Destin, Florida is home to soft, white sand beaches and clear, emerald waters. This is a great place for golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and sailing. Destin is also home to the state's largest fleet of deep-sea fishing charter boats. Dolphin cruises and dinner cruises are other popular attractions in the area. If you are looking to catch a show, check out the Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center. Other beach towns including Sandestin, Seaside, Grayton Beach, Seagrove Beach, and Watercolor are only a short drive away.
Not all beach houses are directly on the beach. It's important to make note of the terms used to describe a home's locations. Those with a "Gulf View" are usually close enough that you are able to see the ocean from the house (although you may need to be on the second of third floor to do so). Beach houses that are "Near Beach" are usually within walking distance. However, it may be important to define what you consider to be an acceptable distance to walk. Beware of "Featured Properties" as this is often a way to get around one of the first two classifications. For many homes, you will need to take a car or golf cart to get to the beach. Some will offer a golf cart with the house, but this often incurs an extra fee.
When selecting a beach house, the first thing you should do is define what you want from your rental. If you only need sleeping accommodations, you won't have to worry about a kitchen. Destin Florida is a great location for restaurants, both local and chains. Many of Destin's restaurants have been featured in the Top 20 Restaurants in Florida. If you plan to take advantage of these great dining locations, a large kitchen and grill won't be at the top of your list when looking for a vacation home. While a pool may seem like a great luxury, keep in mind the variety of activities available on the beach. The clear, warm water here is perfect for swimming.
All beach houses are likely to offer different combinations of features. For some this may include a private pool or hot tub. However, several beach houses only offer access to a community pool. While a community center can also offer such amenities as tennis courts and a fitness center, you should keep in mind that you will be sharing the pool with other vacationers and residents, much the way you would at a hotel. Other features to look for are Internet access, cable, and telephone lines. If you plan to cook many of your own meals, clarify what kind of kitchen you will have as well as whether or not there is a grill outside. For family vacations you may want to look for a house with a game room or pool table.
The most popular season for vacationers in Destin is Memorial Day through Labor Day. When booking a beach house during this time, you may need to make reservations several months, or ever a year in advance. The winter months here generally see a high of around 62 degrees, and a low of 44. This will not be ideal for swimming, but can provide an excellent time for other activities such as shopping, dining, and art exhibits.
