Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast, is a true golfing gem with its warm winters, picturesque beaches, and exceptional golfing opportunities, boasting over 50 courses just a short drive from Destin, east or west, where you can soak up around 320 days of sunshine each year. Discover Destin Resorts, Dining, and Things to Do with our Golfer’s Paradise Guide.
From Pensacola to Panama City Beach, this stop at Desin, a beautiful and well-known stretch of coastline often overlooked for the more bustling spots like Miami or Orlando, offers a charming, laid-back atmosphere. It features inviting distinct neighborhoods brimming with local culture, like Scenic 30A, with delightful rooftop bars and mouthwatering cuisine. Destin is the hub, with 24 golf courses within 30 minutes! Your ultimate guide to golfing in Destin.
Whether you’re teeing off with scenic views or indulging in fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, the Emerald Coast makes for a perfect getaway filled with Southern hospitality and unforgettable experiences. Browse Destin’s best golf courses and the Emerald Coasts top -ated golf courses just a short drive away.
Destin’s Best Golf Courses Listed
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club – Destin, FL
This is a hidden gem of a must-play golf course on the Emerald Coast Golf Trail. You’ll love this Par 72, which plays 7078 yards from the back tees.
Emerald Bay Golf Club – Destin, FL
Tee off on a Bob Cupp-designed scenic gem along Choctawhatchee Bay Par 72, 18-hole at 7050 yards. A consistent, beautifully kept golf course close to all the best of Destin that will test your shot-making capabilities.
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club – Destin, FL
Robert C. Walker, Arnold Palmer’s former lead architect, designed the course. Water is present in the form of sparkling blue lakes and meandering streams. This is another must-play treat on the Emerald Coast at 6840 yards Par 72 beauty.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club – Destin, FL
Play in a stunning setting that will inspire golfers of every level along Choctawhatchee Bay, a highly rated championship course measuring 7099 yards on this Emearals Coast Golf Trail Par 72 beauty. It also features the Strano Golf Academy.
Shalimar Pointe Golf Club – Shalimar, FL
Experience this often-overlooked golf course. It has been considered one of the Emerald Coast’s best-kept secrets, but word about this Par 72, 6,765–yard layout is beginning to emerge. Another gem along the shores!
Rocky Bayou Country Club – Niceville, FL
It is an enjoyable round, complete with beautiful views and serene surroundings. This is a great course and is highly rated throughout Florida! At 6901 yards, this Par 72 is an excellent choice and not too far up the road from the beaches.
Best Golf Courses Near Destin at Neighboring Sandestin
Burnt Pine Golf Club At Sandestin – Miramar Beach, FL
The epitome of luxury golfing in a gorgeous setting! A private club is one of the highest-rated golf experiences on the Emerald Coast, but you can play with a Stay and Play Premium Golf Package that allows you to play all 4 Sandestin Courses.
Raven Golf At Sandestin – Miramar Beach, FL
Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted this unique and visually stunning 6,900-yard par 71 into what he calls “a true modern traditional.” “Best Courses You Can Play” by Golfweek Magazine is a must-play for our golfers. See the Premium Golf Package and play all four Sandestin courses.
The Links Golf Club At Sandestin – Miramar Beach, FL
A unique experience awaits at this beautifully designed course, the ultimate in risk-reward golf architect, Tom Jackson, Par 72 at 6710 yards. A must-play course on the Emerald Coast for the “Go For It Golfer”
Baytowne Golf At Sandestin – Miramar Beach, FL
A resort-style course in the Sandestin collection is a proving ground for many golfers in this four-play golf and beach resort. This courses accolades aren’t collecting dust on this Par 72 course at 6804 yards.
Best Local Golf Courses Worth the Drive from Destin
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club – Oaks Course – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Play the Oaks Course (par 72), which offers over 6400 yards of narrow fairways, more water hazards, and fairways lined with Oak trees. A premium of shot placement will be rewarded on the scorecard.
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club – Pines Course– Fort Walton Beach, FL
A challenging layout of over 6,700 yards Par 72 through an upland pine forest! You will love hitting from the back tees on this scenic course, which keeps you looking at your club selections on the fairways.
Blackwater Golf Club – Crestview, FL
Formerly Foxwood Country Club’s newly renovated course features Top Tracer Range, a Par 72, 18-hole course at 6314 yards. It is a nice course with amenities for the drive north of Choctawhatchee Bay.
The Golf Club At Bluewater Bay – Marsh Course & Bay Course– Niceville, FL
Variety at its best is one way to describe playing golf at Bluewater Bay. Our Bay and Marsh courses were designed by world-renowned golf architects Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate, combined 18-hole, Par 72 at 6555 yards. (Under new ownership 2022 and returning to its former glory)
Eagle at Eglin Golf Course – Niceville, FL
A Military golf course and part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail, the Falcon Course is a Par 72, 18-hole course at 6567 yards. It has merged with the Eagle Course. Military discounts are available for active duty and veterans like us.
Gator Lakes Golf Course – Hurlburt Field, FL
Gator Lakes Golf Course, located at Hurlburt Field, is a scenic and challenging 18-hole Par 72 at 6839 yards military course that is highly rated.
Sandpiper Cove – Destin, FL
This resort setting offers a casual atmosphere where fun rounds are the name of the game. It has a fun little 9-hole Par 3 course, making it a good place to take kids to learn when in Destin.
