Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
34 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Common Space
1 Double Sofa Bed
Double Queen Suite in Carriage House
2 Queen Beds
King Master Bedroom - Downstairs
1 King Bed
King Master Suite Upstairs
1 King Bed
4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom #1 - Private Ensuite for King Master Bedroom
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom #2 - Downstairs Hallway
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom #3 - Private ensuite for King Master Bedroom
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom #4 - Carriage House
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Half Bathroom Upstairs in Main House
Toilet
Spaces
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area
About this property
Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly!
🐬 Welcome to Dolphin Retreat! Spacious, family-friendly home with private pool golf cart steps from the beach.
Sugar Palm Vacation Rentals is a local Destin company and we take great measures to ensure every aspect of the home and your stay is as perfect as can be. We make sure this home is clean, well-maintained and ready for you to enjoy. Unlike other property managers, who may be hundreds of miles away, our office is right here in the neighborhood so if anything breaks down while you re staying, our staff is close by to come and fix it! We re happy to answer any questions before you book and we re available during your stay.
You ll enjoy a wonderful beach vacation in this spacious home, just steps from the beach! It s an ideal home for 2-3 families with children- we sleep up to 12 people.
2 Comfortable living areas (first floor second floor) Updated and fully-equipped kitchen Large dining table seats 10 + more seating at kitchen counter FREE 4- passenger electric golf cart ($600-$800 value!) Balconies in front and back Private backyard pool Separate carriage house with double queen suite and kitchenette Covered outdoor dining area with outdoor kitchen/grill, TV and fireplace Pet Friendly* Basketball Goal Cornhole Game 4 Bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms 2 King Bedrooms with private ensuite bathrooms (1-first floor/1-second floor) Bunk room with full-over-full bunks + twin trundle (first floor), hall bath Double Queen Bedroom with private ensuite bathroom (upstairs Carriage House)
Additional amenities include: Free Wi-Fi TVs in all bedrooms and both living areas Fluffy white bath towels and a hair dryer in each bathroom Highchair and pack-n-play Washer dryer - large laundry/mudroom Iron and ironing board Kitchenette in the carriage house Beach cart with 4 beach chairs umbrella Cleaning products, trash bags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap
Families love the unique reverse floor plan of this home. The main house has a king bedroom and a bunk room downstairs, 2 full baths, plus a living area with a very classy built-in wet bar and queen-size sleeper sofa. On the 2nd floor, you ll find a large open concept kitchen/dining/living area, half bathroom, plus a king master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The separate guest house has a large open room upstairs with 2 queen beds plus a kitchenette, seating area, full bath, and walk-in closet. The well-equipped kitchen is open to the 2nd floor living area and has new stainless-steel appliances and plenty of counter space. You ll find all the dishes, pans and utensils you may need, and a Keurig K-Cup coffee maker. We want you to feel at home, and the large, open layout is a perfect gathering spot for your family or friends. From here, you can step out onto the balcony overlooking the beautiful pool area.
KING BEDROOM SUITE with private ensuite - 1st floor The beautiful, private suite in the main house features a private ensuite bathroom and direct access to the private backyard and pool.
BUNK ROOM, 1st floor This large room features a full-over-full bunk bed and a roomy closet. There s also a twin trundle bed, perfect for our little guests. There s a full bathroom in the hallway next to this bedroom.
KING BEDROOM SUITE with private ensuite - 2nd floor Step out onto the front balcony from this large private suite with an extra-large walk-in closet and private ensuite bath with double vanity and sink with makeup station, separate tub and walk-in shower.
CARRIAGE HOUSE This lovely guest house is next to the private pool behind the main house. You ll access this area from exterior stairs.
DOUBLE QUEEN BEDROOM with ensuite - Carriage House This beautiful, open bedroom features two queen beds, HDTV, walk-in closet and a kitchenette with a small fridge, sink, toaster, coffee maker microwave. A small table and chairs make a great spot for morning coffee or a snack. There s also a private bathroom with a tub/shower combination.
PRIVATE POOL BACKYARD You ll find an amazing outdoor grilling/kitchen area with a sink, plus a natural gas fireplace! There s a TV and outdoor dining table too. The private professionally maintained swimming pool is nestled in the beautifully landscaped backyard. It s all yours enjoy it! Pool heat is available for an additional fee.
OFF-STREET PARKING You may park up to 4 vehicles at this home, depending on size. There is no street parking in Destin.
PET FRIENDLY We are pet friendly and welcome dogs in our home. There is a $300 per dog extra fee and your dog must be pre-approved by the owner.
