The 9 Best Destin, Florida Vacation Rentals of 2020

Best Beachfront for Groups: Luxury Private Beachfront Home

Buy from Airbnb.com

You’ll enjoy this three-story beachfront rental home, as it’s perfect for a group of friends or a larger family. There’s room for up to eleven guests across four bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is a studio-style apartment on the ground floor with its own kitchen, which is great if someone needs a little extra privacy.

The decor of the rental is beachy, albeit quite modern, and the house feels fresh and stylish. The house is located right on the sand, just a few blocks away from Henderson Beach State Park and near a number of restaurants and bars, plus shopping and entertainment at Destin Commons. There’s also a private deck with direct beach access, plus an outdoor shower to rinse off the saltwater and a barbecue if you’re looking to flip some burgers.

Don’t miss the standup paddleboards and the two-person kayak available for use free of charge.

Best Beachfront for Couples: Pelican Beach Resort Condo

Buy from Airbnb.com

Housed within the Pelican Beach Resort complex and set on the beach within close proximity to all the dining along U.S. Route 98, this one-bedroom condo has plenty of space for a couple to spread out, and bring the whole family along as well.

It’s located on the seventh floor of a larger condo building, which offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and a vantage point over all of Destin. 

Unlike many rental units in Destin, this one doesn’t have tacky decor. Instead, it’s well-appointed with modern wood furnishings that feel a little more countryside than beach.

Still, the beach is right outside your door, as are several pools and hot tubs, a gym, tennis courts, an arcade, and an on-site restaurant and bar are all within the condo complex.

Wi-Fi, Netflix, cable, beach chairs, and an umbrella are all included in the rate, so you’ll be able to pack light for the beach and come home to a ton of entertainment.

Best Budget for Groups: Sol Mate

Buy from Airbnb.com

This massive five-bedroom house just two blocks from the beach is a steal, as there are actually two houses as part of this rental. The complex consists of both a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom carriage house, connected by a patio and private pool.

Decor in both is bright and colorful, with bright red walls and floral linens creating a cheerful and lively environment. The house also offers free Wi-Fi access, and a full kitchen.

Guests can rent a golf cart from the owner for a fee – it’s complimentary with weeklong stays in the winter– which you can take around the neighborhood. 

The vacation rental is located quite close to the dining, entertainment, and shopping of the Destin Commons mall, so you’ll be right in the center of everything.

Best Budget for Couples: Seaside Studio

Buy from Airbnb.com

If you’re looking for an affordable couple’s getaway in Destin, this studio-style vacation rental in the Holiday Isle complex is a great stay, thanks to its prime location and all of its added amenities. 

For one, we’re particularly impressed with the decor, which is a rustic-chic vibe with a soothing gray palette. Though space is a bit small, there’s still plenty of room for a full kitchen, a Queen-sized bed, and even a loveseat. There’s also a private patio perfect for sipping coffee in the morning. 

As for the sun and sand, you’re only a five-minute walk from a public beach and a 15-minute walk to a private one. Beach equipment is complimentary for guests and comes with a wagon for transportation.

Best Luxury for Groups: Mojo

Buy from Airbnb.com

This lakefront home in the Dunes of Destin community is perfect for large gatherings, with seven bedrooms that can fit up to 26 guests. 

The space is impeccably designed, with white brick walls, all-white furnishings, and green accents for a slightly tropical vibe. 

It has its own gym, a private patio overlooking the lake, a game room with ping pong and a Wii, free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and ample parking for all the guests. 

It’s just a few steps to the community’s private beach and a brief walk to its private pool. The rental is located just across the main road from Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, so there’s the beach, pool, and water park access available within a five-minute walk.

Best Luxury for Couples: Lucky Dune Bird

Buy from Airbnb.com

This Airbnb Plus property located between Henderson Beach State Park and Destin Harbor is a luxurious getaway for couples or small families. The unit is an updated, modern space that has blue, grey, and beige decor with only the slightest hint of beachiness.

The rental is part of a beachfront resort complex that offers amenities like pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, shuffleboard, and private beach access. The rental includes a beach locker with plenty of beach equipment like boogie boards, chairs, and an umbrella.

The place also comes with free high-speed Wi-Fi, a dishwasher, a full kitchen, and washer/dryer combo for your laundry. After a long day spent relaxing and swimming at the beach, come home to high-quality linens and relax on the couch with the SmartTV. 

Best for Romance: Coastal Retreat Destin

Buy from Airbnb.com

It’s all about the whimsical decor in this vacation rental, located in the Holiday Isle complex near Destin Harbor, a large building of condominiums situated right on the beachfront.

Be transported to a bohemian-chic French countryside escape with rustic white wood furnishings, billowing translucent curtains, and just enough greenery to liven up the space. It’s quite a romantic retreat with calming beach decor and tons of cozy spaces.

A full kitchen, Cable TV, and Wi-Fi add all that you need to the inside of the space, but the condo is located just a five-minute walk from the beach and a short drive to dining and nightlife should you want to travel a bit further.

Best for Families with Younger Kids: Palms of Destin Condo

Buy from Airbnb.com

The Palms of Destin resort complex is the ideal place to take your family, given the robust amenities available: There’s an 11,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool, kiddie pools, a splash pad, a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a gym. 

This 11th-floor condo with views of the sea has modern decor, a washer and dryer, and plenty of space for a small family to spread out. The rental also comes with Le Creuset cookery in the full kitchen, and soft Serta pillow-topped mattresses for maximum comfort.

While there’s no private beach access, Henderson Beach State Park is a two-minute drive away, and the resort offers a free shuttle during peak season. The owners also offer discounted prices for the winter months should you be traveling to Destin between November and February.

Best For Travelers with Pets: The Millie

Buy from Airbnb.com

It’s quite rare to find a beach rental that allows pets free of charge, but that’s what you’ll get at this modern and bright condo. The condo is filled with updated and sleek beach decor with wooden finishes and white walls contrasting with blue, patterned furniture. 

The unit is on the ground floor—easy access for walking your dog—and is part of the Chateau La Mer complex, which has a heated pool, tennis courts, and a private beach.

The condo offers Wi-Fi and a well-equipped kitchen, so the comforts of home are easily available at no extra cost.

Guests also have access to a beach closet that supplies equipment like chairs as well as bicycles. The ocean is just a short drive from the condo to plenty of dining, golf courses, and Destin Commons mall.