Late spring and summer are great times to head south to the south coast of Florida's Panhandle, and beautiful Destin Beach is one of its nicest destinations. Although there are many, many properties with more than 2,500 accommodations along this white sand stretch, over the past 25 years, a stay at the Hilton Sandestin Beach has become a family tradition for many.

In 2008, this resort was selected by guests as one of the best in the Hilton Hotels & Resorts family of hotels, earning the Diamond Award for Guest Loyalty.  Staff tend to stay and welcome back generations of guests. During its silver anniversary year, the resort also earned numerous industry awards, a Florida Green Lodging Program designation for its eco-awareness, and enjoyed a major renovation.

The Hilton is a big place in a big resort: a 600-room luxury resort hotel located within the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort community, which means that guests staying at Hilton have access to sugar-white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, five on-site restaurants, the Serenity by the Sea Spa, tennis, golf, marina activities, shopping and more. Many properties in Destin are traditional condominiums, but this place features all of the perks and services of a traditional hotel, such as room service, concierge services and 24-hour on-site front desk.

The resort's $3.4 million room renovation resulted in 400 new Deluxe Junior Suites featuring a special bunk area just for kids, all within the hotel's Emerald Tower.

This Hilton has also reached out to families with specials. The Hilton Bed & Breakfast Package (you'll have to mention Package Code "BB" when booking) provides families with free breakfast, as its name implies. The BB special includes a large double room with two queen beds, and the buffet for 2 adults at Sandcastles Restaurant. Guests can take advantage of the Sandestin community's programs for children, with recreation and daily activities in a supervised kids' club, as well as youth-oriented lessons at the golf courses and tennis courts, kid-sized bicycle rentals and some access to Fitness Center facilities.

The children's special breakfast is available for ages 7-12 at a modest additional cost; children 6 and under dine free of charge any time. With a "build your own" omelet and Belgian waffle station, as well as a sweeping breakfast buffet, kids will be sure to start their day out right.  Room offers start at $289/N and this BB offer, when we priced it for a family of 4 in mid-May, costs $343/N.

Book online or call them, or find yourself there at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (800/367-1271 or locally 850/267-9500), located at 4000 Sandestin Blvd., South, Destin FL 32550.

Beyond the resort, the area also features endless activities from art galleries and specialty boutiques to year-round, family oriented events and live entertainment. Conveniently located within a short drive of Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida, "Sandestination" is a convenient base to explore all Northwest Florida has to offer. 

Our only caveat is the mysterious path that the BP Oil Spill will take. To can stay on top of the news and get more information about the area as a whole, please visit Sandestination's website.