Looking for the best golf in Destin, FL, or you're into a round of mini-golf in Destin, FL? This blog has got you covered! Ready to swing in paradise?
Did you know Florida is the number one state in the U.S. for golfing? With sugar-white sands, emerald waters, and a laid-back yet lively vibe, Destin is a golfer's dream come true. Thanks to its mild, sunny weather, you can tee off year-round on courses so picturesque they might just distract your swing!
Thinking about a game of golf or mini-golf in Destin? This guide has you covered. From championship greens to fun-filled mini-golf adventures, we've rounded up the best spots to swing into action in this coastal gem.
Here's a quick preview:
- Baytowne Golf Club: Tom Jackson's design blends challenge and fun with water views, wide fairways, and a family-friendly vibe.
- Raven Golf Club: A Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece with rolling fairways, lakes, and championship-level polish.
- Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club: Scenic wetlands, lush fairways, and a relaxed yet refined golfing experience.
- Kelly Plantation Golf Club: Fred Couples and Gene Bates-designed course mixing coastal beauty and strategy.
- Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club: Three 9-hole courses for a customizable, beautifully maintained round.
- Big Kahuna's Adventure Park: A tropical-themed mini-golf course with Tiki obstacles and pirate-ship flair.
- Destin Laser Tag & Mini Golf: Glow-in-the-dark, neon mini-golf fun that's perfect for families and groups.
At Travel Life Vacations, we specialize in providing premium, boutique-style management services, offering guests private, resort-style luxury homes. We pride ourselves on creating an oasis where you can truly escape from everyday life!
We know "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" like the back of our hands. Traveling here with pets? First-time visitor? Looking for a family fun itinerary? It's all covered in our blog. We have many more tips for you to have a trip of a lifetime and enjoy the perfect Destin getaway.
Ready? Let's tee off for some golfing fun!
1. BAYTOWNE GOLF CLUB
Proximity to Destin: ~8 miles east, approximately a 15-minute drive.
Tucked inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Baytowne Golf Club blends the best of coastal and inland golf in one scenic round. Designed by Tom Jackson, the course balances challenge and playability with narrow fairways, generous greens, and shimmering water hazards. It's a favorite for both seasoned players and casual golfers, and families especially love its junior tees and friendly atmosphere.
Highlights
- Designed by Tom Jackson, offering a balanced mix of challenge and fun.
- Narrow fairways and spacious greens that reward smart play.
- Multiple tee boxes to suit beginners and pros alike.
- Well-kept fairways, greens, and bunkers that hold up beautifully in all weather.
- Family programs and junior tees perfect for group outings.
- Practice areas and a relaxed clubhouse with great food and drinks.
- Access to Sandestin's full resort amenities for a complete golf getaway.
What people say
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"Always great to play here. Very friendly staff. The course is always in excellent condition. Fun layout. Never have a pace of play problems. Highly recommended."
2. RAVEN GOLF CLUB
Proximity to Destin: ~8 miles east, approximately a 15-minute drive.
Raven Golf Club is one of Destin's most scenic and rewarding golf experiences. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course winds through lakes, pines, and wetlands, blending natural beauty with strategic challenges. Its rolling fairways, large greens, and thoughtful layout make it as enjoyable for casual players as it is demanding for low handicappers. Add first-class maintenance, great amenities, and friendly service, and you've got a course that's as polished as it is fun to play.
Highlights
- Championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., host to PGA Tour events.
- Rolling fairways, water hazards, and bunkers that keep every hole interesting.
- Multiple tee boxes to suit beginners and advanced golfers alike.
- Impeccable maintenance year-round with pristine greens and clean bunkers.
- Driving ranges, putting greens, and a welcoming clubhouse for pre- and post-game comfort.
- Excellent staff and on-site dining that turn a good round into a great day.
What people say
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"The Raven in Sandestin is a very good golf course, and I would highly recommend playing it! Lots of shot selections and conditions were good for early January. The greens rolled extremely nicely!"
3. REGATTA BAY GOLF & YACHT CLUB
Proximity to Destin: ~4 miles east, approximately a 10-minute drive.
Nestled in a peaceful nature preserve, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club blends pristine scenery with top-tier playability. Designed by Robert C. Walker, the course meanders through wetlands and wildlife habitats, offering a challenge for experienced golfers and a welcoming setup for newcomers. From the wide fairways to the well-kept greens, it's a spot that rewards precision and patience, no matter your skill level.
Highlights
- Scenic 18-hole course designed by Robert C. Walker.
- Lush wetlands and local wildlife create a naturally beautiful setting.
- Forward tees for beginners and challenging back tees for advanced players.
- Impeccably maintained greens and fairways year-round.
- Well-equipped clubhouse with gourmet dining and a pro shop.
- Practice range and putting greens ideal for warm-ups or skill sharpening.
- Relaxed, refined atmosphere loved by both locals and visiting golfers.
What people say
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"Awesome experience all around. The course was in great shape for the time of year, and the starter was one of the best. Very personable but laid back at the start of your round!"
4. KELLY PLANTATION GOLF CLUB
Proximity to Destin: ~3 miles east, approximately an 8-minute drive.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a showstopper designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. The course combines jaw-dropping coastal scenery with thoughtful design, making each round a balance of challenge and enjoyment. With shimmering water on nearly every hole, smooth greens, and wide fairways framed by lush vegetation, it's a course that keeps both seasoned golfers and casual players hooked from start to finish.
Highlights
- Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, with a blend of strategy and scenery.
- Coastal fairways and water views that make each hole photo-worthy.
- Multiple tee options catering to all skill levels.
- Impeccably maintained greens, fairways, and bunkers.
- Excellent practice facilities and a modern clubhouse overlooking the bay.
- On-site restaurant and pro shop for post-game relaxation and essentials.
What people say
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"Like Kelly, but when I made the tee time a few weeks before, or reconfirmed the week before, or at check-in that day, there was no mention that the course was only 15 holes! It was the very young starter who passed along that news."
5. Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club
Proximity to Destin: ~2 miles north, approximately a 5-minute drive.
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club combines beautiful landscaping with a mix of challenge and playability. The three 9-hole courses, Creek, Choctaw, and Seminole, let you tailor your round to your mood, from relaxed to competitive. Wooded fairways, peaceful water views, and meticulous upkeep make every swing feel rewarding. Golfers of all levels can find their rhythm here.
Highlights
- Three distinct 9-hole courses: Creek, Choctaw, and Seminole.
- Lush scenery with wooded areas and water features.
- Smooth, well-maintained greens and fairways.
- Full practice range for driving, putting, and chipping.
- Friendly clubhouse with quality dining options.
- Consistent course conditions and welcoming atmosphere.
What people say
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"We come to Destin every year, but I haven't been out to IB in a few years. This course is in such good condition, and the greens may have been the purest I've ever played. Will definitely be back next year! Five stars!"
Best Mini-Golf Spots in Destin
If you're looking for a more laid-back alternative to traditional golf, mini-golf in Destin offers fun for all ages with creative courses and unique challenges.
6. BIG KAHUNA'S ADVENTURE PARK
Proximity to Destin: Located in central Destin, easily accessible.
Big Kahuna's Adventure Park offers a vibrant, tropical-themed mini-golf experience. Wooden bridges, playful Tiki obstacles, and a pirate ship add whimsy and challenge to the course. The mix of easy and moderately tricky holes keeps players of all skill levels engaged, making it perfect for families or groups. Its proximity to the water park means you can enjoy a full day of activities without going far.
7. DESTIN LASER TAG AND MINI GOLF
Proximity to Destin: Located in central Destin, very convenient.
Step into a neon-lit wonderland at Destin Laser Tag's Black Light Mini Golf. This glow-in-the-dark course features vibrant decorations and creative obstacles that captivate kids and adults alike. The playful atmosphere, enhanced by upbeat music, makes for a fun and unique mini-golf experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned putter, the engaging layout promises a memorable time.
Wondering how to make the most of your vacation in Destin?
Stay like a local and make yourself at home in one of our Travel Life Vacations rentals. Each private, resort-style home is designed with your comfort (and a little indulgence) in mind.
In a world full of the ordinary, we create spaces that feel refreshingly one-of-a-kind: homes built for unforgettable stays that'll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.