It's time to start planning your Destin beach vacation—woohoo! What do you book first?

If you're like us, it's probably your vacation beach home. Now, this can be more complicated than it seems at first glance. Do you want a beachfront condo where you can watch the sun rise over rolling waves every morning? Is it a beach cottage tucked in a patch of palm trees and tropical flora, offering a peaceful and private vacation experience? If you're traveling with a group, do you need a spacious home with plenty of bedrooms and lots of living space? These are the important questions!

If an awesome backyard made your list of essential amenities, you're in luck. Many of our Destin vacation rentals have ah-mazing backyards. A backyard can be an oft-overlooked luxury, but a good one certainly elevates your beach vacation experience. Coastal weather is outdoor, making spending time outside in a backyard the perfect way to enjoy the sunny sky and warm breezes. Add in extra bonuses—such as private pools, firepits, BBQ grills, curated landscaping, outdoor kitchen and TV areas, al fresco dining opportunities, and tiki bars—and you've got yourself your own secluded oasis in paradise. It's like paradise inception!

So, did backyards make your list? If so, read on because we've compiled a list of the best backyards at our Destin vacation rentals—just for you. Our local expert staff weighed in, offering their opinions on which of our Destin rentals have the best backyards. These are the results!

Agave Blue

8 Bedrooms / 6 Full & 1 Half Bathrooms / 18 Guests

Agave Blue is a stellar vacation rental in Destin's gated community of Crystal Beach. The main two-story house is turquoise with white trim and perfectly fits its coastal surroundings. A cozy guest house on site provides private space for guests. Eight bedrooms include a total of six king-size beds, one queen-size bed, and one queen bunk. The property can accommodate up to eighteen guests. The interior features shiplap, white furnishings, and colorful sea art giving off happy beach vibes. Multiple breezy balconies and a rooftop deck provide relaxing spaces to enjoy a cold drink and the Florida sunshine. But it's the backyard that will make you swoon!

The curated lawn and private pool sit between the main home and guest house. The high fence surrounding the yard provides ultimate privacy. Chris from Guest Services praised the large backyard, pointing out the features that make it great—including the fire pit, gas grill, screened-in outdoor TV area, and beautiful pool. Dan in Guest Services added to this, saying, "It has a cool firepit area and dining table with string lights right next to the pool." All the pieces combine to create a laidback setting that stands out on a beach vacation in Destin.

Atlantis

8 Bedrooms / 8 Full & 2 Half Bathrooms / 25 Guests

Like the lost city, Atlantis in Miramar Beach is full of surprises. The stunning three-level vacation home boasts sunny interiors, comfortable sleeping accommodations, and multiple furnished balconies. With eight bedrooms—many of which include king-size beds—the house can entertain up to twenty-five guests. The crystalline shores of the Gulf are less than a two-minute stroll from the property. Combine all this with the one-of-a-kind backyard, and this is the ultimate place to make beach vacation memories.

Upon stepping through a set of sliding glass doors that separate the first-floor game room and the backyard, you are greeted with paradise itself. A covered veranda furnished with outdoor tables and wicker chairs offers a lovely place for al fresco dining. One end features an outdoor kitchen, a gas grill, and mounted TV for entertainment. A paver stone patio and a huge pool make up the rest of the enclosed backyard. Palm trees surround the lagoon-shaped pool, but as Joan in Housekeeping knows, the icing on the cake is the "Tiki bar in the middle of the pool!" That's right, you and your fellow guests can enjoy ice-cold cocktails while sitting on underwater barstools at a shaded bar right in the middle of the water. How fun is that?

Truly this backyard is one of a kind. And it is loved by many of our staff members. Alan in Reservations loves the outdoor space because of the "huge pool, comfortable loungers, large gathering space, outdoor TVs, and grills to entertain and cook for your family gatherings." And finally, Chace (Business Development) puts it as simply as can be when he says that the best backyard in Destin is "Atlantis…because, well, it's Atlantis!"

Beach Basket

6 Bedrooms / 6 Full & 1 Half Bathrooms / 18 Guests

Welcome to Beach Basket, a colorful beach rental cottage tucked in the residential neighborhood of Crystal Beach. The home's yellow exterior mixes beautifully with the sunny surroundings of the Gulf Coast. Inside, pops of color and nautical décor create a welcoming and happy space for vacationers. One of the unique features is the home theater room which boasts a 120" screen, Xbox, and plush seating. With six bedrooms, the home can comfortably accommodate a large group of up to eighteen guests.

While the interior is warm and cozy, visitors also love the private backyard dotted with palm trees. A covered porch features outdoor couches and chairs. A large pool is perfect for a freshwater dip, and surrounding lounge chairs are great for soaking up the sun. On the paver patio, a grill and dining table with an umbrella provide a lovely space for poolside dining. But that's not all! Alan is reservations is the first to point out that Beach Basket is the "only private home in our program with a basketball court, as well as a spacious pool." The basketball court has hoops on both ends, making it easy to start a pickup game at any time with your fellow vacationers.

Beach Therapy

6 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 18 Guests

Beach therapy is the best therapy, and that goes for our vacation rental home dubbed "Beach Therapy," as well. This laidback vacation home is located in the heart of Destin, placing it close to the beach and coastal entertainment. It includes six comfortable bedrooms, spacious living areas, a game room, and beachy vibes. It can host up to 18 guests.

