5 Low-key Pet Friendly Places to Stay in Destin Florida

From townhouses to cozy, dog friendly condos in Destin FL, discover five offbeat rentals that will transform your trip into an unforgettable vacation.


Planning a trip with your four-legged friend? Destin is home to several vacation rentals catered to guests traveling with pets and looking to create memorable experiences alongside their best friends. In this blog, we've curated a list of five amazing, under-the-radar rentals that blend the best of comfort, convenience, and fun for you and your furry pal to enjoy the best of Destin.


About Us

At RealJoy Vacations, we've been in the Florida Gulf Coast hospitality game for years and we've got a wide range of some of the best places to stay in Destin FL for families. All our properties come with top-notch amenities to make your stay unforgettable.

As local experts, we know the scene inside out. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast — from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides and reasons to consider living in Destin year-round.

Set for a pawsome adventure? Let's get started!


Tail-Wagging Hideaways: Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals Destin FL

Staying in a pet friendly rental in Destin offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure for both you and your furry companion. Enjoy comfortable accommodations with easy access to pet-friendly beaches, parks, and outdoor activities, all while being close to Destin's beautiful shores, restaurants, and attractions. It's a memorable vacation for the whole family, including your four-legged friend!

Here is our curated list of 5 amazing under-the-radar pet friendly vacation rentals in Destin:



1. SouthBay by the Gulf #122 - Salty Paws

3 Bedrooms - 2.5 Bathrooms - 10 Guests

This delightful townhome, where comfort, convenience, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle come together for your ultimate Destin escape, is nestled in a gated, low-density community in the heart of town. It offers private beach access and a spacious, well-appointed interior designed for maximum relaxation and fun with your family and furry pal. The property is also 3 miles away from Destin Dog Park, where your pet can socialize and spend their energy.


Top Amenities:

Beach Proximity: Only 50 steps to private beach access. 

Outdoor Living: Backyard patio surrounded by greenery and complete with a charcoal grill and outdoor dining area. It's also a great spot for your pet to get some sunlight and sniff around. 

Resort-Style Recreation: Enjoy 2 pools, 2 kiddie pools, tennis courts, and nightly fireworks at the beach. 

Fishing Fun: Access to a 5-acre, fishable private lake. 

Prime Location: Close to restaurants, Destin Harborwalk, Big Kahuna's, The Destin Commons, and Destin Dog Park.


What Guests Love About It:

"This is a great place to stay with kids and a dog. The complex has many places to walk your dog, the storage room was packed with beach items, and it takes seconds to be on the beach. We played tennis, swam in the pools, and cooked out! The kitchen is well stocked with sharp knives and a good egg pan! Musts for us."

"The location of the attractions and beach were nice and I liked that I could bring my pet ."



2. SouthBay by the Gulf #81

3 Bedrooms - 2.5 Bathrooms - 7 Guests

Located in the same gated community as Gulf #122, this inviting pet-friendly escape features 3 comfy bedrooms that accommodate your family and your furry pal. Enjoy a morning coffee on a private patio, where your pet can play and take in the refreshing Gulf breeze.


Top Amenities:

Private Beach Access: Only 500 ft away for spontaneous seaside strolls.

 Resort Recreation: Two pools, two kiddie pools, tennis courts, plus nightly fireworks viewing.

Outdoor Living: A private backyard with a patio, outdoor dining area, and charcoal grill.

Fishable Lake: Enjoy a 5-acre private lake perfect for fishing.

Prime Location: Steps to restaurants and a grocery store, with Destin Harborwalk, Big Kahuna's, and The Destin Commons just a couple miles away.


What Guests Love About It:

"We hadn't been here in a good while so thought we would check it out and Southbay was a great choice. It was gated so it felt very safe and had all the conveniences you need. Very quiet and the private beach had none of the usual mayhem. Being able to bring my very loved dog Dude was a tremendous plus. We will be back."

"We enjoyed our time here. The pool and the short walk to the beach. Very clean and I loved the fact that the kitchen was fully stocked with everything one needs to prepare a meal. Highly recommend this place."



3. Sandpiper Cove 2017


1 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom - 4 Guests

Sandpiper Cove 2017 is a charming, pet-friendly condo perfectly positioned on a 9-hole par 3 golf course within the exclusive Sandpiper Cove resort on Holiday Isle. This tastefully decorated 1-bedroom retreat sleeps up to 4 guests plus your furry companion with a queen bed in the master suite and a sleeper sofa in the living room. Enjoy stunning views and a wealth of resort amenities just steps away from private beach access.


Top Amenities:

Golf Course Living: Enjoy direct access to a 9-hole par 3 golf course. ⛳

Resort Perks: Five swimming pools, three hot tubs, and a variety of sports courts at your fingertips.

Beach & Views: A short walk to the beach with scenic views and BBQ grills for outdoor cooking.

