Destin Vacation Rentals

Named after the illustrious fishing captain Leonardo Destin, who lived here in the mid 19th century, Destin is nowadays a glamorous resort town in the Florida Panhandle. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this seaside town is renowned for its clean beaches and emerald waters. An oceanfront Destin vacation rental is the perfect place to set up camp.

Flying into Destin, Florida

The closest major airport to Destin is Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Get to your Destin vacation rental via taxi or rent a car – providers such as Alamo and Avis are on hand right at the airport. The smaller Pensacola International Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport are both approximately an hour's drive from Destin.

Culinary Offerings

Destin's oyster bars have to be seen to be believed, so work up an appetite before savoring some of these timeless aphrodisiacs. The town is known for waterfront establishments that offer stunning vistas of the coast of Florida. Family-friendly establishments please diners with sumptuous culinary preparations, live music, inventive cocktails, and friendly service.

A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar is a splendid dinner option overlooking Destin harbor, as is the old-style diner Camellia Grill. For a classy night out, try Vin'tij Wine Boutique and relish the terrific seafood. Alternatively, bring home some take-out to feast on at your Destin vacation rental.

A Good Time to Visit

With an average of 343 sunny days annually, Destin's weather plays a big role in its popularity. To grab reasonably priced Destin vacation homes, consider visiting in April. The water is warm and the skies are gloriously sunny. Early Fall can bring showers, so come prepared. December to March is low season, yet Destin still manages to retain a certain charm during these months, drawing vacationers in search of some peace and quiet.

Things to Do and See

Destin's biggest claims to fame are its powdery white sand and emerald green waters. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled by the sheer number of activities that are on offer. Why not have a go parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, tubing, or kayaking? For those looking to stay on dry land, you could try the local sand castle building lessons. Sunbathers and kite fliers will love the vast, sun-drenched stretches of beach.

Destin Harbor is home to a extensive fishing fleet that ensure the town is teaming with delicious seafood. Destin is also a hotspot for golfers, both amateur and seasoned. Tee off at the award-winning Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Destin Boardwalk is a great spot to indulge in some people-watching — sip on an iced coffee at one of the waterfront cafés and watch the world go by.

Excursion Ideas

Embark on a deep sea fishing expedition and bring home some redfish and mackarel to grill back at your Destin vacation rental. Snorkelers will be astonished at the colorful tropical fish and marine life present among the Destin jetties and Crystal Beach Pier pilings. Take the kids on an educational dolphin cruise, where they can even feed the dolphins and birds.

Fancy diving through reefs and shipwrecks by night? Simply ask at your local dive shop; even novices are welcome! For those less keen on exploring the secrets of the ocean, the civil war-era Fort Pickens and its affilliated nature reserve await. For more beach fun, drive down to the secluded Fort Walton Beach and Navarre Beach, both accessible by car. Two hours west of Destin is Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, home to Vegas-style casinos.

Regular Events and Festivals

Destin has quite a few festivals and events to keep visitors engaged. The year kicks off with the Pardi in Paradise Mardi Gras Parade in February, followed by the Tequila and Taco Fest in March. May features the Burning Up The Beaches festival, a weekend of parties, dance, cruises, and dining. Next comes the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in June, and then the Sandestin Triathlon in August.

Seafood connoisseurs should visit in October, when the stage is set for the Destin Seafood Festival. October's Destin Fishing Rodeo is one of the best-known events in the Florida calendar, an exciting angling contest in which a vast fleet of chartered boats sets off from the coast and returns with impressive catches. The year ends in style with the storefronts and boardwalk drenched in twinkling lights.

Destin is one of America’s premier vacation destinations; book a Destin vacation home to find out what the fuss is about!

Destin: A sun-kissed city on the Gulf Coast

Henderson Beach State Park

Over four miles of beach await at this pet-friendly park. The boardwalks are ideal for diving off, sunbathing and fishing, whilst camping sites are available too.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The scenic boardwalk extends for a quarter of a mile, and hosts the Destin Seafood Festival and the Fishing Rodeo event each October. It's also the place to come for shopping, dining and nightlife all-year round.

Destin Harbor

Take a boat cruise, listen to the live bands, dine at the waterfront cafés and soak up the lively atmosphere at Destin Harbor.

Village of Baytowne Wharf

Enjoy weekly concerts, fireworks displays, and open-air film nights in this village nearby to Destin. Zip lines, toy shops, arcades and ice cream parlours keep kids happy.

Crystal Sands Beach

Play football or frisbee on this soft white sand beach that stretches for miles, whilst there are plenty of dining and shopping options within easy reach too.

Frequently Asked Questions