Only 2.5 hours west of Tallahassee sits the beautiful city of Destin. With a gloriously white shoreline looking out to the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is an idyllic destination for lovers of sand, surf and sea. Destin vacation rentals are within easy walking distance of the beach, as well as inspiring nature trails through sand dunes. The boardwalk is an excellent place to check out the colorful boats of the harbor or take in a concert or show. Dotted with exciting restaurants and first-rate shopping, Destin also offers golfing and fabulous fishing for those wanting a more active holiday .
Dolphins abound in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and taking a cruise from Destin is a fantastic way to see them leaping out of the water and playing with their companions. For a fishing trip with flair, you can charter a deep-sea fishing party boat for an adventure the whole family will remember. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a great place to be after dark, with magic shows, dinner, theater and vibrant clubs where you can dance the night away. Destin vacation rentals are ideal for relaxing, after exploring and partying in this fun and exciting seaside city.
Destin may be justly famous for its stunning coastline, but there is more to do here than simply sit on the beach. You can learn how to surf in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the wonders of the deep by taking lessons in scuba diving or snorkeling. Destin vacation rentals are close to family fun excursions like the race track where you can spend the day on mini-golf, go-karts and rides. If you need a break from the sun, there are museums or you can bravely embrace your inner Dr. Dolittle and feed live alligators.
The city of Destin basks in a moderate climate, year-round, thanks to its location on the Gulf of Mexico. Summers can be rather toasty, with high humidity and temperatures hovering in the high 80s, with occasional lurches into the sweltering low 90s. With over 225 sunny days per year and not a flake of snow, Destin is a great place to visit for lovers of warm weather. Even winter is balmy in Destin, with daytime temperatures of 65 degrees and evening lows of 42-44 degrees. With such temperate conditions, Destin is a delight to visit, any time of year.
A small city in northwest Florida, Destin sits on a spit of land known as the Panhandle, and looks out to the Gulf of Mexico, with Choctawhatchee Bay at its back. White, sandy beaches meet the lapping turquoise-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and Henderson Beach State Park dazzles with its pristine beaches, sand dunes and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Destin can easily spot shore and wading birds and monarch butterflies, while careful observers may spot dolphins and sea turtles offshore. When the park is quiet, you may see bobcats, rabbits and gopher tortoises emerging for a stroll.
Destin's beaches are one of its biggest draws. Vacation rentals are available near exciting beach locales like Grayton Beach State Park, an oceanfront park with a sandy beach, swimming, boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, and campsites, and John Beasley Park, a scenic beach park with soft sand and gentle waters. You may also enjoy James Lee Beach, a lively beach for recreation and watersports, and Norriego Point, a tranquil, sandy beach with clear blue waters for snorkeling and swimming.
The nearest airport is in Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), located 9.1 mi (14.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you can also fly into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (DSI), which is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away.
If you're traveling with family, you'll find a range of kid-friendly attractions to explore during your trip. Vacation homes are available near places like Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, a water theme park with slides, pools, a lazy river, and other water activities, and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, a sea life park with dolphin encounters and wildlife shows. Kids will also enjoy the Destin History & Fishing Museum, a quaint museum with displays of antique fishing rigs, nautical artifacts, and sea life, and Henderson Beach State Park, a beach sanctuary with a boardwalk, nature trails, and a playground.
Whatever you're looking for in a getaway, you'll find a rental in or around Destin that suits your style. These are some of our top picks:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Destin vacation rental for you.
For an unconventional experience, book one of Vrbo's tiny house rentals in Destin. We'll warn you though — after you've stayed in a tiny house, the temptation to move into one of thes pocket-sized digs will be hard to resist!
We all need an escape from the daily grind occasionally. If you're yearning for a couple of mornings lounging around in your PJs hugging a coffee, you'll find some excellent weekend getaways in and near Destin. Check out two of our favorites:
Studio apartments may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to convenience and location. Put your bags down at one of these popular studio apartments in or near Destin:
From funky apartments to huge vacation homes, Vrbo has your quick escape sorted. Here are just two of our favorite picks in and around Destin:
Forget about roses and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is to get away for the weekend, just you and your boo. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Destin that would make even old Cupid envious. Here are some we think you'll adore:
Nothing screams "Best. Vacation. Evvv-er." like staying in a mansion. Spoil your loved ones with a truly unforgettable getaway at one of these mansions for rent in or near Destin:
Big groups mean huge fun. They also mean finding a place that'll effortlessly fit your crew. Browse our large group vacation rentals in or around Destin and spend time with your favorite people under the one roof:
Whether you're hosting a shindig like a birthday party or an unforgettable vacation with your favorite people, we can help you find a space that'll suit your group. Send invites out to the gang and check out these large vacation rentals in or near Destin:
Nothing says fun and frivolity like a pool. Pull out your inflatable flamingo and browse these houses in or near Destin that feature this vacation necessity:
Destin has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures fluctuating between 80 ºF and 90 ºF. But you don't have to wait until summertime to visit. Check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the ideal Destin vacation rental and plan your escape for whatever season you like.