Destin Florida Rentals: 15+ Fun Florida Panhandle Rentals

Our favorite best Destin Florida rentals include a variety of Florida Gulf Coast vacation rentals, including beachfront condos, bungalows, and beach houses.

Destin is a favorite McCool travel destination on the Florida Panhandle, offering visitors some of the best beaches in the USA including impeccable emerald water created by the Choctawhatchee Bay mixing with the warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico.

I grew up in Florida and we visit the Florida Gulf Coast at least a few months every year. We have rented dozens of vacation rental properties along the magnificent Florida Gulf Coast and in several US states and countries around the world.

See also our favorite Best Florida Panhandle Beaches

amazing emerald water at Destin Florida
see dolphins in the emerald Florida Gulf Coast water. Photo credit: Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Where is Destin Florida?

Destin is located between Pensacola and Panama City Beach and is about a 45 minute drive south from I-10. Destin’s closest neighbors are Miramar Beach and Seaside to the east and Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach to the west. People from all over the US South love Destin—it is within driving distance of Atlanta (five hours), Mobile Alabama (two), and Ocean Springs/Biloxi Mississippi Gulf Coast (three).

This article lists the top rated best Destin VRBO rentals followed by the best Destin hotels, other amazing Destin vacation rentals, and Florida Panhandle beachfront rentals near Destin. A section of things to do in Destin Florida appear after the listings of recommended best places to stay in Destin and nearby.

Enjoy better future Emerald Coast vacations!

the amazing emerald water in Destin Florida. Photo credit: Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

See also Hidden Spots on Florida Panhandle

Tips for Choosing Perfect Destin Florida Rentals

To find the best Destin Florida condo rentals, first we like to search for established properties with plenty of useful reviews and photos. Second, we apply filters that matter most to us, which can vary each trip. For instance, we prefer places to ourselves, with blazing wifi, compelling location, and a king bed. Third, sometimes we may want a pool or hot tub, two bedrooms/baths, or other features.

VRBO offers many tools to help you narrow in on the best selection for your needs. US Gulf Coast Travel tip: We love vacation rentals with a washer and dryer, especially on long road trips.

Tips to find perfect vacation rental properties in Destin FL:

  • Read reviews
  • Check pictures for accuracy and clues
  • Prioritize listings from Premier Hosts (Airbnb calls them Superhosts)
  • Use filters to help you find your essentials and preferences
  • Read our comprehensive article with Airbnb advantages, booking tips, and why vacation rentals are better than hotels.

Unless otherwise noted, all of the recommended Destin rentals are owned and managed by VRBO Premier Hosts and have superior ratings, photos, and reviews. We will list some basic info, differentiating characteristics, and why we recommend it as one of the best Destin Airbnb condo rentals.

We even suggest our favorite Destin hotels at the end of this article because we know that not every traveler wants to stay in rental properties.

Best Destin Florida Rentals—Our Top Picks!

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Seven of the top-rated Destin Florida rentals are listed first in this article. Note that many of these and other Florida Panhandle rental condos have bunk beds and/or sleeper sofa. So, the maximum occupancy can be quite more than expected. A one-bedroom condo might allow six or even eight persons.

7 Bedroom Beach House with Private Pool

What a fantastic Destin beach rental for a multi-gem family retreat, bachelorette party, larger family vacation, or for several friends with families. This phenomenal property accommodates up to 18 persons. It has a private saltwater pool, game room, and separate carriage house—for a couple wanting a little privacy. 30 reviewers all rate it a perfect 5.0.

Destin Gulfgate Penthouse

Check out this magnificent 11th floor oceanfront oversized two bedroom condo in the Gulfgate building. It can sleep up to eight persons. This exceptional property has a perfect 5.0 rating from 90 prior renters.

Photo of Destin Gulfgate Penthouse from VRBO
Photo of Destin Gulfgate Penthouse from VRBO

St. Maarten 3 Bedroom

Another perfect 5.0 score, from 39 prior renters. The three bedrooms in this oceanfront condo gives you more room to spread out. The ground floor unit makes for a quick getaway to one of the
.

Beach Coma

A stunning two bedroom oceanfront condo in Sterling Sands. This property has a perfect 5.0 rating from 50 prior renters.

Photo of Beach Coma! from VRBO

11th Floor Waterfront Destin Condo

Located in the Silver Beach Towers, this large two bedroom condo features two bedrooms both on the gulf side with balcony access. A perfect 5.0 rating from all 27 reviewers will convince you to consider it.

Cabana Club Luxury Destin Condo

Large, 1100 square foot, 4th floor (top level in this building) upscale condo on Destin Crystal Beach is perfect for honeymooners, a couple splurging on an anniversary or other celebration, or a small family seeking the best Destin rental. Bunk beds are located in the main living space. Read the reviews and see why 36 renters rated it a perfect 5.0.

Cabana Club luxury Destin condo rental

Renovated Two Bedroom Oceanfront Destin Condo

The owners live here half the year so you know the unit has everything you need and want for a fantastic vacation. We love the configuration of this Destin condo rental, with a king master suite and two queens in the second bedroom. Check out the photos and reviews, it received a perfect 5.0 rating from 24 renters.

Other Destin Florida Condos

Above are some of the best Destin Airbnb condos and below we list the best Destin beach hotels.

Other popular Destin Florida lodging options include vacation homes, resorts, condo rentals (non-airbnb), b&bs, and camping.

Best Destin FL Hotels on the Beach

The following highly-rated beach hotels are located in Destin or nearby in Miramar Beach.

See also our Tips for Negotiating a Cheaper Hotel Rate.

Fun Things to Do in Destin FL

Most best Destin activities focus on the magnificent beaches. Other things to do in Destin FL include visiting Henderson Beach State Park, kayaking in Jones Bayou/Santa Rosa Sound, shopping and eating in Destin Commons and HarborWalk Village in Destin Harbor, and visiting Destin History & Fishing Museum.

walk to Henderson State Park Beach from your Destin FL rental
walk to Henderson State Park Beach from your Destin FL rental

To explore the phenomenal Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast beaches near Destin, head east or west. Drive east along the waterfront and explore along scenic highway 30A from Sandestin to Rosemary Beach, through Grayton Beach and Seaside.

Further driving along the coast on highway 30 through Miramar Beach and into Panama City Beach, return to Destin on highway 98. Or drive west along the water to Okaloosa Island and Navarre Beach. Or into Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, which are much larger and have many more attractions, restaurants, and activities.

Favorite Destin FL Restaurants

There are dozens and maybe hundreds of places to eat in Destin and we strive to try them all. Research so that we can truly rate which ones are worth it and those that are not. Our current favorite and best Destin restaurants are Burritacos, Capriccio Cafe, and Local Market. All are secret Destin hidden gems but so worth a visit.

Wherever you go during your Destin Florida vacation, be sure to enjoy the best Gulf Coast cuisine and Gulf Coast beverages, and plenty of outdoor and beach adventures.

Where is your favorite place to stay in Destin Florida?

Destin Florida is also a top Gulf Coast Spring Break destination.

See also our favorite Tampa Florida Rentals.

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