Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals | Destin, Florida Vacation Rentals

Destin Vacation Rentals

Have a Blast With Destin, Florida Watersports

Destin has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a relaxing day on the water. The Florida Emerald Coast has sugar-white sand beaches and sparkling emerald waters, making for a dreamy day of watersports and beach fun. Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals compiled this guide on the most popular Destin, Florida watersports. 

 

We also have a stunning selection of Destin vacation rentals with premium amenities like a private pool and a complimentary golf cart rental. So, get ready to have a blast with Destin, Florida watersports, and experience the thrill of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. 

4 Destin, Florida Water Sports To Enjoy During Your Vacation

  1. Snorkeling in the Emerald Coast

Snorkeling is one of the most popular Florida watersports. The Destin Jetties provide calm waters for a serene snorkeling experience. Henderson Beach State Park is another excellent spot to enjoy snorkeling in Destin and is a popular sea turtle nesting site. You can also have a one-of-a-kind SNUBA tour that combines snorkeling with scuba diving. Read the Insiders Guide to Snorkeling in Destin, FL, to learn more!

  1. The Most Adventurous Dolphin Cruises

Another of the most iconic Florida watersports is dolphin cruises. The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is great for families with young children. Your kids can become like real-life pirates with sword fighting, water gun battles, cannon firing, and a treasure hunt. You can learn more by reading the Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals guide to Top Rated Dolphin Cruise in Destin, FL. 

  1. Venture to Crab Island

Crab Island is one of the most popular attractions in Destin, Florida, and is filled with plenty of water sports. Crab Island is a sandbar off the Emerald Coast. Some fun water sports include jet skiing, boat cruises, fishing, pontooning, water floaties, shelling, and adventure tours. You can learn more by reading A Family-Friendly Guide to Crab Island. 

  1. A Birds Eye View of the Emerald Coast

Last but not least, parasailing is one of the most exhilarating Florida water sports, and there are plenty of parasailing options in Destin, FL. Wet ‘n’ Wild Watersport has a 4.4-star rating from over 662 Google reviews and offers parasailing tours, dolphin cruises, and water sports rentals. Xtreme H2O has a 4.7-star rating from over 1713 Google reviews and has parasailing plus crab island tours, water sport rentals, and more!  

Enjoy the many thrilling Destin, Florida, water sports by booking your stay with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals!

Insiders Guide to Snorkeling in Destin, FL

The Emerald Coast is where dreams are made, with some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world featuring sugar-white sand and stunning emerald-like water. A snorkeling trip in Destin, FL, is an exciting way to immerse yourself in the enchanting Emerald Coast. Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals put together this guide so our guests can enjoy the trip of a lifetime. 

After a day of adventure in the Emerald Coast water, relax in one of our Destin beach house rentals with a private pool. Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals has a stunning selection of fully furnished vacation homes and condo rentals suitable for every budget and personal taste. Some amenities you can find include private pools, complimentary street-legal golf cart rentals, and private Gulf Coast views from your window. 

What are you waiting for? Book your next adventure today with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals!

4 Ways To Enjoy Snorkeling in Destin, FL

1. Enjoy snorkeling at Norriego Point in Destin, FL

Norriego Point faces Destin Harbor on one side and, on the other, the East Pass leading into the Gulf of Mexico. The Destin Jetties provide calm water that’s perfect for snorkeling. This is also an excellent spot for swimming.

2. Snorkel With Sea Turtles at Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park has 30 feet high sand dunes and one mile of unspoiled Gulf Coast shoreline. This park is a popular sea turtle nesting site that makes for an enchanting snorkeling experience in Destin, FL. You might get lucky and glimpse some loggerhead sea turtles while snorkeling. 

3. Enjoy Guided Snorkeling in Destin, FL

Enjoy a guided snorkeling adventure in Destin by booking one of the Destin Snorkel tours. The Two Stop Snorkeling options include snorkeling, shelling, and a dolphin cruise. If you really want an exhilarating experience try out their SNUBA Tours. Dive up to 20 feet underwater for 20 – 30 minutes at a time with this scuba diving and snorkeling hybrid adventure. This experience is suitable even for people without snorkeling experience!

4. Experience the Smile N Wave Snorkeling Tours

The Smile N Wave Snorkeling Tours are a great way to enjoy snorkeling in Destin, FL. A popular activity during their snorkeling tours is sand dollar hunting. Each person is allowed to keep two sand dollars home with them!

