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 visit the Florida Gulf Coast at least a few months every year. I 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 my favorite Florida Panhandle Beaches
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!
See also Florida Panhandle Hidden Spots.
Tips for Choosing Perfect Destin Florida Rentals
To find the best Destin Florida condo rentals, first I like to search for established properties with plenty of useful reviews and photos. Second, I apply filters that matter most to us, which can vary each trip. For instance, I prefer places to ourselves, with blazing wifi, compelling location, and a king bed. Third, sometimes I 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: I 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 my 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. I will list some basic info, differentiating characteristics, and why I recommend it as one of the best Destin Airbnb condo rentals.
We even suggest my favorite Destin hotels at the end of this article because I know that not every traveler wants to stay in rental properties.
Best Destin Florida Rentals—Our Top Picks!
One top-rated Destin Florida rental is listed first in this article. In this, and other rentals, the maximum occupancy can be quite more than expected. A one-bedroom condo might allow four, six, or even eight persons.
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.
Other Destin Florida Condos
Above are some of the best Destin Airbnb condos and below I 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.
- Henderson Beach Resort
- Embassy Suites Destin Miramar Beach
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin
- Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
- Hyatt Place Sandestin
- Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
- Residence Inn Sandestin
See also my 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.
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 I strive to try them all. Research so that I can truly rate which ones are worth it and those that are not. My 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 my favorite Tampa Florida Rentals.