Title: 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81 Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81 Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and patio ![On the beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95800000/95798000/95797911/20b0f3ab.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95800000/95798000/95797911/1ee04b4c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95800000/95798000/95797911/a8f9eb74.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95800000/95798000/95797911/360cf7a5.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior detail](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95800000/95798000/95797911/e880a4de.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Escape to the perfect beach getaway at SouthBay by the Gulf #81, situated in the heart of Destin. Unwind with a refreshing Gulf breeze and soothing sound of rolling waves on your private patio or enjoy 2 pools, tennis courts, and fireworks viewing at the private beach. 9.4 Exceptional ### Entire home 3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 71289 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Parking available - Air conditioning - Dryer - Hot tub - Washer - Barbecue grill ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81 Top Reasons to Book this Lovely Town Home: \* 500ft to the Private Beach 🌊 \* 2 Pools, 2 Kiddie Pools, Tennis Courts, and Fireworks viewing at the private beach 🎆 \* Private backyard \* 5 Acre Fishable Private Lake \* Walking distance to restaurants, Grocery Store across the street \* Destin Harborwalk, Big Kahuna's, and The Destin Commons are all within just a couple miles of this beautiful townhome \* Professionally Managed; 24/7 Service Escape to the perfect beach getaway at SouthBay by the Gulf #81. This townhome offers relaxation and fun and is situated in the heart of Destin. Step onto your private patio and unwind with the refreshing Gulf breeze and the soothing sound of rolling waves while savoring your morning coffee. This stunning townhouse boasts 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, featuring a king bed in the master bedroom, a twin over full bunkbed in one guest bedroom, and 2 twin beds in the other guest bedroom. With ample space in the living room and a fully equipped kitchen, this home comfortably accommodates 7 guests and provides all the essentials for your culinary needs. Enjoy the convenience of private beach access, a backyard with dining options, and an in-unit washer and dryer, all available to enhance your stay. Begin creating everlasting memories at SouthBay by the Gulf #81. \*This property is not available to adults under the age of 25. No Exceptions. \* Bed Setup: Master Bedroom: King Bed Guest Bedroom 1: Twin over Full Bunk Bed Guest Bedroom 2: 2 Twin beds This Townhome has 1 designated parking spot and overflows parking directly at your door. The private backyard offers a private patio, outdoor dining, and a charcoal grill. SouthBay by the Gulf is a gated, low-density townhome community. This complex is steps to two full-sized pools with kiddie pools, shuffleboard courts, lighted tennis courts, beachside volleyball courts, and a 5 acres freshwater lake. Every townhome features a designated parking spot right in front of your door making it easy to transfer your things in-no long walks through huge parking lots searching for your car. Come experience why guests return to Southbay by the Gulf year after year! Area Attractions: This great complex is just 2 miles away from Harbor Walk Village. Here you can find waterfront shopping, paddle board, and kayak rentals, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, world-class fishing, pirate ship excursions, dolphin cruises, concerts and live music, weekly fireworks, live entertainment, an array of restaurants, including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Harry T’s, to satisfy all tastes. You will be sure to find something for the whole family to enjoy! Close by is Destin Commons, an outdoor shopping and entertainment venue, family and pet friendly, where children will love to play in the interactive water fountains. Also, for the younger guests, a nautically/pirate-themed outdoor playground and a mini train for the kids. Destin Commons features over 75 shops and restaurants, including AMC Movie Theaters, Destin City Food Hall, and Top Golf This is across the street from Big Kahuna's Waterpark, full of great splashing fun for the kids. And it is within walking distance to grocery shopping and some of Destin's best dining: the Pancakery, Crackings, Que Pasa, and Nothing Bundt Cakes! Kelly Plantation Golf Club offers world-class golfing and dining only 2.5 miles from Southbay by the Gulf. ## Property amenities ### Beach - On the beach ### Pool/Spa - Communal pool - Hot tub ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Hob - Ice maker - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 2.5 bathrooms - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Living room ### Entertainment - Smart TV with cable/satellite channels ### Outdoor areas - Charcoal grill - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - Service animals only (pets not allowed) ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - Near the sea ### Things to do - Tennis - Cycling nearby - Fishing nearby - Jet skiing nearby - Kayaking nearby - Motor boating nearby - Scuba diving nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - Fire extinguisher ### General - Unit size: 1,289 square feet ## Similar properties ![On the beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/95000000/94940000/94930600/94930544/w2718h1527x0y2-fce0e8dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### ⭐Steps to Beach-2 Pools-Private Backyard~Southbay by the Gulf 88 Destin - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer 9.0 Wonderful 18 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=94930544&PinnedHotelID=94930544&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Private beach, white sand, scuba diving, beach volleyball](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/920000/910100/910025/d0346184.