Book your stay with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals for the trip of a lifetime snorkeling in Destin!

Enjoy a Top Rated Dolphin Cruise in Destin, FL

The dolphin cruises in Destin, FL, take you up close to the friendly marine wildlife of the spellbinding Emerald Coast. Whether you’re looking for a dreamy sunset dolphin cruise or a pirate-themed adventure, Destin, FL, has an incredible selection of adventures to suit your heart’s desire. Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals put together this guide on some of the best dolphin cruises you can enjoy during the vacation of your dreams. 

Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals offers a luxurious selection of fully-furnished Destin vacation rentals with options for a wide range of group sizes, budgets, and personal tastes. You can spread out and enjoy a home away from home in one of our Destin vacation rentals ranging from two bedrooms – seven bedrooms. Many of our vacation rentals feature stunning views of the Gulf Coast, private pools, and complimentary golf cart rentals. Book your dream vacation today with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals!

The Top 5 Places for a Dreamy Dolphin Cruise in Destin, FL

The Original Dolphin Cruise in Destin, FL

There are plenty of fabulous options at Southern Star Dolphin Cruise. They sport an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 2590 Google reviews. The Sunset Dolphin Option is their most popular dolphin cruise. Their Eco Tour Option is also popular and lets you view the magnificent Destin marine wildlife on a glass bottom boat.

Have a Party With AJ’s Water Adventures

At AJ’s Water Adventures, you can enjoy a dolphin cruise with a kick in Destin, FL. They have a fantastic 4.8-star rating from over 943 Google reviews. Enjoy great music and drinks on one of their speedboats. They also have the option to add snorkeling to your dolphin cruise.

Crab Island Dolphin Tours – Cruise a Popular Attraction in Destin, FL

Crab Island Dolphin Tours is a fantastic option for getting up close to dolphins while exploring one of the area’s most popular attractions. Crab Island is a sandbar that you can occasionally find filled with floating bars and floating restaurants. They have a perfect 5-star rating from over 144 Google reviews.

Bring the Kids on a Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin, FL

This dolphin cruise is a must for families with small children visiting Destin, FL. Your kids will have a blast on Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, filled with sword fighting, pirate training, water gun battles, authentic cannon firing, and a treasure hunt. They have a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from over 2707 Google reviews. 

Embark on a Tailfins Island Adventure

Head to Tailfins Island Adventure for a dolphin cruise around Destin Harbor and Crab Island. They also have fun tiki boat tour options and an annual Holiday Boat Parade Cruise. They feature a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from over 200 Google reviews. 

A Dolphin Cruise on the Original Sea Blaster in Destin, FL

The Sea Blaster has been a well-loved spot for dolphin cruises in Destin since 1995. Along the way you can enjoy free soda, water, beer, and wine! They sport an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 800 Google reviews.

Enjoy a dolphin cruise in Destin by booking your stay today with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals!

Spend Spring Break on the Destin Beaches

What better way to spend your spring break than on the sugar-white sand Destin beaches nestled along the Florida Emerald Coast? Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals has the luxurious and spacious vacation home or condo rental of your dreams. Choose from a range of 2–7 bedroom fully furnished vacation rentals with options featuring private beach access, private pools, and complimentary street-legal golf carts. Book a spring break you’ll remember forever on the Destin, FL, beaches with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals.

Explore the Top 7 Destin, Florida Beaches

  1. Private Beach Access

    Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals has an impressive collection of Destin vacation rentals with private beach views. Many of our options even feature private beach access, complimentary beach chairs, and included golf cart rentals.

  2. Henderson Beach State Park

     Explore one of the most beautiful Destin beaches protected by diligent conservation efforts. They feature plenty of thrilling hiking trails that take you through one of the most unique ecosystems in Florida. On the beaches, you can often see dolphins swimming offshore or looking for fish. You can also watch sea turtles come onto the beach shore to lay their eggs in the sand during their breeding season. This beautiful sight can usually be found around May – October. 

  3. Crab Island

     Head to one of the best Destin beaches, which can only be reached by boat. Crab Island is a sand bar that’s a popular destination for water sports, boat tours, or just enjoying soaking up the sun in the waist-deep waters. 

  4. June White Decker Beach Park

     Enjoy one of the best Destin beaches that is free for public use. Even though it’s a pretty small beach park of just .29 acres, it has plenty of impressive amenities like 70 parking spaces, restrooms, and showers.

