11 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Destin, FL

Written by Carri Wilbanks
Updated Nov 26, 2021
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Pet-friendly hotels for all budgets can be found in Destin, which makes the city on Florida's Emerald Coast a great spot for a family beach vacation – whether your kids are human, canine, or feline.

Destin is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. Head to Henderson Beach State Park for one of the the prettiest stretches of sugar-white sand and pet-friendly trails. Pups will also love the ocean access Destin offers.

And while Destin has hotels from four-star to cheap sleeps that cater to pets, not all properties are created equal. For instance, some hotels only allow dogs and not cats, while others restrict how heavy your pup can be. Some charge a daily fee, while at others, pets stay completely free. When researching where to stay in Destin with your fur-child, it is important to check all these factors before booking.

Find the best places to stay with our list of the top pet-friendly hotels in Destin.

1. Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Photo Source: Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Photo Source: Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Up to two dogs and cats of any size can check-in with you at the Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard. You'll pay an extra fee of $100 per stay, but you can leave a well-behaved pet in your room unattended, which is not something all hotels allow. There are also designated pet relief areas with waste stations on the grounds.

This all-suite property is designed for extended stays, and all come with full kitchens and plenty of space to move around. Suites have been recently renovated and have contemporary decor. They are clean and comfortable and come with free Wi-Fi.

Property amenities include a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and chairs and tables, as well as barbecue grills and a picnic area. There is also a free hot breakfast buffet.

Address: 300 Grand Blvd Destin/Miramar Beach, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Florida

2. The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort

Photo Source: The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort
Photo Source: The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort

Accommodation: The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort

At The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, they know dogs are family and welcome two medium-sized pups up to 55 pounds for an extra fee of $135 per pet, per stay. The hotel loans out dog toys and beds for your stay and there is a grassy area with a waste station on-site. Dogs may be left crated in the room, as long as you have current vaccination records with you.

The 4-star resort is about as luxe as Destin hotels come. Located just across the road from a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach, the rooms and suites here come with modern chic decor and either pool, garden, or Gulf of Mexico views from furnished balconies.

Amenities here include five restaurants, an ice-cream parlor, relaxing spa, swimming pool, and even a lazy river. It is a good choice for families traveling with kids, as well as doggos.

Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way, Florida

3. Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin

Photo Source: Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin
Photo Source: Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin

Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin

If you are on holiday with your dog or cat, as long as they are under 50 pounds, they are welcome to crash in your room at Home2Suites By Hilton Destin. The hotel does charge an additional $125 fee per stay, and you can bring up to two pets.

The hotel is just a three-minute walk from Destin Beach, which is a lovely expanse of white sand and green-blue water. It is also close to Big Kahuna's water park and not far from the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. This all suite property is popular for extended stays.

The suites also work great for a family vacation, as they come in a number of sizes, including multiple bedrooms. Regardless of size, all the rooms are bright and light and come with kitchens, work areas, and pullout sofas. Amenities include a free breakfast buffet, saltwater swimming pool, workout room, and an on-site convenience store to stock up on snacks.

Address: 14060 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Florida

4. Beachside Inn

Photo Source: Beachside Inn
Photo Source: Beachside Inn

Accommodation: Beachside Inn

Two dogs of any size are welcome to stay with you at the Beachside Inn. The hotel charges a fee of $20 per pet, per day, up to $100. Dogs are greeted with treats upon arrival, and there is a green space for potty breaks out front.

The Beachside Inn is located just across the street from Crystal Beach and just a few miles from Henderson Beach State Park. The rooms come with beach-inspired furnishings, as well as lots of bright colors, free Wi-Fi, and perks like mini fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers.

On-site amenities include a café with sidewalk seating, a restaurant serving seafood and sushi among other dishes, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Address: 2931 Scenic Highway 98, Florida

5. Candlewood Suites Destin -Sandestin

Photo Source: Candlewood Suites Destin - Sandestin
Photo Source: Candlewood Suites Destin - Sandestin

Accommodation: Candlewood Suites Destin-Sandestin

At the Candlewood Suites Destin Sandestin up to two canine or feline guests can stay in your room. Big dogs are welcome here, too, which is not always the case at other properties. There is an additional charge of $30 per night for stays under three nights, $75 for stays up to six nights, and $150 for longer stays. The fee covers all the pets in the room.

Other perks include treats at the front desk, and pups may be left unattended in the room if crated-note housekeeping will not clean your room while your pet is inside, however.

The good-value, all-suites hotel is designed for extended stays, as well as family vacations. All suites come with full kitchens, which makes cooking for the kids a breeze. They also feature work desks and overstuffed recliners. Wi-Fi is free and there is a gym on-site.

