Emerald Pulse

As you arrive, please feel free to refer to this short video demonstrating how to get through the gate and find the condo building.

You may park up to two vehicles in the condominium complex. If you have more than two vehicles, there is plenty of free public parking available nearby.

If you are bringing a boat, RV, or other ATV to Destin, please contact me in advance to arrange for parking. Parking for these vehicles needs to be arranged with condominium management.

Check in is 4:00pm. Unfortunately, I can rarely accommodate early check-ins prior to 4:00pm.

Self check in is a breeze using the automated front door lock, which allows you to access the condo immediately upon arrival. The door code is the last four digits of your phone number (ie, whoever booked the condo). Your door code will be active for the duration of your stay and will expire at check out.

• To unlock, briefly hold your palm over the keypad to wake the lock, enter your 4-digit code, and press the check mark.
• To lock, simply press and hold the “Yale” logo until you hear the door lock.

If you have any difficulty operating the lock, I’ve created a short video demonstrating how to lock and unlock it. If you’re still having difficulty operating the lock, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance.

The vast majority of guests have no problem at all during their stay, but a very small proportion of guests make it necessary to spell out rules and extra fees like this. Bottom line, please just be considerate and responsible during your stay. And enjoy your time on the Emerald Coast!

Please read and understand the following house rules:

• Guests will not host parties in this rental unit. The property is monitored for excessive noise.
• Underage drinking, illegal substances, and other criminal activities are strictly prohibited.
• Smoking and vaping is not allowed. If evidence of smoking or vaping is found, an additional $250 smoke remediation fee will be charged.
• Due to condominium association policy, animals are not permitted.
• Quiet hours in the complex begin at 10pm. Please be respectful to our neighbors.
• Please be considerate on your way out. An additional cleaning fee will be imposed for guests who leave the place excessively filthy.
• Please come prepared with your own beach towels. Our bath towels are not suitable for the beach.
• The condo complex is very strict about keeping patios clean. You may hang your beach towels on the patio chairs to dry, but all other personal items must be stored indoors.
• Guests will not allow garbage to accumulate in the condo during your stay.
• Guests will not place garbage outside the front door or on the patio at any time. Trash disposal can be found at the back of the complex, on both sides of the lake.
• The patio storage container is kept locked for owner use only. This is the only space in the condo unit that is not accessible to guests.
• Checking out late imposes unnecessary burden on my cleaner and the next guests. For this reason, I can rarely accommodate late check-outs. Guests who remain in the condo beyond their reservation will incur a fee of $50 per hour.
• Guests will be held responsible for any fines or fees issued by the condo association as a result of rule violations.
• Violation of these House Rules or Airbnb terms of service may result in additional fees and/or cancellation of your reservation without refund.

Network name: GT0197
Password: beachball0197

Please note, the password contains the number zero, not the letter O.

If you’re having wifi problems and you’re sure you’ve entered the password correctly, definitely shoot me a message. I am fortunate to have a very responsive internet service provider, so I’ll take care of any problems as quickly as possible!

Check out is 10:00am, and we typically arrive right on time to get the place ready for the next guests.

Cleaners are the unsung heroes of the vacation rental industry. Please do all you can to take care of them by starting the dishwasher and taking out food and waste before you leave.

Please do not make the beds that you’ve slept in. I want to make sure all used bedding gets washed and replaced.

If you signed into any streaming services on the TV, be sure to sign out before you go.

Lastly, please lock all doors and windows on your way out.

Safe travels!

Destin has a mix of public and private beaches. The nearest public access is near The Back Porch restaurant. My family loves this spot. We love to hit the beach early, then walk up to The Back Porch for lunch. Best patio view in Destin!

You can also drive to the beach because parking is usually not a problem. Parking near The Back Porch is typically available in the morning and tends to fill up as the day goes on. Henderson Beach State Park is also nice because you can park close to the beach and they have decent bathrooms, showers, pavilions, and accessible amenities. Last time I checked, it was $6 per car to get into this area.

If you want a less crowded beach space, I recommend you drive down to Princess Beach. It’s about 5 miles west of the condo. You’ll drive past McGuire’s, cross the bridge onto Okaloosa Island, then see a little parking area and a path to the beach on your left near the street.

If you have young kiddos like I do, then you might be looking for calmer waters for them to play in. In that case, you might want to check out Gulf Island National Seashore park. It’s 7.5 miles west, past Princess Beach, on the right. They have decent bathrooms and parking. And it’s on the bay side of the island, so the waves don’t as crash hard as they do on the gulf side.

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located near Destin in Fort Walton Beach, is a great local attraction featuring a variety of marine life exhibits and shows. Visitors can observe and interact with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles, stingrays, and more through educational presentations, live demonstrations, and animal encounters. It offers an entertaining and educational experience for families and marine life enthusiasts while promoting conservation and awareness of aquatic ecosystems. It is located right on the shore on Okaloosa Island near Destin. Get your tickets in advance here.

Destin offers a diverse culinary landscape, featuring fresh seafood, coastal flavors, and international cuisines. From casual beachfront cafes serving up fresh seafood catches to upscale restaurants offering a fusion of flavors, there’s something for every palate. Savor the catch of the day at local seafood shacks, enjoy ocean views while dining on al fresco patios, or relish international cuisine crafted by talented chefs. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back meal with your toes in the sand or a sophisticated dining experience, Destin offers a gastronomic journey that perfectly complements its stunning shoreline. Here are a couple of my favorites:

The Back Porch: A local favorite since 1974, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House in Destin got started in a small A-frame building right on the on the beach. They serve locally caught Gulf seafood, and apparently invented the Amberjack sandwich. My family loves to hit the beach early, then walk up the The Back Porch for lunch.