  5. Norreigo Point Beach Park

     Enjoy one of the most lovely Destin beaches that is free for the public to enjoy. One side of the beach faces the iconic Destin Harbor while the other faces east pass that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. The East Pass features tide pools protected by the Destin Jetties with calm waters perfect for swimming.

  6. Shore at Crystal Beach Park

     Although this relatively small beach has just nine parking spaces, many travelers and locals rave about the hidden away feel. There is a covered picnic area, showers, and restrooms. 

  7. James Lee Park

    This is one of the most popular public Destin beaches, and the amenities make it an excellent choice for families. There are three pavilions, nine dune walkovers, 41 picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and more than 100 parking spots.

Book your stay today with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals for a spring break you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

Best Places To Enjoy Seafood in Destin

Destin, Florida, is well known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” so it goes without saying we have some of the best seafood around. Destin is the vacation destination of your dreams, filled with good food, adventures, and beach views. Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals offers the premier selection of vacation rentals in Destin, Florida. 

Our Destin vacation rentals feature many plush amenities like complimentary street-legal golf cart rentals, private pools, and private Gulf Coast beach access. Choose your ideal fully-furnished beach house or condo from Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals. Then read our guide below on the best seafood you can enjoy during your dreamy vacation.

9 Places To Check Out for Delicious Seafood in Destin

  1. Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi: This is one of the most iconic restaurants in Destin, FL. Come here to enjoy a yummy selection of seafood dishes and sushi galore.
  2. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer: This is an excellent place to enjoy local Destin seafood in a casual and family-friendly atmosphere.
  3. East Pass Seafood & Oyster House: This is one of the best family-friendly restaurants to enjoy seafood on the Destin Harbor. 
  4. Boshamps | Seafood & Oyster House: This is one of the best places to enjoy fine waterfront dining on the Destin Harbor. They boast an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 6067 Google reviews. 
  5. Captain Daves On The Gulf: Enjoy delicious seafood at one of the most iconic restaurants overlooking the Emerald Coast!
  6. The Crab Trap: Come here to enjoy delicious mounds of crab legs or Gulf Coast shrimp with stunning beach views.
  7. Harry T’s Lighthouse: You’ll be able to find this excellent restaurant on the Destin Harbor by looking for the buildings lighthouse!
  8. Marina Cafe: This is one of the most popular Destin seafood restaurants with an impressive 4.4-star rating from over 1054 Google reviews. Enjoy premier Emerald Coast fine dining with lovely views of the Destin Harbor.
  9. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant: Order some delicious seafood from their window and enjoy your meal by the docks overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. They have an incredible 4.5-star rating from over 3238 Google reviews!

Book your stay today with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals to enjoy world-class cuisine in Destin, Florida!

Explore the Vibrant Bars in Destin, FL

The stunning Emerald Coast calls to you with its glistening beaches outlined with a sugar-white shore. Destin is a beach town on the Florida Emerald Coast and is a premium vacation destination year-round. Destin, FL, has a vibrant nightlife with some of the best bars on the Emerald Coast. Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals is delighted to offer travelers a stunning selection of Destin beach house rentals with plush amenities like a private pool. 

The Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals team is committed to finding each guest the vacation rental that suits their group’s size and tastes. We put together this guide to the top bars in Destin, FL, so our guests can have the very best vacation experience suited to their individual tastes. Book your stay today to relax in a spacious beach house rental after a fun night at the bars in Destin, Florida.

The 6 Best Bars To Check Out in Destin, FL

  1. Boathouse Oyster Bar: This is one of the go-to local bars in Destin to grab a cold beer and listen to awesome live music. If you’re hungry, you can also enjoy oysters and a menu of other tasty food. They have a stellar 4.4-star rating from over 1,498 Google reviews. 
  2. Rupert’s Sports Bar – Hurricane Lane: This is one of the best bars for families to hang out in Destin, FL. They feature a large bowling alley, arcade games, pool tables, and a sports bar. Check out their 4.3-star rating from over 727 Google reviews. 
  3. Club LA: This is an incredible local music venue in Destin, FL, with two bars, a dance floor, pool tables, and ping pong tables. Their 4.6-star rating from over 519 Google reviews speaks for itself.
  4. Red Door Saloon: Come here for great drinks and an inviting atmosphere. Their 4.2-star rating from over 733 Google reviews is nothing to sneeze at either.
  5. AJ’s Club Bimini: This is one of the top bars and nightclubs in America so you definitely need to check this place out while you’re on vacation in Destin, FL. Enjoy incredible music from local bands or DJ’s, a tiki bar, and incredible views of the harbor. They feature a 4.1-star rating from over 6,216 Google reviews. 
  6. Harbor Tavern: This is one of the highest rated bars in Destin, FL, with a 4.8-star rating from over 461 Google reviews. Enjoy a delicious bite to eat, gorgeous marina views, and fantastic drinks. 

