The Best Golf Courses in Destin, Florida (2026 Guide)

Destin, Florida, is known for its white-sand beaches and emerald-green waters, but it’s also one of the premier golf destinations along the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re looking for a championship course, a scenic round overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, or an affordable public course, Destin offers options for golfers of every skill level.

Kelly Plantation Golf Club

Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Northwest Florida, Kelly Plantation Golf Club features an award-winning championship layout designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. Built on the site of a former turpentine plantation, the course winds through protected wetlands, mature hardwood forests, and beautiful waterfront views.

Golfers can expect immaculate course conditions, challenging bunkers, strategically placed water hazards, and several memorable holes along Choctawhatchee Bay.

Typical Green Fees: $85–$130+, depending on season and tee time.

Best For: Golfers seeking a premium championship golf experience.

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is another premier public course in Destin. Designed by Robert C. Walker, this championship course combines pristine fairways with natural wetlands, lakes, and towering pine forests.

The layout rewards accuracy over power and provides an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Regatta Bay is consistently recognized as one of Florida’s best public golf courses.

Typical Green Fees: $100–$150+, depending on season.

Best For: Players looking for excellent course conditions and a challenging round.

Emerald Bay Golf Club

Emerald Bay Golf Club offers one of the best values in the Destin area. Located along Choctawhatchee Bay, the course features rolling fairways, water on several holes, and beautiful views throughout the round.

The layout is playable for beginners while still offering enough challenge for experienced golfers. Friendly staff and reasonable pricing make Emerald Bay a favorite among visitors.

Typical Green Fees: $55–$90, with peak tee times occasionally reaching around $119.

Best For: Golfers looking for a balance of quality and affordability.

Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club

Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club features 27 championship holes divided into three distinct nine-hole courses. This allows golfers to enjoy a different combination of layouts throughout their stay.

Known for smooth greens, wide fairways, and excellent practice facilities, Indian Bayou is popular with both locals and vacationers.

Typical Green Fees: $35–$65.

Best For: Great value and golfers who enjoy playing multiple course combinations.

Raven Golf Club

Located within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Raven Golf Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course has hosted numerous professional tournaments and features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens.

It provides one of the more challenging rounds in the Destin area while maintaining excellent course conditions year-round.

Typical Green Fees: $90–$120.

Best For: Serious golfers looking for a championship-caliber course.

The Links Golf Club

The Links Golf Club offers a completely different golfing experience with its Scottish links-inspired design. Several holes run alongside Choctawhatchee Bay, providing spectacular waterfront views and frequent coastal breezes.

The course is generally more forgiving than Raven, making it enjoyable for mid- and high-handicap golfers.

Typical Green Fees: $65–$90.

Best For: Scenic golf with beautiful bay views.

Burnt Pine Golf Club

Often considered the crown jewel of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Burnt Pine Golf Club was designed by Reese Jones and is consistently ranked among Florida’s finest courses.

Featuring dramatic elevation changes, lakes, wetlands, and pristine fairways, Burnt Pine delivers a private club experience. Public tee times are limited but occasionally available.

Typical Green Fees: $150–$200+.

Best For: Luxury golf experiences and bucket-list rounds.

Sandpiper Cove Golf Course

Sandpiper Cove Golf Course is a short nine-hole par-3 course located within the Sandpiper Cove Resort. Although smaller than the area’s championship courses, it’s a fun option for casual golfers and families.

Availability may vary since the course primarily serves resort guests.

Typical Green Fees: Resort pricing varies.

Best For: Casual rounds and family golf.

Which Destin Golf Course Should You Play?

If you’re visiting Destin for a golf vacation, here’s a quick guide:

• Best Overall: Kelly Plantation Golf Club
• Best Luxury Experience: Burnt Pine Golf Club
• Best Public Championship Course: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
• Best Value: Emerald Bay Golf Club
• Best for Multiple Rounds: Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club
• Best Scenic Views: The Links Golf Club
• Best Tournament Course: Raven Golf Club
• Best for Beginners: The Golf Garden of Destin
• Best Family-Friendly Option: Sandpiper Cove Golf Course

Final Thoughts

With championship layouts, affordable public courses, and breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin has become one of Florida’s top golf destinations. Whether you’re planning a weekend golf getaway or adding a round to your beach vacation, you’ll find courses that fit every budget and skill level.

To get the best rates, book tee times early, consider weekday or twilight rounds, and check each course for seasonal specials before your trip.

Plan Your Destin Golf Getaway

The best way to experience Destin is to combine championship golf with a relaxing beachfront vacation. After a morning on the course, you can spend the afternoon enjoying the Emerald Coast’s sugar-white beaches, fresh seafood, shopping, and world-famous sunsets.

Many of Destin’s top golf courses are just minutes from the area’s most popular beachfront condo resorts, making it easy to play a different course each day while enjoying all the comforts of a vacation rental. Whether you’re planning a golf trip with friends, a couples getaway, or a family vacation, staying in a beachfront condo gives you convenient access to both the golf courses and the beach.

If you’re ready to start planning your golf vacation, browse our selection of beautiful beachfront vacation rentals at Beach Condos in Destin. Our condos offer the perfect home base for your stay, with easy access to Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, Emerald Bay, Indian Bayou, the Sandestin golf courses, and many of Destin’s best restaurants, attractions, and beaches.

Whether you’re booking a long golf weekend or an extended beach vacation, Beach Condos in Destin makes it easy to find the perfect place to stay so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying everything Destin has to offer.

Laura Co-Owner

Hi, I’m Laura Clayton — co-owner of Beach Condos in Destin, Realtor with World Impact Real Estate, full-time vacation rental nerd, and full-time mom-on-the-go. When I’m not helping guests find the perfect beachfront condo in Destin or Miramar Beach, I’m usually taking care of my two dogs, Lily (my terrier mix) and Ziggy (my standard Goldendoodle), or sitting at what feels like my 1,000th sporting event cheering on my kids, Reece and Liam. If you’ve ever tried answering emails from the bleachers, you’ll understand my life perfectly. I’ve spent nearly two decades in the vacation rental world, helping thousands of families make memories along the Emerald Coast — from first-time beach trips to traditions that bring guests back year after year. I love creating welcoming, pet-friendly spaces, coming up with slightly ridiculous beachy condo names, and making sure our homes feel comfortable, clean, and genuinely cared for. As a Realtor with World Impact Real Estate, I also help buyers and owners navigate the real estate side of beach living — whether that means purchasing an investment property, selling a condo, or maximizing rental potential while still keeping a place that feels like home. At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves the beach, loves people, and believes vacations should feel easy, personal, and a little bit special. If you’re planning a stay — or thinking about owning a piece of the beach yourself — I’d love to help. Let’s get your flip-flops in the sand and make it a great one 🌊👣

See Full Bio