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The Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Destin, Florida

  • Writer: Austin Jones
    Austin Jones
  • Nov 3, 2025
  • 3 min read
The Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Destin, Florida
The Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Destin, Florida

🌴 The Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Destin, Florida

Destin Florida isn’t just famous for its sugar white sand and emerald waters, it’s also one of the most desirable places to live on the Gulf Coast. From elegant golf course estates to Gulf front mansions, each neighborhood here offers a unique coastal lifestyle.


If you’re considering making the move or investing in property on the Emerald Coast: here’s your insider’s guide to the nicest neighborhoods in Destin.


1. Destiny by the Sea

If you’re looking for true Gulf front luxury, Destiny by the Sea is the crown jewel. This gated beachfront enclave features multi million dollar homes, private beach access, and 24-hour security.


Every property here was designed to capture breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of Destin’s most exclusive and recognizable addresses.


2. Holiday Isle

A boater’s paradise and one of Destin’s most scenic peninsulas. Surrounded by the Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf - Holiday Isle offers deep water canal homes with private docks and quick Gulf access on the Destin Harbor.


You’ll find a mix of modern coastal estates and charming original homes, all minutes from HarborWalk Village and the best of Destin’s entertainment.


3. Destiny East & Destiny West

Twin luxury communities offering family friendly living with resort style amenities. Residents enjoy Club Destiny which features a pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and a clubhouse for community events.


Both Destiny East and West are located near The Crab Trap restaurant and popular public beach access points. The best of Destin living right at your doorstep.



4. Regatta Bay

Known for its private golf club and resort style amenities, Regatta Bay blends sophistication with an active lifestyle. This gated community is perfectly located near Destin Commons, offering residents convenience without sacrificing tranquility.


Expect spacious executive homes, manicured landscaping, and a neighborhood culture built around recreation and relaxation.


5. Crystal Beach

Charming, colorful, and quintessentially coastal. Crystal Beach is one of Destin’s most beloved neighborhoods. Its pastel painted cottages and family friendly streets sit just steps from the beach. Giving it a classic Old Florida feel.


It’s perfect for those seeking rental income potential or a laid back beach lifestyle within walking distance of the Gulf.


6. Sovereign Isle

A hidden gem within Crystal Beach, Sovereign Isle offers Victorian inspired architecture, lush landscaping, and a peaceful atmosphere. With low HOA fees, a community pool, and easy access to the beach.


It’s ideal for full time residents who want charm and convenience in one package.


7. Dunes of Destin

For those who want a private resort lifestyle, Dunes of Destin delivers. This gated, Gulf front neighborhood features spacious homes overlooking a tranquil lake, private beach access, and lush tropical landscaping.


It’s one of the few communities in the heart of Destin that combines serenity with proximity to shops and dining.


8. Kelly Plantation

A master planned, gated community that defines luxury living in Destin. Situated along Choctawhatchee Bay, Kelly Plantation offers custom built estates, private golf course access, and scenic walking trails.


Residents enjoy tennis courts, fitness centers, and a deep sense of privacy in one of the city’s most elegant settings.


9. Indian Bayou

One of Destin’s original upscale neighborhoods, Indian Bayou surrounds its namesake golf course and offers large lots shaded by mature trees. Residents love its central location, quiet streets, and proximity to the Destin Harbor District.


Homes here range from classic ranch styles to modern remodels, making it a timeless choice for primary residences.


10. Calhoun Bayside

Steeped in history and natural beauty, Calhoun Bayside is one of Destin’s most scenic and historic neighborhoods. Located along the bayfront just north of the Harbor District, Calhoun Bayside offers panoramic views of Crab Island and the East Pass, where the emerald waters meet the Gulf.


This area holds special significance as the site of Captain Leonard Destin’s original homestead, the founding father of the city itself. Today, it’s home to a collection of custom bayfront estates, blending modern luxury with the charm of Old Florida.

With private docks, sunset views, and proximity to HarborWalk Village, Calhoun Bayside is truly a living piece of Destin’s heritage.


🌴 Dean Ladick with Keller Williams Luxury Breaks Down The Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Destin, Florida

From Gulf front estates in Destiny by the Sea to historic bayfront homes in Calhoun Bayside, Destin offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Florida. Whether you’re searching for elegance, investment potential, or a peaceful place to call home. There’s a neighborhood here for every kind of coastal dreamer. When it comes to the best neighborhoods in Destin, nobody knows better than local realtor Dean Ladick.


👉 Contact Dean Ladick with Keller Williams Luxury and The DestinDeano Team today to explore available properties in Destin’s most desirable neighborhoods.


📍 Serving Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach & Navarre

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