Book your beach adventure today on The Emerald Coast with Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals!

Enjoy a Day at the Aquarium in Destin, FL

Destin, FL, is surrounded by the sparkling white-sand beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast, so spending a day at the aquarium to learn about the incredible marine life is a must. There are two aquariums by Destin with many immersive shows and exhibits. Destin is truly a pearl tucked along the Florida Panhandle and is one of the most alluring vacation destinations in the world. Don’t miss out by booking the trip of your dreams with Gulf Tide Vacations.

 

Gulf Tide Vacations offers guests a premium selection of luxurious and spacious vacation rentals for every budget and family size. Choose from our beach house and condo rentals in Destin, Florida, with plush amenities like a private pool or a complimentary street-legal golf cart. One of the best vacation activities for families in Destin, FL, is to spend a day at the aquarium, so read more about the incredible aquariums nearby below!

Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park Near Destin, FL

Just a short ten-minute drive away from Destin is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The Gulfarium is the best aquarium near Destin, FL, to learn about the local marine life and conservation efforts. You can also get up close and personal with their animal encounters. Some animal exhibits and shows they offer include:

  • Reptile Safari: Meet some friendly turtles, lizards, snakes, and even alligators – Oh my!
  • Discover Penguins: You’ll get to feed and touch the world’s cutest flightless birds.
  • Discover Harbor Seals: You’ll also be able to feed and touch these playful and gentle creatures.
  • Stingray Bay Snorkel: Snorkel and explore their bay of wonder filled with stingrays, bamboo sharks, and tropical fish.
  • Dolphin Star: Take the stage with the marine mammal trainers during a dolphin show as an acting veterinarian.

Explore the Gulf World Marine Park Near Destin, FL

The Gulf World Marine Park is a fantastic aquarium only a one-hour drive from Destin, FL. With many interactive exhibits, the Gulf World Marine Park is one of the best aquariums on the Emerald Coast. Here are some of the highlights of things to explore at this incredible aquarium near Destin, FL:

Book your stay today with Gulf Tide Vacations to enjoy an exciting day at the aquarium!

The Perfect Road Trip From Nashville to Destin

The vibrant city of Nashville, TN, has its charm but when you’re looking to get away from the hustle and grind, book your vacation to Destin, FL. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and endless adventures, a trip to Destin is like stepping into a new world. 

Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals has an excellent selection of Destin beach house rentals suitable for every budget and taste. Whether you are looking for Destin beach house rentals with a private pool or a complimentary street-legal golf cart, Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals has you covered. The drive from Nashville to Destin can be long, so we put together this guide to help you have a fun road trip!

The Best Pit Stops During Your Nashville to Destin Road Trip

  • Stop in the lively city of Birmingham, AL, for a hub of adventure on your way from Nashville to Destin. Here are some things you can enjoy while you’re in town: 
  • Check out Majestic Caverns in Childersburg, AL, that’s in between the route from Nashville to Destin. Some of the fun things to do at this spot are:
    • Enjoy live entertainment such as fire juggling and magic shows.
    • Go on a guided tour of the historic caverns that feature one of North America’s largest gemstone-quality onyx accumulations. 
    • Take a trip on the Destiny Express Train.
    • Venture through the Lost Trail Maze.
    • Try out the Gyro Extreme if your stomach can handle it.
  • Check out the glorious Conecuh National Forest in Alabama while you’re making your way from Nashville to Destin. Some recreation activities include: 

Gulf Tide Tips for a Long Road Trip

  • Make sure to plan your pit stops ahead of time for your Nashville to Destin journey. The road trip is part of the vacation because you will drive through many exciting places to explore. 
  • Make sure that every driver is well rested. When you’re driving on the highway, you are going at high speeds without much variation to keep you alert. This makes being sleep-deprived incredibly dangerous on your nearly seven hour Nashville to Destin road trip.
  • Bring some entertainment along to keep everyone entertained. This can be audiobooks, music, movies for the passengers, and a list of questions or discussion prompts to get everyone talking and bonding. 

