Vacation Rentals in Destin

If you want a premium vacation rental on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is a great place to look. On the main island, you'll find a host of beach house options fronting onto the estuary and the sea. Expect to find attractive homes with large lounge areas, pools, balconies, and barbecue areas, and great access to the town center.

On the other hand, Destin also offers hundreds of rental apartments which would be perfect for couples, smaller families, or travelers on a budget. Often located in serviced condos with gyms, concierges and room service, these apartments represent a great mid-point between standalone beach cabins and hotels. Many front onto the Gulf, providing unrivaled views and the chance to hit the beach in seconds.

Famous for its pure white sand and peaceful green waters, Destin is one of the jewels of Florida's Emerald Coast. Relaxed but lively, it's a sophisticated coastal destination with everything families and couples could want. You'll find it in the northern part of Florida, around 30 miles east of Pensacola.

One of the most attractive things about Destin is that it is situated on a barrier island in the Choctawhatchee River estuary. The sand that has built up over thousands of years is why Destin's beaches are so rich and pure, while the island's landward side is a great setting for water sports. A trolley bus runs along Santa Rosa Boulevard, connecting everything together.

The easiest way to reach Destin is to fly into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which is served by numerous leading US airlines. Greyhound run buses into the resort, while you can reach it via I-10 from east and west or I-75 from the north.

The sandy beaches of the Emerald Coast are its biggest attraction, and Destin is right at the region's heart. The city beach is a wonderful place to relax as is neighboring Okaloosa Island, where you can sunbathe, play volleyball, snorkel or do whatever takes your fancy.

Destin is one of the best places in Florida to rent a jet ski, try some water skiing or wakeboarding, or just head out for a swim in the lagoon. You can also rent kayaks from companies like Adventures Unlimited, or share a pontoon boat between friends.

With its year-round sunshine and flat terrain, Destin is made for golf courses, and there are some gems to choose from. From Foxwood Country Club to Bluewater Bay, each course offers a slightly different challenge.

Built in 2012, the quarter mile-long Harbor Boardwalk is a great way to get to know downtown Destin, providing great access to the city beach and hosting major events like the town's Seafood Festival.

Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is Destin's premier family attraction. Located at the heart of town, it's filed with slides, lazy rivers, wave machines, and pools, with rides for all ages to enjoy.

The ideal partner for Big Kahuna's, Wild Willy's adds a range of superb mini golf courses, dinosaur-themed rides, treetop adventures, and even remote controlled boat battles to the mix.

The Gulf is a legendary fishing spot, so why not grab a rod and a boat and hit the open water? You may not snag a marlin, but red snapper isn't out of the question. And you can swim and snorkel if the fishing isn't working out.

One of the oldest buildings in the area, Fort Pickens was built in the 1830s on Santa Rosa Island as part of Pensacola's fortifications. These days, it's a fascinating site, with a beautiful recreation area attached.

One of the sources of Florida's huge appeal is the regional climate. The temperature in Destin hardly ever dips below 70 degrees, ensuring that most weeks of the year feature beach weather. However, the best time to visit is probably spring, before the intense heat of the summer. But beware: Destin is a popular Spring Break spot, so book ahead.

Aside from Spring Break, October is often thought of as the start of festival “season”, and the Seafood Festival is a standout event, turning the boardwalk into a feast of shellfish, craft ales, wine, and music. The month is also rounded off by the Festival of the Arts – so it's a busy time of year.