Discover the best golf courses in Destin Florida! Planning a trip to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area along the gorgeous Emerald Coast for a golf getaway? You're in for a treat.
Northwest Florida is home to some of the best golf courses in North America, and the Destin area is the crown jewel of Florida golf.
Whether you’re a casual player looking for a nice course with water features and wide fairways or an avid golfer chasing championship golf courses designed by renowned architects like Arnold Palmer and Gene Bates, this slice of paradise has it all.
From Choctawhatchee Bay views to the Gulf of Mexico breeze, here’s your guide to the top golf courses in Destin, Florida - perfect for tourists teeing off in the winter months or any time of year.
Grab your golf carts, book those tee times, and let’s dive into the best places to swing your clubs!
1 - Kelly Plantation
2 - Regatta Bay
3 - Indian Bayou (My Personal Favorite)
4 - Emerald Bay
5 - The Raven
Honorable Mentions
Destin Golf Trip Essentials Checklist
Heading to Destin, Florida, for a golfing getaway? Don’t hit the course without these must-haves!
Download this FREE golf essentials checklist.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club: The Perfect Blend of Luxury Golf
- Number of Holes: 18
- Course Rating: 74.6 (from the back tees)
- Slope Rating: 137
- Facility Type: Semi-private (open to the public with some member privileges)
- Course Designer: Fred Couples and Gene Bates
- Approximate Green Fee: $129 - $189
- Star Rating: 4.5 stars (commonly cited by Golf Digest and player reviews for its upkeep and scenic layout)
First up, Kelly Plantation Golf Club is the star of the show.
Tucked along Choctawhatchee Bay, this 18-hole course designed by Fred Couples is a stunner.
Golf Digest raves about its immaculate greens and water hazards that’ll test golfers of all skill levels.
The stunning views of the bay paired with a beautiful course layout make it a must-play.
Casual players will love the relaxed vibe, while avid golfers can tackle its risk-reward golf challenges.
Located a short distance from Miramar Beach, Kelly Plantation Golf Course offers club rentals and a perfect blend of luxury—ideal for a beach resort getaway.
Trust me, this is the best course for kicking off your golfing experience in Destin.
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club: Championship Vibes
- Number of Holes: 18
- Course Rating: 73.2 (from the championship tees)
- Slope Rating: 138
- Facility Type: Semi-private (public access with a premium feel)
- Course Designer: Robert C. Walker
- Approximate Green Fee: $159 - $189
- Star Rating: 4.5 stars (praised by Golf Digest and Florida Golf News for course condition and design)
Next on the list is Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club, just off Regatta Bay Blvd.
This championship course, designed by Robert C. Walker, is a favorite among top golf travel destinations.
With its views of the bay and coastal scenery, it’s no wonder Golf Magazine gives it high marks.
The layout caters to players of all skill levels, with sets of tees that keep it fun for casual golfers and challenging for those chasing a perfect course.
Water features and windswept dunes add flair, and the nearby yacht club vibe makes it feel exclusive. Book your tee times early—this one’s a gem along the Emerald Coast!
Indian Bayou Golf Club: A Local Classic
- Number of Holes: 27 (three 9-hole courses: Seminole, Choctaw, and Creek; typically played as 18-hole combinations)
- Course Rating: Varies by combination; Seminole/Choctaw combo is around 71.8
- Slope Rating: Varies by combo; Seminole/Choctaw is approximately 131
- Facility Type: Semi-private (public play available, membership optional)
- Course Designer: Earl Stone
- Approximate Green Fee: $90 - $160
- Star Rating: 4 stars (well-regarded for value and variety, based on golfer feedback and reviews)
Indian Bayou Golf Club remains my favorite course to play in Destin, Florida.
The laid back atmosphere, staff, and local players make this course a great place to play for locals and tourists alike.
From a golf perspective, the greens are the standout feature - fast, true, and always in excellent shape.
Established in 1978, it’s one of the area’s original golf destinations, designed by architect Earl Stone.
The club historically offered 27 holes across three nine-hole courses—Seminole, Choctaw, and Creek.
Recent updates reduced it to an 18-hole layout by combining Seminole and Choctaw, with the Creek course eliminated from the lineup.
