Top Golf Courses and Minigolf Adventures in Destin, FL

 

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.


Before we start…

At Travel Life Vacations, we specialize in providing premium, boutique-style management services, offering guests private, resort-style luxury homes ranging from 4 to 11 bedrooms. We pride ourselves on creating an oasis where you can truly escape from everyday life!

Traveling to Destin 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.

Let’s tee off for some golfing fun!

 

Best Golf Courses in Destin, FL




1. Baytowne Golf Club


Proximity to Destin: ~8 miles east, approximately a 15-minute drive.

Course Design and Playability
Baytowne Golf Club, part of the renowned Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, offers a unique golfing experience with its mix of coastal and inland holes. Designed by Tom Jackson, the course presents narrow fairways and spacious greens, complemented by water hazards that keep players engaged. It’s perfect for golfers of all levels, offering multiple tee boxes to adjust to the challenge. Families especially love Baytowne for its junior tees and programs, making it an excellent destination for a group outing or a relaxed family game.

Course Condition and Maintenance
This course is celebrated for its exceptional upkeep. The fairways and greens are lush and consistently well-maintained, providing a smooth and enjoyable playing surface. Though drainage details aren’t specified, golfers often praise the overall condition of the course, even after inclement weather. Water hazards and bunkers are carefully maintained, ensuring they add the right level of challenge without becoming frustrating.

Facilities and Amenities
Baytowne features practice facilities to help you warm up before your game or refine your swing. The family-friendly clubhouse is welcoming, and food and drink options are available to enhance your visit. Combined with the resort’s amenities, it’s an all-around destination for golfers and their families.

What people say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Always great to play here. Very friendly staff. 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.

Course Design and Playability
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Raven Golf Club is a championship-level course that has hosted PGA Tour events. The layout weaves through wetlands, towering pines, and serene lakes, creating a tranquil yet challenging environment. Rolling fairways and large, undulating greens test your skills, while strategically placed water hazards and bunkers add complexity. Multiple tee options make it accessible for beginners while still demanding for experienced players.

Course Condition and Maintenance
The Raven is maintained to professional standards. The greens are pristine, the bunkers well-manicured, and the course’s natural beauty is preserved to enhance the playing experience. Though there’s no explicit mention of drainage, the course is widely recognized for its excellent conditions year-round, providing consistent playability even after rain.

Facilities and Amenities
From driving ranges to putting greens, Raven Golf Club offers practice facilities that cater to golfers of all skill levels. The clubhouse provides top-notch service, and the on-site dining options are perfect for unwinding after a challenging round. The staff’s professionalism and friendliness further elevate the overall experience.

What people say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Course Design and Playability
Set within a lush nature preserve, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is a serene escape for golfers. The Robert C. Walker-designed course features wetlands, wildlife, and a balanced layout that’s both challenging and fair. Beginners can use forward tees, while seasoned golfers will find the back tees more demanding. The diverse layout and excellent practice facilities make it a great spot for skill refinement and a day immersed in nature.

Course Condition and Maintenance
Regatta Bay is known for its impeccable greens and well-kept fairways. Water features and natural landscaping are beautifully integrated into the course design, providing both aesthetic appeal and gameplay variety. Maintenance is consistently praised, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable round.

Facilities and Amenities
The clubhouse is equipped with a gourmet restaurant and a pro shop stocked with quality gear. Practice facilities include a driving range and putting greens, perfect for honing your game before hitting the course. The serene atmosphere adds to the overall appeal, making this course a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What people say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Awesome experience all around. The course was in great shape for the time of year and 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.

Course Design and Playability
Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a gem along the Choctawhatchee Bay. The course offers breathtaking coastal views, strategically placed water hazards, and large, undulating greens. With water on nearly every hole, players are constantly challenged, yet the variety of tee options ensures accessibility for all skill levels. It’s an ideal course for those who love scenic golfing with a mix of strategy and skill.

Course Condition and Maintenance
Kelly Plantation prides itself on its meticulously maintained greens and fairways. The lush vegetation and coastal landscapes create a stunning backdrop, and the course is kept in excellent shape year-round. Hazards and bunkers are carefully managed to enhance the challenge without detracting from the fun.

Facilities and Amenities
The state-of-the-art practice facility allows players to perfect their swings, while the clubhouse offers a delightful restaurant with views of the bay. A pro shop provides quality gear and apparel, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful round.

What people say
⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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 that passed along that news.”



5. Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club

Proximity to Destin: ~2 miles north, approximately a 5-minute drive.

Course Design and Playability
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club features three distinct 9-hole courses: Creek, Choctaw, and Seminole. This mix-and-match setup offers variety for golfers, with layouts ranging from relaxing to challenging. Surrounded by wooded areas and water features, the tranquil setting enhances the gameplay experience. The course accommodates all skill levels, making it an excellent choice for a diverse group of players.

Course Condition and Maintenance
Known for its beautifully landscaped grounds, Indian Bayou provides well-maintained greens, fairways, and hazards. The peaceful setting and consistent maintenance make it a joy to play, offering a reliable experience no matter the season.

Facilities and Amenities
Indian Bayou offers practice areas for driving, putting, and chipping, making it easy to prepare for a game. The friendly clubhouse atmosphere, combined with excellent dining options, ensures that your visit is as enjoyable off the course as it is on it.

What people say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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, FL

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.



1. Big Kahuna’s Adventure Park

Proximity to Destin: Located in central Destin, easily accessible.

Course Design and Playability

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.



2. Destin Laser Tag and Mini Golf – Black Light Mini Golf

Proximity to Destin: Located in central Destin, very convenient.

Course Design and Playability

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 by booking one of our Travel Life Vacations rentals. Our private, resort-style luxury homes come in various sizes, from 4 to 11 bedrooms, perfectly tailored to accommodate your needs.

In this world of commonality, we strive to build and manage unique homes for an uncommon experience we know will leave you wanting to come back again and again.