A sunroom at the back of the house features a wall of windows that face the grand backyard. Cameron from Reservations had only good things to say about the yard. "Beach Therapy has a large backyard with a pool and covered area for eating al fresco. The private lush palm tree landscape makes you feel as if you were on a remote island in the Caribbean." And boy, is that right! The covered dining area that Cameron is talking about includes a tall bar with raised chairs that surround a BBQ grill. A fan on the ceiling provides a reprieve from the heat, while light fixtures ensure the dining experience can extend well after the sun goes down. Set among palms, the refreshing pool is perfect for a relaxing swim. And if you'd rather sunbathe, read a book, or take a nap outside, there are plenty of pool loungers for your convenience.

Majestic Sun

1-5 Bedrooms / 1-7 Bathrooms / 6-22 Guests

Majestic Sun is a little different than the other properties on this list. Unlike the others, Majestic Sun is a condo complex rather than a private vacation residence. The condo sits right across the street from the beach and has incredible views of the glittering Gulf. A large indoor/outdoor pool makes it easy for guests to enjoy a day of swimming, regardless of the season. 

Despite it being a condo, this property has all kinds of cool amenities in its own backyard. Edwina in our Real Estate department said, "Majestic Sun has a pretty amazing backyard—golf, tennis, laser tag, restaurants, and bars are all within walking distance." Of course, she's talking about the amenities that are close by. As part of Seascape Resort, condo guests receive discounted rates on championship golf, tennis, and recreation rentals. Nearby restaurants include Royal Palm Grille, The Whale's Tail Beach Bar & Grill, and Surf Hut. Down the road, you will find an arcade with games and laser tag, providing fun for the whole family. If you want both a beach-view condo and a great backyard, Majestic Sun is the ideal compromise!

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Oceania

5 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 18 Guests

Located in Destin's Frangista Beach, Oceania is a chic beach house that sits atop raised sand dunes overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Three levels of breezy balconies mean front-row views of nature's most gorgeous landscape. The first-level balcony even has a refreshing waterfront pool. The home's interior is sunny, with raised ceilings and elegant furnishings. Each bedroom is well-appointed and comfortable. It has five bedrooms and can entertain up to eighteen visitors.

Not only does Oceania have wonderful living accommodations, but it also has the best backyard of them all—the beach! When asked which home had the best yard, Todd in Leadership said, "That's too easy. Oceania by far! No one has that in their backyard at home." Though his response was a little tongue-in-cheek, he's 100% correct! Who doesn't dream of waking up to the soothing sounds of waves in the morning? With the beach as your backyard, you can feel the sand in your toes anytime you want. You can take a saltwater swim in emerald waves at any time of day. Nothing makes a beach vacation better than staying mere feet away from those enticing sugary shores.

Sweet Spot

3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 12 Guests

You will find a picture-perfect coastal Sweet Spot in the heart of Miramar Beach. This beautiful home is great for families with kids, with comfortable living accommodations and fun outdoor space. Natural light filters through large windows, spreading warmth throughout the home's interior. Tropical-inspired accents keep you in a vacation state of mind for your entire stay. This residential home features three bedrooms and can accommodate up to twelve guests.

Though the inside is spacious, it is nothing compared to the large backyard. Alan from Reservations noted that the "newly landscaped backyard has plenty of seating and a nice brand-new pool. There is tons of space for your family to gather and enjoy time with each other." Justin in Management agreed, saying, "There is so much room for activities. You don't often find yards this size in our area." And they're both right! The backyard is an absolute dream. Fans line the ceiling of the furnished porch, creating a cool spot to relax in the humid outdoors. A large pool is set into an expansive sun patio. Surrounding the patio, a grassy lawn dotted with tropical flora adds to the paradise vibe. With all the space, there is plenty of room to play outdoor games with your fellow beachgoers.

Villa Vittoria

5 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 16 Guests

Last, but certainly not least, we have Villa Vittoria in downtown Destin. This gorgeous three-level home sits right at the edge of the snow-white sands of the beach. Gulf-front balconies, beach-chic living quarters, and comfortable bedrooms all combine to create a laidback vacation experience. With five bedrooms, the home can host up to sixteen vacationers.

This beautiful home gives you the best of both worlds—a private pool and the beach right in your backyard. When asked what he loves about the villa, Chris in Guest Services responded, "Vittoria backs up to a private beach. The backyard includes a pool with a spillover soaking tub, lots of umbrellas, and outdoor furniture. The privacy of the beach and views are unmatched." The enclosed paver patio truly is its own little oasis. The rectangular pool sits close to the house, while lounge chairs and outdoor dining furniture are spread out on the deck. There is nothing better than a cool freshwater swim or evening meal when the beach is only steps away. When you're ready to feel the sand in your toes, simply head to the beach through your own private beach access right from the deck. Easy peasy!

If we haven't yet convinced you that a backyard is a huge perk (and possibly a necessity) when it comes to a Destin beach vacation rental, be sure to browse each of these homes in detail. Backyards provide private space for you and your guests to make your own unique vacation memories. Once you've settled on the perfect place, book your stay through our website or contact us at (888) 277-9038, and our reservation specialists will get everything taken care of for you!

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