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Your Journey to Paradise
Getting to Destin.
How to reach Florida’s Emerald Coast from wherever you are.
Getting to Destin
Your Journey Starts Here
Over the years, Destin has become more accessible than ever. With the expansion of scenic highways and the addition of direct flights from major cities, reaching Florida’s Emerald Coast is now easier and more enjoyable.
This guide was created to help you plan your trip—whether you’re coming from across the country or just a few hours away. We’ve gathered the best routes, tips, and travel insights to make your journey smooth and memorable.
Local Advice
Should I Drive or Fly to Destin?
While flying into Destin is convenient, especially with nearby airports and rental car options, driving gives you the most freedom—and that matters here. Destin doesn’t have a traditional public transportation system, so unless you plan to rely on Uber or Lyft for every outing, having your own vehicle is a major advantage.
If you’re staying at one of our LuxView properties, you’re likely planning to explore the area—not just stay put like you might at a resort. Driving opens up the coast, letting you visit nearby towns like Seaside, Grayton Beach, or even Pensacola, all within 30–45 minutes. Plus, having your own car means you can bring your beach gear, shop at local beach stores, and come and go without worrying about surge pricing or wait times.
Renting a car? That works too—it’s essentially the same benefit, just with an added cost. Parking around Destin is generally easy, with plenty of city-run paid lots that are more affordable and walkable than private cash-only options. Just be prepared to pay for parking in popular areas.
In short, if you’re coming to explore, relax, and make the most of your stay—driving in is the way to go.
Driving In
How Long Will It Take You to Get Here?
Driving to Destin is one of the most popular ways visitors reach the Emerald Coast. With beautiful highways and scenic routes leading in from all directions, it’s no surprise that millions of travelers each year choose to drive in.
- Atlanta, GA - 5.5 Hrs
- New Orleans - 4 Hrs
- Nashvile, TN - 7 Hrs
- Dallas, TX - 10 Hrs
- Birmingham, AL - 4.5 Hrs
- St. Louis, MO - 11 Hrs
- Chicago, IL - 11 Hrs
- Washington, DC - 14Hrs
Flying into Destin
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
If you’re flying into the Emerald Coast, VPS (Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport) is your best bet. Located just 25 minutes from Destin, it’s a small, efficient airport that’s easy to navigate and offers quick access to the beach.
VPS now offers nonstop flights from over 40 cities, including several new seasonal routes added by Allegiant Air and expanded service from American Airlines. Here are some of the most popular and convenient direct flights.
Direct and Seasonal flights
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) offers nonstop service from many major U.S. cities, making it one of the most convenient ways to reach the Emerald Coast. Travelers can fly directly from hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, Nashville, and now even Miami, thanks to new service from American Airlines. These daily flights make it easy to get here quickly and start your vacation without the long drive.
In addition to year-round service, VPS also offers seasonal direct flights from cities like Las Vegas, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Omaha, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and Asheville. These routes are especially popular for travelers looking to escape colder climates or enjoy a quick beach getaway. If you’re flying from one of these cities, check for seasonal schedules—many of these flights run during spring, summer, and holiday periods.
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