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### SunDestin Beach Resort Destin - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer 8.2 Very good 2,014 reviews £219 includes taxes & fees 26 Oct - 27 Oct [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-26&endDate=2025-10-27&selected=910025&PinnedHotelID=910025&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Private beach, white sand, waterskiing](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4150000/4143900/4143864/4679552c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Waterscape Condominiums Okaloosa Island - Pool - Hot tub - Washer - Dryer 9.2 Wonderful 240 reviews £225 includes taxes & fees 1 Nov - 2 Nov [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-01&endDate=2025-11-02&selected=4143864&PinnedHotelID=4143864&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![On the beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/66000000/65730000/65722700/65722677/310a260e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Dolphin Cove - Gulf Front Townhome with Private Outdoor Area Holiday Isle - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.2 Wonderful 37 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=65722677&PinnedHotelID=65722677&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/91000000/90990000/90983900/90983819/acdad0ad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### 🌊Private Balcony-Private Beach-2 Pools-Hot Tub-Tennis-2BR Inlet Reef 318 Holiday Isle - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer 9.2 Wonderful 32 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=90983819&PinnedHotelID=90983819&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![On the beach, white sand](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100910000/100902900/100902808/4ae61ffa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Sterling Shores Destin - Pool - Parking included - Air conditioning - Barbecue grill 8.6 Excellent 36 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=100902808&PinnedHotelID=100902808&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/91000000/90860000/90853600/90853584/532ca4cd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Beachfront at Destin Harbor's East Pass! 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Best designed condo 2015\* Holiday Isle - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.4 Exceptional 134 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=34334753&PinnedHotelID=34334753&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM Contactless check-in and check-out are available Minimum check-in age - 25 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM Contactless check-out ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Pets Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees) ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### Property is also known as 5375 ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C30.38570%2C-86.47865&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=Zf5pGc3q6vAWBgJBI5ljeVz3vk8=) Destin, FL #### What's nearby - Destin Beaches - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles - Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles - Henderson Beach State Park - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles - Destin Harbor Boardwalk - 6 min drive - 2.4 miles - HarborWalk Village - 6 min drive - 2.8 miles #### Getting around - Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 29 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk - ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬16 min walk - ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min walk - ‪Pelican Beach Resort - ‬11 min walk - ‪The Pancakery - ‬6 min walk ## Frequently asked questions ### Is 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81 pet-friendly? > No, only service animals are welcome at the property. ### What time is check-in at 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81? > Checkout is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81 located? > Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Destin Beaches and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park. Destin Harbor Boardwalk is 1.9 mi (3 km) away. ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## 2 Pools~Steps to Beach~Southbay by the Gulf #81 Reviews 9.4 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 17 8 - Good 6 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 1 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.2/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### Samantha G. 23 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great location! We had a great stay at the property! Awesome location, very clean, plenty of beds. Would definitely stay here again! ##### Samantha G. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Johnathan W. 28 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family Vacation Everthing was exactly what they said and we loved it. ##### Johnathan W. Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Chris M. 20 Nov 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Stay Great place ##### Chris M. Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Chrissy M. 29 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Girls weekend Property was clean. More towels needed ##### Chrissy M. Stayed 4 nights in May 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Molly S. 16 Dec 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great place Nice condo. Close to the beach and pool. ##### Molly S. Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dawn D. 19 Nov 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great place! The location and ease of access to the beach was amazing! The pool was never crowded either. We had an amazing time! ##### Dawn D. Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Melanie C. 8 Oct 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beach vacation Good location, clean upon arrival ##### Melanie C. Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Traci L. 16 Mar 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Quiet and close to beach Nice and fairly quiet…sits back away from the main highway. The surrounding grounds are well maintained and just a few minutes walk to beach. Our only suggestion would be to replace the king mattress. Very clean and roomy. ##### Traci L. Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dawn A. 24 Jan 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Would stay there again Very Clean rental. Did have a few issues with a couple appliances, but was handled in a timely manner with management. Just a short walk to the beach, which was nice. Had a nice pool close by. The property was very well kept and had a nice area to walk my dog and they even supplied poop bags and garbage bins, which is very helpful. The teenagers in the family loved the pickleball courts! ##### Dawn A. Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Tim L. 24 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy #### Family Spring Break 2025 The townhouse was clean and reasonably priced for the week stay. Location to the beach was ideal. Equally close to shopping stores and grocery needs. Concerns were reported to the property manager about light bulbs out, bedroom doors and one bathroom not shutting, even if locked. Yeah sliding receptacle was broken. As family, we chose to live with situation but wanted manager to know so problems could be addressed for future renters. ##### Tim L. Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alison B. 25 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great spot Managers communicated quickly when we had questions. The condo was close to the beach and pool. Easy access to other touristy things to do. Would definitely go back! ##### Alison B. Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### julie l. 8 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### There were 6 of us and we had plenty of room! Very clean, fresh & bright. Nice area. Can easily walk to the pool, beach or tennis courts in about 5 min ##### julie l. Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Stephanie B. 27 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Oceanfront but... Wonderful, short walk to the ocean. The townhouse was as described online. A few personal issues that might not bother anyone else...the coffee mugs are too small, and several items are outdated. For instance, the hooks at the entry door pull right out of the wall. The master bathroom ceiling exhaust fan looks ready to fall out. ##### Stephanie B. Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sharon G. 22 Apr 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### To Destin for the first time in 20 years 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 felt very safe and had all the conveniences you need. Very quiet and the private beach had none of the usual mayhem. Be able to bring my very loved dog Dude was a tremendous plus. We will be back. ##### Sharon G. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Fred Gay R. 27 Nov 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Unit 81 Outstanding communications and followup. Property was comfortable and price reasonable. Walking distance to beach and in safe secured area and near many places and events. ##### Fred Gay R. Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Brett B. 3 Dec 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Thanksgiving in Florida! Overall our stay in the condo was very satisfying. RealJoy called to ensure that we were happy with our stay, so I took the opportunity to ask for more dishwasher tablets, kitchen towels, and trash can liners. Our stay was scheduled for 6 days/5nights, with 2 dishwasher tablets, 3 trash bags and 1 kitchen towel provided. When I requested more, the RealJoy rep. reminded me that "starters" are provided with an expectation that we would purchase our own supplies. Despite this policy RealJoy promptly delivered enough tablets and liners to last through our stay. We enjoyed the close proximity to the beach and shopping. I would definitely recommend this property! ##### Brett B. Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Hector G. 3 Jun 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Our Destin vacation We definitely enjoyed our time at this location! Easy access to the Beach. The decor in this location was awesome. Very easy and responsive communications with the owner! The rooms were spacious enough for our family of four and then some! All the appliances worked great and were easy to use. Very clean and comfortable rooms. The only thing I would recommend changing is the mattress in the master bedroom. The mattress would slightly shrink towards the center. But this can be easily replaced. Overall, I would come again and recommend it to friends and family. Thank you Vrbo for helping have a very memorable experience!! ##### Hector G. Stayed 7 nights in May 2024 ### 4/10 Poor #### Juanita H. 12 Jul 2024 Liked: Check-in, location Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy #### Disappointed We paid a significant amount of money expecting to relax on our vacation, but we experienced the opposite. We encountered a broken dryer in the laundry, an extremely noisy AC, a leaking/malfunctioning garbage disposal, and wall decor (mirrors and hooks) falling to the floor that all required maintenance people to visit on different days. Only the dryer was fixed. We were also unsatisfied with the cleanliness as the furniture had stains, downstairs bathroom toilet was dirty, AC vent full of dust, etc. When we sent an email regarding these issues, RealJoy just said “sorry” and did not even decrease/ take away the absurd amount of cleaning fees that customers pay. It was disappointing to having to call RealJoy everyday to “fix” these problems because vacation is supposed to be enjoyed. ##### Juanita H. Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Susan G. 11 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Recent stay in Destin Overall we had a lovely visit. However, the townhouse seemed much more of a corporate property than one loved by an owner and rented out. It was missing the little touches. The location was good and the beach was lovely. We spent time between both the beach and the pool and enjoyed them greatly. The kitchen was one of the best appointed we ever encountered. The bed in the primary was not at all comfortable with no box springs and a tendency to sag toward the middle. One of the twin beds was so noisy simply turning over woke the person in the other bed. The communication of the rental company was outstanding. ##### Susan G. Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025