Adventure Rivals Relaxation

Vacations help you get out of your head and centered in the now. For some, that involves adventure and exploration, while others may prefer to kick back and relax. Maybe you prefer a mix of both. Sandestin® Beach and Golf Resort has everything you might need in a vacation, no matter what your desired activity level may be.

A complete roster of available land-and-sea activities would be hard to compile, but here is a good sampler:

Kayaking and paddleboarding

A day out on the water on a kayak or paddleboard can offer both laid-back vibes and a bit of a workout. Choose to drift amid the peace of emerald-green waters or opt for a more vigorous approach to your day. Set out on a solo adventure, invite a partner to join you, or make getting out on the water a group activity! Paddleboards may be rented at the marina or the yellow hut on the beach and kayaks can be found at the same locations and are offered free for an hour per day to guests who book their reservations directly through Sandestin®.

Boogie boarding

Find yourself wanting to ride the swells without having to learn how to surf? Grab a boogie board from the yellow beach hut, and hit the waves! Perfect for a family activity or to keep the kids entertained. Boogie boards are also free for an hour per day with direct booking.

Fishing

At Sandestin®, you might catch a pompano in the Gulf of Mexico, a speckled trout in Choctawhatchee Bay and a bass in a small pond, all in the same day. A stay between the beach and the bay means fishing opportunities abound. Fishing in the bay or at the beach requires a license, but guests may catch and release in resort ponds and fish from The Baytowne Pier on the property without a license. Stop at the bike shop beside the marina to purchase bait and poles if needed. Satisfy a yearning to go offshore by booking a charter trip out of the marina. When you return to solid ground, the Marina Bar & Grill will be happy to cook your catch for you to enjoy!

Boating

Walk the docks of the 223-slip marina, where you can also rent a pontoon boat and explore the bay, or make the short trip to popular Crab Island. Rentals are available for full or half days. Pack up some lunch and your crew and hit the open water! Looking for a more all-inclusive boating experience? Check out the new Freedom Chaser Crab Island Cruise. This fully enclosed luxury boat has it all, including a captain and deckhand, coolers, a sound system, floats and snorkeling gear.

Golf

Some would consider golf a relaxing sport, but others treat it as a heart racing competition adventure. Either way, at Sandestin® the fairways aren’t far… The Links Golf Club is a shot-maker’s course along the bay, while the course at Baytowne Golf Club stretches across the property from the beach to the bay. Navigate the marshes and pine trees of the Raven Golf Club on your way to No. 18, which was rated the toughest hole on the 2006 PGA Champion Tour. Neighboring Burnt Pine Golf Club has been dubbed the “crown jewel of Florida” by Golf magazine. The resort offers instruction via weekly clinics, individual sessions and special events. Check out our courses.

Tennis and Pickleball

Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort has 12 HydroGrid clay courts, three hard tennis courts, six pickleball courts and offers lessons and programs to help you up your game. Whether you are a newbie, a seasoned player or somewhere in between, there is a program perfectly suited for you. Equipment is available for rental, and no partner is needed. Just bring your best game, and we’ll meet you on the courts! Learn More.

Biking

Ditch the car and immerse yourself in the outdoors, and enjoy some fresh air atop a two-wheeler while also getting some healthy exercise. The resort offers two complimentary four-hour bike rides per day for guests that booked direct and is home to many bike paths. Visit the Jolee Island trails for picturesque scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

Trails

Enjoy the nature paths around the resort, or make your way over the bridge to Jolee Island and view the abundant wildlife there. The Gordon Davidson Nature Walk just off of Baytowne Avenue offers another great option for exploring on foot.

Wildlife spotting

With abundant flora comes plentiful fauna. Encompassing 2,400 acres between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort is lush with coastal greenery. With its sprawling golf courses and meandering paths shaded by oak trees and complemented by several natural lagoons and manmade lakes, the resort is home to myriad wild creatures including ospreys, egrets, squirrels, turtles and rabbits.

Spa Lilliana

Sandestin®’s Spa Lilliana at Hotel Effie is the go-to spot on the resort for pampering and rejuvenation. Offering skincare and body treatments, massage services and even hair, nail and makeup services, Spa Lilliana has everything you need for a self-care day without having to do the caring yourself. Set up a romantic package for two, and unwind together. Spa Lilliana caters to all and even has a menu of services offered with men in mind. 

Yoga and Fitness

Guests of Hotel Effie can relax and restore with free rooftop yoga classes or get their heart rates up with an F45 training session. Start your morning with sunrise views as you transition between warrior poses or take a ride on a Peloton bike in the hotel fitness center. Either way, you’re fully relaxed and prepared for a day at Spa Lilliana, beach lounging or exploring the resort. Not a guest of Hotel Effie? Sandestin® guests are invited to check out the fitness center and variety of group classes and personal training.

Sunrise/sunset walk

Strolling while taking in a sunrise or sunset view is sure to slow the heart rate. Ideal spots include the Hotel Effie rooftop, Jolee Island, the docks and Marina Beach on the bay and, of course, the Gulf beach. If running is more your speed, try mapping a route from the beach to the bay. Don’t worry about crossing the highway, just take the underground tunnel!

Swimming and lounging

Had enough of the sand and salt water? With four pools across the resort and even some rentals with private pools, there are plenty of swimming options available on-site to all guests. Refresh yourself with a calming dip in the water, or take advantage of the poolside loungers or beachside chairs and kick back with a good read.

Retail therapy

Sometimes shopping soothes the soul, and there’s no better time for retail therapy than on vacation. Visit ShopSandestin stores including Barefoot Princess, Island Clothiers, Coconut Kidz and Sandestin Clothing Co., all located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf.