Best Golf Courses in Destin FL

A game of golf in Destin is an experience like no other. Enjoy sunny days and a seaside breeze while you play your way across a perfectly sculpted green. Whenever you climb to the top of a hill, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the ocean.

Destin has numerous world-class golf courses suited for every skill level. Take a day out of your next vacation to visit one of these amazing locations.

Kelly Plantation Golf Club

Kelly Plantation Golf Club is one of Destin’s most visually appealing golf courses. Play your way across perfectly-manicured greens surrounded by swampy wetlands. Magnolia and palmetto trees provide seclusion and mystery to the landscape, and the dazzling view of Choctawhatchee Bay at Hole 4 is a reward well worth playing for. Lucky golfers might also catch sight of the many rare birds and local wildlife that inhabit the plantation.

Kelly Plantation is known for its unique water hazards. 11 lakes dot the property; the largest is over 7 acres across. Large swaths of trees and natural vegetation further define the shape of the course. Discover subtle slopes, multi-tiered greens, and strategically placed bunkers throughout this fun yet challenging landscape. The semi-private environment encourages a casual and relaxed pace of play.

Visit the Kelly Plantation website to reserve your tee time online; staff will be available to assist you when you arrive at the clubhouse. New players can book a lesson with Rob Strano, Kelly Plantation’s lead golf instructor.

When you’re ready to take a break, visit the Kelly Plantation Clubhouse and Grill for a casual dining experience. Brunch is served every Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm; enjoy delicious chef’s specials and a full lunch menu. Guests are requested to dress in golf attire or plantation casual wear.

• Length: 7,099 yards
• Slope: 137
• Amenities: GPS-enabled golf carts and a large practice area.
• Food and Drink: Visit the Grill any day of the week for a delicious meal before and after your game. Chilled apples are served at the 10th tee box.

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Regatta Bay offers a bright, vibrant, and breathtaking golf experience. This course is located right by the beach; strong winds, sparkling water, and blue skies will make your game completely unforgettable. Lush vegetation separates the course from the bay and creates a secluded but comfortable atmosphere.

The greens at Regatta Bay pose a mild challenge appropriate to all skill levels. Visit the Regatta Bay website for a virtual tour of every hole. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for the most difficult parts of the course. Expect to see natural hazards, winding streams, and well-designed bunkers. Many of the holes take advantage of the prevailing wind that comes in from the bay.

The Regatta Bay Clubhouse overhangs one of the course’s beautiful lakes. Enjoy a chilled beverage on the sunny deck while you gaze across the sparkling blue water. Fine dining is available every day of the week, and a Sunday brunch is served from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.

• Length: 6798 yards
• Slope: 138
• Amenities: GPS-enabled golf carts, practice area, on-site golf shop, and mango-scented iced towels.
• Food and Drink: A full service restaurant is open to the public from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week, with special hours on Sunday. Beverage carts circle through the course while you play, and chilled apples are available at the 1st and 10th tees.

Emerald Bay Golf Club

The verdant greens of Emerald Bay sit in perfect contrast to the glittering ocean. This golf course winds through one of Destin’s exclusive gated communities. Lakes, rivers, and fountains bring definition and beauty to the sprawling landscape. Every twist and turn lets you view Choctawhatchee Bay from a new and exciting angle.

Games at Emerald Bay are professional and strategic. The course adheres to a traditional dress code; collared shirts are required, and denim is not permitted. Perfectly trimmed grass and well-maintained facilities ensure a consistent and flawless experience. A 2014 redesign made this course significantly more accessible to players of all skill levels. 12 of the holes feature water hazards; bunkers, slopes, and long stretches add variety to the green.

Emerald Bay’s on-site Grille and Bar offers an enjoyable dining experience. Take your meal on the covered patio; the fireplace is lit on cooler days. Visit the Emerald Bay website to see the menu and book your tee time. You can also stay the Emerald Bay Guesthouse for a private vacation with full amenities.

• Length: 7050 yards
• Slope: 143
• Amenities: GPS-enabled golf carts and a driving range.
• Food and Drink: Visit the Emerald Bay Grille and Bar for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Seascape Resort Golf Club

The scenery at Seascape Resort is sure to distract you from that perfect game. Tall pines crest every hilltop while sparkling blue water features dot the landscape. This architectural masterpiece offers a challenging game that will be a memorable part of your vacation.

The Seascape golf course features contoured fairways, unique hazards, and water features at 15 of the holes. You’ll enjoy strategic shots across immaculately maintained Bermuda grass. Don’t forget to book a session with one of the instructors at Seascape’s Purestrike Golf Academy; these professional lessons focus on drills, exercises, and applications to bring your game to the next level.

If you’re pressed on time, play just 9 of Seascape’s 18 holes for a quick but enjoyable game. Finish out the day at The Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill. This restaurant opens at 7:00 am and features outdoor dining with a spectacular view of the ocean. You can also stop by the gift shop for a take-home souvenir.

Seascape Resort offers stay-and-play vacation packages that apply to both Seascape and Emerald Bay. Rent a gorgeous villa or stay at the Surfside Resort hotel while you play all of Destin’s amazing courses. You can even leave your golf clubs at home; rent clubs when you arrive, or use Seaside’s shipping service to have your personal equipment delivered to the course. Visit their website to check the fluctuating fees and plan your next vacation.

• Length: 6340 yards
• Slope: 120
• Amenities: Golf club rentals, driving range, and practice greens.
• Food and Drink: Catch breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill any day of the week.

Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club

Indian Bayou is one of Destin’s hidden gems. Tucked beneath a hill covered in towering pine trees, you’ll find two 9-hole courses ready for golfers of all skill levels. The course’s modest amenities are supplemented by perfect maintenance and exceptional customer service.

(While this course is currently open, the property owners have proposed to the Destin City Council to re-zone and replace the entire course with single family homes.) 

The holes at Indian Bayou are divided into long strips separated by trees and water hazards. This simple layout is excellent for walking and provides a relaxing play experience. The Seminole course offers forgiving play with large greens. The Choctaw course features slightly longer distances and is suited for experienced players. Play through both together for the classic 18-hole game.

Indian Bayou partners with many of Destin’s local hotels to offer golf vacation packages. Visit their website to book a tee time, view detailed instructions for every hole, or peruse the menu of the on-site Bar and Grill.

• Length: 7078 yards
• Slope: 132
• Amenities: Vacation packages and an on-site pro shop.
• Food and drink: Visit the Indian Bayou Bar and Grill for delicious appetizers, sandwiches, and salads at reasonable prices.

A trip to even one of these beautiful golf courses will define your Destin vacation. Perfect island weather and gentle seaside breezes guarantee an exceptional game at every time of year. Plan to visit just one course, or play all five to see why Destin’s golf courses are among the best in the world.