Get Away to the Florida Panhandle at the Hilton Sandestin
Having spent most of my life living on the beaches of Florida, there aren’t too may corners of the state that I have not seen. In journeying to the Florida Panhandle from our new home in Nashville, I expected to view the same white sand and green waters that I had been accustomed to……yet I was completely blown away by the clear blue water and white sand beach behind the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Fortunately, during this time of precaution, they are taking extra steps and measures to keep guests safe and are following guidelines and protocols established by the brand’s CleanStay initiative to elevate hygiene. The hotel is open at 50% capacity while on-site restaurants are open to guests with indoor seating operating at 25% capacity. Outdoor seating tables spaced six feet apart so you can safely enjoy the sunshine.
For friends in the south, the Hilton Sandestin is located just over two hours from Tallahassee, three hours from Montgomery, four-and-a-half hours from Birmingham, and five hours from Atlanta. It is the perfect road trip for a fun, family get-away.
I knew the Destin area was famed for its family atmosphere and white sand beaches but spending a weekend at the Hilton Sandestin was a unique and special experience that I had to share. As the mother of seven children, it is often a challenge finding a vacation destination that appeases my active teens but still is engaging for five children under nine years old. The Hilton did not disappoint as kayaks were available for my older children while my younger kids took advantage of the beachside, enclosed toddler pool and clear gulf waters. As a bonus to parents who may need a break from parenting, the KIDS KREW activity center offers day and evening childcare with a variety of creative and educational activities. This program is available in spring and summer and offers parents a much needed day or night out alone while their kids are safely cared for in the comfort of the resort.
For those who love to explore the outdoors, visiting South Walton is a perfect vacation destination. More than 40% of South Walton is preserved for nature, providing plenty of options for outdoor adventures! With four state parks, 15 dune lakes, a state forest, and, of course, the beach, there are many places to explore on foot, bike, horseback, or water.
Another feature unique to this resort is the Emerald Tower’s standard nautical bunk bed available in every room. When traveling with a large group, we often struggle to fit our family into one room and typically are burdened with purchasing two rooms to fit our children. Our $259 a night room (fall rate) easily fit all five children with room to spare. There were no children fighting to climb into bed with mom and dad because they were excited to have their own sleeping arrangement perfectly designed for them.
An indoor, heated pool makes colder temperatures or afternoon thunderstorms insignificant as this gorgeous pool was a place where we found poolside respite and an afternoon snack. This area was a huge relief when it started to drizzle but my children still needed to burn off some energy before bed. While Dad watched the kids in the pool, I treated myself to a well deserved pedicure at the Hilton Sandestin’s Serenity by the Sea salon, a full service spa offering couples massages, facials, hair appointments, makeup applications, a sauna and more. A 24-hour hour fitness center, with classes, is also located next door if you need to burn any calories after dining at the only 4-Diamond steak house in the area, Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, located inside the Hilton. With seven dining options to choose from on site, including one of the most amazing breakfast buffets I have ever seen, you can satisfy the pickiest of eaters with their offerings.
In addition to spending our day at the beach with the beautiful sugar white sand, we ventured out to the nearby outlets and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a beautiful area with an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. We spent two hours on their beautiful, ocean-themed wooden playground, went ice skating at their small rink and enjoyed an outdoor Mexican lunch. There is also zip-lining, an arial park and remote control boats for children. This is all within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and is the perfect spot to spend a vibrant afternoon or evening.
As a girl who grew up fishing, I was excited to see that Destin is known as “The World’s Largest Fishing Village.” With a fleet of charter boats, the “Billfish Capital of the World” is always ready for half-day, all-day, and overnight trips. At the Baytowne Marina, fishermen can cast a line right off the dock or rent a boat for fishing in the Bay.
As a frequent traveler and mother to seven, I cannot recommend this resort enough. We have rented a home in the 30A area before but this was a much more enjoyable experience for our family. My children were constantly entertained and there were enough adult activities to keep our family wanting more! From freshly made beds with a sunset view to custom omelettes before a day at the beach, this resort has it all. If you’re looking for a weekend get away this winter or are searching for your perfect spring break destination, trust this mother’s review of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.
