Posted on 6/11/2021

The exclusively gated world-class Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort is synonymous with the description of a "beautiful beach." The pure white quartz crystal sands of the shore shimmer brilliantly in the bright sun beside the glorious jewel-toned waters of the gulf. The beach is the Star Attraction but is just a small part of this amazing world.

The expansive bay on the north side of Sandestin has a beauty all its own, and it is heavenly. Choctawhatchee Bay extends five miles across to the mainland, making this lovely locale resemble an offshore tropical island. The picturesque Village of Baytowne Wharf is situated right on this serene watery setting. It provides a perfect environment to experience captivating views.

A long wharf juts out into the bay near the Sandestin Marina Yacht Club, inviting you to view nature's majestic sunsets that illuminate the sky while being magically mirrored in the glassy water below.  This is especially true during the summer months when the golden orb sinks right into the western bay in spectacular fashion. Lots of folks make a point to enjoy these stunning sunsets from the wharf, catch a view of dolphins frolicking in the distance, try their luck fishing, or watch the opulent yachts go in and out.

Village of Baytowne Wharf

This enchanting village has an architecture that was inspired by the French Quarter in New Orleans. However, Baytowne Wharf is the Disneyesque picture-perfect, fun, family-friendly version of the original.  It sits on a long lagoon that parallels the beautiful bay with arching bridges that connect each side with avenues reserved only for pedestrian strolls. There are specialty shops, a wide array of restaurants that have bars featuring live music, and abundant amusements for kids. These amusements include a towering Zip Line ride available to soar high across the lagoon, a raised multilevel Obstacle Course, an old-fashioned Carousel, a Video Arcade, Carnival-type games along with rentals for paddleboards and fun water recreational activities.

The Village Green & Events Plaza Stage

The center of the village includes a Village Green and Events Plaza Stage where you can enjoy free live musical concerts or watch a film under the stars on "Movie Night." Fun festivals are celebrated year-round, including Art Shows, a Wine Tasting Festival, a Beer Fest, a Gumbo Fest, a Trophy Fishing Contest, and other events. The village also features costumed Christmas Carolers, Holiday Light Shows, New Year's Eve celebrations, and Mardi Gras Parades. During the summer season, everyone gathers to watch weekly fireworks shows on their "Booming Tuesdays," which shoot off over the lagoon. On July 4th and on New Year's Eve, these shows are quite an extravaganza since they are choreographed with exciting musical accompaniment.

Jolee Island

Nearby a wide wood plank pedestrian bridge leads over to Jolee Island, which is a forested wonder world all its own. Kids and the young at heart love it. There are nature paths for exploration where you might spot a giant Blue Crane Heron, Snowy White Egret of Pelicans. There are picnic tables, a playground, swings, forts, playhouses, treehouses, and a mini "pirate's ship" provided for childhood adventures.

Grand Boulevard

The bayside is also close to the East Gate, leading directly to Grand Boulevard, Sandestin's decidedly upscale Town Center. It features excellent restaurants with friendly bars, fine clothiers, fashionable boutiques, galleries, and a geyser patio fountain along the palm-lined thoroughfare. A state-of-the-art multiplex theater includes a VIP room where you can enjoy dining and drinking while watching a new release. A Publix grocery store and liquor wine outlet are conveniently located here as well.

Ocean Reef Guests:

Get Free Coupon Books to Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands, & the Destin Commons!

Sandestin Beach Tram

You will be happy to know that our vacation rental properties have access to complimentary seasonal Beach Trams that will take you anywhere you want to go across the lushly forested 2,400-acre grounds, including the beautiful beach, which is minutes away.

Sandestin Vacation Rentals on the Bay

Ocean Reef Resorts is proud to present three of our bayside vacation rentals that we are showcasing for this feature article. They include "Bay Cottage," "Bayside Inn 6280" and "Bahia 4311". Here is an introductory description of each one.

