If you’ve ever driven down Highway 98 toward Destin, you’ve seen the skyline change. It shifts from strip malls to those massive, towering condos that seem to lean over the Gulf of Mexico. Right on the edge of the Sandestin area sits a spot that people often overlook because it doesn't shout as loud as the big-name water parks or the neon-lit boardwalks. I’m talking about Tops'l Beach and Racquet Resort.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird one—in a good way.
Most Florida Panhandle resorts are basically just a place to sleep between beach sessions. You get a bed, a balcony, and a walk across the sand. Tops'l feels more like a gated village. It’s 52 acres, which is huge for this part of the coast. On one side, you have the high-energy pulse of Miramar Beach. On the other? Total silence. That’s because the resort shares a border with the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. You can literally stand on the edge of the property and see miles of undeveloped white dunes that look exactly like Florida did a hundred years ago. No condos. No crowds. Just sea oats and wind.
The Tennis Scene isn't Just Marketing
A lot of places put "Racquet" in their name just because they have two cracked concrete courts behind the dumpster. Tops'l is the opposite. It is a legitimate tennis destination. We are talking about a facility that consistently ranks in the top 25 tennis resorts in the world by Tennis Resorts Online.
They have 12 Rubico clay courts. If you aren't a tennis nerd, Rubico is that "fast-drying" clay that’s easier on your knees and keeps the ball speed manageable. It’s fancy.
But here is the thing people get wrong: it’s not just for pros. You’ll see families out there doing "Cardio Tennis" which is basically just running around sweating to pop music while trying to hit a ball. It’s chaotic. It’s fun. They also have a massive pickleball presence now, because obviously, it’s 2026 and pickleball has taken over the world. The USPTA-certified pros on-site actually know what they’re doing. They won't just tell you "good job"; they’ll fix your backhand grip in ten minutes.
Where You Actually Stay: The Breakdown
You can't just say "I'm staying at Tops'l" and expect everyone to know what your room looks like. The property is split into several different "neighborhoods," and they all have a completely different vibe.
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Tides and Beach Manor
These are the big dogs. They sit right on the Gulf. If you want to wake up, walk onto a balcony, and see dolphins while you drink coffee, this is where you go. Beach Manor is a bit more classic, while Tides has that massive pool deck that feels like a private club.
The Summit
These are further back. You get a view of the coastline, but you aren't "toes in the water" immediately. The trade-off is usually a better price point. Plus, the walk through the nature trails to get to the beach is actually pretty peaceful.
Captiva and Sierra Shore
These are the private homes and townhomes. If you’re traveling with a massive group—like a multi-generational family reunion where the kids need to scream without bothering neighbors—this is the play.
The Tennis Village
Two-story townhomes right by the courts. It’s a bit more "woods" than "beach." It’s quiet. You get a lot of shade from the scrub oaks, which is a lifesaver in July when the Florida sun is trying to melt your skin off.
The State Park Factor
This is the biggest "pro tip" for staying here. Most tourists stay in Destin and never see a "real" beach. They see a beach with 5,000 umbrellas.
Because Tops'l Beach and Racquet Resort is nestled against Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, you have access to some of the most rare ecosystems in the world: Coastal Dune Lakes. There are only a few places on Earth—literally, like Australia, New Zealand, and right here in Walton County—where these lakes exist. They are freshwater lakes right next to the salt water, separated only by a berm of sand. Sometimes, after a big rain, the "outfall" opens up and the tea-colored freshwater spills into the emerald Gulf. It’s wild to see.
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You can hike the Morris Lake Trail or the Gregory E. Moore Trail. Most people staying at the resort never leave the pool, which is a crime. You can see pitcher plants, towering dunes that reach 25 feet high, and if you’re lucky, a bald eagle.
Eating and Drinking (The Reality Check)
Look, I’ll be real. You aren't coming here for Michelin-star dining. You’re coming here for "vacation food."
- The Blue Dunes Grille: This is the poolside spot. It’s exactly what you want when you’re wet and covered in sand. Burgers, wraps, and drinks that come with little umbrellas.
- Ocean Club: This is the "nice" dinner spot at the entrance of the resort. It’s been there forever. It’s a bit old-school—live music, white tablecloths, fresh fish. It’s where you go when you want to feel fancy after a day of being a beach bum.
If you need more variety, you’re stuck driving. But you’re only five minutes from Baytowne Wharf or Grand Boulevard. You can hit up the Hub (now called The Big Chill) further down 30A if you want that trendy, outdoor movie, taco-truck vibe.
The "Secret" Fitness Club
Most resort gyms are a sad room with one broken treadmill and a set of rusty dumbbells. The Club at Tops'l is actually a full-service health club. They have a steam room, a sauna, and an indoor-outdoor pool.
If it rains—and it will rain, it’s Florida—this is where everyone ends up. They have racquetball courts too, which is a bit of a throwback, but honestly, it’s a great workout if you’ve been eating too many fried shrimp baskets at the local shacks.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Tops'l is part of Sandestin. It’s not.
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Sandestin is that massive, sprawling city-within-a-city across the street. Tops'l is much more contained. It feels more private. You don't have a tram system that takes twenty minutes to get you to the beach. Even from the furthest point in the resort, you can bike or walk to the water in a reasonable amount of time.
Also, don't assume the "Racquet" part means you have to play. Plenty of people stay here and never touch a tennis ball. They just like that the grounds are better maintained than the average condo complex. The landscaping is lush. It doesn't feel like a concrete jungle.
Is it Worth the Price?
Florida prices have gone nuts lately. You know it, I know it.
Tops'l sits in a middle ground. It’s more expensive than a random Airbnb in a neighborhood three miles from the beach, but it’s cheaper than the ultra-luxury spots in Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach. You’re paying for the security, the amenities, and that specific access to the state park.
If you are a tennis player, it’s a no-brainer. You won't find better courts in Northwest Florida.
If you are a nature lover, it’s also a no-brainer because of the preserve.
If you just want a cheap room to crash in after partying at Crab Island? You might be overpaying for amenities you won't use.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book the right side: If you want sunset views, ask for a high floor in Beach Manor facing West. If you want sunrise, Tides facing East.
- Rent a bike: Don't drive your car once you park. The resort is bike-friendly, and you can ride straight into the State Park trails from the resort path.
- Check the Tennis Calendar: Even if you aren't "good," look for the Round Robin events. It’s the easiest way to meet people if you’re staying for more than a weekend.
- Grocery Run Early: Hit the Publix at Grand Boulevard before you check in. Saturday afternoon traffic on Highway 98 is a special kind of hell. Avoid it at all costs.
- Explore the Dune Lakes: Take the time to walk over to the state park and see the lakes. It's a completely different world than the beach, and it's practically in your backyard.
Stop looking at the generic brochures. Tops'l isn't a "luxury" resort in the sense of marble floors and gold faucets—it’s a "lifestyle" resort. It’s for people who want to be active, see some actual nature, and then collapse into a beach chair with a view of the emerald water.