Address: 11396 US 98 West, Miramar Beach, Florida

6. SummerPlace Inn Destin Fl Hotel

Photo Source: SummerPlace Inn Destin Fl Hotel
Photo Source: SummerPlace Inn Destin Fl Hotel

Accommodation: SummerPlace Inn Destin Fl Hotel

Summer Place Inn welcomes dogs of any size, as well as cats, for an extra fee of $75 per pet, per stay plus a $100 refundable deposit. All pets are housed on the ground floor, which makes getting in and out of the hotel for bathroom breaks a breeze.

Crated pets may be left in the room unattended. Treats are also given out at check-in, or whenever a pup asks for one at the front desk. There is also a grassy area for potty sessions.

The locally owned and managed hotel is located in the middle of Destin, just a quick drive from the beaches. There is an on-site spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a complimentary continental breakfast daily.

Address: 14047 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Florida

7. Village Inn of Destin

Photo Source: Village Inn of Destin
Photo Source: Village Inn of Destin

Accommodation: Village Inn of Destin

Any size dog or cat is allowed to stay for a $25 per pet, per night fee at the Village Inn of Destin. And if your pet is well-behaved, they can stay in the room while you're out exploring the city or soaking up the sun on the beach. There is a small grassy relief area on the grounds as well.

The hotel is located about five minutes by foot from the shopping and entertainment found at HarborWalk Village and just a quick drive to Henderson Beach State Park and Big Kahuna water park.

The lobby has a fun island theme, and rooms are clean and comfortable with either one or two beds. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and a free continental breakfast. Parking is also complimentary as is Wi-Fi.

Address: 215 US Highway 98 East, Florida

8. The Inn on Destin Harbor

Photo Source: The Inn on Destin Harbor
Photo Source: The Inn on Destin Harbor

Accommodation: The Inn on Destin Harbor

Pups of all sizes are welcomed with treats and loaner food bowls upon check-in at the Inn on Destin Harbor. There is, however, a $25 per pet, per night stay, and pets are not allowed to stay in Harbor View Rooms (note if booking online). The hotel allows dogs to stay unattended in rooms if crated. There is also a grassy space for pups to do their business outside.

The hotel is set in the bluffs above Destin Harbor and is within walking distance of fine dining, art galleries, and boutique shopping. The small hotel features elegantly appointed rooms with blue and green color accents that match the Gulf of Mexico hues.

Amenities include a free continental breakfast, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking. There is also a private harbor beach and adjacent swimming pool on the grounds.

If you like to golf, Destin is home to more than 20 award-winning golf courses, and the hotel offers a number of golf packages. The concierge can also arrange tee times at the course of your choice.

Address: 402 Harbor Blvd Us Hwy 98, Florida

9. Extended Stay America - Destin - US 98 - Emerald Coast

Photo Source: Extended Stay America - Destin US98 - Emerald Coast
Photo Source: Extended Stay America - Destin US98 - Emerald Coast

Accommodation: Extended Stay America - Destin - US 98 - Emerald Coast

Pet-friendly rooms are also available at this Extended Stay America location just off Hwy 98. There is a $25 per pet, per day fee charged. This fee will not exceed $150 per pet, per month, however, should you be staying for an extended period of time.

The property offers spacious and clean suites. These come with full kitchens inclusive of everything except an oven (but they do have stovetops for cooking). There is also a coin-operated laundry, gym, and swimming pool on-site. In the morning, they put out a grab-and-go breakfast in the lobby.

Address: 4615 Opa Locka Ln, Florida

10. Motel 6 Destin

Photo Source: Motel 6 Destin
Photo Source: Motel 6 Destin

Accommodation: Motel 6 Destin

Destin's Motel 6 welcomes well-behaved pets of all sizes for no extra fee. Up to two dogs and or cats are welcome to stay at this friendly budget property. If crated, pets may be left unattended in the room. There are also grassy relief areas with waste stations on the grounds.

The Motel 6 is located in downtown Destin and offers clean and updated rooms with crisp white linens on comfy beds and bright colored accent walls. There is an outdoor swimming pool and coin-operated laundry on-site. Grab a complimentary coffee from the lobby in the morning.

Address: 405 Highway 98 E #A, Florida

11. Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard

Photo Source: Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Sandestin/at Grand Boulevard

Located right on Sandestin's Grand Boulevard, within walking distance of shops and restaurants, the Hyatt Place is also just a few minutes from the white sands and turquoise waters of Miramar Beach and not far from the Harborwalk in Destin.

The hotel welcomes up to two dogs per room. Pups must weight 50 pounds or less, and there is an extra $75 fee per stay. Rooms come in a few different configurations including double queens. All have sleeper sofa beds, which is an extra plus if you are traveling with kids. Rooms also have custom designs and curated local artwork hanging on walls.

There are a number of on-site amenities. You can take a swim in the outdoor pool or sunbathe on one of the chaise lounges around it. The fitness center stays open 24 hours here. There is also a restaurant serving American cuisine and, in the morning, speciality coffee.

Address: 325 Grand Boulevard, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Florida

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