Bay Cottage

Bay Cottage is an absolutely charming abode overlooking the beautiful bay. It comes with three bedrooms with the ability to comfortably sleep up to eight happy guests. It has recently been totally renovated and beautifully refurnished. This "cottage" includes its own dock for fishing with stunning views of the bay, the pedestrian bridge that connects to the kid's paradise of Jolee Island, and part of the Baytowne Wharf Yacht Club Marina in the distance. The first floor includes a comfortably furnished living, dining, and kitchen area along with two guest quarters. This open space has a lovely look with multiple windows that provide panoramic views of the sensational scenery, including pristine wetlands and waterfowl.  One Guest Bedroom has attractive cottage-style furnishings with a queen-sized bed, a glass door that leads out to the screened porch, and a full ensuite bath. The other is a Bunk Room perfect for kids since it has four twin beds and access to a full hall bath.  The spacious Master Bedroom Suite encompasses the entire top floor. A king-sized bed faces double glass doors framed by two wide windows that feature stellar views of the bay with access to a romantic private deck. The luxurious ensuite private bath features dual vanities and a glass-walled walk-in shower adorned with white Carrera Marble. This outstanding location is only a two-minute walk away from a nice neighborhood swimming pool. The bright sugary beach, idyllic Village of Baytowne Wharf, and Grand Boulevard are just minutes away by bike or beach tram.

Bayside Inn 6280

The Bayside Inn 6280 (aka "Bayside at Sandestin") is this resort's version of a Boutique Hotel, providing a romantic setting for two.  The lavish lobby provides a regal welcome with plush furnishings that look out over the bay through a wall of windows. A fitness center is on this site (offering daily rates), and part of the Links Championship Golf Course fairways wrap around the sides. This boutique studio bedroom is colorfully appointed and includes a king-sized bed, a handsome chest with a flatscreen TV, a desk, along with a small seating area. An entire wall of sliding glass doors frames wonderful views of the bay and lead to a furnished balcony where you may enjoy the sparkling vistas firsthand. A kitchenette includes a handsome granite-topped Wet Bar where you may prepare your favorite drinks, a mini refrigerator to keep things cold, a microwave oven to warm up snacks, and a coffee station to begin a fun day. This resort building sits right on the bay with an expansive sun patio studded with palm trees, a large sparkling swimming pool, a kid's wading pool, a Tiki Bar that serves favorite drinks, and plenty of chairs for leisurely lounging. The waterfront vistas are outstanding since the pool deck provides cruise ship-like views of the adjacent beautiful bay.  The Sunset Bay Café beside the pool serves tasty breakfasts and luncheon meals. Breakfasts include pancakes, waffles, omelets, a wide array of Eggs Benedict, and yummy combo Breakfast Platters. Lunch includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood tacos, and fried shrimp platters.

Bahia 4311

Bahia 4311 is another Boutique Hotel styled room providing perfect quarters for two with a queen-sized bed but also has a sleeper sofa, so you may bring two little ones with you for an affordable small family vacation. The seating area looks out onto clusters of palm frond tops, highlighting the lovely tropical setting. A table includes a flatscreen TV for evening entertainment, and a table is included that seats two. A nice convenient kitchenette with a mottled granite-topped counter includes a Wet Bar, a mini-refrigerator, a microwave oven, and a coffee service.  Bahia has an outstanding location right in the very heart of Baytowne Wharf and is in a lushly landscaped world of its own. This bright white stately looking five-story building has a charming Americana-styled look reminiscent of golden years long past. It wraps around a large lagoon-shaped swimming pool that has a mini island in its center, clusters of palm trees, multilevel paver stone patios, lounge chairs, and umbrella tables. A big round wading pool is available nearby for kids, and a bubbling Hot Tub provides soothing relaxation for adults. There is also a fitness room on site.

Beachfront Sandestin Condos

Related article: Beachfront Sandestin Condos

Here at Sandestin's exclusive "gated city," an awesome world is available for fortunate privileged guests. The beautiful bay, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, the bodacious beach, four premier championship golf courses, and the swank Grand Boulevard town center await your arrival. Once you arrive, you will have no need or desire to go anywhere else. Enjoy using our user-friendly website to make your exciting vacation plans now. You can view full descriptions, multiple images, aerial views showing property locations, amenity packages, seasonal rental rates, and days available to make your reservations right away. Ocean Reef Resorts has a large array of fantastic vacation rentals at Sandestin that come in all sizes and styles. Once you find one and stay here, you may never want to leave!