Exclusive Gated Resort: Set within a 43-acre haven on Holiday Isle, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Destin Harbor.


What Guests Love About It:

"We had a wonderful time in this condo! Beach was right across the street! The kids enjoyed the pool and I enjoyed the hot tub. We always love sandpiper cove! Will most definitely be back soon!"

"This was our first time staying in Destin in general and with Real joy. It was phenomenal, from the gate guards to the grounds and private beach access! I will definitely stay with them again."



4. Sandpiper Cove 2019

1 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom - 4 Guests

Also located within Sandpiper Cove resort, this lovely, pet-friendly corner unit offers amazing harbor views from a quiet balcony, inviting relaxation alongside your furry friends. The spacious living room features gorgeous coastal decor with soothing hues and plenty of cozy corners for Fido to rest after a day of exploration in Destin.


Top Amenities:

Stunning Harbor Views: Savor your morning coffee on a quiet balcony overlooking the harbor.

Beach Access: Just a 0.5-mile walk to private beach access.

Resort Perks: Enjoy 5 swimming pools, 3 hot tubs, 6 lighted tennis courts, and a 9-hole par 3 golf course.

Outdoor Dining: BBQ grills onsite and a short stroll to the Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant.

Professional Management: Benefit from 24/7 service for a worry-free stay.


What Guests Love About It:

"This place has literally everything you need! It is dog friendly, in a cute community with a par 3 course, great restaurant on the water, multiple pools, tennis courts, it's own private beach with rental chair/umbrella complete with a full menu beach bar. Did I mention that your property has water views on the harbor that boasted gorgeous sunsets as well as providing boating entertainment; we were also lucky enough to have a full on firework show during our stay for our 1 year anniversary! (Labor Day weekend) I cannot recommend this place enough!"


5. Gone Coastal

4 bedrooms - 3 Bathrooms - 12 Guests


Experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and coastal charm at Gone Coastal—a beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bath townhouse overlooking the Destin Harbor. Ideal for groups of up to 12 guests traveling with pets, this waterfront retreat offers a spacious living room with a flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with upgraded stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops, and multiple decks where you can unwind while watching the boats sail by. Just a short stroll takes you to Gulf side beaches where you can stroll with your furry friends soaking in the pleasant beachy atmosphere of Destin.


Top Amenities:

Waterfront Views: Enjoy panoramic Destin Harbor vistas from multiple decks.

Gourmet Kitchen: Serve up your catch of the day with ease using upgraded stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops.

Private Dock Access: Rent the boat slip for an additional fee and embark on your own Gulf adventure.

Relaxation Ready: Spacious living areas with a flat screen TV for unwinding after a day in the sun.

Prime Location: Just a short walk to Gulf side beaches for refreshing dips in the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.


What Guests Love About it:

"Perfect for what our family needed! Really enjoyed our stay. Was quiet, clean and close to everything we needed to go."

"The facility was beautiful, spacious, clean, and it was centrally located to everything. Would love to stay again next year."



Know Before You Go: Requirements & Limitations

Before booking a pet-friendly vacation rental in Destin, make sure to review all the requirements each property may impose on guests bringing their furry friends. Some of the rules and requirements may include:

  • Size/Weight Limits: Pets may be required to stay under a certain weight, typically around 45-50 lbs.

  • Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds deemed high-risk or aggressive might be prohibited.

  • Number of Pets: There's usually a cap on the number of pets allowed per rental, often limited to one or two.

  • Additional Fees: Expect extra pet fees or a non-refundable pet deposit to cover any potential damages.

  • Documentation Requirements: Owners might need to provide up-to-date vaccination records or proof of pet licensing.

  • Behavioral Guidelines: Pets should be well-behaved with no excessive barking or destructive habits.

  • Designated Areas: Some properties may restrict pets from being on furniture or in specific indoor areas.

  • Owner Responsibility: Guests are generally expected to clean up after their pets and adhere to local leash laws.


Experience the Best of Coastal Comfort with RealJoy Vacations

Want to explore more rental options? Perhaps Destin house rentals with pools or even pet-friendly stays? We've got you covered at RealJoy Vacations.

All our properties feature top-notch amenities designed to make your stay truly unforgettable. Book now with RealJoy Vacations and experience the ultimate Emerald Coast vacation!

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Top Reasons to Book this Townhouse:  * 350 yards to O'Steen Public Beach Access* Now Pet Friendly (add'l $250 fee)* Multiple Decks Overlooking the Gulf* Walk to the Jetties Where the Gulf and Harbor Meet* Private Boat Dock, available for $50/nt * Hop on the Water Taxi for easy access to restaurants on the harbor* Professionally Managed; 24/7 Servic
Gone Coastal
Destin
Townhouse Pet Friendly
Starting at:  $150.00 / per night
Bedrooms 4 bedrooms
Bathrooms 3 Full
Guests 12 guests
Rating 5 (22 Reviews)