Best Golf Resorts Along 30A & The Emerald Coast
WaterSound Club
Luxury Coastal Golf at Its Finest
For golfers seeking an upscale, private-club-style experience, WaterSound Club stands among the Emerald Coast’s most exclusive destinations.
Guests enjoy access to several exceptional courses, including:
- Camp Creek Golf Course
- Shark’s Tooth Golf Course
- The Third, a beautifully designed par-3 course
Designed by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Greg Norman, these courses blend natural wetlands, pine forests, and coastal landscapes into unforgettable rounds.
Why Stay Here
- Private beach access along Scenic Highway 30A
- Luxury accommodations at WaterSound Inn and Camp Creek Inn
- Multiple resort pools and family-friendly amenities
- Excellent on-site dining options
- Quiet, refined atmosphere ideal for couples and golf groups
Best For
Luxury travelers, private-club experiences, and golfers seeking top-tier course conditions.
Visit watersoundclub.com.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Ultimate Multi-Course Golf Resort
Sandestin remains one of Florida’s most complete golf vacation resorts, featuring four distinct golf courses and accommodations ranging from studios to luxury homes.
The resort’s courses include:
- Raven Golf Club
- Burnt Pine Golf Club
- Baytowne Golf Club
- The Links Golf Club
Together, they offer 73 holes stretching from the Gulf beaches to Choctawhatchee Bay.
Standout Courses
- Burnt Pine is often called the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf”
- Raven Golf Club has hosted PGA Tour events
- Baytowne uniquely runs from beach to bay
- The Links offers a classic coastal links-style layout
Why Stay Here
- Massive resort with activities for all ages
- Baytowne Wharf entertainment district
- Marina, shopping, dining, nightlife, and beach access
- Ideal for golf groups and family vacations
Best For
Travelers wanting variety, nightlife, and a full resort experience.
Visit www.sandestin.com.
Seascape Resort
Relaxed Beachfront Golf in Destin
Seascape offers a more casual and affordable golf vacation while still delivering excellent beach access and solid golf.
Its Joe Lee-designed championship course features:
- Narrow fairways
- Strategic hazards
- Scenic coastal views
- Playable conditions for a wide range of skill levels
Why Stay Here
- Large private beach area
- Beachfront condos and villas
- Tennis, pools, bike rentals, and water sports
- Walkable dining and entertainment
Best For
Families and golfers looking for value and convenience near the beach.
Visit www.seascape-resort.com/resort/golf.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Scenic 30A Golf with Gulf Views
Located directly along Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offers one of the most picturesque golf settings in South Walton.
This par-72 championship course winds through more than 85 acres near the Gulf, creating a peaceful and distinctly coastal golf atmosphere.
Highlights
- Semi-private club access
- Excellent practice facilities
- Highly regarded course conditions
- Private beach club amenities
Dining is a major draw here thanks to Vue on 30A, one of the area’s best-known beachfront restaurants.
Best For
Golfers wanting a quieter 30A experience close to the beach and local dining.
Visit www.santarosaclub.com.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Championship Golf with Bay Views
Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, Kelly Plantation is consistently ranked among Florida’s top public-access golf courses.
The course features:
- Wide fairways
- dramatic water hazards
- elevated greens
- sweeping Choctawhatchee Bay views
Its polished conditions and strategic layout make it popular with both serious golfers and vacation players.
Nearby Accommodations
Many visitors pair Kelly Plantation with nearby luxury resorts and vacation rentals in Destin.
Best For
Golfers seeking a high-end standalone golf experience near Destin attractions.
Visit www.kellyplantationgolf.com.
Bay Point Golf Club
A Classic Florida Golf Experience
Home to the Nicklaus Course, Bay Point offers one of the region’s most respected championship layouts.
Recently redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, the course combines:
- water-lined fairways
- risk-reward approach shots
- marshland scenery
- challenging greens
Why Stay Here
- Resort-style accommodations
- St. Andrews Bay views
- Marina access
- Spa and waterfront dining nearby
Best For
Experienced golfers looking for a challenging, scenic round.
Visit www.baypointgolfclub.com.
Best Time to Plan an Emerald Coast Golf Vacation
Spring
The region’s busiest golf season. Expect:
- mild temperatures
- excellent course conditions
- busy tee sheets
Book accommodations and tee times early.
Summer
Great beach weather, though temperatures and humidity rise. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Best for travelers combining golf with family beach vacations.
Fall
Arguably the best season for golf:
- fewer crowds
- warm Gulf water
- cooler mornings
- strong course conditions
Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip
Book Tee Times Early
Top courses along 30A and Destin fill quickly during spring and fall.
Stay Near Your Primary Courses
Traffic along Highway 98 can increase significantly during peak travel periods.
Mix Golf with Beach Time
The Emerald Coast works best when balanced between golf rounds and coastal relaxation.
Consider Multi-Round Packages
Several resorts offer stay-and-play deals that reduce overall costs.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s Emerald Coast delivers one of the most unique golf vacation experiences in the Southeast. Here, championship golf is paired with white-sand beaches, coastal dining, luxury accommodations, and relaxed Gulf Coast charm.
Whether you prefer exclusive private-club experiences, large full-service resorts, or laid-back beachfront golf communities, the 30A and Emerald Coast region offers a golf getaway for every style of traveler.
From sunrise tee times overlooking the bay to evenings spent dining beside the Gulf, golf on the Emerald Coast is about far more than the scorecard — it’s about the experience surrounding every round.