PERFECT BEACH LOCATION The house is less than a 5-minute walk from the Tarpon Street beach access. We provide a cart with beach chairs and an umbrella, so you can roll your gear to the beach with ease. This home is in the heart of Crystal Beach, a quiet, walkable neighborhood with white picket fences and easy access to shopping, restaurants and activities in Destin. Destin Commons, a beautiful upscale shopping and entertainment center, is less than a half mile away. It features over 75 shops and restaurants, including Bass Pro Shop, World of Beer, Panera Bread, Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill, AMC Theater with IMAX and much more. Local favorite, Camille's, is an easy walk around the corner and The Crab Trap is about a mile east. You can bicycle, scooter, Jet ski and go parasailing all within walking distance. The Silver Sands Outlet mall is not far for those who enjoy “retail therapy”
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Crystal Beach is the gold standard of Destin...no high-rise condominiums or beaches packed with 4 rows of vendor chairs. Crystal beach is mostly residential, which contributes to the quietness of the neighborhood. A large public beach access is less than a block away. Restaurants, activities and entertainment are also close-by. Destin Commons, a beautiful upscale shopping and entertainment center, is less than a half-mile away. It features over 75 shops and restaurants, including Bass Pro Shop, World of Beer, Panera Bread, Uncle Buck s Fish Bowl Grill, AMC Theater with IMAX and much more. Local favorite, Camille s, is an easy walk and The Crab Trap is about a mile east. You can bicycle, scooter, Jet ski and go para-sailing all within walking distance. The Silver Sands Outlet mall is not far for those who enjoy retail therapy !
Snowbird Special 🌴 Discounted monthly rates are available from November through February. Escape the cold and enjoy extended stays by the beach!
🏡 House Rules for Dolphin Retreat Rental Agreement and Security Verification: Must be signed within 48 hours of booking. Occupancy: Max 12 guests allowed. Age Requirement: Primary guest must be 25+ and stay the entire trip. Pets: Dog-friendly with prior approval and $300 pet fee per dog. Limit 1 2 dogs only. No other pets allowed. No Smoking: No smoking or vaping inside the home, carriage house, or near doors and windows. Parking: Up to 4 vehicles allowed in driveway. No street parking per Destin city rules. Golf Cart Use: Complimentary 4-passenger golf cart included. Please follow local and golf cart safety laws. Pool Safety: Swim at your own risk. No glass in or around the pool. Pool heating available for an extra fee. Outdoor Kitchen: Clean grill and outdoor area after use. Towels Linens: Keep bath towels indoors. Place used towels in the bathrooms before checkout. Trash: Bag and dispose of all trash properly in outdoor bins before departure. Departure: Turn off all lights, TVs, appliances, and securely lock all doors and windows when leaving.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Destin
Located in Crystal Beach, a neighborhood in Destin, this vacation home is near theme parks and by the sea. HarborWalk Village and Baytowne Wharf are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Miramar Beach and Destin Beaches. Traveling with kids? Consider Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park, or check out an event or a game at Bluewater Bay Tennis Center. With jet skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Shore at Crystal Beach Park - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
James Lee Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Destin Commons - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 19 min walk
El Jalisco Destin - 20 min walk
Crab Trap Destin - 10 min walk
Cracker Barrel - 17 min walk
Starbucks - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly! have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly!?
As of May 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly! on Aug 16, 2026 start from $799, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly!?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Dolphin Retreat | Pool, Golf Cart, Guest House & Steps to Beach! Pet Friendly! located?
This family-friendly Destin vacation home is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of James Lee Beach and Miramar Beach. Destin Beaches is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Great house, great location. Very clean, house is well furnished and beds are comfortable. Kitchen has everything you need. Pool is great! All the beach essentials we needed. Can’t wait to come back!
Great place, good for at least 10 people. One block from beach and gulf cart is a plus.
tom f.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're happy when our guests are happy. We look forward to hosting you again.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dan F.
Jan 16, 2018
Beautiful Home, Great Location
Really enjoyed our stay. Home is brand new and impeccably clean. One block to beach.
Dan F.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
So glad you noticed our high standards in cleaning! Between guests we don't just send the housekeepers through... a senior member of our staff then thoroughly inspects the property to make sure it is perfect. (And if anything is ever not perfect we rely on our awesome guests to notify us so we can run right over and make it right!) Thanks for your kind review - we look forward to hosting you in Destin again!
We enjoyed the beach and pool! Any issue we had was addressed immediately. Would stay again
Melody L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
Thanks for your nice words about our property and our service! We would welcome you and your family back at any time!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Becki N.
Apr 7, 2018
Beautiful house and great location.
Worked great for our 3 families. Plenty of room. Loved the outdoor fireplace on the cool nights!
Becki N.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're so glad you enjoyed your stay at Dolphin Retreat! Yes, the outdoor fireplace is a really nice extra at this home. Be sure to ask for your Repeat Guest Discount the next time you stay with Sugar Palm!
We enjoyed our stay. The home was nice and clean. Great proximity to the beach with a short walk, and golf cart was a nice perk to help transport items. Property management was responsive and ready to help with any issues.