Book your Destin getaway today with Gulf Tide Rentals!

Best Places To Get Breakfast in Destin, FL

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is a delightful way to start your mornings during your vacation in Destin, FL. There are plenty of incredible restaurants in the area to choose from, so that’s where the local experts at Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals step in to offer our guests the inside scoop on the best breakfast places in Destin. Read our guide below to discover the best spots to start your dreamy vacation mornings in Destin. 

The 6 Best Places To Get Breakfast in Destin, FL

  • Donut Hole Bakery Cafe: When you wake up with an intense craving for something sweet, this is the best breakfast place for you in Destin, FL. As their name suggests, they have many delicious donut creations to enjoy.
  • The Pancakery: Visit this great breakfast spot in Destin that was created by two lifelong friends who grew up going on memorable vacations to the Emerald Coast. When looking at their breakfast menu for something sweet, we recommend The Destinite. For something savory, Crabcake Benedict is divine. 
  • The Local Market: You can feel good getting breakfast at this place because they donate one percent of their proceeds to American Lunch, a nonprofit that delivers hot meals to people in need. From their breakfast menu, we recommend Avocado Toast for something savory. For a sweet breakfast treat, we recommend their Homemade Glazed Donuts made from scratch each morning.
  • Ruby Slipper Cafe: Start out your hearty breakfast with an appetizer of fried green tomatoes. You can try one of their eye-opening cocktails like their award-winning bloody mary. For your entree you can choose from an egg-cellent selection of beloved staple breakfast food with their own twist. 

Escape From the Daily Grind in the Dreamy Emerald Coast

Gulf Tide Vacation Rentals offers travelers an impressive selection of Destin beach house rentals with marvelous options like a private pool, a complementary golf cart rental, or an oceanfront view of the Gulf Coast. Our wide selection of vacation rentals has the perfect accommodation for every traveler’s unique budget, group size, and needs for their ideal Emerald Coast vacation. Explore the magnificent charm of the Florida Gulf Coast when you book your stay today!

Plan Your Getaway Road Trip From Dallas to Destin

Dallas, Texas, is a booming metropolis that over 1.339 million citizens proudly call home. However, the sparkling emerald beaches of Destin, Florida, call to Dallasites year-round in need of a break from the daily grind of city life. Plan your dream vacation to Destin with Gulf Tide Vacations Rentals today. Although flying is a quick and convenient way to travel, we provided some tips below for a memorable Dallas to Destin road trip.

Best Places To Stop While Driving From Dallas to Destin

  • Baton Rouge, LA: Take a break to see the Capital of Louisiana. The atmosphere is vibrant and youthful due to its political significance and the many local universities. Stop here to experience the art, museums, and southern cuisine. 
  • New Orleans, LA: Stretch your legs in one of the most iconic cities in the United States. You won’t find the hustle and bustle culture of other major cities like Dallas. New Orleans has an easy-going and free-spirited energy you won’t find anywhere else. 
  • De Soto National Forest, MS: This national forest in Mississippi is another fantastic spot to take a break from the road. You can head to the only National Scenic River in Mississippi to enjoy seeing wildlife like otters and wood ducks. Or you can hike one of their National Recreation Trails. 

How To Have a Fun 11-Hour Road Trip

  • Pass the time driving from Dallas to Destin with a good podcast. If you’re unsure what podcast to listen to, try one of the top 100 podcasts on iTunes.
  • Another great way to enjoy the Dallas to Destin drive is to listen to an audiobook. Audible by Amazon is an excellent resource for finding audiobooks based on your interests. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with getting a good old-fashioned book from the library, but you can listen to an audiobook even while you’re driving. 
  • For many people, there’s no better nap than the one they can get on a long car ride. Bring a blanket, pillow, earplugs, and eye mask to try it!
  • Utilize the 11-hour road trip from Dallas to Destin to bond with friends and family. You can find some conversation starters online or come up with some on your own.
  • A car sing-along could be a lot of fun! If the people in your car don’t share the same music tastes, you can also make a playlist to listen to on your own.

Relax in Luxury After Driving From Dallas to Destin

Road trips are often the source of many treasured memories and bonding experiences. However, it makes you crave personal space and comfort like nothing else. We have Destin beach house rentals to suit every group size and budget, with luxurious amenities like a private pool or golf cart rentals. Book your stay today to end your road trip from Dallas, TX, to Destin, FL, in comfy luxury.

 

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