Hotels in Cinco Bayou

Unveil the Hidden Gems of Cinco Bayou: A Journey Through Nature and Culture Awaits

Nestled along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Cinco Bayou is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. Just minutes from Fort Walton Beach and the stunning shores of Miramar and Pensacola, this quaint locale features a serene bayfront ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Stroll through lush parks, savor fresh seafood at local eateries, and soak in picturesque sunsets. With its relaxed vibe and proximity to iconic beaches like Henderson and Alys Beach, Cinco Bayou is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path escape for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure in equal measure. For the best hotel rates in Cinco Bayou, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Cinco Bayou

Some of the best places to stay in Cinco Bayou are Crystal Beach, Holiday Isle and Baytowne Wharf. Cinco Bayou offers a delightful mix of attractions for travelers. Crystal Beach is ideal for beach lovers, boasting beautiful sand and vibrant local culture. Holiday Isle is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, while Baytowne Wharf features shopping, dining, and entertainment. Accommodations range from affordable apartments to luxury options, including furnished units ideal for longer stays. For first-time visitors, Baytowne Wharf stands out for its lively atmosphere and variety of activities, making it a fantastic introduction to the area. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Cinco Bayou:

1. Crystal BeachOpens in a new window: Crystal Beach is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, with pristine beaches and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Destin Beaches and Miramar Beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is also a popular spot for families looking for fun. For accommodations, The Henderson Beach Resort & SpaOpens in a new window is a 5.0-star resort offering direct beach access and excellent business amenities, ideal for work and play. Dunes of Crystal Beach by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel featuring various dining options and fitness facilities, making it a comfortable choice for travelers. Additionally, Crystal Dunes 204 by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window, another 4.0-star hotel, provides a cozy atmosphere with dining options on-site.
2. Holiday IsleOpens in a new window: Holiday Isle is a vibrant beach community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities. With attractions like the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and scenic views. The Island Resort at Fort Walton BeachOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star resort that boasts direct beach access and business facilities, perfect for both leisure and work. Jade East 1220Opens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, caters to adventure seekers with various onsite recreational activities. Lastly, Silver Beach Towers 1102e by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window offers a relaxed stay with dining options and fitness facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for guests.
3. Baytowne WharfOpens in a new window: Baytowne Wharf is a charming destination that combines outdoor activities with shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore the Silver Sands Premium Outlets and enjoy the beautiful Miramar Beach. Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph CollectionOpens in a new window is a luxurious 5.0-star hotel providing direct beach access and excellent business amenities, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Bahia at Sandestin by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, is conveniently located in the shopping district and offers beach access. Lastly, Fisherman's Village 245 at Sandestin by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window is a comfortable 4.0-star hotel featuring dining options and various recreational activities, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Things to do in Cinco Bayou for first time

A three-day visit to Cinco Bayou offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and relaxation. Enjoy boating, sea diving, and hiking, while exploring nearby beautiful beaches. Don't miss the chance for exciting dolphin adventures and scenic tours, making it an unforgettable getaway on Florida's Emerald Coast. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Cinco Bayou:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure in Cinco Bayou by soaking up the sun at Destin Beaches, known for its stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters. After a morning of relaxation, head over to Destin Harbor for a vibrant atmosphere filled with shops, restaurants, and opportunities for water activities like paddleboarding or boating. As the day winds down, explore Jolee Island Nature Park, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk through beautiful landscapes and observe local wildlife, providing a perfect end to your day.
• Day 2: Start your day at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a bustling area where you can grab breakfast and enjoy scenic views. Next, make your way to Fort Walton Beach Park, a lovely spot for a picnic and a stroll along the beach. Afterward, head to the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, where you can shop, dine, and take in spectacular beach views, making it a fantastic place to unwind as the sun sets over the Gulf.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at Okaloosa Island Beach, where you can lounge on the soft sand or swim in the warm Gulf waters. Following your beach time, visit Okaloosa Island Pier for fishing or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Conclude your trip at Navarre Beach, a serene location perfect for a leisurely walk along the shore or a final dip in the water, allowing you to reflect on your wonderful vacation in this beautiful part of Florida.

5 tips to find a great Cinco Bayou hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: For those traveling on a budget, the best time to visit Cinco Bayou is in January, November, and December, when hotel rates are more affordable. To truly experience the area’s highlights, it’s recommended to stay for at least 2-3 days. Key attractions include beautiful beaches, family-friendly spots, and charming neighborhood parks, all of which offer great value for your money.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Cinco Bayou, Hotels.com is a great resource. To explore discounts, head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on the site, where you could find reduced rates on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep you informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions, so you’re more likely to snag a great deal.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the location, star rating, and the season. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates may help you save on hotel expenses in Cinco Bayou.
4. Consider your location: When booking your stay on Hotels.com for your vacation, keep your location in mind. Staying near popular attractions or downtown areas can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and accessibility to the sites you plan to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in Cinco Bayou and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

Best time to go to Cinco Bayou

Cinco Bayou experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 53.6°F (12.0°C), while July and August are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 82.8°F (28.2°C). August tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Cinco Bayou are May to July, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. In contrast, January, November, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.

Cinco Bayou Travel Information