Caleb O.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
Thank you for the great 5 star review, and thank you so much for the kind words about our Sugar Palm staff - We strive to make sure your vacation is fun, relaxing, and in a clean and beautiful environment.
We look forward to having you back with us soon!
Amazing property. Easy walk to the beach. We had 8 of us - 2 adults and 6 teenagers and it was a great location to have a variety of things to do - beach, pool, shopping, etc.
Super close to Destin Commons, great eats and stores. Camille's is a nice walk for coffee in the morning (I did not try for lunch or dinner). Will absolutely rent again if in the area.
Morgan H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay. This is a very special house -- can't beat the quick walk to the beach and so other things to do nearby!
We thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful house for our vacation. It is a quick walk or golf cart ride to the beach. The pool in the back is perfect. The house was so spacious. We had no issues with noise carrying from other rooms. We’ve stayed here twice now and will keep booking this house each year, if we can.
Kellie M.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 15, 2024
We're so happy you enjoyed this beautiful vacation home again! It is indeed an amazing home and we absolutely love welcoming our returning guests back year after year. Thanks again for sharing your comments with other travelers. See you next time!
Everything about this property was perfect. Very close to the beach (2 minute walk). Close to shops and grocery stores. If any issues had come up, the rental company responded quickly. The only negative we encountered was going during college spring break which is at no fault to the property or rental company.
Tina G.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. Yes this house is indeed super-close to nearly everything you need during your stay.
A short walk to the beautiful emerald water and white sand beach was just what we were looking for! We stayed for two weeks and had family and friends visit along the way. We loved being able to have our dog with us and we enjoyed waking him around the neighborhood. The golf cart was so much fun to ride around on. We will be back!
ERICA M.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're just thrilled you had such a wonderful time staying at this home. It's a great property for families- with the separate carriage house, golf cart -- and being so close to the beach! We're local, and we make sure this home is clean and ready for our guests - and we're right here if you need us during your stay. Now you know why so many families return to this home every year! We look forward to welcoming you back.
Beautiful property. Nice decor. Super close to the beach. Outdoor area is great. We recommend it.
The only issue we found is low hot water pressure sometimes on upper bathroom and the mattress on the king beds probably is time for a change .
Other than that.. perfect stay. Thank you!
Clarissa M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on May 30, 2024
We're so glad you enjoyed your stay! This is indeed a very special place to enjoy life at the beach. Rest assured, we immediately fixed the king bed and the technician has checked on the tankless water heater. We look forward to welcoming you back again.
We stayed here with 2 families, 9 people total. It was very comfortable with that amount of people. Nice they had the second living area downstairs, the kids took that over. Also nice to have the separate guest quarters above the garage. Beds were comfortable. We loved the golf cart to cruise around & go to restaurants. The saved spot on the beach was very nice. It’s a very short walk to the beach. Beaches & water are beautiful.
Natalie W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with our future guests. We're glad you had a wonderful trip and will look forward to your next stay!
Property was close to beach, spacious, clean, equipped, kid friendly. Service from rental company was superior! Felt like they genuinely were on call at all times. Neighborhood was perfect. We were all very comfortable. We will be back to this area if not this exact house. Thanks, Sugar Palms Rentals.
Debi R.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
Thanks so much Debi for your awesome review! We're thrilled that you had such a great time at Dolphin Retreat, and that you felt truly supported by our Guest Services team while you were in town. We'll look forward to hosting your next visit to Destin!
This home has a great layout for family stay. Had a few equipment problems that were quickly addressed by management. Only objection was loud all night noise by rowdy neighbors - the noise ordinance really doesn't help with that so if you want peace and quiet this area might not be for you. Great house though!
Charlotte M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're so happy that you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for the 5-star review. Regarding neighbors, sorry you had some rowdy ones. The good news is there are new neighbors every week and most are indeed respectful of the quiet times. And if you are ever having issues, you can call the police because they do enforce the noise ordnances in Destin.
The house worked out great for our group! We had 7 adults and 4 kids. We never felt crowded or like we didn’t have enough room. The house was very clean. We loved the outdoor area and pool and used it daily. Location was amazing, less than 5 min walk to the beach! We also loved having the golf cart to ride around in and for quick trips to the gas station. There were a couple small issues that were not addressed or fixed during our stay, but overall we still had an amazing time!
Lauren M.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for reporting those couple of things (slow drain in the master shower and wasp nest around the back of the carriage house) we were able to take care of those things before the next guests arrived. In the future please do not hesitate to call us when you notice--we're always happy to swing by and repair anything.
