Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – Gulf Coast Family Resort
My family visited Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to check out firsthand just what this Gulf Coast family beach destination was all about. This beach resort is located on the Northwest coast of Florida, between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. It is a gated resort that offers vacation living, hotel lodging, residential areas, and tons of activities for everyone. You can choose beachfront accommodations for opt for a view of a golf course or gardens. You can stay in a high-rise condominium or in a charming coastal cottage. You can prepare meals in your lodging, or venture out to the restaurants located around the resort. Whatever you’re looking for, Sandestin has it.
The Resort
Sandestin is divided by the main highway and is divided into various sections: Beachside, Village, Lakeside, and Bayside with smaller areas and neighborhoods within each. This resort is massive and it is easy to get lost. Sandestin provides a property shuttle that makes various stops around the resort, but there are other options available if you still would like to keep your car parked after you check in. Golf cart rentals are popular, as are the bike rentals. Or, you could just get around by foot, but be sure to bring along a wagon if you are toting beach supplies and little ones.
Our Lodging
We stayed in a golf view 3 bedroom 3 bath townhome in the Tivoli neighborhood of Southside on the Beachside of the resort. It was quiet, clean, spacious, and very relaxing. We decided to visit Sandestin for a last minute weekend escape and all the oceanfront accommodations were completely booked. The luxury of being on the golf course is that we had access to all the amenities of the resort, yet the price is a bit less than the beachfront units. Also, each themed area of the resort has its own swimming pool. Since everyone was near the beach, we pretty much had the entire pool area near our unit to ourselves.
We had an open living area with dining and kitchen overlooking the fairway. This was a luxury unit with top of the line appliances and a split floor plan. The kids picked out their own rooms and the master bath itself was huge. The master bath offered double sink vanity, large jetted tub, marble shower, and enclosed toilet area. The screened patio was a favorite place for my husband and I each evening as we sipped wine and watched the sun set.
The Amenities
Sandestin offers a wide array of amenities, including free children’s activities, 2 4-hour bicycle rentals, one hour free kayak, boogie board, or kayak rental, one hour on the resort tennis court, free access to the Destin Fitness Center (adults only), and resort tram transportation. But that’s not all, the resort is also home to four championship golf courses, 7.5 miles of beach and bayfront, 15 tennis courts, a large marina, plently of shops and restaurants, 4 swimming pools, hiking and biking trails, lots of playgrounds, and the amazing Baytowne Wharf.
Sandestin Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Village at Baytowne Wharf is the hotspot of the entire resort area of Sandestin. My family enjoyed the walking trails, hidden treehouses, the shopping, snacks, and the wide variety of dinner venues. For families, Baytowne Adventure Zone provides an exciting area of activities during the day or after the sun sets. My kids loved soaring over the lagoon on the zip line and climbing around on the ropes course. There’s also a Eurobungy just waiting for someone to hop in and bounce around. Baytown Adventure Zone is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5pm. There are additional charges for the activities in the adventure zone. There’s something for everyone at Sandestin Vilage of Baytowne Wharf, but my favorite activity was just walking around as a family, giggling at the sights.
The Golf
Sandestin is a golfer’s destination, with four golf courses onsite. It is home to The Raven Golf Club, Burnt Pine Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Course. Burnt Pine is the most exclusive of all the golf clubs at Sandestin. The other three offer afternoon specials for those looking for golf deals. Greensfees range from $49 to $155 depending on the course and time of year.
Tip: Children under 12 play free and receive free kids rental clubs and kids yardage guides at Baytowne Golf Club when accompanied by a paying adult.
The Beach and the Bay
The ultimate draw for most visitors is the surf and sand. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort won’t disappoint. The sugar white sands of Florida’s Northwest Coast is a haven in the sun. This is a full service beach resort, which means there are chair and umbrella rentals for your convenience. However, there’s plenty of beach area for those bringing their own setup and beach toys. It’s a fabulous place to built a sandcastle or even for those looking to nap and relax at the water’s edge. I enjoyed sitting on a cushioned beach chair, with a bit of shade on my face, reading a book and watching my kids play in the Gulf of Mexico.
One afternoon we ventured to The Marina and enjoyed a beach inspired lunch after a morning of the kids’ first parasailing experience. One the bay side, there are many water sports activities to choose from, including YOLO boarding, kayaks, canoes, Boogie Boards, fishing, and so much more.
Overall
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a destination where families can park the car and enjoy relaxing at the beach while having all the comforts of home. Every time we stepped out of our townhome, we discovered something new and fun at Sandestin. We did have a full kitchen at our disposal, but with all the delicious restaurants and beach bars, I didn’t even have to take out a pot or pan. We all returned home with new and fun family memories and a laid back attitude.
There’s so much to do at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort that I haven’t even begun to touch the surface of all the fun family things to do. But it isn’t all about families at Sandestin. Parents or those without children looking for a getaway will find plenty to do with all the pubs, bars, live music, and annual events at this amazing golf and beach resort on the Gulf Coast.
Special thanks to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for hosting my family for a quick weekend getaway on the Gulf Coast.