village of Baytowne Wharf, which gave us a good mixture of activities and time to relax.
Here is a simple weekend itinerary based on how we spent our trip.
Arrival Day: Explore The Village of Baytowne Wharf
After arriving in Sandestin and getting settled at The Grand Sandestin, we spent the evening exploring The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Walk around the village, browse the shops, check out the entertainment, and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. We ate at Rum Runners and spent the rest of the evening enjoying the lively atmosphere before heading back to where we were staying.
Day Two: Golf, Pizza, and the Beach
We started our first full day in the area by golfing at Seascape Golf Course in Miramar Beach.
After golfing, we stopped at Lost Pizza Co. for a casual lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing at the beach.
This ended up being my favorite type of vacation day because we had one main activity planned in the morning but still had plenty of time to enjoy good food and relax by the Gulf of Mexico without rushing from one attraction to another.
In the evening, you can head back to Baytowne Wharf, try another local restaurant, explore Grand Boulevard, or simply relax at your hotel or resort.
Final Day: Breakfast and One Last Stop
Before heading home, we stopped at Maple Street Biscuit Company for breakfast.
Depending on how much time you have before leaving Sandestin, you could spend the rest of the morning relaxing at the beach, shopping at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, walking around Grand Boulevard, or visiting another nearby attraction before starting the drive home or heading to the airport.
Our weekend in Sandestin was simple, but that was one of the things I enjoyed most about it. We had enough planned to experience the area without packing every hour of the trip with activities.
Final Thoughts on Spending a Weekend in Sandestin, Florida
Our weekend in Sandestin, Florida, was a simple getaway filled with golfing, beautiful beaches, good food, and time spent exploring somewhere new. We didn’t have an overly packed itinerary, and I think that was one of the reasons we enjoyed the trip so much.
Sandestin and Miramar Beach offer a great mixture of activities for a quick Florida weekend getaway. You can spend the morning golfing, relax by the Gulf of Mexico in the afternoon, explore The Village of Baytowne Wharf in the evening, and enjoy plenty of local restaurants along the way.
I also loved how easy it was to experience different parts of the area during a short trip. While Sandestin is fairly small, its location within Miramar Beach and proximity to Destin and Scenic Highway 30A gives you plenty of options if you want to explore beyond the resort area.
Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a trip with friends, a family vacation, or simply looking for somewhere new to visit in Florida, Sandestin is worth considering for a relaxing weekend along the Emerald Coast.
Our trip may have been short, but we were able to golf, spend time at the beach, explore Baytowne Wharf, try several restaurants, and enjoy time with friends without feeling like we needed another vacation to recover from our vacation.
If you’re planning a weekend in Sandestin, my biggest advice is to keep your itinerary simple. Choose a few activities you really want to experience, leave plenty of time to enjoy the beach and good food, and give yourself the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.
More Florida Travel Guides
Planning more adventures around the Sunshine State? Here are a few more Florida travel guides to help you discover new destinations, plan weekend getaways, and explore more of Florida with your family.