The house was as described and very clean upon arrival. Everything was in working condition. The house is extremely spacious for a large group, with a lot of common area, 2 kitchens and several bedrooms. The best part of the house is the backyard with a pool, grill and lounge chairs. The location cannot be beat - it's only 1 block for a beautiful beach and walking distance to a cafe and the Crab Trap. The only watch-out (not complaint) is the top bunk bed is very unsturdy and you are told it's for <50lb children - I would not plan on using the top bunk if you have teens or adults. We would book this house again in a heart beat it checked all our boxes!!
Samantha L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to hosting you and your family again.
We loved our stay in Crystal Beach at this comfortable home. It was a very short walk to the beach and they had all the supplies to make our days in the sand very comfortable. The available beach chairs and umbrella were a real plus for extending our time by the waves. There were some elements about the home that seemed older - the paint was chipping in a few places on the cabinetry and dining table, and some of the fixtures were more Tuscan style while the furniture was more modern. The bunkbed structure was very loose and needed to be retightened, which the property company did say they would address (and it wasn't such a safety concern that we couldn't use it). While clearly advertised that beach towels were not provided, it would definitely have improved our experience to have them available for us since we were traveling from farther away and bringing them took up packing space. We enjoyed the outdoor areas most in this home. We spent a whole afternoon in the upper porch sitting area, and we had almost every midday meal and a couple of dinners on the wonderful downstairs porch. The pool/grill/handout zone in the backyard is wonderful. Having the pool to come back to when the kids were worn out by the saltwater was a major bonus. Great location, very comfortable house.
Barbara F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
Thanks for taking the time to submit such a positive review of your stay. Families love this home - the multiple outdoor entertaining areas make it a perfect home to really relax and enjoy!
Everything was wonderful at this house. The kitchen was fully stocked with PLENTY of dishes and all the utensils needed! No rehashing every single day because you don’t have enough. We enjoyed the pool and the patios so much. Only about 300ft away from beach. The walk was flat, very easy, and no trouble throughout the week. Our only complaint and why I deducted a star is because this listing advertised a golf cart. The cart we were provided was electric and would die at 70-80% battery life. We had to get it towed back to the house by the golf cart company, unfortunately. When talking with the golf cart worker on the defect of this cart, they dismissed us saying “oh yeah electric golf carts won’t go past 85%, usually not more than 6-7 miles per ride.” When telling him that the golf cart was at 85% when it died and we hadn’t traveled more than 2 miles, he spoke to us like we were stupid and told us that the battery gage couldn’t be trusted. This was frustrating because he was essentially telling us there is no way we can know when the golf cart will die and refused to provide us with a different one.
I understand this isn’t necessarily the fault of the property management, but it was frustrating to be promised a golf cart In the listing but not have one to use throughout the week because it was so unreliable. I’d recommend transitioning to a gas cart.
Lydia W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
We are so delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay in our home.
Sorry you had an issue with the golf cart.
Note to future guests: While they are supplied by a separate vendor, if you ever have issues that are unresolved, you should always call us.
The house was very clean and stocked with everything you could want. Great communication with maintenance staff with the one small problem that we had. Highly recommend.
Leslie D.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
Thanks for taking the time to submit such a nice review. It's so helpful for other guests.
We had a great time and would definitely stay here again!! The house was very clean when we arrived and the check in process was very easy. The kitchen was well equipped with everything we needed. The kids LOVED the pool and the beach was a short walk away. The beds were very comfortable. My only complaint-the front load washer was mildewy. I ran a hot water bleach cycle, then a hot water vinegar cycle, then a Tide cleaning pack cycle, and wiped it out really well. It cleaned fine and the clothes didn’t have an odor. I addressed it with the property manager. There were several restaurants, souvenir shops, etc we drove to using the golf cart(as well as an additional one we rented) on Old Scenic 98. Overall we had a great trip and would definitely stay here again!!
Angela D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2023
Thanks for taking the time to submit a review! We're so glad that your family had such a great experience! Those washing machine seals are a constant battle in our humid seaside environment... the seal on that machine has been replaced. Thanks for bringing it to our attention during your stay. We'll look forward to your next visit!
About the host
Hosted by Sugar Palm Vacation Rentals
We're a proud, family-owned local business with a dedicated team that shares a deep love for Destin and the Emerald Coast. Originally from Ohio, our journey began with family vacations to Fort Walton Beach and Destin—years of treasured memories that eventually inspired us to turn our passion into something bigger. Today, we live here with our family and run a thriving property management company focused on short-term vacation rentals. At Sugar Palm Vacation Rentals, our mission is simple: to be the best for both our guests and our property owners. With nearly a decade of experience and an unwavering commitment to personalized service, we work tirelessly to make every guest stay unforgettable and every property owner proud. Our locally-based team knows the area inside and out, and we're here to help every step of the way—whether it's answering your call or delivering an extra item to your rental, it's the same friendly faces who'll be there in person. What sets us apart is our genuine care for people and our passion for creating memorable vacation experiences. When you partner with us, you're not just a reservation—you're part of the Sugar Palm family. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the place we love most.