For a taste of classic Destin golf, Indian Bayou Golf Club is your spot.
This 18-hole beauty offers variety for every golfer.
Designed by Earl Stone, it’s got wide fairways, water hazards, and a laid-back feel that’s perfect for casual players visiting the Destin area.
Located near the Destin airport, Indian Bayou’s Choctaw Course is a standout, blending stunning views with a fun golfing experience.
Golfers of all skill levels will like the flexibility—play nine or go for the full 18-hole course.
It’s a top golf course that’s been a local fave for years.
Emerald Bay Golf Club: Coastal Charm
- Number of Holes: 18
- Course Rating: 73.9 (from the back tees)
- Slope Rating: 143
- Facility Type: Semi-private (public access with a community feel)
- Course Designer: Bob Cupp (renovated in 2014)
- Approximate Green Fee: $99 - $115
- Star Rating: 4 stars (noted for its challenging layout and bay views, per player reviews and updates post-renovation)
Emerald Bay Golf Club (sometimes called Emerald Bay Golf Course) radiates Emerald Coast charm.
Designed by Bob Cupp, this private course in Miramar Beach boasts immaculate greens and a layout that hugs Choctawhatchee Bay.
The water features and coastal scenery make every hole Instagram-worthy, and it’s a hit with both casual players and golf enthusiasts.
Golf Digest has praised its playability, and with multiple sets of tees, it’s welcoming to all.
If you’re staying at a nearby beach resort, Emerald Bay is a short hop and a perfect course for your vacation lineup.
Raven Golf Club: Sandestin’s Hidden Gem
- Number of Holes: 18
- Course Rating: 74.0 (from the longest tees)
- Slope Rating: 141
- Facility Type: Resort (part of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort; open to resort guests and public with restrictions)
- Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Approximate Green Fee: $125 - $159
- Star Rating: 4.5 stars (highly rated for its PGA Tour history and pristine conditions, per golfer reviews and resort feedback)
Rounding out our top five is Raven Golf Club at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this championship golf course hosted a PGA event, so you know it’s legit.
The Raven’s tight fairways and strategic water hazards make it a thrill for avid golfers, but casual players can still enjoy the stunning views and playable layout.
Part of the Sandestin Golf family, it’s near Baytowne Golf Club and Burnt Pine—other great options if you’ve got time.
Golfers love the vibe here, and it’s a standout among Destin’s impressive championship golf courses.
More Destin Golf Goodies
Can’t get enough? The Destin area’s got plenty more golf courses to play.
- Baytowne Golf Club at Sandestin offers a scenic track with Gene Bates’ touch.
- Windswept Dunes, a bit outside town, brings a unique links-style feel with its sprawling layout by Tom Jackson.
- Camp Creek, designed by Tom Fazio, is another stunner near Santa Rosa Beach.
- The Links Golf Club offers a quick nine-hole or eighteen-hole course for a casual round.
- Rocky Bayou - a hidden gem with a chill atmosphere in Niceville, Florida. It features 115 acres of championship golf unique to Northwest Florida
Why Destin for Golf?
Destin’s golf scene isn’t just about the courses—it’s the whole package.
Think beach resort days, gulf breezes, and tee times with a side of coastal scenery.
The Emerald Coast rivals spots like Hilton Head and Palm Springs for golf vacation cred.
Furthermore, courses such as Fort Walton Beach GC and Rocky Bayou add to the list with their own layouts and cheaper rates.
Quick Tip: Stay away from Seascape Resort Golf Course. The course has a cheap green fee compared to others in the area, but it is in very poor condition.
Whether you’re into risk-reward golf or just want a nice course with views, Destin’s got you covered.
Wrap-Up
So, there you have it—the best golf courses in Destin Florida, from Kelly Plantation’s luxury to Raven’s championship pedigree.
These courses mix stunning views, water features, and designs by names like Arnold Palmer and Fred Couples, making the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area a golfer’s paradise.
Casual players and avid golfers alike will find their perfect course here, all while soaking in the Emerald Coast’s magic.
Book your golf carts, snag some club rentals, and hit the fairways.
Your next great golfing experience awaits!
Related Articles: