Planning a trip with your big family or thinking it’s time to gather old friends for a memorable reunion in beautiful Destin? Group travel is fun, but a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of top-rated vacation rentals in Destin that will make your next group getaway with your holiday squad truly unforgettable. Oh, and we’ll share helpful tips on what to consider when renting a vacation home for a large group. 😎
About Us…
At Emerald Coast Vacation, we provide a wide variety of vacation rentals strategically located to ensure snowbirds are just steps away from idyllic beaches, great dining options, and an array of activities. When it comes to snowbird getaways, can anything top the Emerald Coast?
For more tips to make your trip, head over to our blog. We’ve covered topics like interesting and fun facts about the region, the best restaurants, and pet-friendly spots. And guess what? More amazing blogs are coming soon, so stay tuned!
Destin is better when shared! Ready to plan the ultimate group trip? 😄
Renting a Vacation Home with Friends & Family: What to Consider
Booking a vacation rental with a group — whether family or friends — can be a fantastic way to create lasting memories, but it also requires some planning to ensure a smooth experience. Here are key things to consider when renting a vacation home with a group:
Choose the Right Home for Your Group
Look for rentals with enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate everyone comfortably. Open-concept spaces and large common areas make it easier to gather and socialize. Check if the home has kid-friendly or pet-friendly features if needed.
Set a Budget That Works for Everyone
Agree on a budget in advance to avoid any awkwardness later. Factor in extra costs like cleaning fees, security deposits, and shared expenses for groceries or activities.
Plan for Shared and Private Spaces
Consider a home with multiple living areas so everyone can have downtime when needed. Outdoor spaces like patios, fire pits, or pool areas add to the experience.
Divide Responsibilities
Assign tasks like meal prep, grocery shopping, or cleanup to keep things fair. If traveling with kids, set expectations for supervision and shared responsibilities.
Book Early for the Best Selection
Large vacation homes in popular destinations like Destin fill up quickly, so booking in advance ensures the best options.
Establish House Rules & Respect Boundaries
Discuss quiet hours, shared expenses, and general house rules before the trip to avoid any misunderstandings. Be mindful of different schedules, especially if traveling with kids and adults with different routines.
Enjoy the Perks of a Vacation Rental
Take advantage of amenities like a full kitchen for group meals, private pools, or game rooms. Plan group activities, but also allow for personal downtime to keep the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Best Amenities for a Group-Friendly Vacation Rental in Destin
Choosing the right property with the right amenities makes all the difference when vacationing with a group. It’s important to find a rental that offers plenty of space for socializing and fun while also ensuring privacy and comfort for each guest to rest and recharge.
Here are the top features to look for when booking a group-friendly rental:
- Spacious Living Areas: Open floor plans with large seating areas make it easy for everyone to gather. Multiple common spaces (indoor and outdoor) allow for both socializing and relaxation.
- Multiple Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Ensure there are enough bedrooms to accommodate everyone comfortably. Homes with ensuite bathrooms or multiple full baths help avoid long wait times.
- Private Pool & Hot Tub: A private pool is a major perk, offering fun and relaxation without the crowds. A hot tub is great for unwinding in the evenings after a day at the beach.
- Beach Access & Gear: Proximity to the beach is a huge plus—look for rentals within walking distance or with private beach access. Many rentals provide beach chairs, umbrellas, wagons, and toys for added convenience.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen & Large Dining Area: A spacious, well-stocked kitchen makes group meal prep easy. A dining table that seats the whole group ensures everyone can eat together.
- Outdoor Entertainment Spaces: Look for homes with patios, balconies, or decks for group hangouts. Features like fire pits, outdoor grills, and dining areas enhance the experience.
- Game Room & Entertainment Options: A game room with a pool table, foosball, or arcade games adds extra fun. Large smart TVs, streaming services, and sound systems are great for movie nights.
- Bunk Rooms for Kids & Extra Guests: Many vacation homes in Destin have bunk rooms, which are perfect for kids or extra guests. Helps maximize sleeping arrangements without sacrificing comfort.
- Parking for Multiple Vehicles: Check if the rental has enough parking spaces, especially if the group is arriving in multiple cars.
- Pet-Friendly Features (If Needed): If traveling with pets, look for homes with fenced yards and pet-friendly policies.
Top-Rated Vacation Rentals for an Unforgettable Group Getaway
Curacao
5 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – 14 Guests
Located in the heart of Destin’s Seascape Resort, this stunning vacation rental is perfect for groups looking to relax and explore the Emerald Coast. Just minutes from Miramar Beach, the home offers easy access to white sand shores, top-rated golf courses, and local dining hotspots.
Designed with group comfort in mind, this spacious retreat features multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, an open-concept living area, and a fully equipped kitchen perfect for shared meals. Outdoor entertainment includes a private pool, a large patio with a grill, and access to resort amenities like tennis courts and walking trails. Whether you’re planning a family reunion or a trip with friends, Seascape Retreat delivers the perfect blend of relaxation, convenience, and fun.
Palmetto Palms
4 Bedrooms – 3 Bathrooms – 14 Guests
This stunning three-story home is located in the gated Emerald Shores community in Miramar Beach, just 125 yards from the shore and only four houses away from the neighborhood pool.
With 2,700 square feet of living space, this home comfortably sleeps 14 guests, making it ideal for multiple families or large groups. The property boasts two expansive King Master Suites with sitting areas and futon sleepers, along with two additional bedrooms. Each bedroom has a private balcony or porch, perfect for enjoying the fresh Gulf breeze.
Group-friendly amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with two refrigerators, a third-floor wet bar, and spacious outdoor areas with covered balconies, patios, and a barbecue grill. Guests also enjoy access to a private beach pavilion featuring restrooms, showers, beach service, and an onsite café and bar, making beach days effortless.
Our Destiny in Dunes of Destin
4 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – 14 Guests
Nestled in the exclusive Dunes of Destin community, Our Destiny is a stunning four-bedroom vacation home with direct sidewalk access to a private, gated beach—no streets to cross, making it perfect for families and groups.
The home features two en-suite king bedrooms, one en-suite queen bedroom, and an additional queen bedroom with a nearby bath, plus built-in triple bunk beds for kids. The spacious living room offers a 65″ 4K Smart TV with Roku and plenty of seating, including bean bag loungers.
Group-friendly amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, a second refrigerator in the garage, and a private pool with a newly built shaded deck area. A high-end KitchenAid grill provides ample cooking space for outdoor meals. Enjoy hassle-free beach days with reserved chairs and umbrellas, ensuring your spot on the pristine white sands all day. With parking for six cars, this home is perfect for multi-family getaways, offering luxury, convenience, and prime location in the heart of Destin.
Palm Breeze
4 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – 12 Guests
Palm Breeze is a beautifully renovated home nestled in the exclusive Holiday Isle neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from the beach access. Featuring two spacious decks, a private pool, and a deep-water canal with a private boat dock, this wonderful vacation getaway is perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing enthusiasts. A convenient fish-cleaning station with running water adds to the experience.
The home features two master suites upstairs with king beds and private baths, plus two additional bedrooms downstairs, including a bunk room and a third master suite with a queen and double bed. The open-concept kitchen and living area includes a huge dining table for 10, a fully stocked kitchen, and an enormous 72” TV for entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, Palm Breeze also features a pool table and a professional shuffleboard table, perfect for some friendly competition.
A Spyglass
5 Bedrooms – 3 Bathrooms – 14 Guests
Just steps from a private beach, A Spyglass is a fantastic group-friendly vacation home in the gated Dunes of Destin community.
This home comfortably sleeps 14 guests, featuring two king beds, two queen beds, twin/twin bunk beds, and a futon. Designed for relaxation, guests can enjoy multiple private balconies, an outdoor patio with seating, and a gas grill. The rental includes seasonal beach chairs, an umbrella, and beach toys for kids.
Take advantage of the community pool or walk just 70 steps to the pristine Gulf waters. Its convenient location places you near Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village, The Track, Big Kahuna’s, and top restaurants, making it the perfect retreat for a fun and relaxing group getaway.
Aqua Bella
3 Bedrooms- 4.5 Bathrooms – 12 Guests
Nestled along 217 feet of deep-water frontage, Aqua Bella is the ultimate boater’s paradise in Destin. This newly renovated three-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home offers breathtaking water views, a 160-foot boardwalk, and ample outdoor space for fun-filled group activities along the canal.
This luxurious vacation rental features a private pool with an outdoor kitchen and grill area, perfect for creating unforgettable moments with vacation crew. The open-concept living space seamlessly connects the dining area, kitchen, and living room, providing plenty of space and seating for everyone.
When it’s time to unwind, the home offers two king ensuite bedrooms on the main floor, a downstairs bedroom with a queen bed and twin bunks, plus extra bedding in the den and a sleeper sofa in the living room, ensuring comfort and privacy for all guests.
Aruba
6 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – 18 Guests
Just two blocks from the white sandy beaches of Miramar Beach, Aruba is a beautifully remodeled vacation home with over 2,600 sq. ft. of living space, offering groups of up to 18 guests an unforgettable getaway in the Sunshine State.
Perfect for outdoor gatherings, the private heated pool, spacious fenced backyard, and patio with lounge seating and a gas grill create an ideal setting for entertainment, fun, and relaxation.
Inside, the home features a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, LED Smart TVs, and ample parking for 4-6 vehicles. Just a 5-minute walk from Pompano Joe’s and Miramar Regional Beach Access, Aruba checks all the boxes for a memorable group vacation.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Destin Rental for Your Next Vacation?
Book your stay with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals. We offer an unmatched selection of vacation rental properties to suit every traveler’s taste. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condominium, pet-friendly rentals, or a charming beachside cottage, we’ve got it.
Our properties are strategically located, which means you’ll be steps away from idyllic beaches, great dining options, exquisite golf courses, and an array of outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, and more. That’s the secret to a perfect Emerald Coast getaway! ☀️