Beach Camp: This place serves fresh, local barbecue and seafood dishes inspired by a slowed-down, coastal atmosphere. Beach Camp smokes their own meats in-house and makes some of the best craft beer in the area.

Marina Cafe: This one is a little more upscale than most Destin restaurants, making it perfect for a romantic dinner. Marina Cafe is right on the harbor, and even the indoor tables have great views of the water. My wife and I have gotten a table here before without reservations, but if you’re visiting during the busy season you might want to call head.

Harbor Tavern: This place is very close to the water and has a large patio with an indoor/outdoor bar. My wife and I have taken our young boys there for lunch several times, and it is certainly family-friendly. My personal favorite at the Harbor Tavern are the blackened mahi tacos.

The Edge: One of the few places that serves locally caught Gulf seafood. The setting is casual (you order food at the window and drinks from the bar), but the views are serious! Located on the east end of the HarborWalk, The Edge is right on the water.

If you’re heading to Destin, you must try a guided snorkeling tour. You get to plunge into emerald waters and discover an entire marine world under the surface. You might be surprised to find vibrant corals reefs, colorful fish, and sometimes even dolphins right near the shore! Most guides are friendly and emphasize safety, learning, and marine conservation. It’s perfect for all levels of snorkelers, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. Check here to search for tour availability.

Destin offers a mix of upscale boutiques, outlet malls, and souvenir shops, with notable shopping centers including Destin Commons, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, HarborWalk Village, and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, providing a diverse range of retail experiences for visitors.

Destin has a mix of public and private beaches. The nearest public access is near The Back Porch restaurant. My family loves this spot. We love to hit the beach early, then walk up to The Back Porch for lunch. Best patio view in Destin!

You can also drive to the beach because parking is usually not a problem. Parking near The Back Porch is typically available in the morning and tends to fill up as the day goes on. Henderson Beach State Park is also nice because you can park close to the beach and they have decent bathrooms, showers, pavilions, and accessible amenities. Last time I checked, it was $6 per car to get into this area.

If you want a less crowded beach space, I recommend you drive down to Princess Beach. It’s about 5 miles west of the condo. You’ll drive past McGuire’s, cross the bridge onto Okaloosa Island, then see a little parking area and a path to the beach on your left near the street.

If you have young kiddos like I do, then you might be looking for calmer waters for them to play in. In that case, you might want to check out Gulf Island National Seashore park. It’s 7.5 miles west, past Princess Beach, on the right. They have decent bathrooms and parking. And it’s on the bay side of the island, so the waves don’t as crash hard as they do on the gulf side.

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located near Destin in Fort Walton Beach, is a great local attraction featuring a variety of marine life exhibits and shows. Visitors can observe and interact with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles, stingrays, and more through educational presentations, live demonstrations, and animal encounters. It offers an entertaining and educational experience for families and marine life enthusiasts while promoting conservation and awareness of aquatic ecosystems. It is located right on the shore on Okaloosa Island near Destin. Get your tickets in advance here.

Destin offers a diverse culinary landscape, featuring fresh seafood, coastal flavors, and international cuisines. From casual beachfront cafes serving up fresh seafood catches to upscale restaurants offering a fusion of flavors, there’s something for every palate. Savor the catch of the day at local seafood shacks, enjoy ocean views while dining on al fresco patios, or relish international cuisine crafted by talented chefs. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back meal with your toes in the sand or a sophisticated dining experience, Destin offers a gastronomic journey that perfectly complements its stunning shoreline. Here are a few of my favorites, with links to their websites so you can check out the menus:

The Back Porch: A local favorite since 1974, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House in Destin got started in a small A-frame building right on the on the beach. They serve locally caught Gulf seafood, and apparently invented the Amberjack sandwich. My family loves to hit the beach early, then walk up to the The Back Porch for lunch.

Beach Camp: This place serves fresh, local barbecue and seafood dishes inspired by a slowed-down, coastal atmosphere. Beach Camp smokes their own meats in-house and makes some of the best craft beer in the area. Plus there’s a great little ice cream and candy shop called Pecan Jacks right across the parking lot.

Marina Cafe: This one is a little more upscale than most Destin restaurants, making it perfect for a romantic dinner. Marina Cafe is right on the harbor, and even the indoor tables have great views of the water. My wife and I have gotten a table here before without reservations, but if you’re visiting during the busy season you might want to call head.

Harbor Tavern: This place is very close to the water and has a large patio with an indoor/outdoor bar. My wife and I have taken our young boys there for lunch several times, and it is certainly family-friendly. My personal favorite at the Harbor Tavern are the blackened mahi tacos.

The Edge: One of the few places in Destin that serves locally caught Gulf seafood. The setting is casual (you order food at the window and drinks from the bar), but the views are serious! Located on the east end of the HarborWalk, The Edge is right on the water.

If you’re heading to Destin, you must try a guided snorkeling tour. You get to plunge into emerald waters and discover an entire marine world under the surface. You might be surprised to find vibrant corals reefs, colorful fish, and sometimes even dolphins right near the shore! Most guides are friendly and emphasize safety, learning, and marine conservation. It’s perfect for all levels of snorkelers, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. Check here to search for tour availability.