Stay & Live Like the Locals: Discover the Best of Sandestin and Beyond

There’s something special about vacationing at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. From the moment you arrive, the bustle of everyday life melts into the rhythm of the Gulf. Waves roll in, bikes whisk down shaded trails, and families gather under the glow of a beach bonfire. But the true magic of Sandestin lies in the way it balances world-class resort amenities with a taste of authentic local living. 

We invite you to “Stay and Live Like the Locals.” Here’s how to experience Sandestin to its fullest—while also discovering the hidden gems that make the Emerald Coast unforgettable. 

A World Within Sandestin 

It’s easy to spend your entire getaway without ever leaving the resort. Sandestin is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to live, play, and savor. 

Start your morning with a bike ride through the resort’s scenic trails, winding past numerous ponds and into the canopy of Jolee Island. Hidden playgrounds and whimsical pirate ships remind you that adventure can be found around every corner. 

By mid-morning, the Gulf beckons. With private beach access, you’ll find your own quiet stretch of sugar-white sand—perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply soaking in the emerald waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dolphin cruise or fishing charter from Baytowne Marina adds a little salt to the story. 

Afternoons invite variety: a round of golf on one of our four championship courses, family rope course and zip line challenges at the Baytowne Adventure Zone, or a match on the tennis and pickleball courts. And when the sun sets, the Village of Baytowne Wharf comes alive with live music, boutique shopping, fireworks, and seasonal festivals. 

Round out your evening with a Gulf-to-table dinner—perhaps at Ovide, the signature restaurant at Hotel Effie, where coastal cuisine meets southern charm. End the night under the stars with a beach bonfire, one of Sandestin’s most unforgettable traditions. 

Beyond the Gates: Local Flavor and Hidden Gems 

Of course, part of living like a local is venturing just beyond the resort. Sandestin is your anchor, but the surrounding Emerald Coast offers experiences that give your trip even more depth. 

Take a leisurely drive down Scenic Gulf Drive, where the breeze carries the scent of saltwater and fresh seafood. Stop at Miramar Beach for a lively afternoon, or explore the quieter dunes of Henderson Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve. For the true nature lover, Coffeen Nature Preserve offers trails where birdsong replaces the soundtrack of the crowds. 

Families often find themselves drawn to the energy of Destin—Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, The Track, and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park promise hours of fun. Science lovers will enjoy hands-on exploration at the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach. 

If shopping is your kind of adventure, you’re in luck: Silver Sands Premium Outlets is just around the corner, Grand Boulevard offers an upscale blend of shopping and dining, and Destin Commons brings entertainment and open-air browsing all in one. 

Hungry? Locals will tell you to head to The Surf Hut for casual beachfront bites or Pompano Joe’s for seafood with a view. And for those who want a taste of local life, nearby breweries and seafood markets deliver the Emerald Coast’s freshest flavors—plus, don’t miss the chance to try Sandestin’s very own craft beer, brewed with the spirit of the resort in mind. 

On certain nights, you might catch a symphony performance, a festival at Baytowne Wharf, or a show at Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. And if you’re up for a day trip, the charming towns of 30A, the floating hub of Crab Island, or even a journey to Pensacola for a Blue Angels show all make for memorable adventures. 

Living the Local Way 

To “live like the locals” is to let go of rigid itineraries and embrace the rhythm of the coast. It’s mornings on the resort bike trails, afternoons spent chasing dolphins or strolling boutiques, and evenings filled with laughter over fresh seafood. It’s knowing the best-kept secrets but also savoring the simple pleasures that make life here so appealing. 

At Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, you don’t just visit—you belong. Stay with us, explore like a local, and create a story you’ll tell long after the sand has left your shoes.